Bluefire Reader vs FBReader
Bluefire Reader
bluefirereader.comFBReader
fbreader.orgSide by side
| Figure | Bluefire Reader | FBReader |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Spec score · Ebook Reader Software | 8.2 (#8) | 8.5 (#5) |
| DRM | The apps support Adobe Content Server authorization using Adobe ID, Anonymous ID, or an organization's own user accounts. | FBReader opens ePub books protected with Readium LCP. |
| Product | Bluefire Reader is offered as a white-label e-reading app that organizations can launch under their own brand. | FBReader is an ebook reader for desktop and mobile devices. |
| Support | The About page links to the Bluefire Reader Support Site and lists [email protected] as the sales contact. | The maker directs users to its FAQ and public Telegram group for online support. |
Plans
Bluefire Reader
- Free Bluefire Reader appFree
- Bluefire ReaderPriced on request
FBReader
- FBReader for iOSFree
- FBReader for Windows/macOS/LinuxFree
- FBReader Free for AndroidFree
- FBReader Premium for Android$14.99, paid once
In their own words
Bluefire Reader
Bluefire Reader is offered as a white-label e-reading app that organizations can launch under their own brand. Bluefire describes customers in ebook retail, libraries, and academia, and says the app has been deployed by over 70 brands worldwide. Reading features include bookmarks, highlights, notes, dictionary lookup, contextual search, sharing, and customizable settings. Bluefire-powered apps support PDF and adaptive-layout EPUB2; listed format support also includes EPUB3. Adobe Content Server authorization can use an Adobe ID, an Anonymous ID, or an organization’s own accounts. Existing distribution platforms, vendors, and websites can be integrated, allowing customers to browse, purchase, and access prior purchases in the app. Page Sync Cloud Service syncs a reader’s current page across devices and includes an online analytics reporting tool. Bluefire also offers custom UX design and development for specialized app features. Supported platforms include iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, with a web presence listed. Sync may not be available in all countries or on all products and ordinarily requires internet access.
FBReader
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.