FBReader vs PocketBook Reader
FBReader
fbreader.orgPocketBook Reader
company.pocketbook.deSide by side
| Figure | FBReader | PocketBook Reader |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Ebook Reader Software | 8.5 (#5) | 7.3 (#22) |
| Support | The maker directs users to its FAQ and public Telegram group for online support. | PocketBook's German support page provides FAQ links, email support, and weekday phone support for technical questions about PocketBook e-readers. |
Plans
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
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.
PocketBook Reader
PocketBook Reader is a free mobile app for reading digital books and other content on Android and iOS. It handles novels, technical books, comics, manga, magazines, textbooks and audiobooks. Supported formats include EPUB and PDF with Adobe DRM, plus FB2, MOBI, DJVU, DOCX, RTF, TXT, HTML, CBZ, CBR and related formats. Readers can change font size, text and background colors, margins and other display settings. Built-in text-to-speech and dictionaries support reading and listening. PocketBook Cloud synchronizes books, libraries and reading positions across devices, with the App Store also listing notes and bookmarks. Dropbox, Google Books and OPDS catalogs can be connected. Google Play says books work offline without ads or registration. The app is designed for iPad but is not verified for macOS. It is freemium with a free plan; app stores indicate in-app purchases.