# FBReader vs True Epub

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | True Epub |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/true-epub/id6757480952/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **128** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 22 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [Byung-woo Hwang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1867186958) |

## 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 Epub

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/true-epub/id6757480952)

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.

**Highlights:** Open EPUB documents, Adjustable font size, Create highlights, Add notes, Import via Files app, Import via Share menu

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is True Epub free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FBReader or True Epub?

True Epub is rated higher. FBReader averages 3.7 out of 5 from 128 ratings, while True Epub averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do FBReader or True Epub have ads?

Neither FBReader nor True Epub shows ads.

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

FBReader ships an update monthly, and True Epub fortnightly. Most recently, FBReader was updated on October 20, 2026 and True Epub on October 14, 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.*