Google Play Books vs Kindle vs Audible: which reading app should you choose?
Choose Google Play Books for books and audiobooks in one app, Kindle for a deep ebook library and reading tools, or Audible for dedicated audiobook and podcast listening.
At a Glance
| App | Google Play rating | Price | In-app purchases | Platforms | Age Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Google Play Books & AudiobooksGoogle LLC | 4.7 out of 53,182,740 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.01 - $8,000.00 per item) | Android, iOS | Teen |
 Amazon Kindle: Reading AppAmazon Mobile LLC | 4.8 out of 54,721,022 ratings | Free | Yes ($1.99 - $11.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Teen |
 Audible: Audiobooks & PodcastsAudible, Inc. | 4.6 out of 51,750,040 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.49 - $279.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Teen |
Ratings, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 11, 2026. Listings change over time.
How We Compared Them
Google Play Books, Amazon Kindle, and Audible all give you access to digital reading on mobile, with options to keep content available offline and continue across devices. Their focus differs: Play Books combines ebooks and audiobooks, Kindle centers on ebooks, and Audible specializes in audio.
This comparison weighs their Google Play ratings and reach alongside their content focus, features, and trade-offs. It will help you choose based on whether you read, listen, or want both in one place.
How we compared them
We compared the apps’ Google Play ratings, install counts, prices, ad status, and in-app purchase ranges, as well as their stated content and features. Store figures were read on November 11, 2026.
The comparison also considers practical differences: Play Books combines books and audiobooks, Kindle emphasizes ebooks and reading tools, and Audible focuses on audiobooks and podcasts. No data-safety details were supplied for comparison.
Best forreading and listening in one app
Google Play Books & Audiobooks
Google LLC
- Google Play
- 4.7 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age Rating
- Teen
Play Books is the most balanced option if you switch between ebooks and audiobooks. It supports offline reading and listening, syncs across devices, and lets you adjust reading and listening settings. Its Google Play rating is 4.7 from 3,182,740 ratings, with 1 billion-plus installs.
It is less specialized than Kindle for ebook tools and Audible for audio features. Some titles can be expensive, audiobook playback lacks speed options, and purchases require a Google account; its in-app purchase range is also wider than Kindle’s.
What We Like
- Ebooks and audiobooks in one app
- Offline reading and listening
- Syncs across devices
What to Know
- No audiobook speed options
- Google account required for purchases
Best forebook readers who value reading tools
Amazon Kindle: Reading App
Amazon Mobile LLC
- Google Play
- 4.8 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age Rating
- Teen
Kindle is the strongest ebook-focused choice of the three, with a large ebook library, customizable reading settings, and tools such as a built-in dictionary and X-Ray. It has the highest Google Play rating here, 4.8 from 4,721,022 ratings, and supports offline reading.
Its focus on Amazon ebooks means less flexibility with non-Amazon formats, and it requires an Amazon account. The app contains ads, and audiobooks require a separate app, so it is less convenient than Play Books for mixing formats or Audible for listening.
What We Like
- Extensive ebook library
- Dictionary and X-Ray tools
- Offline reading and device sync
What to Know
- Limited support for non-Amazon formats
- Ads; audiobooks use a separate app
Best forlisteners who want audiobooks and podcasts
Audible: Audiobooks & Podcasts
Audible, Inc.
- Google Play
- 4.6 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age Rating
- Teen
Audible is the most audio-focused option, bringing audiobooks, podcasts, and Originals together with offline listening, device sync, and adjustable narration speed. Those listening controls give it an advantage over Play Books, while Kindle requires a separate app for audiobooks.
Audible is less suited to people who primarily want ebooks, and its subscription can be costly with limited free content. It contains ads and has a lower Google Play rating than the other two: 4.6 from 1,750,040 ratings.
What We Like
- Audiobooks, podcasts, and Originals
- Adjustable narration speed
- Offline listening and device sync
What to Know
- Subscription can be pricey
- Limited free content
Which One Should You Pick?
Best for books and audio together
Google Play Books & Audiobooks
Best for ebook reading tools
Amazon Kindle: Reading App
Best for audiobook listening
Audible: Audiobooks & Podcasts
Frequently Asked Questions
01Which app is best for both ebooks and audiobooks?
Google Play Books is the most straightforward fit because it brings ebooks and audiobooks together, with offline access for both.
02Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
Kindle has the highest rating of these three at 4.8 from 4,721,022 ratings. Google Play Books is rated 4.7 and Audible 4.6.
03Can I listen to audiobooks in the Kindle app?
Kindle’s audiobook experience requires a separate app. Choose Play Books or Audible if you want audio in a dedicated app alongside your reading options.
04Which app offers adjustable audiobook speed?
Audible offers customizable narration speed. Play Books’ audiobook playback lacks speed options.
About This Comparison
Appwesome compares apps independently. We don't make, own or distribute any of these apps and have no affiliation with their developers, Google or Apple. Names, icons and trademarks belong to their owners; store details are shown for reference and can change.