# FBReader vs Bookster

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | Bookster |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $4.99 |
| Rating | **[3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **128** | — |
| Positive reviews | **52.5% of reviews** | 40.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 22 MB | 0 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [Nikolay Denislamov](https://appshunter.io/developer/505796639) |

## What reviewers say

### 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)


### Bookster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bookster/id1081737097)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


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