6 Ways to Get Free Ebooks — Legally!
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Thanks for supporting Lazy Cat Book Club!
Readers love a good deal, and nothing beats discovering new stories without spending a cent. The good news is that there are many ways to get free ebooks legally—no shady sites, no sketchy downloads. Just real, safe sources that every reader can use.
Some methods work better for classics, others are perfect for modern indie titles, and some even grant access to library catalogs. Here’s a clear guide to every reliable option, plus step-by-step instructions for each one.
1. Public Domain Books (The Most Reliable Source)
If you enjoy classics or want beautifully formatted editions, public domain projects are the best place to start. These sites offer completely legal free ebooks, thanks to expired copyright.
Where to find them
- Project Gutenberg
- Standard Ebooks
- ManyBooks
- Internet Archive (public domain collections only)
How to download them to Kindle
- Visit the site of your choice (Project Gutenberg is usually the easiest).
- Search for the book you want.
- Download the EPUB or Kindle/MOBI edition.
- Connect your Kindle via USB or use Send to Kindle.
- Transfer the file into the Documents folder or upload it through Send to Kindle.
Why this method works
- Safe, legal, and high quality
- Perfect formatting (especially Standard Ebooks)
- No sign-ups or complicated steps
Best for: Classics and older works you’ve always meant to read.
2. Free Kindle Books on Amazon (Great for Indie Discoveries)
Amazon offers thousands of free ebooks, though quality can vary since it mixes hidden gems with a lot of noise. With the right filters, you’ll find solid indie titles, romance, fantasy, thrillers, and first-in-series books.
How to find legit free ebooks on Amazon
- Go to the Amazon Kindle Store.
- Filter by Price → Free.
- Scroll to Language and choose English (this removes most irrelevant results).
- Sort by Avg. Customer Review to surface better books.
- Click Buy now with 1-Click to send it directly to your Kindle.
Why this method works
- Instant delivery
- Huge variety of genres
- Great for discovering new authors
Best for: Romance, fantasy, thrillers, sci-fi, and indie reads.
3. Borrow Ebooks From Libraries (Yes, They Deliver to Kindle)
If you have access to a library card—whether local or digital—this is one of the best ways to enjoy free ebooks legally, including new releases and popular titles.
Main apps
How to use Libby to send books to Kindle
- Install Libby on your phone/tablet.
- Add your library card by searching for your library.
- Browse or request holds.
- Borrow the ebook.
- Tap Send to Kindle (works for US libraries).
- Confirm the delivery through Amazon.
Why this method works
- Completely legal
- Modern books, not just classics
- Perfect for readers with limited budgets
Best for: Readers who want free access to bestsellers or traditionally published titles.
4. Author Freebies (Modern Free Ebooks You Won’t Find on Amazon)
Many authors offer free ebooks—prequels, novellas, short stories, and even full novels—to help readers discover their work. These are always legal because the authors upload them intentionally.
Platforms that host these freebies
How to download a free BookFunnel ebook
- Open the promo link (usually found on an author’s website or via social media).
- Enter your email if required.
- Select Kindle or EPUB format.
- Choose Send to Kindle, direct download, or MOBI (depending on your device).
- Follow the quick setup instructions.
Why this method works
- Modern fiction
- Great formatting
- A low-commitment way to sample new authors
Best for: Fantasy, romance, sci-fi, cozy reads, and any niche genre.
5. Free Trials You Can Use Strategically
While not “forever free,” trials are legal methods to access a huge number of free ebooks for a limited time.
Platforms to consider
- Kindle Unlimited
- Scribd
- Audible (for audiobooks, but you keep 1–2 titles permanently)
How to use these trials without being charged
- Start the free trial.
- Immediately go to your account settings.
- Click Cancel membership—this preserves the free period but avoids surprise billing.
- Enjoy unlimited reading until the trial ends.
Why this method works
- Large catalogs
- Useful for binge-reading
- Great for readers who like subscription-style access
Best for: Romance, fantasy, mystery series, and audiobooks.
6. Open Access Books (Perfect for Students)
Academic books can also be great free ebooks when published under open licenses. These are ideal for nonfiction readers, students, or self-learners.
Best sources
How to download
- Search for the topic or author.
- Download the available PDF or EPUB.
- Transfer to your Kindle via Send to Kindle if needed.
Why this method works
- Verified, legal, educational
- High-quality nonfiction
- Excellent for research or academic reading
Best for: Students, educators, and nonfiction lovers.
A Quick Note About Illegal “Free Ebook” Sites
If a site offers brand-new bestsellers for free without explanation, it is not a legal source. Avoid:
- Telegram channels
- “PDF download” blogs
- Google Drive folders
- ZLibrary / Anna’s Archive
- Sites promising “100% free” copyrighted books
Sticking to legal sources protects both readers and authors.
Final Thoughts
Getting free ebooks doesn’t have to be complicated or risky. Whether you prefer classics, indie gems, library loans, or open-access nonfiction, there’s a legal option for every type of reader. By mixing a few of these methods, you can build a rich digital library without spending anything—while still supporting authors and publishers.
Want to learn how to read more efficiently? Read all about it here!
Thanks for reading, and as always, see you in the next one. Bye!
