# FBReader vs Hedgehog reader

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | Hedgehog reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews) | **[4.9 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hedgehog-reader/id6443732880/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **128** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 22 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.7 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [Anna Diubina](https://appshunter.io/developer/1506918460) |

## 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)


### Hedgehog reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hedgehog-reader/id6443732880)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Advertisement free mode | $5.99 | one-time |
| Book export | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is Hedgehog reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FBReader or Hedgehog reader?

Hedgehog reader is rated higher. FBReader averages 3.7 out of 5 from 128 ratings, while Hedgehog reader averages 4.9 from 16 ratings.

### Do FBReader or Hedgehog reader have ads?

Hedgehog reader shows ads; FBReader does not.

### Which is updated more often, FBReader or Hedgehog reader?

FBReader ships an update monthly, and Hedgehog reader fortnightly. Most recently, FBReader was updated on September 30, 2026 and Hedgehog reader on September 22, 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.*