Here are our top picks of the best free book and comic apps and websites on the Internet! If you’re sick of hitting a paywall every time you get to the best part of a novel–trust us, we are too.
That’s why we made it our personal mission to find 100% free apps and websites to read books, comics and manga on the interweb. That means total, unlimited access to content, not just free-to-download.
Whether you’re sitting at a desktop or on-the-go, you’ll always have a novel in your back pocket.
Libby
The Libby app serves over 50,000 libraries in 78 countries around the world and turns borrowing digital. It is a favourite app for serious bookworms, and offers its users thousands of e-books and audio books curated by your local library.
If you have a Singaporean National Library Board (NLB) account, you can download the app and sign up for a Libby account. You can then start downloading e-books and read offline for free for a borrowing period of between 14 and 30 days.
Singapore’s NLB offers titles from acclaimed authors like Margaret Atwood, Stephen King, and Agatha Christie on Libby. Curated collections of novella, including Singaporean Literature, Mysteries and more are also available.
Libby is available for download on the Google Play and the App Store.
Inkitt
The world’s first reader-powered publishing platform, Inkitt contains over 236,000 free-to-read stories written by 75,000 authors.
An algorithm calculates the best-seller potential of a novel on Inkitt based on reader engagement. Inkitt then chooses content with the highest potential and publishes it.
To date, the app has published 46 bestsellers since its inception. That includes novels like The Millenium Wolves, Just Juliet, Esper Files and Caged.
Inkitt is available for download on the Google Play and the App Store.
Galatea
The sister app to Inkitt, Galatea publishes Inkitt originals as interactive, immersive short-form content. Galatea works with over 20 Hollywood screenwriters and professional writing team to hook its readers.
This new form of storytelling uses vibrations, as well as video and sound effects, to engage the next generation of readers. All content on Galatea is free, but be warned — the app is still a little clunky.
Galatea is available for download on the Google Play and the App Store.
Wattpad
The world’s largest repository of web novels, fan-fiction and Hollywood gems, Wattpad remains the world leader in free digital fiction with over 80 million readers worldwide.
Stories from Wattpad have been adapted into movies, including the Kissing Booth and after on Netflix, and Light as a Feather on Hulu. Novels are available in over 50 languages.
Wattpad is available for download on the Google Play and the App Store.
Webtoon
The undisputed king of web comics, Webtoon last recorded over 50 million monthly users on its platform in 2018. The app has spring boarded the careers of many an aspiring artist, while keeping its content 100% free.
Readers can view Webtoon originals: sponsored and curated content, or opt for Webtoon canvas: organically submitted content. Hidden gems exist in all categories.
Users also have the option of paying extra for early access to the next episode. Our top titles on the app include Darbi, Sword Interval, My Giant Nerd Boyfriend and Space Boy.
Webtoon is available for download on the Google Play and the App Store.
Honorable Mentions:
Kindle
While most books exist behind a paywall, many remain free-to-read on the Kindle store.
Our top titles include classics like The Picture of Dorian Grey, The Great Gatsby and Great Expectations.
Kindle is available for download on the Google Play and the App Store.
Shonen Jump
While paid membership is needed to access all the titles available on the platform, the first and latest three chapters of the titles on Shounen Jump are free-to-read.
If your goal is to keep up with award-winning titles like One-Punch Man, My Hero Academia and Chainsaw Man, Shonen Jump is perfect!
Shonen Jump is available for download on the Google Play and the App Store.
Marvel Comics
This pop culture megalith releases free chapters and series on the Marvel Comics App every week.
It’s a great way to gauge which titles you’d be willing to purchase or borrow, though the rest of the series are hidden behind a paywall.
However, with immediate-release titles like Ms Marvel, The Amazing Spiderman and All New X-Men available on the platform, the price to pay sure is worth it.
Marvel Comics is available for download on the Google Play and the App Store.
And that sums up the Vulcan Post’s pick of the litter! Do you agree that these are the best free apps and websites for books, comics and manga online? Let us know if we missed anything out in the comments below. Have fun reading!
Featured Image Credits: The Sweet Setup