# Simple Pdf vs PDF Reader

The clearest difference is rating: PDF Reader at 4.4 against Simple Pdf's 3.2. PDF Reader also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (18 vs 6). Simple Pdf's advantage is review sentiment (29% vs 0%). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Simple Pdf sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and PDF Reader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PDF Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 18 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 29% of Simple Pdf's written reviews are positive against 0% of PDF Reader's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Simple Pdf ships an update every 4 months, PDF Reader every 5 months. Both last shipped on October 8, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple Pdf | PDF Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.2 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-pdf-reader/id1513739391/reviews) | **[4.4 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-editor-and-converter/id1547414913/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **18** |
| Positive reviews | **28.6% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 113 MB | 79 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **15** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AMARDEEP DHILLON](https://appshunter.io/developer/999752727) | [Laxay Gajera](https://appshunter.io/developer/1534406445) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple Pdf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-pdf-reader/id1513739391)

Easily view, manage, and create PDF files. This app allows you to open local PDFs, load them from the internet, and even scan documents with your camera. It also supports merging, splitting, converting PDFs to images, and adding signatures.

**Highlights:** View local PDF files, Scan documents and convert to PDF, Merge and split PDF files, Convert PDF to images, Add digital signatures, Organize and manage files

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock all features | $3.99 | per month |
| Unlock feature yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Remove ads | $2.99 | one-time |


### PDF Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-editor-and-converter/id1547414913)

This application allows users to read, edit, annotate, and convert PDF documents. It supports cloud syncing, form filling, and password protection for files. Users can also scan documents and convert images to PDF.

**Highlights:** Read and edit PDFs, Annotate and highlight text, Convert documents to PDF, Fill and sign PDF forms, Sync with cloud storage, Scan documents to PDF, Password protect PDFs

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PDF Editor Pro - Weekly | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| PDF Editor Pro - Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| PDF Editor Pro - Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| PDF Reader - Remove Ads | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simple Pdf free?

Simple Pdf is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Simple Pdf or PDF Reader?

PDF Reader is rated higher. Simple Pdf averages 3.2 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while PDF Reader averages 4.4 from 18 ratings.

### Do Simple Pdf or PDF Reader have ads?

Simple Pdf shows ads; PDF Reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, Simple Pdf or PDF Reader?

Simple Pdf ships an update every 4 months, and PDF Reader every 5 months. Most recently, Simple Pdf was updated on October 8, 2026 and PDF Reader on October 8, 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.*