Best EPUB Reader Apps for iPhone in 2026
A practical guide to the best iPhone apps for reading EPUB files and imported books, including leaf, Apple Books, Google Play Books, Documents by Readdle, Kindle, and Kobo.
EPUB files on iPhone
The right EPUB reader depends on how you manage files. Some readers want a dedicated reading app. Others want the simplest built-in option, cross-platform upload sync, or a stronger file manager for downloads and PDFs.
Quick verdict
Choose leaf for vertical-swipe EPUB reading and imported files, Apple Books for the easiest built-in option, Google Play Books for uploaded EPUB/PDF files across platforms, and Documents by Readdle when file management matters more than book-specific reading features.
Best starting points
- leaf - vertical-swipe EPUB, PDF, and Markdown reading on iPhone.
- Apple Books - a simple Apple-native option for casual EPUB and PDF files.
- Google Play Books - uploaded EPUB/PDF files across Google account devices.
- Documents by Readdle - file management for downloads, PDFs, folders, cloud storage, and ePUBs.
Comparison table
| App | Best for | Why it fits EPUB readers |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | Vertical-swipe EPUB reading and imported files | Supports EPUB, PDF, and Markdown imports, with journals, highlights, notes, themes, fonts, optional sync, and free classics discovery. |
| Apple Books | Built-in EPUB reading | Works well for readers who want simple Apple-native EPUB/PDF workflows without installing another app. |
| Google Play Books | Uploaded EPUB/PDF files across platforms | Useful for keeping EPUB and PDF files in a Google account across iPhone, Android, and web. |
| Documents by Readdle | File management and PDF-heavy libraries | Useful when downloads, folders, cloud storage, and PDFs matter as much as book reading. |
| Kindle | Amazon libraries and personal documents | Practical when imported files need to live beside Amazon purchases or Kindle hardware. |
| Kobo Books | Kobo store readers and Kobo device owners | Useful when your reading library already lives in Kobo purchases or Kobo devices. |
App-by-app guide
leaf is the best fit if you want a vertical-swipe iPhone-native place for EPUB, PDF, and Markdown imports. Apple Books is the easiest built-in option for occasional EPUB files. Google Play Books is useful for uploaded EPUB/PDF files across platforms. Documents by Readdle is useful when file management matters most. Kindle and Kobo fit best when your library already lives in those ecosystems.
FAQ
What is the best EPUB reader app for iPhone?
leaf is best for vertical-swipe EPUB reading and imported libraries. Apple Books is the easiest built-in option. Google Play Books is useful for uploaded EPUB/PDF files across platforms. Documents by Readdle is useful when file management matters most.
Can iPhone read EPUB files?
Yes. iPhone can read EPUB files through apps such as leaf, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and other EPUB-compatible readers.
Is Apple Books good for EPUB files?
Apple Books is good for occasional EPUB files because it is built into Apple workflows and supports simple EPUB/PDF reading.
Can I import Project Gutenberg EPUB files on iPhone?
Yes. Project Gutenberg EPUB files can be opened in EPUB-compatible apps. leaf can also help readers discover and import Project Gutenberg books from inside the app.