# FBReader vs ShortBook²

The clearest difference is rating: ShortBook² at 4.6 against FBReader's 3.7. FBReader's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and review sentiment (52% vs 40%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and ShortBook² sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ShortBook² holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FBReader has 128 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 52% of FBReader's written reviews are positive against 40% of ShortBook²'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

FBReader ships an update monthly, ShortBook² every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | ShortBook² |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews) | **[4.6 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shortbook/id1499866684/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **128** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | **52.5% of reviews** | 39.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 22 MB | 67 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [Jury Shortki](https://appshunter.io/developer/295094305) |

## 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)


### ShortBook²

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shortbook/id1499866684)

This reader app offers a unique approach to text display on smaller screens, optimizing comfort and reducing eye strain. It allows extensive customization of text layout and includes decorative elements to enhance the reading experience. Supports FB2 format and provides reading statistics.

**Highlights:** Optimized text layout for small screens, Customizable text placement options, Decorative elements for atmosphere, FB2 format support (contents, footnotes, figures), Rich settings with dozens of parameters, Reading statistics and monitoring, Quick restart after breaks

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual | $9.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is ShortBook² free?

ShortBook² is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, FBReader or ShortBook²?

ShortBook² is rated higher. FBReader averages 3.7 out of 5 from 128 ratings, while ShortBook² averages 4.6 from 13 ratings.

### Do FBReader or ShortBook² have ads?

Neither FBReader nor ShortBook² shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FBReader or ShortBook²?

FBReader ships an update monthly, and ShortBook² every 2 months. Most recently, FBReader was updated on October 20, 2026 and ShortBook² on October 21, 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.*