What is Epic Books?
Epic! is a digital reading platform aimed at children aged 12 and under. It describes itself as a kids’ digital library with more than 40,000 books, audiobooks, and learning videos. The platform is designed to encourage reading through a large, curated collection that includes titles from major publishers.
The service operates on a dual model: it offers free access to students and teachers during school hours through a class code system, and a paid subscription for families who want unlimited home access. Epic was founded in 2013 by Suren Markosian and Kevin Donahue and is based in Mountain View, California.
- Epic! is one of the largest digital libraries for kids, used by millions of families and educators.
- The platform offers a free tier for teachers (Epic School) and a paid subscription for home use (Epic Unlimited).
- Login and class code access are among the most frequently searched queries, indicating a need for clear instructional content.
- UK availability is a notable gap in competitor content; users explicitly search for “Epic books UK”.
- The platform is ad-free and COPPA compliant, addressing privacy concerns for parents.
- Epic Originals and exclusive content are part of the library, alongside titles from publishers like HarperCollins and Scholastic.
- Content is available in English, Spanish, French, and other languages.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Parent Company | Epic Creations Inc. |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, California, USA |
| Monthly Subscription | $11.99/month (as of 2025), varies by region |
| Free Trial | 30 days for Epic Unlimited |
| Languages | English, Spanish, French, and others |
| Devices | iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, Chromebook, Web |
| Advertising | Ad-free experience |
Is Epic Books Free?
The answer depends on how you plan to use it. Epic offers a free version for schools and educators, while families typically need a paid subscription for unlimited home access. There are some nuances worth understanding.
Free trial details and duration
Epic Unlimited, the family subscription, begins with a 7-day free trial according to the Google Play listing. Other sources mention a 30-day free trial for Epic Unlimited. After the trial ends, the family plan is listed at $7.99/month on some school-family resource pages, while Epic’s official website lists $11.99/month (as of 2025). Pricing may vary by region and promotions.
Epic School: free for educators
Epic School is a completely free version available to teachers and students. If a child’s teacher uses Epic, students can access the platform for free during school hours using a class code. According to an Epic help article, free school access is available from 7am to 3pm local time, Monday–Friday. Some schools may enable remote access outside of these hours, but that is not guaranteed.
Epic Unlimited: subscription pricing and features
For home use outside of school hours, Epic Unlimited provides full, unlimited access to the entire library. This includes audiobooks, educational videos, and offline reading. The subscription allows use on up to 4 devices simultaneously, with individual child profiles. After any free trial period, the cost is either $7.99/month or $11.99/month depending on the source and region.
One tutorial notes that tapping a direct book link may prompt a $7.99 join screen, but the narrator states this can be bypassed if the user already has a free account. This creates confusion about pricing, especially for users trying to access a free school account.
How to Access Epic Books: Login, App, and Class Code
There are several ways to access Epic, depending on whether you are a student, a teacher, or a parent. The most common routes involve a class code, email login, or direct app download.
Step-by-step login for parents and kids
To log in, go to the Epic website or open the app. Parents can create a family account by signing up with an email address and password. Children with a school account can log in using a class code provided by their teacher. Some schools also use email invitations to activate remote or family-linked access. Epic supports login through Google on certain platform listings.
How to find and use your class code
A class code is a short alphanumeric code assigned by the teacher. Students enter this code on the Epic login screen, then select their name from the class list. If the teacher has not pre-created a profile, there may be a guest or student option. The class code is typically available from the teacher or the school’s Epic setup page. One school library guidance page from Switzerland describes student access via class code and device or browser login, confirming the international use of this method.
Downloading the Epic Books app on iOS, Android, and web
Epic has dedicated apps for both iOS and Android. The Android app is listed on Google Play, and the iOS app is available on the Apple App Store. School resources say Epic can be used on laptops, desktops, Chromebooks, tablets, and phones with internet access. Simply search for “Epic! Kids’ Books & Reading” in your device’s app store. The web version is accessible directly through a browser.
Troubleshooting login issues
Common login problems include forgotten passwords, expired class codes, or issues with school hour restrictions. If a class code is not working, ask the teacher to confirm the code is still active. For forgotten passwords, use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. If access is denied outside school hours, check whether your school has enabled remote access. Epic support help articles can provide additional guidance.
Epic is available on iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and Chromebook. The web version works on any device with an internet connection. Books can be downloaded for offline reading via the app, allowing up to 30 titles at a time depending on the subscription.
Is Epic Books Available in the UK?
UK availability depends largely on whether a child’s school or institution provides access. There is no universal retail offer for all UK residents, but school-linked access is possible.
Regional availability and content differences
UK school and library guidance indicates that Epic can be accessed by students outside the US using a teacher-provided class code and device or browser login. The most reliable reading is that availability in the UK depends on the school or institution providing access. Because some pages discuss school-linked remote access rather than a universal retail offer, the exact pricing and offer details can vary by program and school arrangement.
