# FBReader vs Libra reader

The clearest difference is device support: FBReader at 4 against Libra reader's 2. FBReader also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.2). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Libra reader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | Libra reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 22 MB | 74 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [Sergei Mikhailov](https://appshunter.io/developer/6782043188) |

## 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)


### Libra reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libra-reader/id6782043006)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Libra Pro – Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Libra Pro – Yearly | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is Libra reader free?

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

### Do FBReader or Libra reader have ads?

Neither FBReader nor Libra reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FBReader or Libra reader?

FBReader ships an update monthly, and Libra reader monthly. Most recently, FBReader was updated on October 8, 2026 and Libra reader on October 7, 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.*