# FBReader vs Panels

The clearest difference is rating: Panels at 4.8 against FBReader's 3.7. Panels also leads on ratings volume (12K vs 128) and update cadence (every 8 days vs monthly). FBReader's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Panels sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Panels holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Panels has 12K ratings behind it against 128, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of FBReader's written reviews are positive against 70% of Panels's.

FBReader ships an update monthly, Panels every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | Panels |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews) | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/panels-comic-reader/id1236567663/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 128 | **12K** |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | **70.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#191** |
| Size | 22 MB | 165 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [Produkt Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1236567662) |

## 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)


### Panels

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/panels-comic-reader/id1236567663)

**Currently charting:** #191 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

Enhance your comic and manga reading with a clean, customizable interface. Enjoy universal file compatibility, cross-device syncing, and advanced reading presets. Organize your library, secure your content, and import from various cloud services and local networks.

**Highlights:** Universal file compatibility (CBR, CBZ, PDF, ePUB), Cross-device reading progress sync, iCloud Drive integration, Customizable reading presets, Right-to-left reading for manga, OPDS server support, Content security with password/Face ID

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Panels+ Monthly | $1.49 | per month |
| Panels+ Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Panels 3 Upgrade | $9.99 | one-time |
| Panels 2 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Panels 3 | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth and responsive
- 👍 Clean and modern UI
- 💡 Useful features like panel view and vertical scrolling
- 🔒 No ads in paid version
- 👍 Good import and organization options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Useful features locked behind paywall
- 🔒 Subscription model instead of one-time purchase
- 🐛 Issues with page navigation and zoom
- 🐛 Problems with reading right-to-left content

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening large files
- Issues with page order and navigation
- Problems with zooming and scrolling
- Syncing and importing bugs
- Compatibility issues with older devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to create sub-folders and nested collections
- Automatic sorting and organization of comics
- Option to lock reading direction
- Double-tap to zoom functionality
- Progress tracking and bookmarking features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is Panels free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FBReader or Panels?

Panels is rated higher. FBReader averages 3.7 out of 5 from 128 ratings, while Panels averages 4.8 from 12K ratings.

### Do FBReader or Panels have ads?

Neither FBReader nor Panels shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FBReader or Panels?

FBReader ships an update monthly, and Panels every 8 days. Most recently, FBReader was updated on September 23, 2026 and Panels on September 25, 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.*