Comparison

Reader vs Pextro

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

Head to head
About

Reader

This app provides a distraction-free reading and annotation experience for PDF documents on iOS. Seamlessly sync your annotated files with your Mac for further editing and workflow integration via iCloud.

Highlights
  • Distraction-free reading
  • PDF annotation
  • iCloud sync with Mac
  • Companion to macOS app
Read full description

The iOS companion to the macOS Reader PDF viewer. Here you can read with no distractions and annotated, then work further with your documents back on your Mac using iCloud.

About

Pextro

Features
Read full description

Pextro — Professional PDF Compression for iOS Compress PDF files quickly while keeping your documents private. Pextro processes your files entirely on your iPhone or iPad, so your documents never need to leave your device. Choose from Low, Medium, or High compression depending on whether you want maximum quality, a balanced result, or a smaller file size. KEY FEATURES 100% PRIVATE & SECURE • All compression happens on your device - no cloud uploads, no servers • Your files never leave your iPhone or iPad • Complete privacy guaranteed - we can't see your documents • No internet connection required - works completely offline MULTIPLE COMPRESSION LEVELS • Low Compression: Maximum quality, moderate size reduction • Medium Compression: Balanced quality and file size (recommended) • High Compression: Maximum size reduction, optimized quality • Choose the perfect balance for your needs FAST & EFFICIENT • Compress PDFs in seconds, not minutes • Smart compression algorithms preserve text readability • Optimized for iOS performance • Minimal battery usage MODERN & INTUITIVE • Beautiful dark mode interface • Simple, one-tap compression workflow • View compression results with detailed statistics • Easy file management and organization EASY SHARING • Share compressed PDFs instantly • Access your compressed files anytime • View all recent compressions in one place • Long-press to preview PDFs before sharing PERFECT FOR: • Students compressing lecture notes and assignments • Professionals reducing document sizes for email • Businesses optimizing PDF reports and presentations • Anyone who needs to save storage space • Users who prioritize privacy and security PRIVACY FIRST Pextro is built with privacy at its core. Unlike other PDF tools that upload your files to servers, Pextro processes everything locally on your device. Your sensitive documents, contracts, and personal files remain completely private and secure. HOW IT WORKS 1. Select your PDF file 2. Choose compression level (Low, Medium, or High) 3. Watch as your file is compressed in seconds 4. Review results and share instantly All processing happens on-device using advanced compression algorithms that optimize images and content while maintaining document quality and readability. WHY Pextro? • No subscriptions or hidden fees • No ads or tracking • Works completely offline • Professional-grade compression • Beautiful, modern interface • Regular updates and improvements Download Pextro today and experience the fastest, most private way to compress PDF files on iOS. Your privacy matters. Your files stay yours.

Screenshots

Reader2 screens
Pextro4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pextro at none against Reader's 1. Reader's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months) and device support (5 vs 1). On price and ads 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. Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Pextro asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Reader ships an update weekly, Pextro every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Reader versus Pextro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReaderPextro
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews57.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Vision Pro — betteriPhone
Requires iOS14.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThe Augmented Text Company LTDRanbijay SinghDeo

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Reader

One-time1
  • Ask AI Subscription$1.99
None

Pextro

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Reader free?
Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Pextro free?
Pextro is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Reader or Pextro have ads?
Neither Reader nor Pextro shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Reader or Pextro?
Reader ships an update weekly, and Pextro every 4 months. Most recently, Reader was updated on October 10, 2026 and Pextro on October 2, 2026.

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