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FBReader
What it is
FBReader is an ebook reader for desktop and mobile devices, with versions for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It opens formats including ePub, fb2, mobi, HTML, RTF, and plain text, plus ePub books protected with Readium LCP. Its Book Network can synchronize book collections, reading positions, bookmarks, and custom shelves across supported devices. Books in that network are stored in the user’s Google Drive space, while metadata, covers, and reading positions are kept on FBReader servers. Online book catalogues using OPDS are supported on Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux; iOS support is planned. Android Premium adds PDF and comics support, Google and DeepL translation integration, and automatic reading aloud. The free iOS version is limited to ten books and disables online translators. Desktop and Android free plans are available. Android Premium is a one-time purchase for $$14.99. FBReader says its current code is closed source, and the maker points users to its FAQ and public Telegram group for online support.
For and against
For
- Available on five desktop and mobile platforms
- Supports ePub, fb2, mobi, HTML, RTF, and plain text
- Book Network syncs reading positions and bookmarks
- Android Premium adds PDF and comics support
Against
- Free iOS version is limited to ten books
- iOS online translators are disabled in the free version
- iOS OPDS support is planned, not currently available
- Current code is closed source
The verdict
FBReader offers broad format support and cross-device library syncing, with some platform differences. Android Premium costs $$14.99 as a one-time purchase.
Who it suits
It suits readers who want an ebook app across desktop and mobile platforms and need support for several ebook formats. Android readers seeking PDF, comics, translation, or reading aloud can consider Premium.
Plans and prices
FBReader for iOS
Free version limited to ten books; online translation disabled; full version is a one-time fee
Read 4 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
FBReader for Windows/macOS/Linux
Desktop reader; supported features and formats vary by platform
Read 4 Oct 2026 · fbreader.org
FBReader Free for Android
Some features require Premium or separate plugins
Read 4 Oct 2026 · fbreader.org
FBReader Premium for Android
One-time purchase; Premium features; purchase tied to Google Play or Huawei account
Read 4 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
On the record
- Android file access
- On Android 10 and later, FBReader 3.8 and newer uses Android's Storage Access Framework, which restricts folder access and can slow file operations.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Catalogues
- On Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, FBReader supports online book catalogues using OPDS; iOS OPDS support is planned.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Cloud storage
- Books in the Book Network are stored in the user's Google Drive space, while metadata, covers, and reading positions are stored on FBReader servers.books.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Cloud sync
- The FBReader Book Network synchronizes book collections, reading positions, bookmarks, and custom shelves across supported devices.books.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Company
- FBReader.ORG Limited develops and supports FBReader and was founded in the United Kingdom in 2013.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Developer SDK
- FBReader offers a binary SDK for Android and iOS that includes a text format rendering engine but no PDF renderer.sdk.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- DRM
- FBReader opens ePub books protected with Readium LCP.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Formats
- It supports formats including ePub, fb2, mobi, HTML, RTF, and plain text.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Google Drive access
- FBReader says its Book Network requests permission to upload new files and access files it created, and cannot access other Google Drive content.books.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- iOS limits
- The free iOS version is limited to ten books and disables online translators, and iOS does not currently support third-party network catalogues.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Open source
- FBReader says its current code is closed source and is no longer open source.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Premium features
- Android Premium adds PDF and comics support, Google and DeepL translation integration, and automatic reading aloud.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- FBReader is an ebook reader for desktop and mobile devices.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users to its FAQ and public Telegram group for online support.fbreader.org · read 4 Oct 2026
