The Readwise Books app has entered beta, bringing an ebook marketplace, reading tracker and social features into one platform. Developed by Readwise, the service aims to compete with Amazon Kindle and Goodreads by offering detailed reading statistics and access to a large digital book catalog.
The bootstrapped company previously developed Readwise Reader, an app for saving articles, documents and highlights. Its latest product expands that approach to book purchasing and reading. The new ebook store offers millions of titles from major publishers and is initially available to U.S. customers.
Readwise also sells print books through a distributor used by Bookshop.org and offers selected audiobooks. The app is available on iOS and Android, including compatible Android-based e-readers.
Readwise Books App Tracks More Than Finished Titles
Unlike Goodreads, which primarily tracks books and reading progress, Readwise Books records individual reading sessions. Users can monitor words read, reading speed, time spent, immersion and other activity metrics.
The company compares its tracking system to Strava, the fitness app known for detailed workout statistics. Readwise believes measuring reading activity can encourage users to read more without relying on streaks or rigid goals.
Readers can also share their activity through a social feed, allowing friends to follow their progress. The feature is optional, and users can keep their reading information private.
Additional tools support books purchased outside the platform. Kindle users can import their libraries and track sessions through Amazon’s browser-based Cloud Reader. Physical book readers can photograph pages to record progress, while DRM-free EPUB files can be uploaded directly.
Readwise Challenges Amazon’s Established Ebook Business
Amazon remains the dominant U.S. ebook retailer. An industry market estimate places its share as high as 83% when Kindle Unlimited subscriptions are included, although estimates vary.
Amazon also benefits from its integrated hardware and software ecosystem, including its recently redesigned Kindle devices. Readwise does not manufacture e-readers but supports Android-based alternatives, including BOOX devices. These offer greater flexibility for installing third-party reading apps.
The new platform also includes AI-powered reading assistance, with features such as definitions, translations, session summaries and contextual questions. These tools are limited to uploaded ebooks and titles whose publishers have authorized AI use.
For developers, Readwise provides a public API and Model Context Protocol server. These integrations can help AI assistants analyze reading histories, suggest books and organize personal reading libraries.
Readwise Books Pricing and Availability
The Readwise Books app is free, although readers must purchase ebooks separately. Some AI and text-to-speech features are expected to become part of an optional paid membership.
The company’s existing Reader and Highlights services each cost $7.99 monthly when billed annually. A combined subscription costs $9.99 per month under annual billing.
Readwise Books remains in an invite-only beta, with existing subscribers receiving immediate access. The company plans broader availability before the end of 2026, while ebook sales outside the United States will follow later.
