# FBReader vs Read

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.

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

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

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | Read |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 22 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [The Little Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/560464238) |

## 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)


### Read

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-now/id6477700326)

**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 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.

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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.*