Comparison

FBReader vs Read

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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.

About

Read

Features
Read full description

Read-Now is an eReader application for reading LCP protected eBooks on your apple mobile device. It provides a comprehensive range of features to make reading eBooks easy and enjoyable for everyone. Read-Now is developed by Beat Technology on behalf of the Little Group, and its partnering retailers and libraries, to provide consumers around the globe with a free to use eReader application catering for both LCP DRM protected and DM free ePubs and PDF’s.

Screenshots

FBReader4 screens
Read4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Read at none against FBReader's 2. Read also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs monthly). FBReader's advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price and ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FBReader ships an update monthly, Read every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
FBReader versus Read: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFBReaderRead
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (128 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews52.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings128 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB29 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperFBReader.ORG LimitedThe Little Group Ltd

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)

Read

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

FBReader

One-time1
  • FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
None

Read

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is FBReader free?
FBReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Read free?
Read is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do FBReader or Read have ads?
Neither FBReader nor Read shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FBReader or Read?
FBReader ships an update monthly, and Read every 2 days. Most recently, FBReader was updated on September 25, 2026 and Read on September 21, 2026.

Other comparisons