# FBReader vs BAbook

The clearest difference is review sentiment: FBReader at 52% against BAbook's 25%. FBReader also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). 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 BAbook sells 20 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

FBReader ships an update monthly, BAbook every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | BAbook |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **128** | — |
| Positive reviews | **52.5% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 22 MB | 103 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [eBook Applications](https://appshunter.io/developer/806212401) |

## 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)


### BAbook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/babook/id6445828252)

Access a vast library of e-books, audiobooks, and physical books from popular authors. Enjoy a comfortable reading experience with a customizable e-reader and a feature-rich audiobook player. Discover new titles and literary content through an integrated magazine.

**Highlights:** Customizable e-reader, Multi-functional audiobook player, Integrated book and audiobook store, Physical book delivery, Literary magazine, Offline reading and listening

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (20)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Электронная книга | $2.99 | one-time |
| Электронная книга | $4.99 | one-time |
| Аудиокнига | $4.99 | one-time |
| Электронная книга | $5.99 | one-time |
| Аудио книга | $5.99 | one-time |
| Электронная книга | $6.99 | one-time |
| Аудиокнига | $6.99 | one-time |
| Электронная книга | $7.99 | one-time |
| Аудиокнига | $7.99 | one-time |
| Электронная книга | $8.99 | one-time |
| Аудио книга по цене $8.99 | $8.99 | one-time |
| Электронная книга | $9.99 | one-time |
| Аудиокнига | $9.99 | one-time |
| Аудиокнига | $11.99 | one-time |
| Электронная книга | $11.99 | one-time |
| Электронная книга | $12.99 | one-time |
| Аудиокнига | $12.99 | one-time |
| Аудио книга | $14.99 | one-time |
| Электронная книга | $14.99 | one-time |
| Электронная книга | $16.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is BAbook free?

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

### Do FBReader or BAbook have ads?

Neither FBReader nor BAbook shows ads.

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

FBReader ships an update monthly, and BAbook every 3 weeks. Most recently, FBReader was updated on September 23, 2026 and BAbook on September 20, 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.*