Compare software

VitalSource BookshelfGoogle Play Books
Free

The reader app is free; textbooks are bought or provided by schools separately.

 Free

Free to use; ebooks and audiobooks are bought individually.

macOS, Android, iOS, Web Android, iOS, Web
  • Offline reading of downloaded titles
  • Notes and position sync across devices
  • Reads and plays books in a web browser as well as on mobile
  • Ebooks, audiobooks, comics and textbooks in one library
  • Only reads titles from VitalSource
  • Textbooks must be purchased or provided by an institution
  • Requires a Google account
  • Purchases are tied to Google's store
Downloadable app, Web application Downloadable app, Web application
Closed source Closed source
License not stated License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed Account needed
Works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked October 2, 2026

Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.