Organizing a book club or reading group in 2026 doesn't require everyone to own the same device or subscribe to the same service. This hub page brings together everything you need to sync ebooks across Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and Android — from format selection to progress tracking. Whether your group reads Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or current bestsellers, these tools and strategies work for any genre.
Why Reading Groups Struggle With Digital Books
A book club works only when everyone is reading the same edition at the same pace. But when members use different devices — Kindle, Kobo, iPhone, Android tablet — progress drift becomes the #1 frustration. One person finishes Chapter 5 while another is stuck on Chapter 2 because their app never synced.
The core problem: Each platform locks reading progress inside its own cloud. Amazon syncs only within Kindle. Apple Books syncs only within iCloud. Kobo has its own system. Google Play Books is the one exception that works across devices.
The solution: Standardize on EPUB as your group format, use Google Play Books for cross-platform sync, and let BookConv handle any format conversions your members need.
Step 1: Pick the Right Format for Your Group
EPUB: The universal choice for mixed-device groups. EPUB opens natively on Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and most Android readers. If your club has mixed brands, EPUB is the common language.
AZW3 / MOBI: Kindle-only. Use these only when every member uses a Kindle device. They exclude non-Kindle readers entirely.
PDF: Same layout, no reflow. Good for academic groups or poetry collections where identical page numbers matter for discussion. Poor for e-ink readers.
Practical rule: Start with EPUB. Use BookConv to convert any incompatible files (LIT, FB2, DJVU) so every member receives a format their device actually opens.
Step 2: Choose Your Sync Method
Method A: Google Play Books (Recommended for mixed groups)
- One member uploads the EPUB to Play Books via browser
- Share the book link with all members
- Everyone opens it in their own Play Books library
- Progress syncs automatically across all signed-in devices
Method B: Kindle Family Library (Kindle-only groups)
- The organizer enables Amazon Household sharing
- Purchased or converted AZW3 files appear in every linked library
- Whispersync keeps position aligned across devices
Method C: Shared cloud folder (Kobo / Apple / Android)
- Drop the EPUB into a shared Google Drive or Dropbox folder
- Each member imports it into their reader app
- Position sync depends on the individual app
Method D: BookConv prep step
Before any sync method, convert incompatible source files to EPUB. This ensures every member gets the same readable edition regardless of their device.
Step 3: Handle DRM and Legal Considerations
The DRM barrier: Store-bought books from Kindle Store, Kobo Store, or Apple Books carry DRM that blocks conversion or transfer. This is the #1 reason book clubs fail when mixing devices.
Legal solutions:
- Choose DRM-free editions from stores like Smashwords or BookFunnel
- Use public domain titles from Project Gutenberg
- Borrow from libraries via OverDrive/Libby
- Convert your own legally purchased DRM-free files
Important: Removing DRM from purchased books is a legal gray area. Always check your local laws. BookConv only converts files you legally possess and have the right to transfer.
Popular Reading Group Guides
Whether your group is diving into fantasy sagas or contemporary fiction, these guides cover format strategies for popular series:
Fantasy & Sci-Fi:
- Harry Potter Digital Books: Multi-Device Reading Guide
- Lord of the Rings Ebooks: Read Across Kindle, Kobo, and More
- Chronicles of Narnia Ebooks: Complete Series Multi-Device Guide
- Twilight Ebooks: Read the Saga Across Devices
Cross-Device Sync:
- How to Sync Reading Progress Across Kindle, Kobo, and Apple Books
- How to Sync Ebooks for Book Clubs and Reading Groups
Format Reference:
Legacy & Niche Formats:
- FB2 vs EPUB for Russian-language library formats
- Legacy LIT, DJVU & FB2 converter guide for archive recovery
- Kobo to EPUB setup for Kobo-native groups
Best Reader Apps for Book Clubs
Google Play Books: Best for cross-platform sync. Upload once, read anywhere. Supports EPUB and PDF. Free with 15GB storage.
Apple Books: Excellent for Apple ecosystem groups. Native EPUB support with iCloud sync. No cross-platform option.
Kobo Books: Great EPUB support with built-in lending features. Good for Kobo-only groups.
Kindle: Only works within Amazon ecosystem. Use Send to Kindle for cross-device access within Kindle apps.
Recommendation: For mixed-device groups, everyone should use Google Play Books. It's the only service that syncs progress across iOS, Android, and web without device lock-in.
Common Pitfalls for Reading Groups
Mismatched formats. If half the group gets MOBI and half gets EPUB, page references break during discussions. Standardize on EPUB before the first meeting.
Renaming instead of converting. Changing .epub to .mobi doesn't change the format — readers reject it. Always run a real conversion.
Assuming one ecosystem fits all. A group with mixed devices needs a cross-platform method (Play Books or shared EPUB), not a single-vendor sync.
Ignoring DRM. Store-bought books often can't be converted or shared. Choose DRM-free sources for club reads.