# FBReader vs True Reader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: True Reader at none against FBReader's 2. True Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs monthly). FBReader's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

FBReader ships an update monthly, True Reader every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | True 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 | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 22 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [John Chambers](https://appshunter.io/developer/1818117158) |

## 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)


### True Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/true-reader/id6754861119)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is True Reader free?

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

### Do FBReader or True Reader have ads?

Neither FBReader nor True Reader shows ads.

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

FBReader ships an update monthly, and True Reader every 2 days. Most recently, FBReader was updated on October 11, 2026 and True Reader on October 1, 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.*