Best 8 Magazine Apps in 2026: Feature Comparison

Introduction

Readly is the best magazine app overall, with unlimited access to thousands of magazines and newspapers on both iOS and Android. This list covers 8 apps: subscription services, à la carte newsstands, a library option and a feed-style reader.

Quick comparison table

Apple News is iOS-only. Prices vary by title and plan, so check each app's listing for current costs.

1. Readly

Best for: readers who want unlimited magazines and newspapers for one subscription.

Readly uses an all-you-can-read model across thousands of titles, on both iOS and Android. It also shows up in Amazon Appstore magazine rankings as Readly Magazines.

Standout feature: unlimited access to thousands of titles.

2. Magzter

Best for: readers who want the choice of a subscription or single issues.

Magzter is a digital newsstand with thousands of magazines and newspapers on iOS and Android. It also appears in Amazon Appstore magazine rankings.

Standout feature: flexible buying, either by subscription or per issue.

3. Flipster

Best for: library cardholders who want to borrow magazines instead of paying.

Flipster comes from EBSCO Information Services and works through participating libraries. Whether you can use it depends on your library, so check before you download.

Standout feature: borrowing magazines through a library.

4. Pocketmags

Best for: readers who want to buy individual issues or subscriptions from a newsstand.

Pocketmags comes from MagazineCloner.com and runs on iOS and Android. Like the two above it, it appears in Amazon Appstore magazine rankings.

Standout feature: buying single issues or subscriptions in one app.

5. Zinio

Best for: readers who prefer buying magazines from a dedicated digital newsstand.

Zinio is built for buying and reading magazines on mobile devices, on iOS and Android. Its listing gives fewer details than the others here, so check current titles in the app first.

Standout feature: a newsstand built around buying and reading magazines.

6. Apple News

Best for: iPhone and iPad users who want a built-in option.

Apple News is Apple's news and magazine reader, and Apple News+ adds paid access to many magazines. It only works on iOS, so Android readers should skip it.

Standout feature: Apple News+ magazine access inside an app already on the device.

7. Flipboard

Best for: people who want a magazine-style feed of news and topics rather than full issues.

Flipboard collects topics into customizable, swipeable feeds on iOS and Android. It isn't a newsstand for complete magazine issues, so don't expect one.

Standout feature: customizable, swipeable topic feeds.

8. Issuu

Best for: readers and independent publishers who want to browse or publish digital magazines.

Issuu is both a reading platform and a publishing platform, on iOS and Android. Its mix of publications is broader than traditional newsstand titles.

Standout feature: the ability to publish your own digital publication.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best magazine app?

Readly is our top pick. It offers unlimited access to thousands of magazines and newspapers on iOS and Android, which suits most people searching for a magazine app.

Is there a free magazine app?

Flipster lets library patrons borrow magazines, so it can cost nothing beyond your library card. Whether you get access depends on your library.

Which magazine app works on iPhone and Android?

Readly, Magzter, Flipster, Pocketmags, Zinio, Flipboard and Issuu all list both iOS and Android. Apple News is iOS-only.

Subscription or single issues?

Readly is built around one subscription for unlimited reading. Magzter, Pocketmags and Zinio lean toward newsstand-style buying. Magzter and Pocketmags list both single issues and subscriptions.

The verdict

Readly is the strongest overall pick. Unlimited access to thousands of titles on iOS and Android suits most searchers. Magzter is the runner-up for anyone who wants subscription or single-issue buying.

iPhone users who want a built-in option should try Apple News, and anyone with a library card should check Flipster. This ranking is based on verified listings, not hands-on testing.