Bluefire Reader vs FBReader
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Bluefire Reader
This application allows users to read EPUB and PDF ebooks on their iPhone or iPad. It supports Adobe® Content Server protected content from various retailers, publishers, and libraries, offering features like bookmarking, notes, and search for a customized reading experience.
- Read EPUB and PDF ebooks
- Supports Adobe Content Server protected content
- Bookmarking and notes
- Search functionality
- Customizable reading experience
- Collections management
Read full descriptionHide full description
Bluefire Reader is the best way to read Adobe® Content Server protected ebooks on your iPhone or iPad. With Bluefire Reader you can read EPUB and PDF ebooks from many retailers, publishers and libraries. This full featured ereader app includes bookmarking, notes, search, collections, batch import and export, and settings for fully customizing your reading experience Bookstores, libraries and schools around the world tap Bluefire to design and develop their mission critical apps. Try Bluefire Reader today and see why.
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
Read full descriptionHide 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.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: FBReader at Free against Bluefire Reader's $4.99. FBReader also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months). Bluefire Reader's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 3.7) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On review sentiment, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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; Bluefire Reader costs $4.99 up front. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Bluefire Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.
Bluefire Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bluefire Reader has 4.1K ratings behind it against 128, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of Bluefire Reader's written reviews are positive against 52% of FBReader's.
Bluefire Reader ships an update every 2 months, FBReader monthly. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.
| Parameter | Bluefire Reader | FBReader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.6 (4.1K ratings) — better | 3.7 (128 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 55.3% of reviews — better | 52.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 4.1K — better | 128 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #12 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 21 MB | 22 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Bluefire Productions | FBReader.ORG Limited |
Customer experience
Bluefire Reader
FBReader
User reviews
Bluefire Reader
From 4.1K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 💻 Excellent ePub reader
- 🌙 Useful night mode
- 📚 Organizes library well
- 🎨 Customizable font and layout
- 🔍 Convenient search and navigation
Room to improve
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
- 📍 Loses page position when reopening
- 🔍 Inconsistent search and bookmark behavior
- 🔧 Outdated and lacking updates
- 🔒 Adobe DRM integration issues
FBReader
From 128 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Fast and smooth reading experience
- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
- 💡 Customizable font, margin, and layout options
- 🔒 Secure syncing across devices
- 🎨 Retro background textures
Room to improve
- 🐛 Occasional crashes and freezes
- 🔧 Lack of advanced organization features (folders, shelves)
- 🚫 No PDF support
- 🔍 Inconsistent search and book discovery
- 🔒 Privacy concerns around data collection
Bugs and requests
Bluefire Reader
Reported bugs
4 issues- Incompatible with latest iOS versions
- Blank pages when opening some books
- Incorrect page numbering and navigation
- Unreliable bookmarking and note-taking
Requested features
5 requests- Sync reading progress across devices
- Improved highlighting and annotation tools
- Vertical scrolling option
- Customizable highlight colors
- Integrated dictionary/reference lookup
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)
In-app purchases
Bluefire Reader
No in-app purchases
FBReader
- FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99
