Comparison

DjVu Reader vs FBReader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

DjVu Reader

This app provides a seamless reading experience for DjVu and PDF files on mobile devices. It optimizes performance for large documents with an elegant design, extended functionality, and high stability. Enjoy features like cloud integration, a speech synthesizer, and robust file management tools.

Highlights
  • DjVu and PDF format support
  • Cloud and network service integration
  • Speech synthesizer
  • Advanced file manager
  • Wi-Fi and FTP transfer
  • Search and highlight text
Features
Read full description

The BEST application for reading djvu and pdf formats. All formats are thoroughly elaborated and are 100% supported by the application. The visualization system takes into account the specific character of the formats functioning on mobile devices (memory capacity, the number of general processor units etc.), Providing a maximum productivity and comfort when working with large documents. Elegant design, extended functionality, high speed and stability of work will make reading of your favorite literature a pleasurable experience. You can contact technical support and leave a comment without quitting the application. DjVu Reader’s special features: ■ Compatible with all popular archive formats (rar, zip, 7z, gz, tar ...) ■ Speech synthesizer ■ Integration with popular cloud services(Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, Yandex.Disk) ■ Integration with popular network services(SMB, FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, DLNA) ■ Open documents directly from cloud services and network services ■ Hight application stability ■ Automatic recovery bad and non standard files ■ Search and highlight text options ■ Table of contents ■ User friendly navigation ■ Page layout option in documents(single page, double pages, double pages with cover) ■ Effects for documents(sepia, monochrome, color controls) ■ Brightness control ■ Rotation lock ■ Bookmarks ■ Quick preview ■ Page scaling ■ Auto scaling for adjacent pages ■ Opening documents from external applications ■ Last open document list ■ Web Browser and download manager ■ Wi-Fi transfer ■ FTP transfer File Manager Features: ■ Intuitive interface ■ iTunes integration ■ File sorting(by name, by extension, by size, by date, by author, by progress) ■ Searching files in subfolders ■ Create, move, copy, rename, pack/unpack, delete file/folder options ■ File/folder search ■ Preview book cover Wi-Fi Transfer Features: ■ Intuitive interface ■ Create, move, rename, delete file/folder options ■ Downloading/uploading few media files with one click ■ Display upload progress Feel free to ask questions, report bugs or request new features: support@develsoftware.com

About

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.

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
Read 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

DjVu Reader4 screens
FBReader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: DjVu Reader at 10.0 against FBReader's 13.0. On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. DjVu Reader sells 4 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.7 for DjVu Reader against 3.7 for FBReader. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 248 and 129 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 46% of DjVu Reader's written reviews are positive against 52% of FBReader's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
DjVu Reader versus FBReader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDjVu ReaderFBReader
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (248 ratings)3.7 (129 ratings) — better
Positive reviews46.3% of reviews52.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings248 — better129
Update frequencyMonthlyMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS10.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size127 MB22 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperLTD DevelSoftwareFBReader.ORG Limited

Customer experience

DjVu Reader

All ratings248 ratings
Positive68.1%
Neutral1.6%
Negative30.2%
Written reviews320 reviews
Positive46.3%
Neutral3.4%
Negative50.3%

FBReader

All ratings128 ratings
Positive64.8%
Neutral9.4%
Negative25.8%
Written reviews322 reviews
Positive52.5%
Neutral14.0%
Negative33.5%

User reviews

DjVu Reader

From 248 App Store ratings

What we love

  • ✅ Excellent DJVU file reading capability
  • 🚀 Fast and responsive performance
  • 📱 Works well on iPad and iOS devices
  • 💾 Comprehensive file management features
  • 🎯 Intuitive and easy-to-use interface

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent 'Page Loading Failed' errors
  • 📺 Intrusive and excessive full-screen ads
  • ⚠️ App crashes and instability
  • 🔧 Unresponsive menu functions
  • 💰 Aggressive upselling to Pro version

FBReader

From 129 App Store ratings

What 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

DjVu Reader

Reported bugs

12 issues
  • Page loading fails after reading a few pages
  • App crashes when opening files
  • Cannot delete read books
  • Browser download feature not working
  • Menu functions unresponsive
Show 7 more
  • Pages fail to load when switching between active apps
  • Memory management issues causing page loading failures
  • File import UI is confusing and non-functional
  • Pages stop loading after staying on one page for 15+ seconds
  • Repeated file downloads when using download option
  • Settings menu appears unexpectedly on touch
  • Pro version purchase not properly reflected in app

Requested features

7 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Left-to-right page turning for horizontal reading mode
  • Multi-tab support for opening multiple PDF files simultaneously
  • Better local file browsing capability
  • Orientation lock functionality
Show 2 more
  • iCloud integration
  • Improved help documentation and user manual

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

4 purchases

DjVu Reader

One-time4
  • Thank the Developer$0.99
  • Appearance Customization$2.99
  • Additional Formats$4.99
Show 1 more
  • Pro Version$6.99
1 purchases

FBReader

One-time1
  • FBReader Full Edition2 variants$12.99

Questions

Is DjVu Reader free?
DjVu Reader 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, DjVu Reader or FBReader?
FBReader is rated higher. DjVu Reader averages 3.7 out of 5 from 248 ratings, while FBReader averages 3.7 from 129 ratings.
Do DjVu Reader or FBReader have ads?
Neither DjVu Reader nor FBReader shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DjVu Reader or FBReader?
DjVu Reader ships an update monthly, and FBReader monthly. Most recently, DjVu Reader was updated on October 24, 2026 and FBReader on October 24, 2026.

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