Comparison

FBReader vs GlowWords

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

GlowWords

This app helps you learn languages by reading books. It offers AI-powered translation, flashcards, and exercises based on the words you encounter. Import your own EPUBs and track your progress to build vocabulary naturally.

Highlights
  • AI-powered translation for EPUB books
  • Flashcards and smart vocabulary exercises
  • AI Coach for contextual explanations
  • Import your own EPUB e-books
  • Personal goals and progress tracking
  • Offline reading and practice
  • Support for over 100 languages
Features
Read full description

Turn the words you read into words you can use. GlowWords brings EPUB reading, vocabulary practice and an AI English tutor together in one focused space. PRACTISE WITH MAYA Have a live voice conversation with an illustrated AI tutor. Talk about everyday life, travel, work or books. Get a correction, ask why, hear an example and try again. Live captions and typed replies help you keep going. Maya is AI, not a real person, and can make mistakes. READ AT YOUR OWN PACE Import EPUB books or explore the built-in library. Translate selected words, ask for an explanation and save vocabulary from what you read. Your imported books, reading progress and saved words stay on your device. MAKE NEW WORDS STICK Review saved vocabulary with flashcards and exercises. Follow your reading and learning progress without losing your place in a book. A NEW AFTER HOURS LOOK A warm, dark reading-and-speaking workspace, with clearer navigation and controls. YOU CONTROL THE CONVERSATION Online AI features require a GlowWords account and consent. You can mute the microphone, end a lesson or withdraw AI consent. Audio and selected text are processed by OpenAI; offline reading remains available. GLOWWORDS PLUS Optional auto-renewing subscriptions remove ads and the daily translation quota. Request-rate and shared service-capacity limits still apply. Tutor access is limited to six 5-minute lesson starts per account per day, subject to availability. The purchase screen shows the localized monthly price. No free trial is offered; payment starts when you subscribe. Payment is charged to your Apple Account on confirmation. Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel in Apple Account subscription settings. Privacy: https://formhelm.com/glowwords/privacy/en/ Terms: https://booklingo-legal-9df066.gitlab.io/terms/en/

Screenshots

FBReader4 screens
GlowWords4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: GlowWords at 100% against FBReader's 52%. GlowWords also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.7). FBReader's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (129 vs 1). On price, update cadence, 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 GlowWords sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

GlowWords holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FBReader has 129 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of FBReader's written reviews are positive against 100% of GlowWords's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FBReader ships an update monthly, GlowWords every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
FBReader versus GlowWords: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFBReaderGlowWords
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (129 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews52.5% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings129 — better1
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB82 MB
Age rating17++12
DeveloperFBReader.ORG LimitedViktorya Hovhannisyan

Customer experience

FBReader

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

GlowWords

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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)

GlowWords

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

FBReader

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

GlowWords

Subscriptions4
  • GlowWords Plus7 Days trial2 variants$2.991 Month
  • GlowWords Plus$2.991 Month
  • GlowWords Plus – 3 months7 Days trial$5.993 Months
Show 1 more
  • GlowWords Plus Yearly7 Days trial$17.991 Year

Questions

Is FBReader free?
FBReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GlowWords free?
GlowWords is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, FBReader or GlowWords?
GlowWords is rated higher. FBReader averages 3.7 out of 5 from 129 ratings, while GlowWords averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do FBReader or GlowWords have ads?
GlowWords shows ads; FBReader does not.
Which is updated more often, FBReader or GlowWords?
FBReader ships an update monthly, and GlowWords every 3 weeks. Most recently, FBReader was updated on October 29, 2026 and GlowWords on October 31, 2026.

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