# FBReader vs FusionRead

The clearest difference is review sentiment: FBReader at 52% against FusionRead's 0%. FBReader also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18). FusionRead's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs monthly). On price, ads, 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 FusionRead sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

FBReader ships an update monthly, FusionRead weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | FusionRead |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **128** | — |
| Positive reviews | **52.5% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 22 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [音 卢](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895433682) |

## 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)


### FusionRead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fusionread-epub-pdf-reader/id6763686763)

This application allows users to read EPUB and PDF files with integrated translation for over 70 languages. It features a bilingual reading mode, vocabulary building tools, and reading statistics to aid language learners and bilingual readers.

**Highlights:** EPUB & PDF reader, Instant translation, Bilingual reading mode, Vocabulary builder, Reading statistics, iCloud sync, Dark mode

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Lifetime | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is FusionRead free?

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

### Do FBReader or FusionRead have ads?

Neither FBReader nor FusionRead shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FBReader or FusionRead?

FBReader ships an update monthly, and FusionRead weekly. Most recently, FBReader was updated on September 30, 2026 and FusionRead on September 29, 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.*