Free EPUB Readers for Multilingual Book Lovers
Key Highlights:
- BookTranslator.ai: Translates EPUB/PDF books into 99+ languages with AI, retaining the original format. Offers audio features and supports multimodal content.
- Thorium Reader: Free, open-source app with excellent screen reader compatibility, customizable display, and support for EPUB, DAISY, and PDFs.
- Icecream Ebook Reader: Windows-only app with text-to-speech, dark mode, and support for multiple formats like EPUB, MOBI, and PDF.
- Adobe Digital Editions (ADE): Handles DRM-protected content, supports EPUB3 and Asian scripts, and syncs across devices.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | BookTranslator.ai | Thorium Reader | Icecream Ebook Reader | Adobe Digital Editions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Translation | Yes (99+ languages) | No | No | No |
| Accessibility | Audio, basic support | Excellent | Basic | Basic |
| File Formats | EPUB, PDF | EPUB, DAISY, PDF | EPUB, MOBI, PDF | EPUB, PDF |
| DRM Support | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cross-Platform Sync | No | No | No | Yes |
| Platform | Web-based | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows only | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
Each tool offers unique features for multilingual readers, from AI-powered translations to robust accessibility options. Choose based on your needs - translation, accessibility, or device compatibility.
2024 LIST: 6 Best ePub Readers for Windows, Mac and iPad
1. BookTranslator.ai
BookTranslator.ai is designed to provide fast, accurate translations for readers navigating books in different languages. Using the ChatGPT API, it can translate entire EPUB or PDF files in less than a minute. This allows readers to enjoy books in their preferred language while maintaining the original tone, style, and intent of the author.
Language Support and Localization
The platform supports over 75 languages, including popular choices like Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, German, and more. To make the process even smoother, it offers quicklinks for the top 20 language pairs, such as English to Spanish, Chinese to English, and French to German. A standout feature is the bilingual comparison tool, which displays the original text alongside its translation. This not only helps readers understand the context but also aids in learning new vocabulary.
Accessibility Features
BookTranslator.ai goes beyond just text translation. Its "Read to Me" feature converts translated books into audio, catering to readers with visual impairments or those who prefer listening. Additionally, the platform supports multimodal content translation, handling text, audio, comments, and even video captions, ensuring a seamless and inclusive reading experience.
File Format Compatibility
The platform is compatible with both EPUB and PDF files, supporting uploads up to 50 MB. It retains the original document’s layout, styling, and structure, ensuring that the translated version looks polished and professional.
Privacy and Security
BookTranslator.ai places a strong emphasis on protecting user data. Uploaded files are temporarily stored in encrypted cloud storage and are used solely for translation. Files are automatically deleted after seven days. Secure HTTPS encryption ensures safe data transmission, and translated files are accessible only through time-limited download links. For those seeking extra privacy, files can be processed entirely in memory and discarded immediately after translation, with no permanent data storage. For further information or privacy concerns, users can contact the platform at privacy@booktranslator.ai or review the privacy policies of its integrated services.
2. Thorium Reader
Thorium Reader is a free, open-source EPUB reader crafted to emphasize multilingual support and accessibility. Created by EDRLab, this desktop application is designed to make digital books approachable for everyone.
Language Support and Localization
Thorium Reader goes the extra mile in supporting publications in virtually every language while offering its interface in multiple localized versions. By February 2021, version 1.6 was available in 13 languages, and the team continues to expand this list through regular updates and community collaboration.
In February 2025, the release of Thorium 3.1 introduced an updated annotation export/import vocabulary and a detailed localization context table, both made possible by contributions from its user community.
These efforts underscore the app’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Accessibility Features
Thorium Reader is packed with features tailored for users with visual, cognitive, or motor challenges. It earned high marks on epubtest.org, with version 1.8 scoring 100% for non-visual reading, mathematics, and extended descriptions, and 86.67% for basic functions.
The app works seamlessly with popular screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, Narrator, and VoiceOver. It also offers flexible navigation options, allowing users to choose between mouse and keyboard, with customizable keyboard shortcuts to suit individual preferences. Display settings are highly adjustable, letting users modify colors, text size, spacing, fonts, and layout. Plus, it supports all fonts installed on the user’s computer and allows images to be enlarged using Shift+click.
In January 2022, EDRLab rolled out Thorium Reader 1.8.0, which introduced several new accessibility enhancements. These included full DAISY 2.02 support, better keyboard focus management for screen readers, notifications for bookmark management, and improved handling of MathML synthetic speech.
