15 Amazing Websites to Download Free English Books (2026)

Reading in English is one of the most natural and powerful ways to improve your vocabulary, grammar, and overall fluency. When you read real books — not just textbooks — you start to understand how English is used in stories, emotions, dialogue, and everyday thinking. That’s why free English books online are such a valuable resource for learners and readers all over the world.

The good news is that you don’t need to spend money to build your English reading library. There are many trusted websites that offer free and legal English books — from classic literature and short stories to modern learning materials and children’s books. If you also enjoy classic stories, don’t miss our curated collection here: Free English Story Books (PDF Downloads).

Below, you’ll find 15 of the best and most reliable platforms to download or read English books online for free.

Where to Download Free English Books (Legal & Safe)

1. Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg offers over 60,000 public-domain English books, including classics by Shakespeare, Dickens, Austen, and more.

Website: https://www.gutenberg.org

2. Internet Archive

Internet Archive lets you borrow millions of English books online for free, including modern titles and learning materials.

Website: https://archive.org

3. Open Library

Open Library allows you to borrow English books digitally — great for novels, textbooks, and non-fiction.

Website: https://openlibrary.org

4. ManyBooks

ManyBooks is perfect for fiction lovers and English learners who enjoy classics and short stories.

Website: https://manybooks.net

5. International Children’s Digital Library

Great for beginners and young learners with illustrated English storybooks.

Website: http://en.childrenslibrary.org

6. Free-eBooks.net

Offers free fiction and educational English books (registration required).

Website: https://www.free-ebooks.net

7. FreeEditorial

FreeEditorial offers free English books, academic texts, and educational resources.

Website: https://www.freeditorial.com

8. Google Books

Google Books lets you preview and sometimes fully read English books for free.

Website: https://books.google.com

9. Loyal Books (formerly Books Should Be Free)

Offers audiobooks + text versions of public-domain books. Excellent for combined listening and reading practice.

Website: https://www.loyalbooks.com

10. LibriVox (Text + Audio)

Read and listen to public-domain English books — perfect for pronunciation practice.

Website: https://librivox.org

11. Oxford Owl

Free English reading books for learners and children from Oxford.

Website: https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk

12. Smashwords (Free Section)

Thousands of free English eBooks by independent authors.

Website: https://www.smashwords.com

13. BookBoon

Free English textbooks for students and professionals.

Website: https://bookboon.com

14. Saylor Academy

Free English textbooks and open educational resources.

Website: https://www.saylor.org/books

15. PDF Drive

Search and download free English PDFs (always check legality per title).

Website: https://www.pdfdrive.com

These platforms give you legal access to thousands of English books for learning, practice, and enjoyment. If you know another great resource, share it in the comments and help other English learners grow.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free English Books

Are these free English books legal to download?

Yes. All the websites listed in this article offer books that are either in the public domain or shared with permission from authors and publishers. You can download and read them safely and legally.

Can I use these books to learn English?

Absolutely. Reading English books helps improve vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. Many learners use stories, novels, and short books to build real-life language skills.

What format are these English books in?

Most websites offer PDF, EPUB, and Kindle formats. This means you can read them on your phone, tablet, computer, or eReader.

Do I need to register to download free English books?

Some websites allow instant downloads without an account, while others ask for free registration. Registration is usually quick and safe.

Are these books good for beginners?

Yes. Many of the platforms include easy English books, children’s stories, and graded readers that are perfect for beginners and intermediate learners.

Can I use these books in my classroom or for teaching?

In most cases, yes—especially for public-domain books. Teachers often use free English books for lessons, reading practice, and homework assignments.