# A FB2 Reader vs FBReader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: A FB2 Reader at none against FBReader's 2. A FB2 Reader also leads on review sentiment (67% vs 52%) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.0). FBReader's advantage is rating (3.7 vs 3.4) and ratings volume (128 vs 5). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FBReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. A FB2 Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

FBReader holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FBReader has 128 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of A FB2 Reader's written reviews are positive against 52% of FBReader's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

A FB2 Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, FBReader monthly. Both last shipped on October 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | A FB2 Reader | FBReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-fb2-reader/id964428346/reviews) | **[3.7 (128 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fbreader-epub-and-fb2-reader/id1067172178/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **128** |
| Positive reviews | **67.1% of reviews** | 52.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Yuri Staloverov](https://appshunter.io/developer/845277613) | [FBReader.ORG Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067172177) |

## What reviewers say

### A FB2 Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-fb2-reader/id964428346)

This free application allows you to read your favorite FB2 format ebooks on your iPad and iPhone. Easily import books from various sources, customize your reading experience with adjustable fonts and color schemes, and navigate your library with ease.

**Highlights:** Read FB2 ebooks, Import from web, iTunes, and cloud drives, Adjustable fonts, spacing, and width, Three color schemes, Easy navigation and page turning, Sort books by various criteria, Book image gallery

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 A FB2 Reader free?

A FB2 Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is FBReader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, A FB2 Reader or FBReader?

FBReader is rated higher. A FB2 Reader averages 3.4 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while FBReader averages 3.7 from 128 ratings.

### Do A FB2 Reader or FBReader have ads?

Neither A FB2 Reader nor FBReader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, A FB2 Reader or FBReader?

A FB2 Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, and FBReader monthly. Most recently, A FB2 Reader was updated on October 3, 2026 and FBReader on October 3, 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.*