# PDF vs uScan

PDF and uScan both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 60% of PDF's written reviews are positive against 47% of uScan's. uScan's advantage is ratings volume (15K vs 1.4K) and chart position (#174 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and uScan sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

uScan holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: uScan has 15K ratings behind it against 1.4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 60% of PDF's written reviews are positive against 47% of uScan's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

PDF ships an update every 6 weeks, uScan every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF | uScan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scanner-reader-and-editor/id1536913299/reviews) | **[4.6 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uscan-pdf-document-scanner/id1546202752/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.4K | **15K** |
| Positive reviews | **60.0% of reviews** | 47.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#174** |
| Size | 228 MB | 179 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pravin Gondaliya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1210259494) | [Lopofist Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546202754) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scanner-reader-and-editor/id1536913299)

This app transforms your device into a comprehensive document management tool. Scan, read, edit, and securely sign PDFs with features like OCR, PIN protection, and cloud integration. Organize all your files effortlessly for work, study, or personal use.

**Highlights:** PIN Protection & Secure File Locking, Electronic Signature, Smart Document Scanner, Accurate OCR (Text Recognition), All-in-One File Manager, Multi-Format Export (PDF, JPG), Page Management Tools

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Camera Scanner Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| PDF Scanner - 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| Camera Scanner Pro | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Camera Scanner Lite | $9.99 | per month |
| Camera Scanner Lite | $9.99 | per month |
| Camera Scanner Pro | $23.99 | per year |
| Camera Scanner Pro | $39.99 | per year |
| PDF Scanner - Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |


### uScan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uscan-pdf-document-scanner/id1546202752)

**Currently charting:** #174 Top Grossing · Business (US App Store)

Transform your phone into a portable scanner to digitize documents, receipts, and notes. Edit scanned files, extract text with OCR, and add electronic signatures. Create high-quality PDF or DOC files for easy sharing and management.

**Highlights:** Scan and edit any document, Convert image to editable text (OCR), Add electronic signatures, High-quality PDF/DOC output, Multi-page scanning, File management with folders

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access + PDF editor | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access + PDF editor | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $9.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $9.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $59.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and convenient
- 💡 Helpful for work and personal needs
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🚀 Efficient scanning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription fees
- 🐛 Inconsistent scanning quality
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 💰 Hidden/unclear pricing
- 🐛 Difficulty cancelling subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Scans not properly aligned or cropped
- App shuts down when scanning large documents
- Inconsistent performance across devices

**Requested features**

- Integration with cloud storage services
- Ability to label/organize scanned documents
- Handwriting recognition
- Option to use app without subscription


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF free?

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

### Is uScan free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PDF or uScan?

uScan is rated higher. PDF averages 4.4 out of 5 from 1.4K ratings, while uScan averages 4.6 from 15K ratings.

### Do PDF or uScan have ads?

Both PDF and uScan show ads.

### Which is updated more often, PDF or uScan?

PDF ships an update every 6 weeks, and uScan every 3 weeks. Most recently, PDF was updated on September 22, 2026 and uScan on September 24, 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.*