For book lovers, travelling across Europe is an adventure filled with history, culture, and new experiences. However, carrying physical books can be impractical when hopping between cities. That’s where e-reading apps come in—offering a lightweight and convenient way to enjoy books on the go. But seamless internet connectivity is crucial to make the most of your digital library truly. Traditional roaming plans can be expensive and unreliable, so many travellers now rely on eSIMs to stay connected effortlessly. With an eSIM, you can download books, sync progress, and even access cloud-based libraries without worrying about finding Wi-Fi. Here are the top e-reading apps that work flawlessly across Europe, ensuring you always have a good read at your fingertips.
1. Kindle: The Ultimate E-Reading Companion
Amazon’s Kindle app is a go-to choice for avid readers. Its Whispersync technology allows seamless syncing across multiple devices, meaning you can start reading on your phone and continue on your tablet without missing a page.
- Why it’s great for travellers: The offline reading mode ensures you can access your books even in areas with weak connectivity. However, if you’re downloading books on the go, having a stable internet connection ensures quick and uninterrupted access.
- Bonus: Kindle Unlimited and Prime Reading offer a vast library of books without requiring individual purchases.
2. Apple Books: A Sleek and Intuitive Experience
Apple Books offers an elegant interface and a vast selection of titles across different genres for Apple users. Whether you enjoy audiobooks or e-books, this app provides a smooth and immersive reading experience.
- Why it’s great for travellers: The app’s iCloud integration keeps your book collection synced across all Apple devices. The automatic night mode also adjusts brightness levels for comfortable reading on overnight train rides through Europe.
- Connectivity Tip: Since Apple Books often requires an internet connection to sync and download content, an eSIM can help ensure seamless access wherever you go.
3. Kobo: A Traveler’s Best Friend for Global Reading
Rakuten’s Kobo app is a fantastic alternative for readers looking for a versatile and globally connected platform. With over 6 million titles and a user-friendly interface, Kobo makes reading effortless.
- Why it’s great for travellers: The app supports multiple file formats, including EPUB, PDF, and MOBI, making it easy to import books from different sources.
- Standout Feature: Kobo Plus, its subscription service, allows unlimited access to thousands of books, perfect for long trips.
4. Google Play Books: The Power of Cloud-Based Reading
Google Play Books offers a vast selection of e-books, audiobooks, and comics, all stored in the cloud for easy access across devices.
- Why it’s great for travellers: Since the books are cloud-based, they don’t take up device storage—ideal for travelers with limited space. Plus, you can adjust font sizes and reading preferences for a customized experience.
- Connectivity Tip: If you’re traveling across multiple European countries, an eSIM for Germany and France allows seamless access to Google Play Books’ cloud storage without interruptions.
5. Scribd: Unlimited Reading for a Fixed Price
Scribd is often called the Netflix of e-books, offering unlimited access to e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and more for a monthly subscription.
- Why it’s great for travellers: The offline mode ensures you can keep reading without using mobile data.
- Standout Feature: In addition to books, Scribd offers access to podcasts, sheet music, and research papers, making it a versatile travel companion for curious minds.
6. Libby: The Best Way to Borrow E-Books While Traveling
Libby is the perfect app for travellers who prefer borrowing books to buying them. It connects to public libraries worldwide, allowing users to borrow e-books and audiobooks for free.
- Why it’s great for travellers: You can borrow books anytime, anywhere with a library card. Syncing between devices ensures you never lose track of your progress.
- Connectivity Tip: A reliable eSIM helps maintain uninterrupted library access, especially when borrowing books or syncing with your local library’s catalog.
7. Wattpad: A Social E-Reading Experience
Wattpad is a must-have app for readers who enjoy discovering new and independent authors. It allows users to read, write, and share stories with a global community.
- Why it’s great for travellers: You can explore free stories and exclusive content from up-and-coming writers without committing to paid books.
- Bonus: Many Wattpad stories later become bestsellers or movies, making it a great place to find hidden literary gems.
Conclusion
Traveling through Europe is an unforgettable experience, and having the right e-reading app ensures that every journey is enriched with a great book. Whether you prefer bestsellers, audiobooks, or independent stories, these apps cater to all reading preferences. However, to truly maximize your e-reading experience, reliable internet connectivity is key—especially when downloading books, syncing progress, or borrowing from digital libraries.
That’s where an eSIM for Germany and France comes in handy. Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM offers instant activation, flexible data plans, and seamless coverage across multiple countries. With an eSIM, you can stay connected effortlessly, ensuring your favorite books are always just a tap away.
Markus lives in San Francisco, California and is the video game and audio expert on Good e-Reader! He has a huge interest in new e-readers and tablets, and gaming.