FBReader vs Baobab App
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
Baobab App
This digital reading application is optimized for library lending devices. It supports various genres and formats, offering a customizable reading experience. Enjoy extended reading sessions with adjustable settings and bookmarking.
- Optimized for library lending devices
- Supports EPUB 2 and EPUB 3
- Supports M4B and Readium audiobooks
- DRM LCP compatible
- Customizable reading experience
- Adjustable font size, typeface, and reading mode
- Bookmark creation
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Baobab est une application de lecture numérique optimisée pour le dispositif Prêt Numérique en Bibliothèque (PNB). Roman, essai, beau livre, livre jeunesse, bandes dessinées, quel que soit le genre éditorial, importez simplement une publication et profitez d’une expérience utilisateur optimisée pour une lecture prolongée. Baobab est compatible avec : - les formats EPUB 2 - les formats EPUB 3 recomposable ou à marge fixe - les livres audio au format M4B et Readium L’application est exclusivement compatible avec des ressources numériques sans DRM ou protégées par la mesure technique de protection (DRM) LCP. Baobab permet une personnalisation de l’expérience de lecture : l’utilisateur peut choisir la taille, les polices de caractère et le mode de lecture et la création. Il peut créer ses signets de lecture.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: FBReader at 3.7 against Baobab App's 1.8. FBReader also leads on review sentiment (52% vs 24%) and ratings volume (128 vs 4). Baobab App's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Baobab App asks for nothing beyond the download.
FBReader holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FBReader has 128 ratings behind it against 4, 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 24% of Baobab App's.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. Both last shipped on October 3, 2026.
| Parameter | FBReader | Baobab App |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (128 ratings) — better | 1.8 (4 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews — better | 24.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 128 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 82 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | FBReader.ORG Limited | Dilicom |
Customer experience
FBReader
Baobab App
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)
Baobab App
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
FBReader
- FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
Baobab App
No in-app purchases
