Comparison

FBReader vs Paged

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

Paged

Features
Read full description

Estante is a beautiful PDF library that turns your files into a real bookshelf — organized, synced to the cloud, and always with you. Import any PDF and it becomes a book: with a cover, a spine, and its own place on your shelf. Browse your collection the way it was meant to be browsed — visually, not through a list of filenames. What you can do: • Import PDFs from your phone in seconds — articles, manuals, novels, anything you want to keep. • Build your library — each PDF becomes a book on a beautiful shelf, complete with cover art. • Customize covers — not happy with the auto-generated cover? Long-press any book and set your own image. • Read anywhere — your entire library lives in the cloud. Switch devices, your books follow. • Read comfortably — clean in-app reader with light and dark mode support. • Listen while you read — turn any page into audio with the built-in narration feature. • Your files, your privacy — everything is stored in your own account, under your control. No third-party access. Whether you're a student organizing lecture notes, a reader managing a PDF book collection, or someone who just wants their documents in one beautiful place — Estante is the library you always wished you had.

Screenshots

FBReader4 screens
Paged4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Paged at none against FBReader's 2. Paged also leads on update cadence (every 3 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.

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. Paged asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FBReader ships an update monthly, Paged every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
FBReader versus Paged: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFBReaderPaged
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (129 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews52.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings129 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB50 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperFBReader.ORG LimitedLuccas Martins de Melo Barbosa

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)

Paged

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

FBReader

One-time1
  • FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
None

Paged

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is FBReader free?
FBReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Paged free?
Paged is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do FBReader or Paged have ads?
Neither FBReader nor Paged shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FBReader or Paged?
FBReader ships an update monthly, and Paged every 3 days. Most recently, FBReader was updated on November 2, 2026 and Paged on October 25, 2026.

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