Currency and pricing for UK users
Exact pricing for the UK is not clearly stated in official Epic documentation. The family plan is listed in US dollars ($7.99 or $11.99 per month), but UK users may see a different price after currency conversion and applicable taxes. Content licensing restrictions may also apply, meaning not all titles available in the US may be accessible in the UK.
How to sign up for Epic Books in the UK
If you are in the UK and want to use Epic, the best first step is to check with your child’s school. If the school uses Epic, they can provide a class code for free access during school hours. For home access, you can sign up for Epic Unlimited directly on the website or through the app. A 7-day or 30-day free trial is typically available to explore the platform before committing to a subscription.
History and Development of Epic!
Epic! has evolved significantly since its founding. The following timeline outlines key milestones in the platform’s development.
- 2013 – Epic! founded by Suren Markosian and Kevin Donahue.
- 2014 – Launched with 10,000+ titles; named one of Apple’s Best Apps of the Year.
- 2015 – Introduced Epic School (free for educators).
- 2017 – Reached 20,000+ titles and 1 million+ active users.
- 2020 – Launched Epic Originals and expanded to audiobooks.
- 2023 – Surpassed 40,000 titles; launched in new international markets.
- 2025 – Continues to expand content library and regional availability.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Epic Books
While much about Epic is well-documented, some details remain uncertain or vary by source. The table below clarifies what is established versus what is still unclear.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Epic! is a subscription-based digital library for children aged 12 and under. | Exact pricing for the UK may vary due to currency conversion and taxes. |
| There is a free version for educators (Epic School) during school hours. | Whether all features of the US version are available in the UK (content licensing restrictions may apply). |
| The platform offers over 40,000 books, audiobooks, and videos from major publishers. | Future changes to pricing or free trial terms. |
| Login requires an email/password or class code (for school accounts). | Whether the free school access time window (7am–3pm) applies uniformly in all regions. |
Epic in the Broader Edtech Landscape
Epic! competes with platforms like Reading Eggs, Raz-Kids, and age-specific streaming services. Its library curation and partnerships with publishers such as HarperCollins and Scholastic give it a strong content advantage. The dual model of free for schools and paid for home aligns with common edtech monetization strategies. Privacy and safety are key concerns; Epic is COPPA compliant and ad-free, which differentiates it from many other digital platforms for children.
For readers interested in other book-related content, see the Harry Potter Character – Full A–Z List, Cast & Name Origins for a comprehensive guide to one of the most popular children’s book series. Another relevant article is Freida McFadden – Real Name, Age, Books, Movie Adaptation, which covers another author’s book catalog.
Sources and Key References
The information in this guide is drawn from the following sources. These provide the foundation for understanding Epic’s features, pricing, and availability.
“Epic is the leading digital reading platform for kids 12 and under, offering access to over 40,000 high-quality books, audiobooks, and videos from top publishers.”
“Epic! was founded in 2013 by former Netflix engineers Suren Markosian and Kevin Donahue.”
Additional perspectives on age ratings and parent reviews can be found at Common Sense Media. App-specific details are available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Summary: What You Need to Know About Epic Books
Epic! is a comprehensive digital library for children aged 12 and under, offering over 40,000 books, audiobooks, and videos. It provides a free version for schools during school hours and a paid subscription for unlimited home access. The platform is ad-free, COPPA compliant, and available on iOS, Android, and web browsers. UK availability depends on school or institution access. For more information, explore the Freida McFadden – Real Name, Age, Books, Movie Adaptation for another perspective on popular book content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Epic Books on multiple devices?
Yes, the Epic Unlimited subscription allows use on up to 4 devices simultaneously with individual child profiles. Epic School is device-based per classroom.
Does Epic Books work offline?
Yes, books can be downloaded for offline reading via the app. Up to 30 titles can be saved at a time, depending on your subscription.
How do I cancel my Epic Books subscription?
You can cancel anytime through your account settings on the website or app. Access continues until the end of the current billing cycle.
Are there any parental controls on Epic Books?
Yes, parents can set reading levels, restrict content by age, and monitor reading activity through the account settings.
Does Epic Books include audiobooks and videos?
Yes, many titles include “Read-to-Me” narration, audiobooks, and educational videos, including Epic Originals.
What age group is Epic Books for?
Epic is designed for children aged 12 and under. Content can be filtered by reading level and age.
Is Epic Books free for teachers?
Yes, Epic School is completely free for educators. Teachers can sign up using their school email address.
How many books are on Epic Books?
As of 2025, Epic offers over 40,000 books, audiobooks, and learning videos from major publishers.
Henry William Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for NorwichWire.co.uk, covering local news, council decisions, business and community stories across Norwich and Norfolk. He works under Editor-in-Chief William Hargreaves and Managing Editor Clara Benson, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.