# PDF Tools vs Split PDF Files

The clearest difference is ads: Split PDF Files at none against PDF Tools's shown. Split PDF Files also leads on rating (4.3 vs 4.0) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 7 months). PDF Tools's advantage is review sentiment (47% vs 23%). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Tools sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Split PDF Files sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Split PDF Files holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 27 and 95 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 47% of PDF Tools's written reviews are positive against 23% of Split PDF Files's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

PDF Tools ships an update every 7 months, Split PDF Files every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Tools | Split PDF Files |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-tools-merge-rotate-and-split/id1499239855/reviews) | **[4.3 (95 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/split-pdf-files/id1542607811/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 27 | **95** |
| Positive reviews | **46.7% of reviews** | 22.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 50 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nalin Savaliya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1248252947) | [Abdullah Albalawi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1008309841) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-tools-merge-rotate-and-split/id1499239855)

Easily manipulate PDF files with a comprehensive suite of tools. Split, merge, delete, extract, lock, unlock, rotate pages, and add text watermarks to your documents.

**Highlights:** Split PDF into multiple documents, Merge multiple PDFs into one, Delete specific pages, Extract specific pages, Add password protection, Remove password protection, Rotate pages (90°, 180°, 270°), Add text watermarks

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PDF Tools One Week | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| PDF Tools-Merge One Year | $17.99 | per year |
| PDF Tools Pro Version | $4.99 | one-time |


### Split PDF Files

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/split-pdf-files/id1542607811)

Easily extract specific pages from PDF documents to create new, smaller files. This tool offers high-quality PDF splitting with options to view, share, and rename your extracted files. Unlock unlimited splitting and advanced features with a premium subscription.

**Highlights:** Extract pages from PDF, Split PDF files, High-quality file output, View extracted files, Share PDF files, Rename files

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| weekly Subscription | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| monthly Subscription | $3.99 | per month |
| yearly Subscription | $14.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Tools free?

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

### Is Split PDF Files free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PDF Tools or Split PDF Files?

Split PDF Files is rated higher. PDF Tools averages 4.0 out of 5 from 27 ratings, while Split PDF Files averages 4.3 from 95 ratings.

### Do PDF Tools or Split PDF Files have ads?

PDF Tools shows ads; Split PDF Files does not.

### Which is updated more often, PDF Tools or Split PDF Files?

PDF Tools ships an update every 7 months, and Split PDF Files every 3 months. Most recently, PDF Tools was updated on October 8, 2026 and Split PDF Files on October 16, 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.*