Users have been vocal about their appreciation for these features:
"I am very happy to have found this app. Its simple, easy to use, and most importantly, its very friendly for people who are blind and visually impaired." – Noberto, USA
"I love Thorium and have introduced it to my students for reading any digital content. It is doubly good when something that makes reading more accessible for visually impaired people is also something that makes things more flexible for all. It makes it so much easier to get buy-in for using it." – Suzanne Norman, Simon Fraser University, Canada
File Format Compatibility
Thorium Reader supports a wide range of formats, including EPUB 3 (both reflowable and fixed-layout), PDF, DAISY 2.02 and 3 ebooks, audiobooks, visual narratives, and Readium LCP DRM-protected publications.
This versatility ensures that readers can enjoy a variety of content without worrying about compatibility. Whether you’re diving into translated works, original-language publications, or accessible formats, Thorium Reader delivers a reliable and consistent reading experience across all file types.
3. Icecream Ebook Reader
Icecream Ebook Reader is a straightforward app designed for Windows users, offering a range of multilingual and accessibility features. According to UpdateStar, it had 1,477 update checks last month.
Language Support and Localization
This ebook reader supports over 45 interface languages, including Afrikaans, Arabic, Belarusian, Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, German, Greek, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Simplified Chinese.
Switching to your preferred language is easy - just head to the settings menu. If you've recently updated your Windows language settings, you can refresh the app to access any newly available voice and language options. These features, combined with thoughtful accessibility options, make it a versatile tool for a global audience.
Accessibility Features
Icecream Ebook Reader is packed with features that cater to diverse user needs, enhancing the overall reading experience. The built-in text-to-speech functionality can read ebooks aloud in various languages, making it especially useful for visually impaired users or those who prefer listening to their books.
For a more personalized experience, you can adjust the font type, size, and line spacing. The app also includes a dark mode to reduce eye strain, particularly during extended reading sessions in dim lighting.
Software reviewer Elena Angelini from UpdateStar highlighted its user-friendly design, saying:
"Icecream Ebook Reader offers a seamless reading experience with a variety of features to enhance your digital book collection."
TechRadar also praised its sleek design and customization options, stating, "Icecream Ebook Reader looks great and is easy to customize for comfortable reading in any lighting conditions".
File Format Compatibility
Icecream Ebook Reader supports a wide range of file formats, including EPUB, MOBI, PDF, FB2, CBR, CBZ, and TXT. This flexibility allows users to manage various ebook formats within a single app. However, it’s worth noting that DRM-protected content is not supported.
The app is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, making it accessible to users across multiple operating system versions. Notably, version 6.2, released on September 18, 2013, introduced "Improved Accessibility Support", reflecting the developer's dedication to inclusive design.
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4. Adobe Digital Editions
If you're looking for an ebook reader that handles multiple languages effortlessly, Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) might be just what you need. This free tool supports popular formats like EPUB, EPUB3, and PDF, while offering a range of features designed to cater to multilingual and accessibility needs.
Language Support and Localization
ADE shines when it comes to language options. It offers its interface in 11 languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. Its advanced support for Asian languages is particularly noteworthy, with features like vertical text mode, TCY, Ruby annotations, Kenten emphasis, and Kinsoku rules ensuring proper text display for complex scripts [28–29]. Plus, ADE can handle content in multiple languages simultaneously, making it a great choice for readers who frequently switch between different language texts.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is another strong suit of ADE. It integrates smoothly with assistive technologies on both Windows and Mac, offering compatibility with popular screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, Window-Eyes, and VoiceOver [27,29,31]. It also supports complete keyboard navigation, text enlargement, and high-contrast modes, making it easier for users with various needs. ADE even includes a guide detailing all keyboard shortcuts. For Mac users, a handy feature allows VoiceOver to read dialog box contents aloud by pressing Ctrl+Option+W [29,31]. Its support for the EPUB3 format ensures compatibility with modern assistive tools, though users need to enable their preferred assistive applications separately.
File Format Compatibility
When it comes to file support, ADE covers the essentials: EPUB, EPUB3, and PDF. This ensures accurate rendering of multilingual content and includes the ability to manage DRM-protected files via online activation. Additionally, ADE allows users to download and transfer books across devices, offering seamless access on Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android platforms [32,33]. Whether you're reading on your laptop or your phone, your library stays with you.
Feature Comparison Table
Here’s a breakdown of key features across popular EPUB readers designed for multilingual books. If you’re looking for smooth language transitions and broad accessibility, this comparison will help you find the best tool for your needs.
