# FBReader vs Baobab App

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | Baobab App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews)** | [1.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/baobab-app/id1364023895/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **128** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **52.5% of reviews** | 24.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 22 MB | 82 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) | [Dilicom](https://appshunter.io/developer/1364023894) |

## 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)


### Baobab App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/baobab-app/id1364023895)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is Baobab App free?

Baobab App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, FBReader or Baobab App?

FBReader is rated higher. FBReader averages 3.7 out of 5 from 128 ratings, while Baobab App averages 1.8 from 4 ratings.

### Do FBReader or Baobab App have ads?

Neither FBReader nor Baobab App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FBReader or Baobab App?

FBReader ships an update monthly, and Baobab App monthly. Most recently, FBReader was updated on October 3, 2026 and Baobab App on October 3, 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.*