Books can be expensive, but reading doesn’t have to be. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to build your reading list. Whether you’re saving up for something else or just trying to make the most of your pocket money, there are plenty of ways to enjoy ebooks for cheap or even free.

Check these many ways to help you read more for less, including where to find review copies, subscription services, and free classics.

(Some links are affiliate. We may earn a small commission, but not always, at no extra cost to you.)

1. ARC Programs: Get Free Books in Exchange for Honest Reviews

Ever wish you could read a book before it even comes out? That’s exactly what ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) are for. Authors and publishers often send out early copies of books in exchange for feedback. Some authors and publishers have requirements to qualify, like having a high following on social media, but not always. Most of them – especially indie authors, but also online platforms and even established publishers – welcome anyone who enjoys reading and writing a few sentences about what they thought.

It’s essential to note that some authors and platforms require readers to submit reviews in specific places and within a particular deadline. However, one of the main rules of Advanced Reader Copies is that submitting a review cannot be made mandatory. Still, if you choose not to submit a review, the author or platform may refuse to provide you with future copies.

Here are a few ARC programs open to everyday readers

• BookSirens – This site connects readers with indie authors and publishers. Once you sign up, you can request ARCs based on your favorite genres. You’ll be expected to review the books you read, either on Amazon, Goodreads, or another platform.
• NetGalley – While more popular with librarians and bloggers, teens and general readers can also get approved for books – especially from indie authors or smaller presses.
• LibraryThing Early Reviewers – This program connects readers with publishers and authors offering new and forthcoming books. After signing up, you can request advance copies from a monthly list of available titles in your favorite genres. If selected, you’ll receive the book (in print or digital format) and are expected to post an honest review on LibraryThing. While cross-posting to other platforms like blogs or Goodreads is encouraged, it is not required.
• StoryOrigin – Focused more on indie authors, this site offers ARCs and newsletter swaps. Many authors use it to reach new audiences, and they often approve newer readers.

1.1.  Indie Authors: Self-Run ARC Programs

Many indie authors offer free ARCs directly through their websites or newsletters. They might not have big marketing budgets, but they do care about connecting with readers. If there are authors you particularly like, check their sites or socials to see if they’re offering review copies or free first-in-series deals.

You can also follow indie hashtags like #IndieAuthor, #IndieBooks, or #BookTok to discover authors who are actively looking for readers.

Tip: Always be gentle, read the book in a timely manner, and post your honest thoughts. Just know that if your review isn’t glowing, you may be mysteriously dropped from an author’s ARC list.

2. Goodreads Giveaways: Free Books, But Somewhat of a Lottery

Goodreads runs giveaways all the time. Some are for physical books, but there are also many Kindle giveaways. It’s not a sure thing, since you need to enter their process – it’s free – and hope to be selected, but you don’t need to write a review. You’ll need a Goodreads account and a Kindle email address linked to your Amazon account to receive the ebook if you win.

3. Kindle Free Books: Instant Downloads, No Strings Attached

Kindle Free Books is a sure thing. Amazon’s Kindle Store is a goldmine for free books – no entry forms, no waiting, and no luck required. If you spot a Kindle book with a price of $0.00, you can ‘buy’ it instantly with one click, and it’s yours to keep forever.

There’s no competition or lottery: as long as the book is listed as free, anyone can download it, and there’s no limit to how many books you can add to your Kindle. The only practical constraints are your device’s storage space and the number of devices you can download a single book to (usually up to six, depending on publisher settings). 

4. Public Domain Sites: 100% Free and Legal

Want to read classics, vintage science fiction, or out-of-print gems? Books published before a certain date are in the public domain, which means anyone can read them for free.

Some great places to explore:

• Project Gutenberg – Offers over 70,000 ebooks with no login required. You can read online or download to your e-reader.
• Standard Ebooks – Similar to Gutenberg, but their volunteers clean up the formatting and fix typos. Great for a smoother reading experience.
• Internet Archive/Open Library – Not everything here is public domain, but it does let you “borrow” ebooks like a library.

It’s not just Shakespeare and Jane Austen, but also there are spooky tales, wild adventures, and forgotten sci-fi treasures in there too.

5. Your Local Library: Borrow Ebooks With a Library Card

If you have a library card, you probably already know you can borrow paper books. But many libraries also have a digital collection you can access from your phone, tablet, or e-reader.

Popular ebook platforms used by libraries:

• Libby (by OverDrive) – Download the app, connect your library card, and start borrowing. Super easy to use.
• Hoopla – Includes ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and even comics. All free with your library card.

6. Subscription Services: Read More, Pay Less

If you’re a frequent reader, a subscription might be a smart way to go. Think of it like Netflix for books. You pay a flat monthly fee and can read as much as you want (within the catalogue). Here are a few options:

• Kindle Unlimited (Amazon) – Offers a huge range of books, including many indie titles, romance, fantasy, and some nonfiction. The price of Kindle Unlimited varies depending on your country, and you can often find free trials or promotional discounts.
• Kobo Plus – Similar to Kindle Unlimited, but with a slightly different selection. The price varies depending on if you subscribe to audiobooks as well. It works on Kobo e-readers and in the Kobo app.
• Scribd (Everand) – Scribd offers a subscription service with access to ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and even sheet music for one flat monthly fee. Recently, Scribd rebranded its book content as Everand, so if you have a Scribd subscription, you automatically have access to Everand’s ebook and audiobook catalogue too. Some content rotates regularly, but it’s a great option for readers who enjoy a wide variety of digital media.

All of these services let you read more than you could ever finish in a month, even if you’re a fast reader into fast-reading genres like romance, YA, or thrillers.

The Real Cost of Pirated Books

You are not listing online that offer free downloads of bestselling books, including new releases. They look tempting, but those are pirated copies. That means someone uploaded them without permission, and downloading them is illegal.

The hard truth for authors and publishers is that it’s extremely rare for anyone to face legal consequences for downloading pirated books, but keep in mind that piracy hurts authors, especially indie authors who don’t have big publishing companies behind them. Writing a book takes time, effort, and money. When books are stolen and shared without permission, authors lose income that helps them keep writing.

It might not feel like a big deal, but imagine if someone stole your unique years-long business plan – crafted through countless hours of research, sleepless nights, and hard-won expertise – and handed it to someone else to distribute the products you designed for free. Luckily, there’s no need to resort to piracy. As this list shows, there are lots of ways to read until your eyes fall out without breaking the bank.