Google Play Books & Audiobooks: Reading App
Google Play Books & Audiobooks is an ebook and audiobook app by Google LLC that lets users buy, download and read titles across devices.
Download the appGoogle Play Books & Audiobooks offers ebooks, audiobooks, comics and manga in one place, with offline downloads, custom shelves, synced notes and previews before purchase. It suits readers who want to buy individual titles without a subscription, including families using the kid-friendly reading tools.
- File Size
- 22 MB
- Needs Android
- 7.0
- Last Refresh
- 30.09.2026
- Downloads
- 1B+
- Score
- ★ 4.68 (3 249 847)
- Genre
- Education
- Creator
- Google LLC
- Content rating
- Teen
- Package
- com.google.android.apps.books
- Free
- ✓ · In-app purchases
Snapshots
Google Play Books & Audiobooks is an e-reader and audiobook application by Google LLC that provides access to a large catalog of digital content, including ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and manga. The app addresses the challenge of managing and enjoying a personal book collection across multiple devices by offering a unified platform where users can purchase, download, and read or listen to titles. It solves the problem of fragmented reading experiences through features like offline downloads, cross-device synchronization, and a customizable reading interface. The app also includes tools for note-taking, kid-friendly reading assistance, and hands-free audiobook control, making it a comprehensive solution for digital book consumption.
Key features
- Access millions of ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and manga within a single application.
- Download books for offline reading and listening.
- Create custom shelves to organize your digital library by genre, author, or theme.
- Take notes that sync with Google Drive and can be shared for collaboration.
- Use kid-friendly reading tools, including word definitions and read-aloud functionality (available in English only).
- Experience comics and manga with Bubble Zoom for a more immersive reading.
- Control audiobook playback with voice commands via Google Assistant.
- Customize reading by adjusting font, text size, brightness, and other display settings.
How to install
- Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file for Google Play Books & Audiobooks, which is about 22 MB in size.
- When prompted by your Android device, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the 'Install unknown apps' setting.
- Open the downloaded APK file from your notification bar or file manager.
- Tap the 'Install' button and wait for the installation to complete.
- Once installed, open the app from your app drawer or home screen. Note that the app requires Android 7.0 or higher.
Pros
- No subscription required—pay only for the books you want.
- Works across multiple devices, including phones, tablets, and Android Auto.
- Offline reading and listening supported via downloads.
- Free to download with no ads.
- Includes features like notes syncing with Google Drive and custom shelves.
- Provides previews (samples) before purchasing a book.
Cons
- Contains in-app purchases for books and audiobooks.
- Requires permissions for identity, contacts, photos/media/files, storage, and microphone, which may concern privacy-focused users.
- Reading practice tools and book insights are only available in select English titles.
- Play Points rewards are not available in all countries and vary by region.
Fresh Updates
This update improves the ease of use of the text selection menu when reading ebooks. It also reminds users that they can upload EPUB and PDF files to read on all their devices, and download purchased ebooks and audiobooks to other compatible devices when the publisher allows it.
Past Builds
| Version | File Size | Needs Android | Last Refresh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026.9.18.0 (389836) | 22 MB | 7.0 | 03.10.2026 |
| 2026.9.4.1 (386871) | 22 MB | 7.0 | 24.09.2026 |
This app is suited for readers who want a single application to purchase, organize, and consume digital books and audiobooks. It appeals to casual readers looking for a large selection of titles without a subscription, as well as power users who value cross-device synchronization, offline access, and customization. Parents may find the kid-friendly reading tools useful, while commuters can benefit from audiobook playback and Android Auto integration. It's also appropriate for comic and manga enthusiasts due to the specialized Bubble Zoom feature.
To save mobile data, download books and audiobooks while connected to Wi-Fi. Use custom shelves to keep your library organized, and try the preview feature before purchasing to ensure a title fits your taste. For hands-free listening, enable Google Assistant voice commands while driving.
Access Rights
Curious?
Is Google Play Books & Audiobooks free to download?
Yes. The app is listed at no cost, though it does include optional in-app purchases for books and other content.
Which Android version do I need to run it?
Android 7.0 or later is required. Make sure your device meets that minimum before installing.
How large is the download?
The file is about 22 MB, so it should not take long to download or take up much space on your device.
Do I need an account to use the app?
You need to sign in with an account to access your library, sync books across devices and make purchases. The app requests Identity permissions, which are used for that sign-in.
What permissions does the app ask for?
It requests access to Identity, Contacts, Photos/Media/Files, Storage and Microphone. These support things like account sign-in, reading and managing your files, and voice features such as audiobook controls.
How do I update to the newest version?
Download the latest version from this page and install it over your current copy. The most recent releases listed here are 2026.9.18.0 and 2026.9.4.1.
Google Play Books & Audiobooks is a versatile and feature-rich application for managing a digital book collection. It offers a solid balance of convenience and customization, making it a strong choice for Android users who read or listen regularly.
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Last Refresh: 24.10.2026