FBReader vs cMate
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.
cMate
This app provides comprehensive maritime regulations and codes, including collision prevention, international signals, life-saving appliances, and safety at sea conventions. It also features weather forecast reading and maritime dictionaries.
- Collision prevention regulations
- International signal codes
- Life-saving appliance code
- Safety of life at sea conventions
- Weather forecast reading
- Maritime dictionaries
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This application contains: - Flags of State - ColReg-72(- International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) - Description of the system IALA (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) - ICS (International Code of Signals) Includes signal flags, phonetic alphabet, Morse code - IMO signs - Sound and lights signals ColReg-72 (Lights and shapes ColReg-72) - Reading weather forecasts (NAVTEX Inmarsat-C) - Maritime and general language dictionaries - LSA code (International life-saving appliance code. 1-7 Chapters) - SOLAS-74 (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea)
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: cMate at 5.0 against FBReader's 3.7. cMate also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and review sentiment (87% vs 52%). FBReader's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 51 months) and ratings volume (128 vs 3). On price, 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. cMate asks for nothing beyond the download.
cMate holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FBReader has 128 ratings behind it against 3, 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 87% of cMate's.
FBReader ships an update monthly, cMate every 51 months. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FBReader | cMate |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (128 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | 86.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 128 — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 51 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 | 10.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 52 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | FBReader.ORG Limited | Maxim Lukyanenko |
Customer experience
FBReader
cMate
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)
cMate
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
FBReader
- FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
cMate
No in-app purchases
