Here are the top 10 websites for free ebooks download you should know in 2026:
- Project Gutenberg
- ManyBooks
- Archive.org
- Open Library
- Smashwords
- BookBub
- Library Genesis
- Digital Public Library of America
- Feedbooks
- Local Library Digital Lending
If you’re looking for free ebooks download from trusted sources, these top 10 websites are the best places to start. They offer huge collections for free ebooks download, including digital books in various formats. You’ll find a wide range of free e-books here. The best sites for free ebooks download focus on legality, variety, safety, and user-friendly access. Explore these free ebook services to read online or for free ebooks download to your device. You can also download free pdf books and free kindle books. Baen’s free library is another great option for free ebooks download, and you’ll find both free and affordable ebooks on these sites. Get your next read with a free ebooks download today.
How We Picked the Best Free Book Download Sites
When you look for free ebooks, you want safe sites. You should use websites that are trustworthy. Bad sites can waste your time or hurt your device. We chose the top 10 free ebook download sites for four reasons. We looked at legitimacy, safety, ebook variety, and user experience. These things help you find free ebooks that are safe and legal. They also make reading fun.
Legitimacy & Safety
Pick free ebook sites that keep you and your device safe. Good sites give you legal books and protect you from bad files. Here is a table that shows how some top sites compare:
| Website Name | Legitimacy Rating | Safety Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Public Library of America | High | High | You get millions of digital items. Downloads are legal and safe. |
| Project Gutenberg | High | High | This site is very old and trusted. It has public domain books. |
| Other Sites (various) | Varies | Varies | Always check ratings before you use new sites. |
You can trust these sites for free book downloads. Always look at safety ratings before you download free pdf books.
Ebook Variety
You want lots of choices when you visit free ebook sites. The best sites have many different books. You will always find something to read. Here are some types of books you can get:
- Classic literature
- Educational textbooks
- Technical books
- Fiction
- Science fiction
- Romance
- Many other genres
Lots of choices mean you never get bored with reading.
User Experience
You should have an easy time using free ebook sites. Good sites make it simple to search and download books. The top 10 free ebook sites care about quality and variety. They also want you to enjoy using their site. A good experience makes you want to come back.
Tip: Use trusted sites for free ebooks download. You will have a safe, legal, and fun time reading every book.
Project Gutenberg Free Ebooks
Features
You probably know project gutenberg as one of the oldest and most trusted places for free ebooks. This site started in 1971 and became the first digital library in the world. Today, project gutenberg gives you access to over 60,000 free ebooks download options. You can find classics, rare books, and even some textbooks. The website makes it easy for you to search by author, title, or subject. You can also browse categories if you just want to explore. The simple design helps you find what you want fast. You do not need to sign up or pay anything. You just pick a book and start reading.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a quick look at what you get and what you might miss with project gutenberg:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| No cost for downloading eBooks | Some eBooks may still be under copyright laws |
| Freedom to use the books in various ways | Limited commercial use for copyrighted books |
| Accessibility to a wide range of literature | Not all books are available in every region |
Tip: Always check the copyright info before you download free pdf books from project gutenberg.
Ebook Types
You can read books from project gutenberg on almost any device. The site offers many formats, so you can pick what works best for you:
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| Plain Text | Most ebooks use this format. It is simple and works everywhere. |
| HTML | Great for reading in your browser. |
| ePub | Perfect for e-readers like Kobo or Apple Books. |
| Mobi | Good for Kindle devices. |
| LaTeX | Used for books with lots of math or special symbols. |
Project gutenberg makes reading easy and fun. You can always find something new to enjoy with every visit.
ManyBooks Free Ebooks
Features
You want a site that feels easy and fun. manybooks gives you that. You can pick your favorite book categories and get alerts when new books show up. The site has a visual search tool. You can sort books by what’s popular or by genre. This makes finding your next read simple. manybooks also has a book discussion section. You can ask questions or share your thoughts with other readers. Here’s a quick look at what you get:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Tailored Recommendations | You choose your favorite categories and get alerts for new books. |
| Visual Search Function | You can sort by popularity or genre with an easy search tool. |
| Book Discussion Section | There’s a space to talk about books and ask questions with other readers. |
Tip: If you want a friendly place to discover new stories, manybooks is a great choice.
