Comparison

FBReader vs iRead

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

iRead

A minimalist PDF reader offering a distraction-free reading experience with customizable fonts and themes. Easily import and navigate documents for study, work, or leisure.

Highlights
  • Distraction-free reading
  • Customizable font size
  • Light and dark modes
  • Intuitive page navigation
  • Effortless PDF import
Features
Read full description

iRead is a minimalist PDF reader built for focused, comfortable reading. Whether you study, review documents, or read long PDFs at night, iRead gives your files a cleaner and calmer reading experience so you can stay with the content. Why readers choose iRead: - Import PDF files directly from your iPhone or iPad - Read in a clean, distraction-free interface - Adjust font size for better comfort - Switch between light and dark mode - Move between pages quickly and keep your place - Open documents fast and continue where you left off iRead is made for people who want a lightweight PDF reader instead of a cluttered editor. If you need a simple document reader for study sessions, work files, or personal reading, iRead keeps the experience clean and focused. Terms of Use: https://oguzdoruk.com/iread-tou/ Privacy Policy: https://oguzdoruk.com/iread-privacy-policy/

Screenshots

FBReader4 screens
iRead4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: FBReader at 3.7 against iRead's 3.0. FBReader also leads on ratings volume (129 vs 2) and update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). iRead's advantage is review sentiment (70% vs 52%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 and iRead sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

FBReader holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FBReader has 129 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 52% of FBReader's written reviews are positive against 70% of iRead's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FBReader ships an update monthly, iRead every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
FBReader versus iRead: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFBReaderiRead
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (129 ratings) — better3.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews52.5% of reviews70.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings129 — better2
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB22 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperFBReader.ORG LimitedOguz Doruk

Customer experience

FBReader

All ratings128 ratings
Positive64.8%
Neutral9.4%
Negative25.8%
Written reviews322 reviews
Positive52.5%
Neutral14.0%
Negative33.5%

iRead

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive70.0%
Neutral10.0%
Negative20.0%

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)

iRead

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

FBReader

One-time1
  • FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
2 purchases

iRead

Subscriptions2
  • iRead Premium (Monthly)$1.991 Month
  • iRead Premium (Annual)$9.991 Year

Questions

Is FBReader free?
FBReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is iRead free?
iRead is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, FBReader or iRead?
FBReader is rated higher. FBReader averages 3.7 out of 5 from 129 ratings, while iRead averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.
Do FBReader or iRead have ads?
Neither FBReader nor iRead shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FBReader or iRead?
FBReader ships an update monthly, and iRead every 5 months. Most recently, FBReader was updated on October 26, 2026 and iRead on October 24, 2026.

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