# FBReader vs GlowWords

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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | GlowWords |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (129 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/glowwords/id6755664722/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **129** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 22 MB | 82 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | +12 |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [Viktorya Hovhannisyan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1855383837) |

## 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)


### GlowWords

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/glowwords/id6755664722)

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:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| GlowWords Plus | $2.99 | per month |
| GlowWords Plus | $2.99 | per month |
| GlowWords Plus – 3 months | $5.99 | per 3 months |
| GlowWords Plus Yearly | $17.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*