Pros & Cons
You get a lot of good things with manybooks, but there are a few things to watch out for:
- The quality of some books can change. Some self-published books may have mistakes or odd formatting.
- You might not find the newest bestsellers here.
- Free books sometimes have ads. These can distract you while you read.
- You may need to sign up for some downloads or features.
Ebook Types
manybooks offers a wide range of ebooks. You can find classics, indie stories, and even textbooks. The site lets you download free pdf books, ePub, and Kindle formats. This means you can read on almost any device. If you want a free ebooks download site with lots of choices, you will enjoy exploring manybooks.
Archive.org (Internet Archive) Free Ebooks
Features
You might know archive.org as a huge digital library. It gives you access to millions of free ebooks. You can find over 2 million modern books for lending. The site also holds 28 million texts, including old public domain books, magazines, and documents. This means you can always find something new to read, whether you like classic stories or want to explore rare documents. Many public and academic libraries use archive.org to help readers like you.
Here are some features that make archive.org stand out:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Access to scanned book images | You can view or download pages without restrictions. |
| No user account required | You do not need to sign up to read or download. |
| Unlimited simultaneous downloads | You can download as many pages as you want at once. |
| Unique URLs for each page | You can share or save links to any page you like. |
| Full-page previews available | You see the whole page before you decide to download. |
| API for automation | Tech-savvy readers can automate downloads for easier access. |
Pros & Cons
You get a lot of benefits with archive.org, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- You can find almost any book, even rare ones.
- You do not need to create an account for most downloads.
- The site lets you download free pdf books and other formats.
- Sometimes, the scanned pages look old or hard to read.
- Some books are only available for borrowing, not for keeping.
- The website can feel a bit crowded or confusing at first.
Tip: If you want a free ebooks download site with a massive collection, archive.org is a top choice.
Ebook Types
You can read many types of ebooks on archive.org. The site offers:
- Modern books for lending
- Classic literature
- Magazines and newspapers
- Academic texts
- Public domain documents
You can read online or download to your device. Archive.org makes it easy to find and enjoy books from every genre.
Open Library Free Ebooks
Features
You might love open library if you want a huge place to find books. This site tries to make a web page for every book ever published. You can search for almost any title and see lots of details about each book. Open library lets you help out, too. Anyone can add or fix book information, so the catalog keeps growing. You get over 1.7 million free ebooks online here. Many of these books are in the public domain. Open library is part of the Internet Archive, so you know it is a trusted source.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Universal Catalog | Open library wants a page for every book ever published. |
| Collaborative Project | Anyone can add or edit book details. |
| Free eBooks | Over 1.7 million free ebooks online, including public domain works. |
| Part of Internet Archive | Users can help improve the catalog and add more books. |
Tip: You can use open library to download free pdf books or read online.
Pros & Cons
You get some great things with open library, but there are a few downsides.
- You can borrow ebooks from many sources.
- The site feels easy to use and search.
- Some book pages do not have all the information you want.
- You may not find the newest or most popular titles.
- Most books come from the 20th century, so recent releases are rare.
Ebook Types
Open library gives you a wide mix of ebooks. You can find classic novels, textbooks, children’s books, and even rare documents. The site works well for students, teachers, and anyone who loves to read. You can use open library for free ebooks download in many formats. Choose PDF, ePub, or read in your browser. This makes it easy to read on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Smashwords Free Ebooks
Features
You want a place where you can find new stories and support indie authors. smashwords gives you that and more. This site stands out because it helps authors and readers connect in fun ways. Here’s what makes smashwords special:
- You can join site-wide events where authors offer free or discounted books.
- Authors use a coupon system to give you special deals.
- Authors control their book prices and where their books show up.
- smashwords helps authors reach big retailers and libraries.
- You get to enjoy events like Read an Ebook Week, where many books become free.
Tip: If you like discovering new writers or want to try something different, smashwords is a great place to start.
Pros & Cons
You might wonder what’s good and what’s tricky about smashwords. Here’s a quick look:
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| More distribution channels | The style guide can be intimidating |
| A storefront for higher royalties | The Meatgrinder can be problematic |
| Discount and free couponing | Lagging speed for some outlets |
| Promotional opportunities |
You get lots of choices and deals, but sometimes the site feels a bit hard for new users.
