Comparison

FBReader vs Bookster

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

FBReader

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
Read full description

FBReader is a fast and easy-to-use e-book reader for iPhone and iPad. It supports all major e-book formats, including ePub (with key ePub3 features), Kindle azw3, and fb2 (.zip). You can open both unprotected books and ePub files protected with Readium LCP DRM. FBReader also reads RTF, Word (.doc), HTML, and plain text, so you can keep all your books and documents in one place. Read anywhere and pick up right where you left off. FBReader can sync your library, reading positions, bookmarks, and more across devices using the FBReader Book Network, a cloud service powered by Google Drive. If you prefer managing files yourself, you can download books in your browser and open them directly with FBReader. A wide range of appearance and behavior options lets you customize the reading experience to match your preferences. Free version and upgrade options: • The free version allows up to 10 books in your library. • The built-in translation feature is disabled. Upgrade to the full version to remove these limits and enjoy the complete FBReader experience.

About

Bookster

Easily convert FB2 and TXT e-books into the ePub format, compatible with the native iOS Books app. This tool bridges the gap, allowing you to read your favorite books on any iOS device.

Highlights
  • Convert FB2 to ePub
  • Convert TXT to ePub
  • Import books via Files app
  • Import books via iTunes
  • Supports ZIP archives
  • Direct export to iOS Books app
Features
Read full description

Конвертер "Bookster" позволяет загружать электронные книги в формате FB2 и простые текстовые файлы TXT в стандартную читалку iOS "Книги". Поскольку читалка "Книги" не понимает форматы FB2 и TXT, в ней нельзя открывать тексты в этом формате. Но можно поступить по-другому: открыть FB2 книгу или текстовый файл TXT в приложении "Bookster", и уже оттуда загрузить ваш текст в приложение "Книги". При этом приложение "Bookster" само создаст файл в формате ePub, который является родным для приложения "Книги". Интересный факт, но приложение "Книги" не понимает даже самые простые текстовые файлы. Bookster исправляет этот недочет и позволяет загружать также и обычные текстовые файлы с расширением TXT в приложение "Книги". Как пользоваться приложением "Bookster": 1) либо скачиваем FB2 книгу из Интернета, либо отправляем книгу в Bookster из приложения Файлы (или любого другого приложения, в котором она находится), либо копируем ее с помощью iTunes в документы "Bookster"; 2) книга попадает в приложение "Bookster" и появляется у него в списке файлов; 2) в приложении "Bookster" нажимаем на появившийся в списке файл - производится конвертация этого файла из FB2 в ePub; 3) при завершении конвертации у файла появляется меню, в котором выбираем вариант "Скопировать в Книги"; 5) ваша книга открывается в приложении "Книги". "Bookster" также понимает ZIP-архивы, поэтому в него за один раз можно загрузить целую библиотеку. Обзор приложения на сайте ipadstory.ru: http://ipadstory.ru/kak-konvertirovat-fb2-v-epub-dlya-ibooks-pryamo-v-ios.html

Screenshots

FBReader4 screens
Bookster1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: FBReader at Free against Bookster's $4.99. FBReader also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 7 months) and review sentiment (52% vs 41%). Bookster's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

FBReader is free to download; Bookster costs $4.99 up front. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Bookster asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FBReader ships an update monthly, Bookster every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
FBReader versus Bookster: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFBReaderBookster
PriceFree — better$4.99
Rating3.7 (128 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews52.5% of reviews — better40.7% of reviews
Number of ratings128 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 7 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB0 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperFBReader.ORG LimitedNikolay Denislamov

Customer experience

FBReader

All ratings128 ratings
Positive64.8%
Neutral9.4%
Negative25.8%
Written reviews322 reviews
Positive52.5%
Neutral14.0%
Negative33.5%

Bookster

Written reviews27 reviews
Positive40.7%
Neutral3.7%
Negative55.6%

Bugs and requests

FBReader

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

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

Bookster

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

FBReader

One-time1
  • FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
None

Bookster

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is FBReader free?
FBReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Bookster free?
Bookster costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do FBReader or Bookster have ads?
Neither FBReader nor Bookster shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FBReader or Bookster?
FBReader ships an update monthly, and Bookster every 7 months. Most recently, FBReader was updated on September 25, 2026 and Bookster on September 22, 2026.

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