| Feature | BookTranslator.ai<br>(Web-based) | Thorium Reader<br>(Desktop: Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux) | Icecream Ebook Reader<br>(Windows only) | Adobe Digital Editions<br>(Computers and mobile devices) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Interface | English | Supports multiple languages | English | 11 languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese) [28–29] |
| Translation Features | AI-driven translations for 99+ languages | None | None | None |
| File Format Support | EPUB (up to 50MB) | EPUB, EPUB3, PDF, DAISY | EPUB, PDF, MOBI, FB2 | EPUB, EPUB3, PDF |
| Accessibility Features | Basic accessibility | Excellent screen reader support, read-aloud, and visual adjustments | Basic accessibility | Basic screen reader compatibility; lacks advanced visual options and read-aloud features |
| DRM Support | No | Yes | Limited | Yes (Adobe ADEPT DRM) |
| Asian Language Support | Full support through translation | Standard EPUB3 support | Standard support | Advanced support for vertical text and annotations [28–29] |
| Cross-Platform Sync | No (translation service only) | No | No | Yes (syncs across devices) |
| Pricing | $5.99–$9.99 per 100,000 words | Free | Free | Free |
| Special Features | Keeps original formatting during translation | DAISY format support; no account needed | Library management; note-taking | Handles DRM-protected content |
This table highlights how each platform caters to different aspects of multilingual reading, from translation capabilities to accessibility and device compatibility.
Key Considerations for Multilingual Readers:
Choosing the right EPUB reader depends on your specific needs. For instance, platform compatibility is a critical factor. Icecream Ebook Reader is restricted to Windows, while Adobe Digital Editions works across both computers and mobile devices. Thorium Reader, on the other hand, supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Language support is another major differentiator. Adobe Digital Editions shines with an interface in 11 languages and advanced features for Asian scripts [28–29], while BookTranslator.ai focuses on translating book content into over 99 languages.
If accessibility is a priority, Thorium Reader stands out with its strong screen reader support, read-aloud features, and visual customization options. Adobe Digital Editions, while offering basic screen reader compatibility, lacks these advanced capabilities.
For those handling DRM-protected content, both Thorium Reader and Adobe Digital Editions offer support, with Adobe utilizing its ADEPT DRM system.
Finally, cross-platform synchronization is a valuable feature for readers who frequently switch devices. Adobe Digital Editions ensures seamless access to your library across laptops and mobile devices.
Conclusion
Each tool brings unique features to the table, enhancing the reading experience for a diverse audience. Thorium Reader stands out with its excellent screen reader support and extensive visual customization options, making it a top choice for readers with varying accessibility needs.
Icecream Ebook Reader shines in library management, offering flexible annotation tools, text-to-speech functionality, and a dark mode for a more comfortable reading experience.
Adobe Digital Editions is a go-to for handling DRM-protected content and supporting multiple languages. Its cross-platform synchronization ensures seamless access to your library across devices.
Then there’s BookTranslator.ai, which tackles a challenge most EPUB readers don’t: translating book content itself. While traditional readers focus on interface localization and reading aids, BookTranslator.ai transforms entire texts into over 99 languages, all while preserving the original formatting and meaning. This is particularly important as the eBook market, valued at $20 billion globally, continues to expand, with readers demanding more multilingual options. By addressing language barriers, BookTranslator.ai opens up the world of literature to readers everywhere, aligning with projections that the electronic publication industry will reach $10.53 billion by 2031.
For multilingual readers, the process is simple: translate EPUB books using BookTranslator.ai and enjoy them on your favorite reader. This approach not only bridges language gaps but also ensures that global literature is accessible to all, regardless of the original publication language.
The future of reading lies in eliminating language barriers entirely, allowing every reader to enjoy any book in their native language while preserving the author’s voice and intent. This vision brings us closer to a world where literature knows no bounds.
FAQs
How does BookTranslator.ai keep a book's original formatting and meaning intact during translation?
BookTranslator.ai leverages cutting-edge AI to deliver translations that stay true to the original book's intent and style. Instead of simply translating word-for-word, it prioritizes capturing the overall meaning, ensuring the author’s tone, style, and message shine through.
The platform also takes great care to preserve the book’s structure - chapters, text formatting, and metadata are all maintained. The result? A translated version that mirrors the original layout, offering readers a smooth and faithful experience in more than 99 supported languages.
What accessibility features does Thorium Reader provide for visually impaired users?
Thorium Reader offers a wide range of accessibility features designed to assist users with visual impairments. It integrates smoothly with well-known screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, Narrator, and VoiceOver. Additionally, it includes a read-aloud function that highlights words visually as they are spoken, making navigation much easier.
The app allows users to personalize their reading experience with options like adjustable text sizes, various color themes, high-contrast modes, and fonts specifically designed for individuals with dyslexia. It also supports full keyboard navigation and provides the ability to resize images, making it convenient to use without relying on a mouse. These thoughtful features create an inclusive and adaptable environment for all readers.
Does Adobe Digital Editions support DRM-protected books on multiple devices, and can it display content in different languages?
Adobe Digital Editions allows you to access DRM-protected books across multiple devices, as long as they’re all activated with the same user ID. This means you can enjoy your books effortlessly, no matter where you are or which device you're using.
The app also supports a variety of languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. For Japanese readers, it offers additional features like vertical text mode and Ruby annotations, ensuring a smooth and tailored reading experience.