# FBReader vs Messer CATS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Messer CATS at none against FBReader's 2. Messer CATS also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). FBReader's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

FBReader ships an update monthly, Messer CATS every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | Messer CATS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (129 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **129** | — |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 22 MB | 121 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [Messer North America Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1622195380) |

## 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)


### Messer CATS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messer-cats/id1629910136)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is Messer CATS free?

Messer CATS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do FBReader or Messer CATS have ads?

Neither FBReader nor Messer CATS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FBReader or Messer CATS?

FBReader ships an update monthly, and Messer CATS every 3 months. Most recently, FBReader was updated on October 26, 2026 and Messer CATS on October 14, 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.*