Readest is a modern open source ebook reader designed for readers who want more than a basic EPUB viewer. It combines support for multiple ebook and document formats with annotations, customizable reading layouts, text-to-speech, translation, side-by-side reading, library management, and cross-device synchronization. It is available across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and the web.
Readest is built around the idea of making digital reading feel consistent across devices. Instead of maintaining separate applications for desktop, mobile, and web reading, users can keep the same library and reading progress across supported platforms.
The project is a modern rewrite of Foliate and uses Next.js and Tauri as part of its technology stack. It is released under the AGPL-3.0 license, making the source code available for inspection, modification, and contribution.
Key Features of Readest
Wide Format Support
Readest supports a broad range of formats, including:
This makes it useful as a general reading application rather than an EPUB-only reader.
Customizable Reading Experience
Readers can adjust typography, fonts, margins, spacing, themes, and reading layouts. Both scrolling and paginated reading modes are available, allowing users to choose an experience that suits the book and device.
Parallel Reading
One of Readest's most interesting features is Parallel Read. It allows two books or documents to be displayed side by side with synchronized navigation.
This is particularly useful for comparing translations, studying textbooks, reading technical documentation, or working with two related documents.
Notes and Highlights
Readest provides tools for highlighting passages, creating notes, and bookmarking important sections. These features make it suitable for studying and research as well as casual reading.
Annotations can also be exported, while integrations with services such as Readwise and Hardcover provide additional ways to manage reading information.
Text to Speech
The built-in text-to-speech functionality allows users to listen to supported books instead of reading them manually. Readest supports on-device, browser, and cloud TTS options depending on the platform and configuration.
Translation and Lookup
Readers can select passages and use integrated tools for translation or terminology lookup without leaving the book. DeepL, Wikipedia, and Wiktionary integrations make this particularly useful for language learners and readers working with unfamiliar subjects.
Cross-Device Sync
Readest can synchronize reading progress, highlights, notes, and library information across supported devices. It also supports integration with OPDS catalogs and personal Calibre libraries.
The project also supports synchronization with KOReader, which is especially useful for users who read on dedicated e-ink devices.
Local-First Approach
Readest emphasizes privacy and control over personal reading data. The application can be used locally, while cloud synchronization is available when users want it. The project states that it does not require forced accounts or data harvesting.
Web Version
A web version makes it possible to access the reading experience without installing a desktop or mobile application. This complements the native applications and makes the platform more flexible for users working across different devices.
Download Readest v0.12.8 - Software Mirrors |
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Readest v0.12.8 for WindowsReadest_0.12.8_x64-setup.exe | 57.18 MB Readest_0.12.8_x64-portable.exe | 95.22 MB Readest_0.12.8_arm64-setup.exe | 55.7 MB Readest_0.12.8_arm64-portable.exe | 86.3 MB |
Readest v0.12.8 for macOSReadest_0.12.8_universal.dmg | 78.07 MB |
Readest v0.12.8 for LinuxReadest_0.12.8_arm64.deb | 180.44 MB Readest_0.12.8_amd64.deb | 175.79 MB Readest_0.12.8_amd64.AppImage | 205.82 MB Readest_0.12.8_aarch64.AppImage | 242.77 MB Readest-0.12.8-1.x86_64.rpm | 139.45 MB Readest-0.12.8-1.aarch64.rpm | 138.41 MB |
Readest v0.12.8 for AndroidReadest_0.12.8_universal.apk | 310.79 MB Readest_0.12.8_arm64.apk | 84.68 MB |
Others Download related to Readest v0.12.8send-to-readest-0.2.1.zip | 466.24 kB Readest_0.12.8_universal.app.tar.gz | 77.84 MB Readest-0.12.8.calibre-plugin.zip | 43.22 kB Readest-0.12.8-1.koplugin.zip | 5.51 MB |
Readest v0.12.8 Source Code
Readest v0.12.8 Source code (zip)
