When comparing Kobo Books vs FBReader, the Slant community recommends FBReader for most people. In the question“What are the best eBook readers on Android?” FBReader is ranked 5th while Kobo Books is ranked 13th. The most important reason people chose FBReader is:
FBReader features an in built eBook store for users to download eBooks onto their devices through the app.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Offers separate Adobe Digital Editions downloads
The Kobo eBook store offers a separate file download (most of the time) from within a users browser. this file is called and .ascm file and is what is used to add an .epub to the Adobe Digital Edition software.
Pro Send eBooks as gift
Kobo Books eBook store allows users to send eBooks as gifts to their friends and loved ones.
Pro Self publish
Kobo offers a way for users to self publish their own eBooks with a service called Writing Life.
Pro Many coupons
Kobo often offers a lot of coupons for their eBook store. Some being as high as 80% off coupons. Though most only work on non agency eBooks, so not that great if the user only reads the newest of releases.
Pro Built in eBook store
FBReader features an in built eBook store for users to download eBooks onto their devices through the app.
Pro Simple and fast
FBReader, while offering many options is simple in design, with that allowing for fast use.
Pro Books can be saved to SD card
Pro Cloud sync
FBReader has built in Google Drive sync for the users files, allowing them to store their eBooks online, not taking up room on their local storage.
Cons
Con Not all eBooks sold on the site are Adobe Digital Editions compatible (.epub)
For some reason not all the eBooks available on the Kobo eBook site are downloadable as .ascm files. Most likely Kobo leaves this up to the publisher, as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt does not have a single book on the Kobo store that offers a separate .ascm download. What most users are unaware of is that the Kobo store is not primarily an .epub bookstore. Kobo uses a proprietary format called .kepub that only works on their own Kobo branded devices. Many of the books they sell do offer a separate .ascm file download, but not all. What exacerbates this issue is that there is currently no way for a user to know if an .ascm will be offered until after purchase.
Con Kobo randomly changes prices
Depending on whether a user is logged in, different prices will be shown on non agency eBooks. Non agency eBooks allow for Kobo to set the price of the title instead of the publisher and sadly it does appear as though Kobo has taken advantage of this to entice new users into thinking their books are priced lower than they actually are.
Con Desktop app doesn't function
Con Cannot search for books on a SD card
Con No light mode
Unusable if you have astigmatism.
Con UI is bad
User interface is confusing and ugly.