# FBReader vs Cantook by Aldiko

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | Cantook by Aldiko |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (129 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews)** | [3.3 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cantook-by-aldiko/id1476410111/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **129** | 32 |
| Positive reviews | **52.5% of reviews** | 38.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 22 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [De Marque](https://appshunter.io/developer/373689380) |

## 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)


### Cantook by Aldiko

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cantook-by-aldiko/id1476410111)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is Cantook by Aldiko free?

Cantook by Aldiko is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, FBReader or Cantook by Aldiko?

FBReader is rated higher. FBReader averages 3.7 out of 5 from 129 ratings, while Cantook by Aldiko averages 3.3 from 32 ratings.

### Do FBReader or Cantook by Aldiko have ads?

Neither FBReader nor Cantook by Aldiko shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FBReader or Cantook by Aldiko?

FBReader ships an update monthly, and Cantook by Aldiko every 2 months. Most recently, FBReader was updated on October 29, 2026 and Cantook by Aldiko on October 29, 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.*