Readest v0.12.8 Source code (tar.gz)
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Readest v0.12.8 Release Notes: Release Highlights- Reading: Customize the information shown in headers and footers, resize text with zoom shortcuts
- Sync: You can choose whether to use Readest Cloud before signing in, and recover missing covers during sync
- Annotations: You can now import highlights, bookmarks, and reading progress from ReadEra, and sync your notes and highlights to Notion
- Audiobooks: You can now stream ebook-only titles from Audiobookshelf
- Text-to-Speech: use Apple Enhanced and Premium voices on the web, and optionally skip parenthetical readings in Japanese books
- Web Imports: You can now clip signed-in pages and import web novels that require an account, with more reliable text decoding
- Styling: Your library and reader can now use separate theme modes and colors, and e-ink mode is available on every platform
- PDF: You can lock horizontal panning while zoomed, highlights stay visible in dark mode, and PDFs work on older devices
- Dictionary: Dictionary entries can now play embedded audio, jump to parts of speech, and enlarge images
- Sharing: Nearby BookDrop now offers easier pairing, transfer sounds, and more reliable device discovery and reconnection
What's Changed- fix(ios): stop web-browser downloads from deadlocking the main thread by @chrox in #5947
- feat(settings): show which scope the Settings dialog writes by @bmfrosty in #5933
- feat(ui): separate theme mode and color for the library and the reader by @chrox in #5948
- fix(reader): stop a mid-touch text selection from hijacking the brightness swipe (#5939) by @chrox in #5958
- feat(reader): customizable header and footer style (#5938) by @chrox in #5960
- fix(reader): contain Notebook text while typing (#5956) by @chrox in #5962
- fix(library): update the existing book when an updated EPUB is re-imported (#5959) by @chrox in #5961
- feat(grouping): Adding existing status as Grouping by @rigen1048 in #5935
- fix(reader): keep TTS chapter indicators synced (#5953) by @chrox in #5968
- fix(reader): correct PDF reference totals and slider endpoint (#5951) by @chrox in #5969
- feat(notion): sync notes and highlights to Notion by @PaleVerge in #5949
- fix(reader): stabilize Hardcover Sync submenu sizing by @chrox in #5978
- fix(reader): shrink hidden Android navigation controls (#5966) by @chrox in #5974
- fix(markdown): support tab-indented footnotes by @chrox in #5975
- chore: update agent memories and tidy library styles by @chrox in #5985
- feat(payments): yearly subscription plans and a modernized store front by @chrox in #5989
- feat(payments): record Apple one-time purchases from ONE_TIME_CHARGE by @chrox in #5993
- fix(payments): acknowledge Apple notifications that carry no transaction by @chrox in #5994
- feat(payments): separate storage and customization entitlements, unlock all when self-hosted by @chrox in #5996
- fix(payments): align the plan panels and stop the header eating clicks by @chrox in #6000
- READ-9: shrink hidden Android navigation buttons to 8px by @chrox in #6001
- fix(bookorbit): cap page-stat uploads at server limits by @chrox in #6002
- fix(reader): stop the note popup growing scrollbars of its own by @chrox in #6006
- fix(opds): import the publication date, not the calibre added-date by @chrox in #6008
- fix(kosync): resolve KOReader XPointers in their own DocFragment by @chrox in #6014
- fix(reader): write a new note on the selection, not in the sidebar by @chrox in #6013
- fix(pdf): render documents on older WebKit by @chrox in #6019
- fix(dict): play MDD audio, jump to POS sections, zoom entry images by @chrox in #6021
- fix(reader): keep lookup surfaces open when native handles are suppressed by @chrox in #6022
- feat(bookdrop): AirDrop-style Nearby BookDrop with pairing, sounds, and resilient discovery by @chrox in #6023
- feat(settings): add a Gamepad Support toggle by @chrox in #6027
- feat(pdf): add a Lock Horizontal Panning toggle for zoomed pages by @chrox in #6030
- feat(annotator): show highlight options immediately when highlight tool is present by @chrox in #6031
- fix(sync): fit OAuth tokens in Windows keychain by @chrox in #6033
- feat(annotator): import highlights, bookmarks and progress from ReadEra by @chrox in #6032
- feat(sync): add a manual sync option for BookOrbit (#6029) by @chrox in #6034
