Table of Contents >> Show >> Hide
- First, a quick reality check: “Free books” usually means one of 3 things
- Fast pick: which option matches your reading style?
- The 15 top places to download books free in 2025
- 1) Project Gutenberg
- 2) Standard Ebooks
- 3) Open Library
- 4) Internet Archive (Lending Library)
- 5) Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) Palace Bookshelf
- 6) HathiTrust Digital Library
- 7) Your public library via Libby (by OverDrive)
- 8) Your public library via Hoopla Digital
- 9) Google Books (Full View public-domain downloads)
- 10) Wikisource (download as EPUB/MOBI)
- 11) OpenStax (free textbooks)
- 12) National Academies Press (NAP.edu)
- 13) ManyBooks
- 14) Barnes & Noble Free eBooks (NOOK)
- 15) Amazon Top Free Kindle books & seasonal free-book events
- How to download free books safely (and avoid the “free virus” bundle)
- FAQ: quick answers people actually ask
- Real-world reading experiences in 2025 (the “what it’s actually like” section)
- Experience #1: The “library power user” who never pays for audiobooks
- Experience #2: The student who stopped buying $200 textbooks
- Experience #3: The classic-lit fan who wants books that don’t look like they were scanned in 1997
- Experience #4: The research rabbit-hole explorer
- Experience #5: The “freebie collector” who builds a personal library without breaking rules
- Conclusion
Want free books in 2025 without the “surprise, it’s malware” side quest? Good news: there are plenty of
legal ways to download (or borrow) ebooks and audiobooks for $0whether you’re hunting
public-domain classics, open-access research, textbooks, or library bestsellers.
This guide covers 15 legit places to download books free in 2025, plus practical tips for picking
the right format (EPUB, PDF, Kindle), keeping your library organized, and avoiding the sketchy corners of the internet
where “free” means “free identity theft.”
First, a quick reality check: “Free books” usually means one of 3 things
-
Public domain: Copyright has expired (or never applied), so the book is free to keep.
Expect lots of classics and historical works. -
Openly licensed / open access: Authors or publishers allow free downloads (often Creative Commons).
Common for textbooks, government/academic titles, and research. -
Library lending: The book is free for you because your library already paid for access.
You “borrow” it, download it to an app/device, then it returns automatically.
If a brand-new bestseller is “free to download” on a random website… that’s not a magical fourth category.
That’s usually piracy (and often a security risk). This list sticks to legal sources.
Fast pick: which option matches your reading style?
| What you want | Best picks from this list | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Classic novels you can keep forever | Project Gutenberg, Standard Ebooks, Wikisource | Public domain + easy downloads |
| Modern ebooks for free (legally) | Your library (Libby/Hoopla), Amazon Free Kindle lists, NOOK free ebooks | Library lending or retailer promos |
| Academic books and research titles | HathiTrust, Google Books (full view), National Academies Press | Digitized collections + open access |
| Free textbooks | OpenStax | Openly licensed, designed for students |
| Browse a “one page for every book” catalog | Open Library, Internet Archive | Searchable catalog + borrowing options |
The 15 top places to download books free in 2025
1) Project Gutenberg
If public-domain books had a hometown diner, this would be it. Project Gutenberg is one of the most famous
sources for free ebooks, offering downloads in common formats like EPUB and Kindle-friendly files.
- Best for: Classic literature, older nonfiction, historical texts
- Download vibe: Simple, no-nonsense, “here’s the book, enjoy”
- Pro tip: Try a few formatsEPUB is best for most e-readers, PDF is best for fixed-layout reading
2) Standard Ebooks
Think of Standard Ebooks as the “freshly renovated edition” version of public-domain classicsbeautiful formatting,
consistent typography, and a reading experience that feels modern. It’s free, open, and curated with obsessive love.
(The good kind of obsessive. The kind that fixes weird spacing so you don’t have to.)
- Best for: Public-domain classics with excellent formatting
- Why it stands out: Clean design, accessibility-friendly, high editorial standards
- Pro tip: If you bounced off a free classic because it looked messy, try the Standard Ebooks edition
3) Open Library
Open Library aims to create a web page for every book ever published. It includes books you can read online and,
in many cases, borrow digitally for a limited timelike an online library card without the awkward small talk.
- Best for: Discovering books, borrowing select ebooks, exploring by subject
- How it’s “free”: Lending model (you borrow, then it returns)
- Pro tip: Use it as a discovery engine even when a title isn’t borrowablethen pivot to your library app
4) Internet Archive (Lending Library)
The Internet Archive is a nonprofit digital library that preserves cultural materialsbooks included.
Its lending library lets you borrow ebooks for a set period, download them for offline reading, and automatically return them.
- Best for: Older titles, niche nonfiction, scanned works you can’t easily find elsewhere
- Great for: Deep dives (history, local topics, out-of-print vibes)
- Pro tip: If you’re researching, the Archive is a goldminebut always check borrowing rules per title
5) Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) Palace Bookshelf
DPLA aggregates materials from libraries and cultural institutions across the U.S., and the Palace Bookshelf
highlights a collection of ebooks that are free to download and keep. It’s a great “browse and grab” option for legal free reads.
