Comparison

FBReader vs Epub Reader

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

Epub Reader

This app offers a seamless reading experience for various ebook formats including EPUB, PDF, and CHM. It supports multiple compression formats and provides features like table of contents, note-taking, and bookmarking. Customize your reading with adjustable font sizes.

Highlights
  • Supports EPUB, PDF, CHM, RTF formats
  • Opens compressed files (ZIP, RAR, 7Zip)
  • Table of Contents navigation
  • Note-taking functionality
  • Bookmark management
  • Customizable font size
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Epub Reader: Ultimate Ebook & Comic Viewer Experience seamless reading with a powerful, all-in-one document viewer designed for iOS. Now fully compatible with Kindle and Amazon ebook formats! All-in-One Format Support • Kindle Formats: MOBI, AZW, AZW3, AZW4, PRC • Ebooks & Docs: EPUB, PDF, CHM, RTF • Comics & Archives: CBZ, CBR, ZIP, RAR, 7Z, GZIP, TAR Key Features: • Smart Navigation: Effortlessly browse and skip chapters with the interactive Table of Contents. • Personalized Reading: Highlight text, take inline notes, and save your favorite pages with bookmarks. • Fully Customizable: Adjust font sizes and layouts to read comfortably, day or night. • Easy File Transfer: Instantly import books via Wi-Fi (desktop browser) or iTunes File Sharing. #Permanent professional version: * Make a one-time purchase and resume purchases anytime, anywhere. #Annual professional version: * Annual auto-renewable subscription, automatic renewal upon expiration. * Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's iTunes Account Settings after purchase. Privacy Policy: https://junjie-5cfc2.web.app/epubreader/privacypolicy.html Terms of Use: https://junjie-5cfc2.web.app/epubreader/terms.html Contact us: marryapps@163.com

Screenshots

FBReader4 screens
Epub Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Epub Reader at 4.5 against FBReader's 3.7. Epub Reader also leads on ratings volume (11K vs 128) and update cadence (every 11 days vs monthly). FBReader's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, 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 Epub Reader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Epub Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Epub Reader has 11K 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 55% of Epub Reader's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FBReader ships an update monthly, Epub Reader every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
FBReader versus Epub Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFBReaderEpub Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (128 ratings)4.5 (11K ratings) — better
Positive reviews52.5% of reviews55.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings12811K — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 11 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#132 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB70 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperFBReader.ORG Limited俐 马

Customer experience

FBReader

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

Epub Reader

All ratings11,177 ratings
Positive88.3%
Neutral3.6%
Negative8.0%
Written reviews1,075 reviews
Positive55.3%
Neutral10.4%
Negative34.3%

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

Epub Reader

From 11K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 🚀 Fast and responsive
  • 💡 Convenient file transfer via WiFi
  • 🤩 Great for casual reading

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Loses bookmarks and reading progress
  • 🔍 Lacks search functionality
  • 🌗 No dark mode option
  • 📏 Limited customization options
  • 💤 Doesn't remember last read position

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)

Epub Reader

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes when opening certain files
  • Distorts images in some ebooks
  • Fails to open ePub files consistently

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add dark mode
  • Improve bookmark and progress tracking
  • Implement search feature
  • Increase customization options
  • Allow variable screen timeout

In-app purchases

1 purchases

FBReader

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

Epub Reader

Subscriptions1
  • Annual professional version$3.991 Year
One-time3
  • Remove Ads$0.99
  • Passcode Lock$0.99
  • Pro Version$5.99

Questions

Is FBReader free?
FBReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Epub Reader free?
Epub Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, FBReader or Epub Reader?
Epub Reader is rated higher. FBReader averages 3.7 out of 5 from 128 ratings, while Epub Reader averages 4.5 from 11K ratings.
Do FBReader or Epub Reader have ads?
Epub Reader shows ads; FBReader does not.
Which is updated more often, FBReader or Epub Reader?
FBReader ships an update monthly, and Epub Reader every 11 days. Most recently, FBReader was updated on September 23, 2026 and Epub Reader on September 24, 2026.

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