Which Bible should I read?
The best translation is the one you will actually read.
Many people are discouraged from reading Scripture because older English can be hard to follow. A modern translation can help. Here are three well-regarded ones.
NIV: New International Version
Published by Biblica. It aims to balance faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek with clear modern English.
NLT: New Living Translation
Published by Tyndale. It aims to carry the meaning of the original into everyday English, working at the level of whole ideas rather than individual words, so it is the easiest of the three to read.
ESV: English Standard Version
Published by Crossway. It is "essentially literal," staying close to the wording and structure of the original, which many readers prefer for careful study.
These three make different trade-offs. They are not word-for-word interchangeable, and no translation is perfect, so comparing two side by side on a free site such as Bible Gateway is a good way to understand a passage.
Other editions
The King James Version (1611) is a historic translation that many Christians love. Its English is four centuries old, which makes it hard going for many readers. Using it does not make anyone more devoted, and reading a reliable modern translation does not make anyone less faithful.
Catholic readers may prefer a Catholic edition, which includes books not found in most Protestant Bibles.
"In Mexico, the Bible I read was an NIV study Bible. I mention it because it is my story, not because it is the only good choice." Daniel
Where to start: the Gospel of John
If you have never read the Bible, start with the Gospel of John. It is one of four accounts of the life of Jesus, and it can be read in a few sittings. A 9-minute guided overview is on the Learn page.
Scripture quotations on this site are from the NIV. Biblica's permissions page is here: biblica.com/permissions.