Comparison

Smart PDF Editor vs PDF Editor

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

Head to head
About

Smart PDF Editor

This app is a PDF editor designed for efficient ink annotations, especially with a stylus. It helps professionals sign and share documents, and students take notes on study materials. Organize your files with a built-in manager.

Highlights
  • Ink annotation optimized
  • Digital signature tool
  • Document review and sharing
  • Note-taking on documents
  • Built-in file manager
  • Color-coded categories
Features
Read full description

Smart PDF is a PDF editor specially optimized for ink annotations. Use it with an Apple Pencil for the ultimate ease in note taking. Great for professionals Quickly sign and send documents. Review, annotate and share files with your colleagues. Great for students If you spend a lot of time reading and studying documents on your iPad, then Smart PDF is an indispensable tool for getting the most out of your study time. Take notes on documents in class, or while studying at home. Keep all your files organized with the built-in file manager, with color-coded categories. We hope you enjoy Smart PDF! -- The App Makers @ Qrayon

About

PDF Editor

Easily edit, sign, and convert PDF documents. This app allows you to import files from various sources, add signatures, text, and annotations, and even convert documents to speech. It offers a comprehensive solution for managing and sharing your PDFs.

Highlights
  • Import files from multiple sources
  • Sign, edit, and annotate PDFs
  • Live text scanning and image text import
  • Merge multiple files
  • Convert text to speech
  • Save and manage signatures
Features
Read full description

PDF Editor: Scan, Convert & Sign Documents Working with PDFs should feel simple and efficient. PDF Editor helps you scan documents, edit PDFs, convert files, and sign documents—all in one easy-to-use app. Whether you're managing work files, study materials, or personal documents, everything stays organized and accessible. All-in-One PDF Editor & Scanner Edit, merge, convert, and manage your PDFs with a smooth workflow designed for everyday use. Edit, Merge & Organize PDFs Stay in control of your files with powerful editing tools: • Add text and annotations to PDFs • Merge multiple PDFs into one file • Split large PDFs into smaller sections • Reorder, rotate, or delete pages • Manage pages with simple controls Perfect for organizing documents, notes, and reports. Sign & Protect Documents Handle important files securely: • Add signatures to forms and documents • Set passwords to protect sensitive PDFs • Open password-protected files Convert Files to PDF Use a fast PDF converter while keeping formatting consistent: • Image to PDF • Text to PDF • Word to PDF • Excel to PDF Scan Documents Anytime Turn your device into a portable PDF scanner: • Scan receipts, notes, and documents • Automatic edge detection for clear scans • Adjust, crop, and enhance scans • Save instantly as PDF files Import Files from Multiple Sources Access your documents easily: • Files app • Photos • iCloud Drive • Dropbox • Import via URL (Third-party services are supported for import functionality only. This app is not affiliated with or endorsed by these services.) Read or Listen to PDFs Review documents your way: • Smooth PDF reader with zoom and navigation • Listen with built-in text-to-speech Organize Your Files Efficiently Keep everything structured: • Rename, move, or duplicate files • Create folders • Search by file name or type Share & Print Easily • Share via Mail, AirDrop, or other apps • Print documents directly Privacy-Focused Experience Your documents are handled with care, focusing on reliable performance and respecting your privacy. Privacy Policy: https://maximaapps.com/policy/privacy_policy.html Terms of Use: https://maximaapps.com/policy/terms_of_use.html

Screenshots

Smart PDF Editor4 screens
PDF Editor4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PDF Editor at 69% against Smart PDF Editor's 21%. PDF Editor also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.8) and ads (none vs shown). Smart PDF Editor's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price and device support 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. PDF Editor sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Smart PDF Editor asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

PDF Editor holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 108 and 513 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 21% of Smart PDF Editor's written reviews are positive against 69% of PDF Editor's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Smart PDF Editor ships an update every 7 months, PDF Editor every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
Smart PDF Editor versus PDF Editor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmart PDF EditorPDF Editor
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (108 ratings)4.7 (513 ratings) — better
Positive reviews20.9% of reviews69.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings108513 — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB77 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperQrayon, LLCMaxima Apps

Customer experience

Smart PDF Editor

All ratings109 ratings
Positive67.9%
Neutral5.5%
Negative26.6%
Written reviews43 reviews
Positive20.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative79.1%

PDF Editor

All ratings511 ratings
Positive91.8%
Neutral3.7%
Negative4.5%
Written reviews87 reviews
Positive69.0%
Neutral4.6%
Negative26.4%

Bugs and requests

Smart PDF Editor

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

PDF Editor

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Login screen freezes
  • Crashes when merging documents
  • Unable to view PDF content
  • Adds unwanted elements to documents

Requested features

3 requests
  • Ability to upload/import from other apps
  • Ability to change font color
  • Ability to print manuals

In-app purchases

None

Smart PDF Editor

No in-app purchases

8 purchases

PDF Editor

Subscriptions8
  • PDF Editor Monthly Pro$4.991 Month
  • PDF Editor Monthly Plus Offer3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • PDF Editor Monthly Offer Plus1 Month trial$9.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • PDF Editor Weekly7 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • PDF Editor Monthly$12.991 Month
  • PDF Editor Yearly Pro$29.991 Year
  • PDF Editor Yearly Offer Plus1 Year trial$49.991 Year
  • PDF Editor Yearly Plus Offer3 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Smart PDF Editor free?
Smart PDF Editor is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PDF Editor free?
PDF Editor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Smart PDF Editor or PDF Editor?
PDF Editor is rated higher. Smart PDF Editor averages 3.8 out of 5 from 108 ratings, while PDF Editor averages 4.7 from 513 ratings.
Do Smart PDF Editor or PDF Editor have ads?
Smart PDF Editor shows ads; PDF Editor does not.
Which is updated more often, Smart PDF Editor or PDF Editor?
Smart PDF Editor ships an update every 7 months, and PDF Editor every 6 weeks. Most recently, Smart PDF Editor was updated on October 21, 2026 and PDF Editor on October 20, 2026.

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