FBReader vs Cantook by Aldiko
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.
Cantook by Aldiko
This app consolidates all your eBooks, comics, and audiobooks into a single platform. It offers seamless integration with public libraries, access to public domain titles, and the ability to import your own files. Customize your reading experience with various fonts, themes, and organization tools.
- Unified library for eBooks, comics, audiobooks
- Public library integration
- Import EPUB, CBZ, PDF files
- Access public domain books
- Customizable reading experience
- Organize bookshelf with categories
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Welcome to Cantook! The favorite reading app for the true bookworms. Bring all your eBooks, comics and audiobooks in the same place, no matter where they're coming from. Available on iPhone, iPad or macOS. With Cantook, we make it easy to bring all your books in the same place: • Built-in support for public libraries, allowing you to easily browse your library's catalog and borrow books from them • Thousands of public domain books from the Cantook Bookstore • Import your own EPUB, CBZ or PDF files • Add your own catalogs, for example using Calibre Cantook provides an extensive set of features for both casual and power users: • Customize your reading experience with multiple fonts and themes • Full support for dark mode throughout the app • Organize your bookshelf with categories and collections Our philosophy is to contribute to and leverage open standards: • Read EPUB files via a Readium Mobile based reading experience • Explore catalogs using OPDS • Full support for Readium LCP based on EPUB, PDF and audiobooks
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Cantook by Aldiko at none against FBReader's 2. FBReader's advantage is rating (3.7 vs 3.3) and review sentiment (52% vs 39%). 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. Cantook by Aldiko asks for nothing beyond the download.
FBReader holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 129 and 32 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of FBReader's written reviews are positive against 39% of Cantook by Aldiko's.
FBReader ships an update monthly, Cantook by Aldiko every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.
| Parameter | FBReader | Cantook by Aldiko |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (129 ratings) — better | 3.3 (32 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews — better | 38.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 129 — better | 32 |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 2 months |
| 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 | 26 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | FBReader.ORG Limited | De Marque |
Customer experience
FBReader
Cantook by Aldiko
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)
Cantook by Aldiko
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
FBReader
- FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
Cantook by Aldiko
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is FBReader free?
Is Cantook by Aldiko free?
Which has better reviews, FBReader or Cantook by Aldiko?
Do FBReader or Cantook by Aldiko have ads?
Which is updated more often, FBReader or Cantook by Aldiko?
Other comparisons
