6 Answers2026-07-15 08:24:48
Project Gutenberg has over 70,000 free ebooks, but their official app doesn't sync your library or progress. It's just a portal. Many people download from Gutenberg and then import the file into a syncing ecosystem. That's the two-step process.
There's a newer app called 'Serial Reader' that delivers classic public domain books in short, daily serialized chunks. It's a fantastic concept, and it syncs your subscription list and which day you're on across iOS devices via iCloud. It's not syncing a full library of arbitrary books, but for its specific purpose, it works seamlessly. It’s a good example of a free, niche app that built sync in by design.
For a more general solution, the app 'Pocket' can be used for reading articles and long-form web content, and it syncs perfectly. Some people save web novels or fic to Pocket. It's not a book app per se, but it handles progression sync for text you save from the web, which overlaps with the need.
4 Answers2026-07-15 07:06:10
I wish Goodreads would properly integrate with Kindle or other apps to auto-sync progress. The manual update is a chore. Imagine finishing a chapter on your Kindle and having your Goodreads status auto-update. That's the dream. The technology is obviously there; it's a business deal problem. Until then, our progress exists in separate silos: one for reading, one for social.
2 Answers2026-07-15 15:54:33
For public domain classics, the Standard Ebooks project is amazing. They make beautifully formatted, free EPUBs. If you download one and put it in Google Play Books, you now have a gorgeous, synced copy of 'Pride and Prejudice' or 'Dracula' on all your devices. It's a fantastic combination of high-quality, free content and a free, syncing reading platform. Makes diving into the classics incredibly easy and pleasant.
6 Answers2025-07-20 07:30:30
I can confidently say that yes, there are free apps that sync across devices seamlessly. My top pick is 'Libby' by OverDrive, which links to your local library card and syncs your reading progress, bookmarks, and notes across smartphones, tablets, and even some e-readers. The UI is clean, and the borrowing system feels like having a digital library in your pocket.
Another great option is 'Google Play Books,' which not only syncs your progress but also lets you upload personal EPUB or PDF files. The downside is the limited free catalog, but the cross-device functionality is flawless. For those who prefer open-source, 'FBReader' with its cloud sync plugin works wonders, though it requires a bit of setup. These apps have transformed my reading habits, letting me switch from my phone during commutes to my tablet at home without missing a beat.
3 Answers2025-08-19 20:31:33
I've been using free e-reader apps for years, and syncing books across devices is totally possible with the right setup. Apps like 'Moon+ Reader' and 'FBReader' let you sync your progress and library as long as you use the same account on all devices. I love how seamless it feels to switch from my phone to my tablet without losing my place. Some apps even support cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox for manual syncing if you don't want to rely on their built-in systems. The key is to check the app's settings and enable syncing features—most free apps have limitations, but the core functionality works great.
2 Answers2026-07-15 23:30:07
I’ve had decent luck with the simple "Books" app that comes on Apple devices if you stick within their ecosystem. You can add EPUBs to it via iTunes/Finder on a Mac or PC, and they sync via iCloud to iPhone and iPad. It doesn’t have a dedicated PC app, but you can read on a Mac. For a free, built-in solution for Apple users, it’s shockingly capable. The sync is automatic and fast. It’s just a shame there’s no proper Windows or web client, locking out a true cross-platform experience.
3 Answers2026-07-15 19:55:45
For pure, no-strings-attached syncing of your personal EPUB/PDF collection, BookFusion is worth a serious look. It gives you cloud storage for your books, and the reading progress, highlights, and bookmarks sync instantly across their web, iOS, and Android apps. The free tier has a storage limit, but it's plenty for dozens of books. The experience feels modern and focused on readers who curate their own libraries, not just shop in a store. It filled the void left by the death of the original Google Play Books vision.