FBReader vs Academic Reader
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
Academic Reader
This application allows users to read ebooks published by Glassboxx Academic Publishers. It provides a dedicated platform for accessing and viewing academic content on mobile devices.
- Ebook reading
- Access academic content
- Glassboxx publisher support
- Mobile viewing
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An ebook reader app designed for Glassboxx Academic Publishers
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Academic Reader at none against FBReader's 2. Academic Reader also leads on rating (4.0 vs 3.7). FBReader's advantage is ratings volume (128 vs 4) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, update cadence 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
Both are free to download. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Academic Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.
Academic Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FBReader has 128 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.
FBReader ships an update monthly, Academic Reader every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FBReader | Academic Reader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (128 ratings) | 4.0 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 128 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 6 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 45 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | FBReader.ORG Limited | Glassboxx Limited |
Customer experience
FBReader
Academic Reader
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)
Academic Reader
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
FBReader
- FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
Academic Reader
No in-app purchases