- fix(reader): keep mobile header tools stationary by @chrox in #6035
- fix(annotator): keep the annotation toolbar below the range handles by @chrox in #6036
- chore: update agent memories by @chrox in #6037
- fix(reader): restore XHTML namespaces so book CSS selectors match by @chrox in #6040
- fix(reader): draw scripted canvases and keep them inside their column by @chrox in #6042
- feat(sync): choose Readest Cloud before sign-in starts syncing by @chrox in #6045
- chore(deps): bump the github-actions group with 5 updates by @dependabot[bot] in #6039
- fix(ui): preserve mobile toast gutters by @chrox in #6046
- fix(bookdrop): recover the iOS service after suspension and keep peer presence honest by @chrox in #6049
- fix(koplugin): honour BookDrop goodbyes and un-dangle the localsend pin by @chrox in #6050
- fix(novel): decode imported pages with the charset they declare by @chrox in #6052
- fix(audiobookshelf): add web CORS setup hint by @chrox in #6053
- fix(reader): restore EPUB namespace in section fragments by @chrox in #6054
- fix(reader): stop the default font from overriding a book's embedded fonts by @k6G52m4Dz75W in #6047
- fix(reader): make the reading ruler legible on e-ink by @chrox in #6055
- feat(tts): skip inline parenthetical readings by @chrox in #6057
- fix(tts): stop Android narration rewinding when the block cursor stalls by @chrox in #6058
- feat(audiobookshelf): stream ebook-only books by @chrox in #6056
- fix(annotator): stop PDF selections opening the translator popup by @chrox in #6063
- chore(agent): update agent memories by @chrox in #6064
- fix: resolve dependency and code-scanning alerts by @chrox in #6065
- fix(annotator): keep PDF highlights visible in dark mode by @chrox in #6066
- feat(reader): zoom shortcuts adjust font size in reflowable books, closes #5694 by @chrox in #6067
- fix(annotator): anchor the selection toolbar to the book cell by @chrox in #6068
- fix: own route transitions and scope Yandex cancellation by @chrox in #6069
- fix: guard reader reloads, search views, and sentence navigation by @chrox in #6070
- fix: await PDF destinations for TTS download chapters by @chrox in #6072
- fix: skip desktop fullscreen commands on mobile by @chrox in #6073
- fix(tts): read aloud only the selection on Ctrl/Cmd+R by @chrox in #6076
- fix(tts): stop a redundant PDF render detaching the ranges TTS reads by @chrox in #6075
- fix: ignore incomplete reader relocation events after close by @chrox in #6077
- feat(linux): ship Readest on the tauri CEF runtime by @chrox in #6074
- fix(linux): catch the CEF stack up with upstream feat/cef by @chrox in #6080
- fix: serialize TTS cache compaction before shutdown by @chrox in #6078
- chore: bump tauri to version 2.11.5 by @chrox in #6081
- feat(nix): build the Linux package on the CEF runtime by @chrox in #6083
- fix(nix): let the linker resolve libcef.so's own dependencies by @chrox in #6084
- chore: remove the packages/tao submodule by @chrox in #6085
- feat(linux): debug the CEF build over CDP, and three fixes it found by @chrox in #6087
- fix: continue library sync after cover download failures by @chrox in #6086
- fix(epub): match
[xml|lang] and :lang() on xml:lang attributes by @chrox in #6090 - feat(ui): dismiss bottom sheets by swiping down from anywhere by @chrox in #6097
- fix(tts): allow Apple Enhanced and Premium Web TTS voices by @chrox in #6099
- fix(docker): unbreak large uploads and self-hosted cloud sync by @chrox in #6100
- fix(ci): bundle the NSS modules the CEF AppImage dlopens by @chrox in #6101
- Fix Wayland WebKitGTK window sizing bug on non-CEF Linux builds by @Frebbers in #6098
- fix(reader): never let the hidden nav buttons take taps by @chrox in #6102
- fix(ui): pad the plans section so its buttons align on mobile by @chrox in #6103
- feat(reader): hinge the two-column Page Curl at the spine by @kad-air in #6107
- fix(ci): bundle the audio libraries the CEF AppImage dlopens by @chrox in #6108
- fix(test): keep the curl leaf in flight until the incoming bitmap lands by @chrox in #6114
- feat(ui): remove e-ink mode checks for all devices and platforms by @54wedge in #6113
- ci: manual Linux AppImage build for validating bundler changes by @chrox in #6115
- feat: unify web imports with signed-in page clipping by @chrox in #6117
