Kobo Books
Read and listen to Kobo eBooks and audiobooks on your phone, with progress synced to Kobo eReaders
by Rakuten Kobo Inc. · listed Oct 31, 2026
Quick verdict
If you read on a Kobo eReader, this app is close to essential for keeping your place and notes on your phone. For everyone else, it's a solid, flexible alternative to Kindle.
Best for Kobo eReader owners and readers who want a non-Amazon ebook and audiobook library that syncs across devices
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Oct 31, 2026. How we review
Kobo Books review
Kobo Books is the reading and listening app for Rakuten Kobo's store. You can buy or borrow eBooks and audiobooks, keep them in one library, and pick them up on a phone, tablet, Kobo eReader or the web reader. It suits people who already own a Kobo device or want an alternative to Amazon's Kindle ecosystem. The optional Kobo Plus subscription adds an all-you-can-read catalogue.
Day to day it works like a standard reader. You can change fonts, switch to night mode, and add highlights and notes, which sync across devices. Audiobooks get a sleep timer, a persistent listen bar and CarPlay support. Some eBooks can be read aloud with text-to-speech. A guest mode lets you browse and save previews without making an account, which helps if you're just checking it out.
Why we picked it: It's the easiest way to keep reading between a Kobo eReader and your phone without losing your place or your notes.
Watch out for: Read Aloud only covers some titles. Kobo Plus and its plans vary by country, and buying books inside the app may not work the same way on every platform.
What we like
- Bookmarks, highlights and notes sync with Kobo eReaders and the web reader
- eBooks and audiobooks sit in one organised library
- Audiobook sleep timer, listen bar and CarPlay support
- Guest mode for browsing and saving previews without an account
- Optional Kobo Plus subscription for unlimited reading or listening
What could be better
- Text-to-speech Read Aloud works only on select eBooks
- Kobo Plus catalogue and pricing depend on your region
- Books are tied to the Kobo store rather than other ebook sellers
Questions about Kobo Books
Is the Kobo app free?
The app is free to download. You pay for individual eBooks and audiobooks, or you can subscribe to Kobo Plus for unlimited access to part of the catalogue.
Which platforms does it run on?
It's available on iPhone and iPad and on Android. Your library also syncs with Kobo eReaders and the Kobo web reader.
Do I need a Kobo account?
Not to look around. Guest mode lets you browse and save previews, but you need an account to buy, borrow or sync books.
Can it read books aloud?
Yes, but only on select eBooks. Audiobooks play normally and come with a sleep timer and CarPlay support.
What are the alternatives?
Amazon Kindle, Apple Books and Google Play Books cover similar ground. Kobo makes most sense if you own or plan to buy a Kobo eReader.
From the developer: how Kobo Books describes itself
Get ready for a whole new way to read eBooks your way! We've rebuilt the Kobo Books App from the ground up, focusing on what matters most: you and your love of the story, whether you read, listen, or are just dropping by.
Dive into millions of eBooks and audiobooks, all tailored to your reading life. Customize, sync, scroll seamlessly, and discover stories that stay with you, all in one powerful app.
Rediscover the joy of reading your way Kobo seamlessly blends eBooks, audiobooks, and intuitive tools into your daily rhythm. From cozy nights to busy commutes, we keep your place, your pace, and your story alive.
Read and listen seamlessly Customize fonts, enjoy Night Mode, set a sleep timer for audio playback, and experience natural-sounding text-to-speech for hands-free reading! Read Aloud available on select eBooks only.
Explore before you dive in Our Guest Mode lets you browse books, save previews, and discover your next favourite read, all without any Kobo account required.
Pick up where you left off Your bookmarks, highlights, and notes sync automatically across phone, tablet, Kobo eReader, or Kobo Web Reader, so your story always stays with you.
Designed for real life From road trips with CarPlay to daily routines with our new Listen Bar, Kobo fits seamlessly into your day. Read in 13 languages including English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Turkish, and more.
Why Kobo? Whether you’re into bestsellers, romance, thrillers, self-development, or audiobooks for your next run, Kobo’s intuitive app helps you rediscover the joy of storytelling.
Download the Kobo Books App and fall in love with reading all over again. Explore, highlight, review, read and listen your way, with full support for iOS accessibility features.
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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