Comparison

Scan Hero vs PDF

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Scan Hero

Scan documents, photos, and text on the go and manage your paperwork digitally. Edit, sign, and share your scans as PDFs or images. Offers OCR, HD quality, and secure file protection.

Highlights
  • Scan documents to PDF or image
  • Multiple camera modes for specific documents
  • Edit scans: re-crop, perspective, filters
  • Organize and reorder pages
  • OCR text extraction
  • Digital signatures
  • Secure files with Face ID/passcode
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Looking for a mobile assistant? Try the Scan Hero app to corral your paperwork and scan documents on the go! Scan Hero helps you run your business in the ever-changing digital world. Scan documents to PDF, then sign, edit, and share them – no heavy equipment needed! Manage paperwork hassle-free from anywhere – the office, remotely, or from home. Stay one step ahead when it comes to document management. Loved by more than 29 million users. SCAN DOCUMENTS - Scan any document automatically or manually and save it as a PDF file or image. - Try various Camera Modes to scan specific types of documents. - Adjust the quality and file size of your scans: choose low, medium, or high quality. - Import documents right from Photos for further editing and sharing. TRY CAMERA MODES - Single Mode captures a single page. - Multi Mode scans two pages at once. - Passport & ID Card Modes digitize your ID-documents. - Book Mode scans a two-page spread of a book. - QR Mode reads QR codes with your device’s Camera. MAKE EDITS - Re-crop scans, change page perspective and borders, apply filters, adjust contrast, and correct or change the orientation. - Organize and reorder pages in multipage documents. MANAGE SCANS - Print scanned documents and clipboard text wirelessly. - Share scans separately or send a number of files in one PDF file via Mail or iMessage. - Save all your scans to Photos or iCloud and synchronize them between all of your iOS devices. - Protect your files with Face ID or passcode. LEVEL UP WITH PREMIUM FEATURES - Recognize and extract text from your scans with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology. Available for texts in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Spanish, Turkish, Russian, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Swedish, Polish, Norwegian, Japanese, and Portuguese. - Fine-tune scans by selecting HD quality while scanning. - Sign scans right on the screen of your device. Create and save one or more signatures, and add them to scans whenever you need. - Highlight the key points of your scans. - Secure private information in scanned documents using the Hide tool. - Scan and share without limits. *For advanced editing and file management, you can also try our PDF Hero app! Subscription payments will be charged to your App Store account at confirmation of your purchase. Subscriptions will automatically renew and you will be charged unless auto-renew is turned off or unless you cancel at least 24 hours prior to the end of the current subscription or trial period. Any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited when you purchase a premium subscription during the free trial period. The cost of renewal depends on the Subscription Plan you choose. Subscriptions and auto-renewal may be managed by going to Account Settings after purchase or by contacting Customer Support. Privacy Policy: https://support.bendingspoons.com/privacy.html?app=1017261655 Terms of Service: https://support.bendingspoons.com/tos.html?app=1017261655 Got questions or suggestions? Please don’t hesitate to email us at support@scanhero.app

About

PDF

This app transforms your device into a comprehensive document management tool. Scan, read, edit, and securely sign PDFs with features like OCR, PIN protection, and cloud integration. Organize all your files effortlessly for work, study, or personal use.

Highlights
  • PIN Protection & Secure File Locking
  • Electronic Signature
  • Smart Document Scanner
  • Accurate OCR (Text Recognition)
  • All-in-One File Manager
  • Multi-Format Export (PDF, JPG)
  • Page Management Tools
Features
Read full description

