# Scanner PDF vs PDF Scanner by ScanWise

The clearest difference is monetization model: PDF Scanner by ScanWise at freemium against Scanner PDF's subscription. PDF Scanner by ScanWise also leads on review sentiment (67% vs 32%) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 months). Scanner PDF's advantage is ratings volume (20K vs 70) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Scanner PDF sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and PDF Scanner by ScanWise sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Scanner PDF against 4.7 for PDF Scanner by ScanWise. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Scanner PDF has 20K ratings behind it against 70, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 32% of Scanner PDF's written reviews are positive against 67% of PDF Scanner by ScanWise's.

Scanner PDF ships an update every 3 months, PDF Scanner by ScanWise every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Scanner PDF | PDF Scanner by ScanWise |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (20K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scanner-pdf-scan-document/id1314963982/reviews) | **[4.7 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scanner-by-scanwise/id1630384074/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **20K** | 70 |
| Positive reviews | 32.4% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Freemium** |
| Size | 125 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Neosus](https://appshunter.io/developer/1231145899) | [Adam Jessop](https://appshunter.io/developer/1728400867) |

## What reviewers say

### Scanner PDF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scanner-pdf-scan-document/id1314963982)

This app transforms your phone into a portable scanner. Easily digitize documents, add signatures and stamps, and convert them into high-quality PDFs or JPEGs. It also features OCR for text recognition and translation, and allows direct faxing.

**Highlights:** Scan documents with phone camera, Convert to PDF, JPEG, PNG, OCR text recognition and translation, E-sign and stamp documents, Direct faxing from device, Cloud storage backup

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Scanner Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Week Smart Business Pack | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Scanner Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| 1 Week Business Pack | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Month Business Pack | $24.99 | per month |
| Scanner Premium | $34.99 | per 6 months |
| Scanner Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Scanner yearly premium | $99.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Business Pack | $119.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Convenient mobile scanning
- 🚀 Fast scanning process
- 💡 Useful for on-the-go document needs

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Deceptive subscription model
- 💰 Overpriced subscription fees
- 🐛 Poor image quality
- 🔒 Difficult to cancel subscription
- 🐛 Unreliable scanning and document handling

**Reported bugs**

- Scanned documents disappearing
- Subscription charges even after cancellation
- Inability to access scanned documents

**Requested features**

- Option to permanently disable subscription
- Improved image quality and processing
- Clearer pricing and subscription information


### PDF Scanner by ScanWise

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scanner-by-scanwise/id1630384074)

Transform your phone into a portable scanner to digitize documents instantly. Extract text with OCR, sign papers, and organize files with ease. Secure your scanned documents with passcodes and encryption.

**Highlights:** Smart PDF Scanner, OCR Text Extraction, Document Signing, Advanced Editor, Secure File Protection, JPG to PDF Converter, Instant Sharing

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| PDF Scanner - PRO | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Scanner PDF free?

Scanner PDF is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is PDF Scanner by ScanWise free?

PDF Scanner by ScanWise is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Scanner PDF or PDF Scanner by ScanWise?

PDF Scanner by ScanWise is rated higher. Scanner PDF averages 4.6 out of 5 from 20K ratings, while PDF Scanner by ScanWise averages 4.7 from 70 ratings.

### Do Scanner PDF or PDF Scanner by ScanWise have ads?

Neither Scanner PDF nor PDF Scanner by ScanWise shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Scanner PDF or PDF Scanner by ScanWise?

Scanner PDF ships an update every 3 months, and PDF Scanner by ScanWise every 6 days. Most recently, Scanner PDF was updated on September 30, 2026 and PDF Scanner by ScanWise on September 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*