Google Play Books & Audiobooks ebook reader
Google Play Books & Audiobooks is a free Books And Reference app by Google LLC that lets you read ebooks, listen to audiobooks, and open comics or manga.
Google Play Books & Audiobooks takes up 22 MB and runs on Android 7.0 and above. The app is free to install, shows no ads, and offers in-app purchases. It has a 4.68 rating from 3.2 million ratings and more than 1 billion installs, which suits readers who want ebooks and audiobooks on one device.
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Google Play Books & Audiobooks is an ebook and audiobook reading application by Google LLC that lets you buy, store, and read digital books on your Android device. It has been around since December 2010 and now serves a very large audience, with more than a billion installs and a rating of 4.68 from over three million reviews.
The app mixes a personal library with a bookstore. You can browse millions of titles, including ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and manga, preview samples before buying, and keep everything organized on custom shelves by genre, author, or any theme you choose. Purchased titles can be downloaded for offline reading, and your place, notes, and highlights stay in sync across the devices you sign in with. No subscription is required — you pay only for the books you actually want.
On the privacy side, the permission list is worth a look before installing. The app requests Identity, Contacts, Photos/Media/Files, Storage, and Microphone access. Some of these map to obvious features: Storage and Files access support downloading books and importing your own EPUB and PDF files, while the Microphone is used for voice control of audiobooks through Google Assistant. Identity and Contacts are broader than reading strictly requires, so if you are privacy-conscious, review each permission after install and revoke any you are not comfortable with in your device settings.
The current release is version 2025.1.10, the package is about 22 MB, and it runs on Android 7.0 and newer. It is free to download, contains no ads, and offers in-app purchases for books. Content is rated Teen.
Key features
- Read ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and manga in a single app
- Download purchased books for offline reading
- Preview samples before buying
- Organize your library with custom shelves
- Notes sync with Google Drive and can be shared
- Bubble Zoom for comics and manga
- Adjustable font, text size, and brightness
- Voice control of audiobooks with Google Assistant
- Kid-friendly reading tools, including word definitions and read-aloud (English only)
- Upload and read your own EPUB and PDF files
How to install
- Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file.
- When Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install apps — this is the "Install unknown apps" setting.
- Open the downloaded APK file; it is about 22 MB.
- Tap Install and wait for the process to finish.
- Open the app and sign in to access your library. Your device must run Android 7.0 or newer.
Pros
- Large catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and manga
- Offline downloads and cross-device sync
- No ads and no subscription requirement
- Free to download, with strong user ratings
- Supports importing your own EPUB and PDF files
Cons
- Requests Identity, Contacts, Photos/Media/Files, Storage, and Microphone permissions
- In-app purchases are required for most paid titles
- Some features, such as Play Points and reading practice tools, are not available everywhere
- Book insights work only with selected English-language titles
Fresh Updates
Version 2025.1.10 makes the ebook text selection menu easier to use. The app also lets you upload and read EPUB and PDF files across devices, and download purchased ebooks and audiobooks (DRM-free when the publisher allows) for use on other readers.
Older Releases
| Version | Size | Requires Android | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026.9.18.0 (389836) | 22 MB | 7.0 | 03.10.2026 |
| 2026.9.4.1 (386871) | 22 MB | 7.0 | 24.09.2026 |
It suits regular readers who want one place for purchased ebooks and audiobooks, students and commuters who read or listen offline, comic and manga fans, and parents looking for simple reading tools for kids. Anyone who prefers buying individual titles over a subscription will find it a natural fit, while users uncomfortable with broad permissions may want to review the settings first.
After installing, open your device's app permission settings and turn off any access you do not need, such as Contacts or Microphone, since core reading works without them. Download titles over Wi-Fi before traveling so they are available offline, and use shelves to keep large libraries manageable. Free samples are a good way to test a book before spending money.
Access Permissions
Common Queries
How do I install Google Play Books & Audiobooks on my Android device?
Use the download button on this page to get the APK. Your device needs Android 7.0 or newer, and the file is about 22 MB, so the install should be quick on most phones and tablets.
What is the current version of Google Play Books & Audiobooks?
The latest version listed is 2026.9.18.0 (389836), dated 2026-10-03. A slightly earlier build, 2026.9.4.1 (386871), was released on 2026-09-24.
Does Google Play Books & Audiobooks show ads or include in-app purchases?
There are no ads in the app. In-app purchases are available, since you can buy individual ebooks and audiobooks, but no subscription is required to use it.
Can I read or listen without an internet connection?
Yes. You can download books to read offline, which is handy for flights or areas with weak coverage. Purchased items can also be downloaded to other devices when the publisher permits it.
What kinds of files can I add to my library?
You can upload EPUB and PDF files and read them across your devices. The app also supports ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and manga from its catalog.
Are there other apps in the same category I could consider?
Yes, the books and reference category includes several ebook readers and audiobook players. Comparing features such as offline support, library organization, and format compatibility can help you pick the one that fits your habits.
How well rated and widely installed is this app?
It holds a rating of 4.68 from over 3.2 million ratings and has more than 1 billion installs. It was first released on 2010-12-06 and was last updated on 2026-09-30.
Google Play Books & Audiobooks combines a big catalog with offline reading and cross-device sync in a small 22 MB package for Android 7.0 and up. It is free with no ads, though most books are paid, and its broad permission set deserves a quick review after install.
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Updated: 24.10.2026