Ebook Types
smashwords offers a huge mix of ebooks. You can find romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and even non-fiction. Many books come from indie authors, so you get fresh voices and unique stories. You can download books in formats like ePub, mobi, PDF, and read on almost any device. If you want variety, smashwords has something for you.
BookBub Free Ebooks
Features
You want to find free ebooks fast. BookBub makes this easy for you. The site gives you daily deals and free book alerts. You can sign up with your email and pick your favorite genres. BookBub sends you a list of free and discounted ebooks every day. You get links to download books from stores like Amazon, Apple Books, and Google Play. The website is simple to use. You can browse by genre or search for authors you like. BookBub also shows ratings and reviews from other readers. This helps you choose your next book with confidence.
Tip: Set up your BookBub account to get alerts for only the genres you love. You will never miss a free ebook!
Pros & Cons
Here’s a quick look at what you get with BookBub:
| Pros 😊 | Cons 😕 |
|---|---|
| Daily free ebook alerts | Some deals are time-limited |
| Easy sign-up | You need an account |
| Wide genre selection | Not all books stay free |
| Trusted store links | No direct downloads |
You get lots of choices and safe links, but you need to act fast because some deals end quickly.
Ebook Types
BookBub covers many genres. You can find:
- Mystery
- Romance
- Science fiction
- Fantasy
- Non-fiction
- Young adult
You download ebooks in formats like Kindle, ePub, or PDF, depending on the store. BookBub helps you discover new authors and books every day. You always have something new to read.
Library Genesis Free Ebooks
Features
You want a site with almost every ebook you can imagine. Library Genesis, or LibGen, gives you that. You can search for textbooks, novels, science papers, and even comics. The search tool feels simple. You just type in the title, author, or subject. You get results fast. You can download books in many formats. You do not need to sign up or pay anything. LibGen works on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Note: Library Genesis is a “shadow library.” Some books may not have clear copyright status. Always check the laws in your country before you download.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a quick look at what you get with Library Genesis:
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge collection of ebooks | Some links may not work |
| Free access to textbooks | Website can look old or confusing |
| No sign-up needed | Copyright rules may be unclear |
| Fast downloads | Some files may have odd formatting |
You get a lot of choices, but you need to stay careful and check each file.
Ebook Types
You can find almost any ebook on LibGen. Here are some types you might like:
- School textbooks
- Science and research papers
- Classic and modern novels
- Comics and graphic novels
- Technical manuals
You can download ebooks as PDF, ePub, or even MOBI files. This means you can read on any device you like. If you want a huge library at your fingertips, LibGen gives you that.
Digital Public Library of America Free Ebooks
Features
You want a place where you can find millions of free ebooks. The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) gives you that. DPLA connects you to collections from libraries, museums, and archives across the United States. You can search for ebooks, audiobooks, and even historical documents. The website has a simple search bar. You just type in a title, author, or subject. You can filter your results by format, language, or year. DPLA also works with apps like SimplyE, so you can read on your phone or tablet.
Tip: Use the DPLA’s “Bookshelf” feature to save your favorite finds for later.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a quick look at what you get with DPLA:
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge collection from many sources | Some ebooks need a library card |
| No cost for most downloads | Not every book is available to all |
| Easy to search and filter | Some links go to outside websites |
| Works with reading apps | Interface can feel basic |
You get a lot of choices and safe downloads. Sometimes you need a library card for certain books.
Ebook Types
You can find many types of ebooks on DPLA:
- Classic novels
- Non-fiction and history books
- Children’s stories
- Academic and research texts
- Audiobooks
You can read online or download in formats like PDF or ePub. DPLA helps you discover new reads from libraries all over the country. You always have something interesting to explore.
Feedbooks Free Ebooks
Features
You want a site that feels clean and easy to use. Feedbooks gives you that. You can find a special section just for public domain and original free ebooks. The search tool helps you find books by genre, author, or popularity. You can also see book covers and short descriptions before you download. Feedbooks lets you read online or download books in different formats. You do not need to create an account for most free downloads.
