# FBReader vs Beresta

The clearest difference is price: FBReader at Free against Beresta's $19.99. FBReader also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 26.0). Beresta's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs monthly) and chart position (#78 vs unranked). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

FBReader is free to download; Beresta costs $19.99 up front. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Beresta sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

FBReader ships an update monthly, Beresta every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FBReader | Beresta |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $19.99 |
| Rating | **[3.7 (129 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **129** | — |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | — | **#78** |
| Size | 22 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) | [Dmitriy Laukhin](https://appshunter.io/developer/6809435218) |

## 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)


### Beresta

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beresta-library-and-highlights/id6809435216)

**Currently charting:** #78 Top Paid · Book (US App Store)

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Supporter | $5.99 | one-time |
| Updates for 12 months | $9.99 | one-time |
| Updates after a break | $14.99 | one-time |
| Believer | $24.99 | one-time |
| Evangelist | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Is Beresta free?

Beresta costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Do FBReader or Beresta have ads?

Neither FBReader nor Beresta shows ads.

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

FBReader ships an update monthly, and Beresta every 2 days. Most recently, FBReader was updated on November 2, 2026 and Beresta on October 31, 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.*