MARLVEL

Bluefire Reader vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Bluefire Reader's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Bluefire Reader
This App
iPusnas
Nemesis
Manga Reader - Best Manga Man
Contender
iDoyle: Sherlock Holmes
Contender
FBReader Bookshelf
Contender
Gumroad
Contender
The Cantina Archive
Peer
BookBub
Peer
Moonlite - Storytime Projector
Peer
MovieBuddy Pro: Movie Tracker
Peer
Core Identity
DeveloperBluefire ProductionsPerpustakaan Nasional Republik IndonesiaNguyen Minh HangiClassics Productions, S.L.FBReader.ORG LimitedGumroadJAMES ANTHONY BOOKERPubmark Inc.Redwood Ventures LLCKimico, Ltd.
CategoryBookBookBookBookBooks & ReferenceUtilitiesBooksBookEntertainmentEntertainment
PlatformiOSiOS, AndroidiOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOSiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating4.6 / 53.8 / 54.2 / 54.5 / 54.6 / 54.7 / 54.6 / 54.8 / 53.9 / 54.8 / 5
Ratings Count4,05691,125865036,83349920506960
PriceUSD4.99FreeFree$3.99FreeFree$3.99FreeFree$9.99
Release DateOct 9, 2010Sep 9, 2016May 24, 2023Jun 22, 2016Jun 9, 2012Sep 30, 2014May 9, 2025Dec 4, 2015Dec 10, 2020Jun 25, 2015
Last UpdatedJul 31, 2021Mar 10, 2025Apr 3, 2025Feb 11, 2020Mar 17, 2026Apr 29, 2026Feb 14, 2026Jan 29, 2026Mar 18, 2026May 11, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentmixed--positive--positive--positive
Score45/100--75/100--75/100--75/100
Praises
  • Reliable rendering of ePub and PDF documents provides a superior alternative to Adobe Digital Editions
--
  • Immersive interactive storytelling blends animation and music to create a highly engaging reading experience
--
  • Comprehensive tracking of Star Wars book collections across canon and legends timelines
--
  • Barcode scanning functionality allows for rapid cataloging of large physical media collections
Complaints
  • Frequent application crashes and freezing behavior post-update render the reading experience unusable for many users
--
  • Technical friction during page navigation makes the reading experience feel unresponsive or broken
--
  • Incomplete book databases and missing titles frustrate users attempting to log full collections
--
  • Alphabetical sorting logic incorrectly includes the word The when organizing movie titles
Requests
  • Cross-device synchronization of reading progress and library content using Adobe ID credentials
--
  • Expansion of the library to include more classic literature titles in the same format
--
  • Expanded support for comics and junior novels to improve catalogue coverage
--
  • Wishlist feature allows collectors to track desired titles separate from their owned inventory
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Adobe DRM support enables B2B library partnerships
  • Specialized rendering engine outperforms Adobe Digital Editions
  • Library organization tools drive power-user retention
--
  • Device-native hardware triggers create a non-replicable reading experience
  • High-fidelity 2D animation quality exceeds standard digital book adaptations
--
  • Niche collection-tracking utility builds high switching costs for Star Wars fans
  • AI-video export mechanism drives organic social discovery
-
  • Proprietary physical-to-digital bridge creates a premium, screen-free family bonding experience
  • Curated storybook content offers a safer environment for young children than general media apps
  • Barcode scanner reduces manual entry friction for large collections
  • One-time purchase model lowers barrier to entry against subscription rivals
  • Cross-device sync increases utility across Apple hardware
Weaknesses
  • Frequent crashes post-update
  • Lack of cross-device synchronization
  • Authentication friction with Adobe ID
--
  • $4.99 Android price point sits above the $3.99 iOS tier
  • Technical navigation stalls reported in reviews
  • Content-locking post-purchase triggers user distrust
--
  • $3.99 one-time purchase model limits recurring revenue
  • Rigid collection logic prevents logging borrowed or unowned items
-
  • Hardware-dependent model requires physical shipping and inventory management
  • 3.86 rating suggests friction in the setup or activation process
  • Sorting logic incorrectly includes articles in titles
  • Incomplete database coverage requires frequent manual entry
  • Data persistence issues during device upgrades
Pricingpaidfreefreemiumpaidfreemiumfreefreemiumfreefreemiumpaid
MomentumZombieIntenseZombieZombieActive-IntenseSteadyMaintenanceMaintenance
Update Cadence5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~39d avg5 versions5 versions5 versions5 versions-5 versions5 versions1 versions4 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~36d avg

Compare Bluefire Reader head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Bluefire Reader, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

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Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0