Tip: Check out the “Original Books” section if you want to discover new indie authors.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a quick look at what you get with Feedbooks:
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple and clean website design | Some books only in public domain |
| No sign-up for free downloads | Limited new releases |
| Good variety of genres | Some ads on the site |
| Download in ePub or PDF format | Not all books have reviews |
You get a smooth experience and safe downloads. You might not find the latest bestsellers, but you will find many classics and hidden gems.
Ebook Types
Feedbooks offers a nice mix of ebooks. You can find:
- Classic literature like “Pride and Prejudice”
- Mystery and adventure stories
- Science fiction and fantasy
- Non-fiction and essays
- Short stories and poetry
You can download books as ePub or PDF files. This means you can read on your phone, tablet, or e-reader. Feedbooks makes it easy for you to start reading right away.
Local Library Digital Lending
Features
You might not know this, but your local library gives you free access to thousands of ebooks. You can use apps like Libby, OverDrive, or Hoopla to borrow digital books. All you need is a library card. You can read on your phone, tablet, or computer. The best part? You do not have to visit the library in person. You can check out books from your couch or even your bed.
- Borrow ebooks 24/7, even when the library is closed
- Place holds on popular titles and get notified when they are ready
- Sync your reading progress across devices
- Download books for offline reading
Tip: Ask your librarian if you need help setting up your digital library account.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a quick look at what you get with local library digital lending:
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Free with a library card | Limited copies of popular books |
| No late fees for ebooks | Some books have waitlists |
| Huge variety of genres | Loan periods can be short |
| Easy to use apps | Need internet for some features |
You get a safe and legal way to read. You also support your local library.
Ebook Types
You can find almost any kind of ebook at your library. Here are some examples:
- Bestselling novels
- Children’s picture books
- Young adult fiction
- Non-fiction and biographies
- Graphic novels and comics
You can also find audiobooks and magazines. Local library digital lending gives you something for everyone in your family.
Tips for Safe Free Ebooks Download
Avoiding Piracy
You want to enjoy reading without any worries. Sticking with trusted free ebook download sites helps you avoid pirated content. Here are some smart ways to stay safe:
- Always check if the site offers books in different formats. Legitimate sites usually do.
- Look for global access. If a site lets readers from many countries download, it’s a good sign.
- Try sites that let you sample or read the first part of a book for free.
- Choose platforms that make it easy to find what you want. Good access means less risk of stumbling onto pirated copies.
- Some sites ask you to create an account. This helps track downloads and keeps things legal.
If you’re not sure about a site, search for reviews or ask other readers before you download.
Device Safety
You want your device to stay safe while you read. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Download ebooks only from sites you trust.
- Keep your device’s security software up to date.
- Avoid clicking on strange ads or pop-ups.
- Scan files for viruses before opening them.
- Use strong passwords for your ebook accounts.
A little caution goes a long way. You can read with peace of mind.
Reading Tips
You can make your free ebooks download experience even better with a few simple tricks:
- Adjust the font size and line spacing for easy reading.
- Use features like highlighting and note-taking to remember important parts.
- Find a quiet spot and turn off notifications for fewer distractions.
- Organize your ebooks into folders or use tags to keep track.
- Try apps that help you share your reading progress or join a digital book club.
Reading should feel fun and relaxing. Make your space cozy and enjoy every page!
You have so many great free ebook sites to explore. Check out this quick guide:
| Site Name | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Project Gutenberg | 75,000+ titles, easy formats | Mostly English, some books not free |
| Internet Archive | Huge variety, popular downloads | Hard to search, can be slow |
| ManyBooks | Fun categories, lots of formats | Some books cost money |
Try a few sites and see what you like best. Stay safe by choosing trusted sources. Got a favorite site or story? Share it in the comments!
FAQ
Can I download free ebooks on my phone or tablet?
Yes, you can. Most sites let you download ebooks in formats that work on phones, tablets, and e-readers.
Are these free ebook sites legal to use?
You can trust the sites in this list. They offer legal downloads. Always check the copyright info before you download.
Do I need an account to get free ebooks?
Some sites ask you to sign up. Others let you download without an account. Look for the sign-up note on each site’s page.
