Comparison

FBReader vs Torrossa Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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.

About

Torrossa Reader

Read digital texts in epub format with this application. It's designed for academic study and personal reading, focusing on humanities and social sciences. The app supports both protected and unprotected epub files.

Highlights
  • EPUB format support
  • Readium LCP protection
  • Academic and personal reading
  • Focus on humanities and social sciences
  • Supports unprotected epubs
Read full description

The new Torrossa Reader app for texts in epub format. Torrossa Reader is the new reading app for Torrossa digital bookstore, an essential resource for university research, academic study and personal reading with a focus on the humanities and social sciences. Torrossa Reader is based on Readium LCP, a new open source security technology, and allows you to read epubs that are both Readium LCP protected or without protection.

Screenshots

FBReader4 screens
Torrossa Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: FBReader at 52% against Torrossa Reader's 0%. FBReader also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months). Torrossa Reader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Torrossa Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FBReader ships an update monthly, Torrossa Reader every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
FBReader versus Torrossa Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFBReaderTorrossa Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (128 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews52.5% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings128 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac
Requires iOS13.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB12 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperFBReader.ORG LimitedCasalini libri S.p.A.

Customer experience

FBReader

All ratings128 ratings
Positive64.8%
Neutral9.4%
Negative25.8%
Written reviews322 reviews
Positive52.5%
Neutral14.0%
Negative33.5%

Torrossa Reader

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

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)

Torrossa Reader

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

FBReader

One-time1
  • FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
None

Torrossa Reader

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is FBReader free?
FBReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Torrossa Reader free?
Torrossa Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do FBReader or Torrossa Reader have ads?
Neither FBReader nor Torrossa Reader shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FBReader or Torrossa Reader?
FBReader ships an update monthly, and Torrossa Reader every 4 months. Most recently, FBReader was updated on October 18, 2026 and Torrossa Reader on September 30, 2026.

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