- feat(proofread): allow tts rules to be created in proofread management panel by @54wedge in #6109
- fix(deeplink): consume the launch URL once per app run by @chrox in #6111
- fix(tts): keep mini player above navigation panels by @chrox in #6118
- fix(sync): repair missing local covers from the file-sync remote by @jadhavgaurav in #6116
- compat(image): exclude some images in gallery view by @54wedge in #6120
- chore(scripts): account inspector and merge scripts for support tickets by @chrox in #6121
- feat: support authenticated web novel imports by @chrox in #6119
- fix(sync): closing unclosed void tags before XML re-parsing, closes #5271 by @chrox in #6122
- fix(ci): use CEF bundler with deployment array quoting fix by @chrox in #6125
- fix(nix): sync CEF dependencies for offline builds by @chrox in #6126
- release: version 0.12.8 by @chrox in #6127
- fix(reader): sync reading progress on a first open in scrolled mode by @chrox in #6130
- fix(android): follow system theme in reading widget by @chrox in #6131
- fix(abs): refresh cached token for streaming file access by @chrox in #6132
- i18n: update translations by @chrox in #6134
New Contributors- @bmfrosty made their first contribution in #5933
- @rigen1048 made their first contribution in #5935
- @PaleVerge made their first contribution in #5949
- @k6G52m4Dz75W made their first contribution in #6047
- @Frebbers made their first contribution in #6098
- @kad-air made their first contribution in #6107
Full Changelog: v0.12.6...v0.12.8 |
Performance and User Experience
Readest has a clean interface that focuses on reading rather than surrounding the user with unnecessary controls. The application feels closer to a modern productivity tool than a traditional ebook utility.
Its biggest strength is the combination of simple reading features with tools aimed at deeper study. Side-by-side reading, annotations, translation, TTS, and customizable typography make it useful for everything from casual novels to technical books and academic material.
The project is also developing quickly. Recent releases have improved library performance, PDF support, reading layouts, synchronization, OPDS management, and accessibility.
Because Readest is still actively evolving, users should expect some features and interfaces to change over time.
Pros
Free and open source.
Supports EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW3, FB2, CBZ, and TXT.
Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and the web.
Clean and customizable reading interface.
Side-by-side Parallel Read mode.
Highlights, notes, and bookmarks.
Text-to-speech support.
Translation and dictionary tools.
Cross-device synchronization.
OPDS and Calibre support.
KOReader synchronization.
Local-first and privacy-focused design.
Active development.
Cons
Some advanced functionality is still evolving.
Cloud-based features may require additional configuration or services.
Users looking for a very minimal ebook reader may find the feature set extensive.
The ecosystem is smaller than established commercial ebook platforms.
Who Should Use Readest?
Readest is an excellent choice for students, researchers, developers, language learners, academics, and anyone who reads across multiple devices.
It is particularly appealing to people who want more control over their ebook library while still having modern conveniences such as synchronization, text-to-speech, annotations, translation, and OPDS support.
For users who already have a Calibre library or use KOReader on an e-ink device, Readest is also worth considering because of its interoperability with those ecosystems.
Final Verdict
Readest is one of the most impressive open source ebook readers currently available. It combines the simplicity of a traditional reader with features normally found across several separate applications.
The ability to read multiple formats, compare books side by side, annotate documents, translate passages, listen through TTS, and synchronize reading progress across platforms gives Readest a strong advantage over basic ebook readers.
It is not simply trying to replace a conventional EPUB viewer. Its focus on deep reading, study, interoperability, and cross-platform access makes it a compelling choice for anyone who wants a more complete reading environment while keeping their books and data under their control.
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