FBReader vs OL Reader
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.
OL Reader
Transform your EPUB library into an audio experience with on-device AI narration. Enjoy natural voices, smart library management, and seamless reading and listening, all while ensuring complete privacy as no data leaves your device.
- On-device AI narration
- Multiple voice options
- Smart library management
- Seamless read & listen
- Privacy-focused processing
- Robust text handling
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OL Reader transforms your EPUB library into a personal listening experience powered by on-device AI. Import your favorite books and let the built-in Kokoro neural text-to-speech engine read them aloud with stunningly natural voices — no internet connection required, no subscriptions, and complete privacy. Whether you're commuting, cooking, or resting your eyes, OL Reader makes your entire ebook collection accessible as spoken audio. The AI runs entirely on your device using Apple's MLX framework, delivering high-quality narration without sending a single word to the cloud. Key Features: • On-Device AI Narration — Kokoro neural TTS produces natural, expressive speech that sounds remarkably human. No network needed. • Multiple Voice Options — Choose from a variety of voices to find the perfect narrator for every book. • Smart Library Management — Import and organize your EPUB collection with ease. Browse covers, search titles, and pick up right where you left off. • Memory-Efficient Reading Engine — An advanced chunking system with intelligent prefetching keeps scrolling buttery smooth, even for thousand-page novels. • Seamless Read & Listen — Follow along visually with real-time text highlighting as the AI reads, or simply close your eyes and listen. • Privacy First — All processing happens on your iPhone or iPad. Your books and reading habits never leave your device. • Robust Text Handling — Gracefully handles complex Unicode, special characters, and even poorly formatted EPUBs without skipping a beat. OL Reader is perfect for avid readers who want hands-free access to their personal library, anyone with visual accessibility needs, language learners who benefit from hearing text read aloud, or multitaskers who want to enjoy books while on the go. Turn every moment into reading time — your books have never sounded this good.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: FBReader at 52% against OL Reader's 0%. FBReader also leads on price (Free vs $4.99) and device support (4 vs 1). OL Reader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and chart position (#114 vs unranked). On ads 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
FBReader is free to download; OL Reader costs $4.99 up front. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. OL Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | FBReader | OL Reader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $4.99 |
| Rating | 3.7 (129 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 129 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | #114 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 1.2 GB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | FBReader.ORG Limited | Darren Oakey |
Customer experience
FBReader
OL Reader
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)
OL Reader
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
FBReader
- FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
OL Reader
No in-app purchases









