FBReader vs Hedgehog reader
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.
Hedgehog reader
This app allows you to read a wide variety of e-book and audiobook formats, organize your personal library, and even translate text offline. It offers features like full-text search, typo correction, and text-to-speech functionality.
- Supports multiple e-book and audiobook formats
- Organize library with shelves, search, and filtering
- Offline text translation
- Full-text search and notes
- Typo correction
- Text-to-speech with adjustable speed
- Import from local devices and cloud storage
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An app for reading books and organizing a personal library. The supported formats are FB2, MOBI, EPUB, DOCX, CBZ, CHM, RTF, HTML, MHTML, WebArchive, PDF, MD, TXT, and MP3, M4A, M4B for audiobooks. Import from local devices, iCloud, and Dropbox, as a single book and as a batch. An ability to create an internal shelves structure with search and filtering by genre, keywords, languages, series, and ratings. An ability to translate (even when there is no Internet connection) selected words and phrases to the chosen language, by presetting the list of languages to translate from. An ability to perform a full-text search throughout the entire library and the notes added to books. An ability to quickly correct typos in a book. Reading the text aloud (even when there is no Internet connection) with different variants of speed and operating from the music control. Bookmarks and notes with the ability to upload the latter as a file. An ability to directly download books from servers that support OPDS.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Hedgehog reader at 4.9 against FBReader's 3.7. Hedgehog reader also leads on review sentiment (67% vs 52%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). FBReader's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (128 vs 16). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 and Hedgehog reader sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Hedgehog reader holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FBReader has 128 ratings behind it against 16, 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 67% of Hedgehog reader's.
FBReader ships an update monthly, Hedgehog reader fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FBReader | Hedgehog reader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (128 ratings) | 4.9 (16 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | 66.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 128 — better | 16 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 18.7 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 61 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 9+ |
| Developer | FBReader.ORG Limited | Anna Diubina |
Customer experience
FBReader
Hedgehog reader
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)
Hedgehog reader
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
FBReader
- FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
Hedgehog reader
- Advertisement free mode$5.99
- Book export$14.99
