The best Kindle alternatives in 2026

Kindle scores 8.3 and ranks #6 in Reading & News. It's not for everyone: skip it if you want DRM-free files or prefer to keep your reading data private. Here's every alternative we rank, and exactly where each one is stronger or weaker.

1
Libby
Borrow free ebooks and audiobooks with your library card 9.1 +0.8 vs Kindle
- More private +3.2
- Better value +1.5
- Better design +0.6
Best for: Readers and audiobook fans who have, or can get, a public library card

Kindle vs Libby Read review
2
NetNewsWire
Free, open-source RSS reader for Mac, iPhone and iPad 9.1 +0.7 vs Kindle
- More private +3.8
- Better value +1.5
- Fewer features -0.8
- Faster +0.5
Best for: Apple users who want to follow blogs and news sites without an algorithm

Kindle vs NetNewsWire Read review
3
Readwise Reader
Read-later app for articles, PDFs, ebooks and newsletters 8.7 +0.4 vs Kindle
- More private +2.2
- Worse value -0.8
- More features +0.5
Best for: Researchers, students and heavy readers who highlight and take notes

Kindle vs Readwise Reader Read review
4
Instapaper
Save articles now and read them clean and quiet later 8.7 +0.3 vs Kindle
- More private +2.6
- Fewer features -0.6
- Better value +0.4
Best for: Readers who want a simple, private place to save articles for later

Kindle vs Instapaper Read review
5
The StoryGraph
Track your reading and get picks based on mood and pace 8.5 +0.1 vs Kindle
- More private +2.2
- Slower -0.6
- Weaker design -0.4
- Better value +0.4
Best for: Readers who want stats, mood-based picks and an easy exit from Goodreads

Kindle vs The StoryGraph Read review
6
Ground News
See how left, center and right outlets cover each story 8.0 -0.3 vs Kindle
- More private +1.4
- Slower -0.8
- Fewer features -0.6
- Weaker design -0.6
Best for: News readers who want to see past any one outlet's framing

Kindle vs Ground News Read review