# FBReader vs Louise Reader

The clearest difference is review sentiment: FBReader at 52% against Louise Reader's 14%. FBReader also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Louise Reader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

FBReader ships an update monthly, Louise Reader every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | Louise Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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** | 14.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 22 MB | 84 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [TITE LIVE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1356633288) |

## 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)


### Louise Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/louise-reader/id6476110007)

Access a wide range of ebooks and audiobooks from independent booksellers and digital libraries. Customize your reading experience with adjustable fonts, themes, and spacing. Supports EPUB, PDF, and audiobook formats, with options for bookmarks and annotations.

**Highlights:** Read DRM-free and LCP DRM protected ebooks, Listen to DRM-free and LCP DRM protected audiobooks, Customizable reading experience (fonts, themes, size), Bookmarks and annotations, Text-to-speech for ebooks, Supports EPUB and PDF formats

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is Louise Reader free?

Louise Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do FBReader or Louise Reader have ads?

Neither FBReader nor Louise Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FBReader or Louise Reader?

FBReader ships an update monthly, and Louise Reader every 3 weeks. Most recently, FBReader was updated on September 25, 2026 and Louise Reader on September 21, 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.*