# FBReader vs Epub Reader

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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | Epub Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews) | **[4.5 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epub-reader-read-epubchmtxt/id1296870631/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 128 | **11K** |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | **55.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#124** |
| Size | 22 MB | 70 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [俐 马](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896144174) |

## 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)


### Epub Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epub-reader-read-epubchmtxt/id1296870631)

**Currently charting:** #124 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual professional version | $3.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Passcode Lock | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pro Version | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening certain files
- Distorts images in some ebooks
- Fails to open ePub files consistently

**Requested features**

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


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