Comparison

FBReader vs BookFusion

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

BookFusion

Manage, read, and organize your entire eBook collection across all devices with cloud synchronization. Customize your reading experience with extensive settings, highlights, and annotations. Supports various formats and offers text-to-speech functionality.

Highlights
  • Cross-platform eBook reader
  • Cloud synchronization
  • Organize with virtual bookshelves
  • Highlights and annotations
  • Text-to-Speech (TTS)
  • Send to Kindle
  • Calibre integration
Features
Read full description

Thousands of readers use BookFusion to manage, read and enjoy over 2 million eBooks. BookFusion is the best cross platform eBook reader and manager with cloud sync that allows you to easily read, organize and manage your eBooks across all your devices. ◇ Features ◇ Integrated Reader - Read all your EPUB, PDF, & CBZ/CBR eBooks both online and offline with clean and intuitive interface . Extensive Reader Settings - Customize your reading experience from vertical/horizontal margins, line spacing, fonts, bold/italics, colors and much more. Seamless Syncing - Sync your reading progress, highlights & annotations, eBooks and bookmarks across all devices. Pick up exactly where you left off. Organize & Manage - Easily organize and access all your eBooks seamlessly whether offline or online. Organize your eBooks using virtual bookshelves or place them into Series. Quickly find the eBook you are looking for using the category, tags or author filters. The perfect eBook Organizer & eBook Manager in one. Light & Dark Mode – Dark or Light the preference is yours! Highlights & Annotations - Highlight with your preferred colors and add tags to highlights to keep them organized. Sort your highlights by date or reading progress and easily export them to use in other apps in CSV, Markdown, HTML and PDF formats eBook Cloud - Keep your entire eBook collection at the tips of your fingers by storing them in the cloud and downloading them to read offline only when you need to. Any title just a click away. Text-to-Speech (TTS) - Listen to your favorite eBooks with Apple's native natural-sounding text-to-speech feature. Customize reading speed, voice and accessibility. Ideal for audiobook lovers busy lifestyles and accessible for all readers. Send to Kindle – Organize and quickly send your next read to your Kindle device with one click. Calibre Integration - The perfect Calibre Ally. Sync metadata, custom columns, series, tags and incremental updated PDF & EPUB files to all your devices. Your entire Calibre library on your devices when you need it. Vertical Writing Support - Read Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese eBooks with ease. Image/Area Highlights & Annotations (PDFs) - Easily annotate/highlight images, tables, graphs or even text. Any element at all in your PDF can now be highlighted and annotated. EPUB 3 Support - With support for the full EPUB 3 spec. You can read eBooks with rich interactivity support that includes video, audio, Q&A, games and much more. Widgets – Quickly view and jump back into your last read, currently reading, or highlights right from your home screen with iOS Widgets. Multi-Window Support (iPadOS & macOS) – Open multiple books side by side, drag books into Split View, or read and view highlights simultaneously. Perfect for multitasking, studying, or comparing texts. NOTE: You will need to install the BookFusion Calibre Plugin to sync your eBooks to all your devices. See the tutorial at https://support.bookfusion.com/hc/en-us/articles/360018852052-Installing-Using-the-BookFusion-Plugin-for-Calibre Open With - Don’t like the integrated reader? Use the open with functionality to send and read your eBooks with your preferred app. No lock-in Metadata & Book Details – Know what an eBook is about at a glance or easily edit the cover, description, author tags and other information. Additional Formats Supported via Web - These include: AZW, AZW3, AZW4, CBC, CHM, DJVU, DOCX, FB2, FBZ, HTML, HTMLZ, LIT, LRF, PRC, PDB, PML, RB, RTF, SNB, TCR, TXT, TXTZ in a single app. These must be uploaded via the Web App before using the iOS App Choose from over 70,000 eBooks ◇ Other ◇ Have feedback or just want to chat? We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line at support@bookfusion.com or join us for a chat on Discord at https://www.discord.gg/7v34UYq Terms of Service - https://www.bookfusion.com/terms Privacy Policy - https://www.bookfusion.com/privacy

Screenshots

FBReader4 screens
BookFusion4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: BookFusion at 4.7 against FBReader's 3.7. BookFusion also leads on review sentiment (77% vs 52%) and update cadence (every 10 days vs monthly). FBReader's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Both are free to download. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and BookFusion sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

BookFusion holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 128 and 519 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of FBReader's written reviews are positive against 77% of BookFusion's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FBReader ships an update monthly, BookFusion every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
FBReader versus BookFusion: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFBReaderBookFusion
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (128 ratings)4.7 (519 ratings) — better
Positive reviews52.5% of reviews76.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings128519 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB158 MB
Age rating17+12+
DeveloperFBReader.ORG LimitedBookFusion

Customer experience

FBReader

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

BookFusion

All ratings519 ratings
Positive92.7%
Neutral2.5%
Negative4.8%
Written reviews223 reviews
Positive76.7%
Neutral9.4%
Negative13.9%

User reviews

FBReader

From 128 App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

BookFusion

From 519 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Excellent cross-platform sync
  • 👍 Highly customizable reading experience
  • 🚀 Seamless Calibre integration
  • 👍 Responsive and helpful developers
  • 🚀 Smooth reading experience

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
  • 💰 Subscription model may be costly for some
  • 🔒 Requires account creation to use
  • 🐛 Inconsistent page turn behavior
  • 🐛 Issues with PDF and fixed-layout EPUB support

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)

BookFusion

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Highlights and notes not always saving properly
  • Reading position sometimes resets unexpectedly
  • Widget not functioning as expected
  • Occasional crashes and freezes
  • Issues with importing certain ebook formats

Requested features

6 requests
  • Add page numbers instead of just percentages
  • Implement a true dark mode
  • Improve PDF viewing and annotation capabilities
  • Add support for DJVU format
  • Provide an option to purchase a lifetime license
Show 1 more
  • Implement better organization tools like folders/shelves

In-app purchases

1 purchases

FBReader

One-time1
  • FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
6 purchases

BookFusion

Subscriptions6
  • Casual Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Advanced Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Power Monthly$9.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Casual Yearly$18.991 Year
  • Advanced Yearly$47.991 Year
  • Power Yearly$95.991 Year

Questions

Is FBReader free?
FBReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BookFusion free?
BookFusion is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, FBReader or BookFusion?
BookFusion is rated higher. FBReader averages 3.7 out of 5 from 128 ratings, while BookFusion averages 4.7 from 519 ratings.
Do FBReader or BookFusion have ads?
Neither FBReader nor BookFusion shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FBReader or BookFusion?
FBReader ships an update monthly, and BookFusion every 10 days. Most recently, FBReader was updated on October 15, 2026 and BookFusion on October 16, 2026.

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