Comparison

PDF Hero 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

PDF Hero

Edit, create, and manage PDF documents on your mobile device. Annotate, fill forms, sign, and share files with ease. Offers advanced features like OCR and compression for enhanced document control.

Highlights
  • Create PDFs from scratch
  • Edit text and annotate documents
  • Fill and sign PDF forms
  • Convert images/documents to PDF
  • OCR for editable text
  • Compress and merge PDFs
  • Password-protect sensitive data
Features
Read full description

Looking for a convenient and easy-to-use PDF editor? View and edit PDF files on the go with PDF Hero! The app works on iPhone and iPad. PDF Hero helps you take control of your papers and run your business in the ever-changing digital world. Create and read PDFs, then annotate, edit, fill and sign forms, or share files. Manage paperwork hassle-free from anywhere – the office, remotely, or from home. There’s no need for printed copies when you can access and edit the docs you need, on the go – all in an app. Stay one step ahead when it comes to document management. CREATE & VIEW - Create PDFs from scratch. - Open and view any PDF file. - Zoom in and out while reading. - Search to find the necessary information using text search. - Read PDFs easier with Read Mode by creating bookmarks and navigating conveniently. EDIT & ANNOTATE - Edit text in your PDF files, fix typos, and correct paragraphs. - Add comments and annotations using text notes. - Write on PDFs with your finger or stylus. - Fill PDF forms. - Highlight key ideas and add shapes. - Insert images, crop, resize, or change the angle if necessary. MANAGE & STORE - Import files from your device or online storage services like iCloud and Dropbox. - Delete pages from a multi-page PDF document. - Share PDF files with or without annotations for further reading and commenting. - Print files right from your device. Level up with Premium features! PRO EDITING - Convert images and documents to PDF files. - Sign docs right on the screen of your device. - Add stamps to PDF documents. - Transform PDF files into editable text with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology. PRO MANAGEMENT - Compress PDFs and share them as ZIP files. - Manage PDF pages: add pages, rotate, and reorder them. - Share selected pages of a multi-page PDF file. - Merge two or more PDF pages into a single document. - Password-protect sensitive data. *To digitize printed copies and transform them into editable PDF scans, try our Scan 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=1512973255 Terms of Service: https://support.bendingspoons.com/tos.html?app=1512973255 Got questions or suggestions? Please don’t hesitate to email us at pdfhero@bendingspoons.com

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

PDF Hero4 screens
PDF Editor4 screens

Verdict

The call

PDF Hero and PDF Editor both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 69% of PDF Editor's written reviews are positive against 18% of PDF Hero's. PDF Hero's advantage is ratings volume (10K vs 512) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks). On price, rating, 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. PDF Hero sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and PDF Editor sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for PDF Hero against 4.7 for PDF Editor. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PDF Hero has 10K ratings behind it against 512, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 18% of PDF Hero's written reviews are positive against 69% of PDF Editor's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PDF Hero ships an update every 3 weeks, PDF Editor every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
PDF Hero versus PDF Editor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPDF HeroPDF Editor
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (10K ratings)4.7 (512 ratings) — better
Positive reviews17.8% of reviews69.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings10K — better512
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
Best chart rank#188 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS14.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size536 MB77 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMosaic S.r.l.Maxima Apps

Customer experience

PDF Hero

All ratings10,328 ratings
Positive90.4%
Neutral2.4%
Negative7.1%
Written reviews247 reviews
Positive17.8%
Neutral5.3%
Negative76.9%

PDF Editor

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

User reviews

PDF Hero

From 10K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 💡 Useful PDF editing features
  • 🚀 Easy to use
  • 👍 Signature functionality

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and malfunctions
  • 🐛 Inconsistent behavior and glitches
  • 🔋 High subscription cost
  • 🔒 Difficult to cancel subscription
  • 👎 Poor text editing capabilities

PDF Editor

From 512 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 User-friendly
  • 🚀 Easy to use
  • 💡 Useful features
  • 🚀 Efficient
  • 👍 Simple

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes frequently
  • 🐛 Doesn't work properly
  • 🐛 Glitchy
  • 🐛 Deletes user's work
  • 🐛 Incompatible with older devices

Bugs and requests

PDF Hero

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Text disappearing or jumping around during editing
  • Inability to save or transfer edited documents
  • App crashing or freezing during use
  • Incorrect rendering of PDF content

Requested features

4 requests
  • Improved text editing and manipulation
  • Better file management and organization
  • Seamless integration with other apps
  • Clearer subscription and cancellation policies

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

10 purchases

PDF Hero

Subscriptions10
  • Weekly Premium with Free Trial7 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • Weekly Premium$2.997 Days
  • Weekly Premium$5.997 Days
Show 7 more
  • Weekly Premium with Free Trial7 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • Weekly Sub with Free Trial7 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Weekly Subscription$7.997 Days
  • Yearly with Free Trial7 Days trial$69.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription$69.991 Year
  • Yearly Bundle$99.991 Year
  • Yearly Bundle with Free Trial7 Days trial$99.991 Year
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 PDF Hero free?
PDF Hero is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PDF Editor free?
PDF Editor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, PDF Hero or PDF Editor?
PDF Editor is rated higher. PDF Hero averages 4.6 out of 5 from 10K ratings, while PDF Editor averages 4.7 from 512 ratings.
Do PDF Hero or PDF Editor have ads?
Neither PDF Hero nor PDF Editor shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PDF Hero or PDF Editor?
PDF Hero ships an update every 3 weeks, and PDF Editor every 6 weeks. Most recently, PDF Hero was updated on November 4, 2026 and PDF Editor on November 3, 2026.

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