FBReader
fbreader.org
What it is
FBReader is an ebook reader for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It opens formats including ePub, fb2, mobi, HTML, RTF, and plain text, as well as ePub books protected with Readium LCP. Its Book Network can synchronize collections, reading positions, bookmarks, and custom shelves across supported devices. Books in the network are stored in the user's Google Drive space, while metadata, covers, and reading positions are stored on FBReader servers.
Online OPDS book catalogues 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. FBReader offers free plans for desktop, Android, and iOS; Android Premium is $14.99 as a one-time purchase. The company says its current code is closed source.
Spec sheet
- Product
- FBReader is an ebook reader for desktop and mobile devices.Read 4 Oct 2026 · fbreader.org
- Support
- The maker directs users to its FAQ and public Telegram group for online support.Read 4 Oct 2026 · fbreader.org
- Company
- FBReader.ORG Limited develops and supports FBReader and was founded in the United Kingdom in 2013.Read 4 Oct 2026 · fbreader.org
- 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.Read 4 Oct 2026 · fbreader.org
- Catalogues
- On Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, FBReader supports online book catalogues using OPDS; iOS OPDS support is planned.Read 4 Oct 2026 · fbreader.org
- 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.Read 4 Oct 2026 · books.fbreader.org
- Cloud sync
- The FBReader Book Network synchronizes book collections, reading positions, bookmarks, and custom shelves across supported devices.Read 4 Oct 2026 · books.fbreader.org
- Developer SDK
- FBReader offers a binary SDK for Android and iOS that includes a text format rendering engine but no PDF renderer.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sdk.fbreader.org
- DRM
- FBReader opens ePub books protected with Readium LCP.Read 4 Oct 2026 · fbreader.org
- Formats
- It supports formats including ePub, fb2, mobi, HTML, RTF, and plain text.Read 4 Oct 2026 · fbreader.org
- 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.Read 4 Oct 2026 · books.fbreader.org
- 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.Read 4 Oct 2026 · fbreader.org
- Open source
- FBReader says its current code is closed source and is no longer open source.Read 4 Oct 2026 · fbreader.org
- Premium features
- Android Premium adds PDF and comics support, Google and DeepL translation integration, and automatic reading aloud.Read 4 Oct 2026 · fbreader.org
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Available on five desktop and mobile platforms.
- Opens ePub, fb2, mobi, HTML, RTF, and plain text.
- Book Network syncs reading positions and bookmarks.
- Android Premium adds PDF and comics support.
Limits
- Free iOS version is limited to ten books.
- iOS disables online translators in its free version.
- iOS OPDS support is only planned.
- Current code is closed source.
Who it suits
FBReader suits readers who want an ebook app across desktop and mobile platforms, with format support and synchronized reading details. Android users seeking PDF, comics, translation, or read-aloud features can consider Premium.
Verdict
FBReader covers common ebook formats and can synchronize reading details through its Book Network. Feature availability varies by platform, and iOS has specific limits in the free version.
Where Specifiction places it
- File Reader Software#4 of 248.7
- Ebook Reader Software#5 of 278.5
- Reading Apps#10 of 478.6