How to Read Free eBooks on Any Device

Every book on BDeBooks is free to download in PDF and EPUB, and free to read online in your browser. This guide shows you the easiest way to open and enjoy them on whatever you already own, whether that is a Kindle, an iPhone, an Android phone, a Kobo, or your computer.

PDF or EPUB, which one should you pick?

Both are free on every book, so the only question is which one reads better for you.

  • EPUB reflows the text to fit any screen, so it is the best choice for phones, tablets, and e-readers. You can change the font size, spacing, and background, and the page adjusts to you.
  • PDF keeps the exact page layout of the original book. It is handy on a large screen or a computer, and for books where the layout matters, such as poetry, comics, or heavily illustrated titles.

Quick rule: reading on a phone or e-reader, choose EPUB. Reading on a computer or you want the original look, choose PDF.

How to read on each device

Kindle (all recent models)

Modern Kindles read EPUB directly. Amazon simply converts it for you when you send it across, so you do not need any special format.

  1. Download the EPUB from BDeBooks.
  2. Open Send to Kindle on the web, or email the file to your personal Kindle address.
  3. The book appears on your Kindle in a minute or two, ready to read.

Older Kindles used the MOBI format, which Amazon has now retired for new files. If you have a very old model, reading the PDF or using EPUB through Send to Kindle is the way to go.

iPhone and iPad

Apple Books is built in and handles EPUB beautifully.

  1. Tap to download the EPUB.
  2. Choose Open in Books, or open the file from the Files app and tap the share icon, then Books.
  3. The book is now in your library on every Apple device signed in to the same account.

Prefer PDF? It opens the same way in Books or in the Files app.

Android phones and tablets

Any free reading app will do. Google Play Books, ReadEra, and Moon+ Reader are all excellent.

  1. Download the EPUB.
  2. Open it with your reader app, or in Play Books tap your profile, then Upload files.
  3. Adjust the font and theme to taste and start reading.

ReadEra opens both EPUB and PDF and keeps your place across books, which makes it a great all-rounder.

Kobo and Nook

These e-readers love EPUB and copying a book over is quick.

  1. Download the EPUB to your computer.
  2. Connect the e-reader with its USB cable so it shows up as a drive.
  3. Drag the file into the documents or books folder, then safely eject.

The book shows up in your library the next time the device refreshes.

Windows, Mac, and Linux

On a computer you have the most choice.

  1. PDF opens in any browser or PDF viewer with no setup.
  2. For EPUB, free apps like Calibre or Thorium give you a clean, adjustable reading view.
  3. Or skip the download and read online in your browser.

Calibre is also handy if you ever want to move a book onto an e-reader.

No app? Read online

You do not have to install anything at all. Every book can be read straight in your browser on any device.

  1. Open the book page.
  2. Choose Read online.
  3. The book opens in a clean reader, no account and no app required.

This is the fastest way to start a book the moment you find it.

Frequently asked questions

Are the books really free?

Yes. Every title is a public domain book, free to download and free to keep. There is no charge and no trial.

Which format should I use for my Kindle?

Use EPUB and send it across with Send to Kindle. Recent Kindles read EPUB directly, so it is all you need.

Can I read on my phone without an app?

Yes. Open any book page and choose Read online to read in your browser. If you prefer an app, EPUB works with Apple Books, Google Play Books, and most free readers.

Do I need an account to download?

No. You can download and read every book without signing up. An optional free account only lets you save books to read later.

Is it legal to download these books?

Yes. These are public domain works, which means their copyright has expired and anyone is free to read, download, and share them.

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