- Best for: Curated free ebooks (often open access / public domain), easy browsing
- Why it’s cool: Built around library valuesaccess, discovery, preservation
- Pro tip: If you like “staff picks,” Palace collections feel like that, but digital
6) HathiTrust Digital Library
HathiTrust is a massive digital repository backed by research libraries. You can read public-domain and open-access titles,
and for eligible books you can download PDFs (sometimes by page, sometimes as a full book, depending on access).
- Best for: Public-domain scans, academic titles, research-heavy browsing
- Format reality: Often PDF scans (great for reference, less dreamy on small screens)
- Pro tip: Use search inside the text to find topics fastperfect for essays and research projects
7) Your public library via Libby (by OverDrive)
If you have a library card, you may already have access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks through Libby.
You borrow for free, download to your phone/tablet, and return automaticallyno late fees, no guilt.
- Best for: Popular ebooks and audiobooks, bestsellers, new releases (availability varies)
- How it works: Borrow/hold system, like physical books but digital
- Pro tip: Place holds strategically. If your library has multiple copies, your wait time drops
8) Your public library via Hoopla Digital
Hoopla partners with libraries to offer ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and moreoften with instant borrowing depending on your library’s setup.
It can feel like streaming, but for books (and without the “are you still reading?” pop-up judging your life choices).
- Best for: Audiobooks, comics/graphic novels, quick access titles
- How it works: Library-funded access; monthly limits can apply based on your library
- Pro tip: If Libby has a waitlist, check Hoopla for the same title or a similar one
9) Google Books (Full View public-domain downloads)
Google Books lets you read, preview, or (for some titles) download books. When a book is available in full view
(often public domain), you may be able to download itcommonly as a PDF.
- Best for: Public-domain classics, older nonfiction, searchable scans
- Why it’s useful: Strong search, fast discovery, and “preview vs full” clarity
- Pro tip: Use Google Books to find the exact edition you need (helpful for citations)
10) Wikisource (download as EPUB/MOBI)
Wikisource is like a free online library of source texts hosted by the Wikimedia community.
Many works can be exported as EPUB or MOBI for offline reading, which makes it surprisingly practical for e-readers.
- Best for: Public-domain works, speeches, historical documents, older novels
- Why it’s handy: EPUB/MOBI export options for many texts
- Pro tip: If a book is split across multiple pages, use the site’s EPUB/MOBI export tools for cleaner downloads
11) OpenStax (free textbooks)
OpenStax provides free, openly licensed textbooks for high school and college. If you’re a student (or a lifelong learner who
collects knowledge like it’s a hobby), OpenStax is one of the best legal ways to download complete textbooks at no cost.
- Best for: College-level textbooks (science, math, economics, humanities)
- Why it’s different: Built for coursesclear structure, learning objectives, and educator support
- Pro tip: Download the official PDF for offline study, then use the web version for quick searching
12) National Academies Press (NAP.edu)
National Academies Press offers thousands of reports and books tied to science, engineering, and medicine.
Many titles are available as free PDF downloadsespecially helpful for evidence-based reading or policy topics.
- Best for: Science and policy reports, healthcare topics, technical and research-based books
- Format reality: PDFs (great for reference, quoting, and deep dives)
- Pro tip: Use these when you need credible citations or want an expert overview of an issue
13) ManyBooks
ManyBooks is a reader-friendly site that offers a large catalog of free ebooks, including public-domain titles and some
freely available modern works. It’s designed to be browsable, genre-forward, and easy to download in common e-reader formats.
- Best for: Browsing by genre, discovering free series starters, grabbing classics in EPUB/Kindle formats
- Why it’s popular: Big selection + “friendly neighborhood library” browsing feel
- Pro tip: Check file formats before downloadingEPUB is usually the smoothest choice
14) Barnes & Noble Free eBooks (NOOK)
Barnes & Noble maintains a free ebooks section where you can download free titles to read in the NOOK app.
This often includes classics and promotional freebiesuseful if you want “free now” without hunting across multiple sites.
- Best for: Easy “storefront” browsing for free ebooks
- How it’s free: Public-domain titles and limited-time promotions
- Pro tip: Even if you don’t own a NOOK device, the app works on most phones and tablets
15) Amazon Top Free Kindle books & seasonal free-book events
Amazon offers a “Top Free” area for Kindle books, plus recurring free-book promotion events (often featuring indie titles).
If you’re strategic, you can build a real free librarylegallyby grabbing freebies when they’re promoted at $0.
- Best for: Finding time-limited free ebooks, especially indie titles
- How it’s free: Promotions and free lists (availability changes daily)
- Pro tip: “Free” is sometimes temporaryif you want it, claim it while it’s $0
How to download free books safely (and avoid the “free virus” bundle)
Stick to legit sources
A good rule: if a site has every new bestseller for “free download,” it’s probably illegaland may be packed with malicious ads or fake buttons.
