# TotalReader vs FBReader

The clearest difference is rating: TotalReader at 4.3 against FBReader's 3.7. TotalReader also leads on review sentiment (69% vs 52%) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 13.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TotalReader sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

TotalReader holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 368 and 128 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of TotalReader's written reviews are positive against 52% of FBReader's.

TotalReader ships an update every 3 weeks, FBReader monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TotalReader | FBReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (368 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/totalreader-epub-djvu-mobi-fb2-reader/id832489932/reviews)** | [3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **368** | 128 |
| Positive reviews | **69.0% of reviews** | 52.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 130 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [LTD DevelSoftware](https://appshunter.io/developer/717594986) | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) |

## What reviewers say

### TotalReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/totalreader-epub-djvu-mobi-fb2-reader/id832489932)

This app is a versatile reader supporting a vast array of book, document, comic, and source code formats. It offers advanced customization for reading comfort, cloud integration, and file management tools.

**Highlights:** Wide range of supported formats, Cloud and network service integration, Speech synthesizer, Customizable reading experience, File manager with Wi-Fi transfer, Online book catalogs (OPDS)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Thank the Developer | $0.99 | one-time |
| Appearance Customization | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pro Version | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great reader
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🔍 Supports many file formats
- 💡 Integrates with cloud storage
- 📚 Excellent for reading books

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 💰 Expensive premium version
- 📢 Intrusive ads in free version
- 🔒 Lacks security/privacy features
- 🔧 Poor file management and organization

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup
- Unable to open certain file formats
- Cloud storage integration not working
- Ads prevent smooth reading experience
- Purchased features not functioning properly

**Requested features**

- Add more customization options
- Improve cloud storage integration
- Implement better file organization tools
- Provide better support for older devices
- Add text-to-speech and annotation features


### 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)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TotalReader free?

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

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, TotalReader or FBReader?

TotalReader is rated higher. TotalReader averages 4.3 out of 5 from 368 ratings, while FBReader averages 3.7 from 128 ratings.

### Do TotalReader or FBReader have ads?

Neither TotalReader nor FBReader shows ads.

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

TotalReader ships an update every 3 weeks, and FBReader monthly. Most recently, TotalReader was updated on October 7, 2026 and FBReader on October 13, 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.*