# 掌閱iReader vs FBReader

The clearest difference is ads: FBReader at none against 掌閱iReader's shown. FBReader also leads on rating (3.7 vs 3.3) and review sentiment (52% vs 28%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 掌閱iReader sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

FBReader holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 179 and 128 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 28% of 掌閱iReader's written reviews are positive against 52% of FBReader's.

掌閱iReader ships an update every 3 weeks, FBReader monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 掌閱iReader | FBReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (179 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ireader/id1050576032/reviews) | **[3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **179** | 128 |
| Positive reviews | 28.0% of reviews | **52.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 132 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.4** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [HK IReader Technology Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1110639431) | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) |

## What reviewers say

### 掌閱iReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ireader/id1050576032)

This app offers a comfortable reading experience with a vast library of authorized novels. Explore diverse genres and popular titles, with personalized settings and timely updates. Discover new stories and connect with fellow readers.

**Highlights:** Massive library of authorized novels, Diverse genres including romance, fantasy, and sci-fi, Personalized reading settings (font, background, night mode), Timely updates and notifications for new chapters, Popular novel rankings and recommendations, User-friendly interface with smooth page turning

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 600 iCoins | $0.99 | one-time |
| VIP of 1 month | $3.99 | one-time |
| 3000 iCoins | $4.99 | one-time |
| 6000 iCoins | $9.99 | one-time |
| VIP of 3 months | $10.99 | one-time |
| 12000 Coins | $19.99 | one-time |
| 18000 iCoins | $29.99 | one-time |
| VIP of 12 months | $39.99 | one-time |
| 30000iCons | $49.99 | one-time |
| 60000閲餠 | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 Extensive free book resources available
- ⬆️ File upload feature from PC to phone
- 👁️ Eye-care reading modes
- 🎨 User-friendly interface (in older versions)
- 🔊 Text-to-speech/audio reading functionality (previously)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📺 Excessive advertisements throughout app
- 🐛 App crashes and won't open
- 🌐 Forced traditional Chinese characters only
- 🗑️ Removed text-to-speech audio reading feature
- ❌ Missing simplified Chinese language option

**Reported bugs**

- App won't open or displays blank page
- PDF documents cannot be opened
- TXT file import errors
- iOS 13 compatibility crashes
- Automatic forced updates to traditional Chinese

**Requested features**

- Full-screen page turning functionality
- Landscape view mode
- Simplified Chinese language support
- Text translation/lookup feature
- Automatic scrolling reading mode


### FBReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178)

A fast and versatile e-book reader supporting multiple formats like ePub, Kindle, and fb2. It offers cloud syncing for reading progress and a customizable interface. Upgrade to unlock unlimited library access and advanced features.

**Highlights:** Supports ePub, Kindle azw3, fb2, RTF, Word, HTML, and text, ePub3 and Readium LCP DRM support, Cloud syncing of library and reading positions, Customizable appearance and behavior options, Direct opening of downloaded files, Free version with library limits

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| FBReader Full Edition | $12.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and smooth reading experience
- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
- 💡 Customizable font, margin, and layout options
- 🔒 Secure syncing across devices
- 🎨 Retro background textures

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and freezes
- 🔧 Lack of advanced organization features (folders, shelves)
- 🚫 No PDF support
- 🔍 Inconsistent search and book discovery
- 🔒 Privacy concerns around data collection

**Reported bugs**

- Syncing issues with Google Drive
- Deletion of books from library
- Formatting problems with large footnotes
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Vertical scrolling mode
- Improved bookmark and annotation tools
- Ability to add/change book covers
- Text-to-speech functionality
- Better library management (read/unread, collections)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 掌閱iReader free?

掌閱iReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is FBReader free?

FBReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, 掌閱iReader or FBReader?

FBReader is rated higher. 掌閱iReader averages 3.3 out of 5 from 179 ratings, while FBReader averages 3.7 from 128 ratings.

### Do 掌閱iReader or FBReader have ads?

掌閱iReader shows ads; FBReader does not.

### Which is updated more often, 掌閱iReader or FBReader?

掌閱iReader ships an update every 3 weeks, and FBReader monthly. Most recently, 掌閱iReader was updated on September 21, 2026 and FBReader on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*