Public domain, open access, libraries, and retailer promos are the safe lanes.
Pick the right file format
- EPUB: Best all-around for most e-readers and reading apps (resizable text, comfortable reading).
- MOBI/AZW (Kindle-style): Useful for some Kindle workflows, though EPUB support has expanded in many places.
- PDF: Best for textbooks, scanned books, and fixed layouts; can be annoying on small screens.
Organize like Future You will thank you
Create a simple folder structure: Books > Author > Title (Year).
Add a “To Read Next” folder, and rename files right away (because “download (47).epub” is not a personality trait).
If you use a library app, lean into its built-in shelves/tags and keep a running wish list. For DRM-free books (like public-domain EPUBs),
a library manager app can help you track what you ownwithout doing anything shady to protected files.
FAQ: quick answers people actually ask
Is downloading free books legal?
Yeswhen the source has the rights to offer them (public domain, open licenses, library lending, or official promotions).
If the source doesn’t have rights, it’s not legal, even if it’s “easy.”
Can I get new bestsellers for free?
Sometimes, but usually through library lending (Libby/Hoopla) or limited-time retailer promos.
Truly free-to-keep bestsellers are rare unless they’re intentionally promoted at $0.
Do I need an e-reader device?
Nope. Most platforms work on phones/tablets via free reading apps. A dedicated e-reader can be more comfortable,
but it’s not required to start building a free library.
Real-world reading experiences in 2025 (the “what it’s actually like” section)
Let’s talk about the part that matters: not just where to get free books, but how people actually use these services in real life.
Because downloading ebooks is easy; building a reading habit that survives your schedule is the real plot twist.
Experience #1: The “library power user” who never pays for audiobooks
Picture a commuter who realized audiobooks were quietly draining their budget. They start with Libby: they link a library card, borrow a bestseller,
and discover the modern miracle of “auto-return.” No late fees, no panicked emails, no guilt spiral. The only downside? Holds.
So they get tactical: they place holds on a few popular titles, then use Hoopla for instant audiobooks when the waitlist is long.
Over a few months, they build a rotation: Libby for big-name releases, Hoopla for quick wins and comics, and a “hold pipeline” that always has
something arriving soon. The result isn’t just saving moneyit’s reading more, because the next book is always a tap away.
Experience #2: The student who stopped buying $200 textbooks
A college student hears about OpenStax after paying way too much for a required book that gets used twice and then becomes a very expensive coaster.
They download an OpenStax PDF for a core class and immediately notice two things: (1) it’s actually readable, and (2) it’s searchable.
That search bar becomes their secret weaponfinding definitions, jumping to practice sections, and reviewing before quizzes without flipping 300 pages.
They still buy a lab manual here and there (some courses require specific materials), but OpenStax cuts costs dramatically in common subjects.
The biggest “aha” moment? They realize free textbooks don’t have to feel cheap. In many cases, they’re designed to be taught.
Experience #3: The classic-lit fan who wants books that don’t look like they were scanned in 1997
A reader decides to tackle classicsmaybe out of curiosity, maybe for a challenge, maybe because social media convinced them that reading
one 19th-century novel will unlock hidden wisdom. They start on Project Gutenberg and love the selection… but sometimes the formatting varies.
Then they find Standard Ebooks. Suddenly the same classics feel smoother: better typography, cleaner chapter breaks, fewer weird spacing surprises.
They keep Gutenberg as the giant warehouse and Standard Ebooks as the boutique shop: both free, both legal, but each with its own charm.
Over time, they develop a system: Standard Ebooks for the “I want this to feel premium” reads, Gutenberg for deep cuts and obscure gems.
Experience #4: The research rabbit-hole explorer
Someone writing a long blog postor just feeding a curious brainneeds trustworthy sources. They bounce between Google Books for quick discovery,
HathiTrust for full-view public domain scans, and National Academies Press when they want expert consensus and evidence-backed summaries.
The pattern becomes clear: PDFs aren’t always cozy bedtime reading, but they’re unbeatable for quoting, verifying, and learning fast.
This reader might still relax with fiction elsewhere, but when it’s time to know something (not just hear it on the internet),
these sources feel like a cheat code for credibility.
Experience #5: The “freebie collector” who builds a personal library without breaking rules
Not everyone wants to borrowsome people want to own a stash of books that stays theirs. That’s where public domain and retailer freebies shine.
This reader grabs public-domain EPUBs from Gutenberg and Wikisource, then checks Amazon’s Top Free lists and occasional free-book events
to claim $0 titles. They treat it like a calm hobby: once a week, they browse freebies, download a few, and file them into organized folders.
The trick is restraint. They only download what they might actually read (a revolutionary concept, honestly). Over a year, they end up with
a curated free library that feels intentional instead of chaoticlike a bookshelf, not a digital junk drawer.