PDF: Scanner, Reader & Editor – Convert, Lock & Sign Documents All-in-one mobile solution to scan, read, sign, lock, and manage your documents securely and effortlessly ================== Turn Your Device into a Powerful Document Hub! PDF: Scanner, Reader & Editor is the ultimate digital tool that brings scanning, editing, reading, e-signing, and secure file storage all into one place. Whether you’re a student or professional or just need to organize documents on the go, this PDF file manager helps you stay productive and paperless. ================== - Key Features to Maximize Your Productivity: 1. PIN Protection & Secure File Locking Protect important files and folders with a strong PIN code. Keep your private scans safe and accessible only to you. 2. Electronic Signature Sign documents digitally in seconds. Save your signature for reuse and add it to PDFs effortlessly. 3. Smart Document Scanner Scan physical documents using your camera or import them from the gallery. Supports scanning receipts, contracts, ID cards, certificates, business cards, handwritten notes, whiteboards, and more. 4. Accurate OCR (Text Recognition) Convert scanned images to editable text with high-precision OCR. Recognizes multiple languages and allows easy editing and exporting. 5. All-in-One File Manager Organize, move, copy, delete, rename, reorder, and manage files or folders seamlessly. Includes drag & drop support for intuitive document control. 6. Image Enhancer & Editor Built-in noise removal, color correction, and sharpness controls ensure clean and professional-looking scans every time. 7. Multi-Format Export Export your files in PDF or JPG format and instantly share them for work, study, or record-keeping. 8. Cloud Upload & Printing Easily upload your scans to cloud services or print documents directly from your device. Supports sharing via email, text, and more. 9. Page Management Tools Cut, copy, paste, reorder, rotate, or delete pages within any PDF. Merge multiple pages or split large files with ease. ================== - Why Users Love PDF: Scanner, Reader, & Editor 1. Simple and clean interface for quick navigation 2. Seamlessly manage school, business, or personal files 3. Lightning-fast scanning with automatic edge detection 4. Reliable PDF viewer and annotation tools 5. Offline and online access to your documents 6. Converts your phone into a digital office on the go ================== Perfect For: - Students managing study notes and assignments - Freelancers and business owners signing and sending contracts - Office professionals handling receipts, invoices, or reports - Anyone looking to organize documents with speed and security ================== No More Paper Clutter – Stay Organized & Efficient! Scan, sign, store, and share – all in one smart document scanner. ================== Disclaimer: This app offers paid features that require an additional purchase for full access. To enjoy all the content and functionality, a subscription is required. Privacy Policy: https://vasundharaapps.com/pdf-scanner-privacy-policy-ios Terms of Use: https://vasundharaapps.com/pdf-scanner-terms-of-service-ios

Screenshots

Scan Hero4 screens
PDF4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Scan Hero at 242K against PDF's 1.4K. Scan Hero also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Scan Hero sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and PDF sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Scan Hero holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Scan Hero has 242K ratings behind it against 1.4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of Scan Hero's written reviews are positive against 60% of PDF's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Scan Hero ships an update every 10 days, PDF every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Scan Hero versus PDF: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterScan HeroPDF
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (242K ratings) — better4.4 (1.4K ratings)
Positive reviews64.6% of reviews — better60.0% of reviews
Number of ratings242K — better1.4K
Update frequencyEvery 10 days — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#35 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size245 MB228 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMosaic S.r.l.Pravin Gondaliya

Customer experience

Scan Hero

All ratings241,698 ratings
Positive92.2%
Neutral3.3%
Negative4.5%
Written reviews695 reviews
Positive64.6%
Neutral4.3%
Negative31.1%

PDF

All ratings1,417 ratings
Positive84.7%
Neutral4.5%
Negative10.8%
Written reviews15 reviews
Positive60.0%
Neutral6.7%
Negative33.3%

Bugs and requests

Scan Hero

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Scans not properly cropped
  • Inability to rearrange scanned pages
  • Crashes when editing/cropping documents

Requested features

3 requests
  • Ability to rotate scanned documents
  • Option to save scans to cloud storage
  • Improved OCR text recognition

PDF

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

11 purchases

Scan Hero

Subscriptions10
  • Get Premium!3 Days trial$1.997 Days
  • Premium Scanner App + OCR3 Days trial$4.993 Months
  • Weekly Subscription2 variants$9.997 Days
Show 7 more
  • Weekly Sub with Free Trial7 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Scanner for Me - Plus1 Month trial$10.991 Month
  • Monthly Premium Subscription$14.991 Month
  • Document & Text Scanner + OCR3 Days trial$16.001 Month
  • Upgrade to Pro!$16.001 Month
  • Monthly Premium Subscription3 Days trial$22.001 Month
  • Upgrade to Pro!3 Days trial$89.991 Year
One-time1
  • Scanner for Me Full Version$6.99
8 purchases

PDF

Subscriptions7
  • Camera Scanner Week3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • PDF Scanner - 1 Month2 variants$4.991 Month
  • Camera Scanner Pro3 Days trial$5.997 Days
Show 4 more
  • Camera Scanner Lite$9.991 Month
  • Camera Scanner Lite3 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Camera Scanner Pro$23.991 Year
  • Camera Scanner Pro3 Days trial$39.991 Year
One-time1
  • PDF Scanner - Lifetime2 variants$79.99

Questions

Is Scan Hero free?
Scan Hero is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PDF free?
PDF is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Scan Hero or PDF?
Scan Hero is rated higher. Scan Hero averages 4.7 out of 5 from 242K ratings, while PDF averages 4.4 from 1.4K ratings.
Do Scan Hero or PDF have ads?
Both Scan Hero and PDF show ads.
Which is updated more often, Scan Hero or PDF?
Scan Hero ships an update every 10 days, and PDF every 6 weeks. Most recently, Scan Hero was updated on September 24, 2026 and PDF on September 22, 2026.

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