FBReader vs True Epub
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.
True Epub
This app allows you to easily open and read EPUB documents. Customize your reading experience by adjusting font size, adding highlights, and taking notes. Import files directly from your device or through the share menu.
- Open EPUB documents
- Adjustable font size
- Create highlights
- Add notes
- Import via Files app
- Import via Share menu
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True Epub is an EPUB reader built to help you open and read EPUB documents faster and more comfortably. Import EPUBs directly from the Files app using the in-app Open button, or add them via the Share menu. Adjust the font size for supplementary/reference content, create highlights and notes to capture what matters, and quickly revisit key parts later.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: True Epub at 5.0 against FBReader's 3.7. True Epub also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). FBReader's advantage is ratings volume (128 vs 3) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads and device support 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. True Epub asks for nothing beyond the download.
True Epub holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FBReader has 128 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.
FBReader ships an update monthly, True Epub fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FBReader | True Epub |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (128 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 128 — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Fortnightly — better |
| 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, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | FBReader.ORG Limited | Byung-woo Hwang |
Customer experience
FBReader
True Epub
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)
True Epub
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
FBReader
- FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
True Epub
No in-app purchases
