Readwise Launches New Reading App to Rival Amazon's Kindle and Goodreads

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Readwise introduces Readwise Books, an app combining an e-book store, detailed reading metrics, and AI tools, aiming to challenge Amazon's Kindle and Goodreads ecosystem.

Readwise, known for its digital reading tools and highlight management, has launched a new app called Readwise Books. The app seeks to compete directly with Amazon's Kindle and Goodreads by offering a combined platform to purchase, read, and track books all in one place. Positioned by Readwise as a hybrid between Kindle and Goodreads, Readwise Books offers access to "millions" of e-books from major publishers in the U.S., alongside print books (via Bookshop.org) and some audiobooks.

What sets Readwise Books apart is its focus on rich, detailed reading statistics beyond simple metrics like dates read or completion status. Users can visualize data on words read, reading pace, depth, immersion, and session frequency, which the company likens to a "Strava for reading." This approach aims to motivate readers by making their progress measurable without relying on traditional motivation tools such as goals or streaks.

The app supports reading e-books purchased through its store as well as uploaded DRM-free EPUB files, and can read text aloud using built-in text-to-speech functionality. It also features tools to track reading sessions on external platforms like Kindle’s browser-based Cloud Reader and enables users to photograph physical book pages to log progress. Beyond tracking, Readwise Books fosters community aspects, allowing users to share progress with friends.

Readwise is integrating AI-powered features with publisher cooperation—thus far only HarperCollins has participated—including AI-generated session recaps, word definitions, translations, and the ability to ask contextual questions about the text. The company is also promoting openness through a public API and an MCP server, enabling customized AI tools such as personalized book recommendations or automated session logging.

Currently in beta and invite-only (except for existing Readwise subscribers), the app remains free initially, with some advanced AI features planned to be behind a subscription paywall. Readwise’s previous apps have a subscription model priced at $7.99 to $9.99 per month. This launch arrives amid growing competition in the e-book reading and tracking space, where many services are seeking to offer alternatives to Amazon’s dominant ecosystem, which still holds an 83% market share including Kindle Unlimited.

By combining a broad book catalog, enriched reading analytics, and AI integrations, Readwise Books aims to provide a more engaging and data-driven reading experience that appeals to book lovers seeking both convenience and deeper insight into their reading habits.