# PDF vs PDF Reader

The clearest difference is ratings volume: PDF at 1.4K against PDF Reader's 11. PDF also leads on rating (4.4 vs 4.1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and PDF Reader sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PDF holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PDF has 1.4K ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two.

PDF ships an update every 6 weeks, PDF Reader monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF | PDF Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scanner-reader-and-editor/id1536913299/reviews)** | [4.1 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-pdf-editor/id1666456462/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.4K** | 11 |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 228 MB | 142 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pravin Gondaliya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1210259494) | [Games Wing](https://appshunter.io/developer/1453004090) |

## 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 |


### PDF Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-pdf-editor/id1666456462)

This app provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing PDF documents. It allows users to view, edit text and images, fill and sign forms, convert images to PDF, and scan physical documents. The application aims to simplify all your PDF-related tasks.

**Highlights:** View and annotate PDFs, Edit text and images, Convert images to PDF, Fill and sign forms, Scan documents, Organize and manage files

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Partial Remove Ads -Weekly Sub | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Remove Ads Weekly Subscription | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Partial Remove Ads -Month Sub | $6.99 | per month |
| Remove Ads Monthly Sub | $7.99 | per month |
| Partial Remove Ads -Annual Sub | $24.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $17.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF free?

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, PDF or PDF Reader?

PDF is rated higher. PDF averages 4.4 out of 5 from 1.4K ratings, while PDF Reader averages 4.1 from 11 ratings.

### Do PDF or PDF Reader have ads?

Both PDF and PDF Reader show ads.

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

PDF ships an update every 6 weeks, and PDF Reader monthly. Most recently, PDF was updated on September 22, 2026 and PDF Reader on September 14, 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.*