# PDF Scanner vs PDF Unlock

The clearest difference is monetization model: PDF Scanner at free with in-app purchases against PDF Unlock's subscription. PDF Scanner also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (96 vs 2). PDF Unlock's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Scanner sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per 7 days and PDF Unlock sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PDF Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PDF Scanner has 96 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 92% of PDF Scanner's written reviews are positive against 90% of PDF Unlock's.

PDF Scanner ships an update every 10 days, PDF Unlock every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and August 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Scanner | PDF Unlock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (96 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scanner-document-scanner/id1596420017/reviews)** | [4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-unlock-offline-pdf-tools/id6743647020/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **96** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **92.0% of reviews** | 90.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 122 MB | 79 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Keyurbhai Tavethiya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1596420019) | [Dipak Chhag](https://appshunter.io/developer/1803769062) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scanner-document-scanner/id1596420017)

Transform your device into a powerful scanner. Quickly digitize documents, receipts, and IDs, convert images to PDF, and sign files on the go. Manage and share your important paperwork efficiently.

**Highlights:** Scan documents and receipts, Convert photos to PDF, Auto edge detection, Sign PDF documents, Share and manage files, ID and card scanner

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $0.49 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Camera scanner Weekly Premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $4.99 | per year |
| Doc Scanner Monthly Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| Subscriptions | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Subscriptions | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Subscriptions | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| Camera scanner Yearly Premium | $19.99 | per year |


### PDF Unlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-unlock-offline-pdf-tools/id6743647020)

Manage PDF security and convert documents offline. This tool allows you to unlock, lock, and scan PDFs without an internet connection. It also converts images to secure, password-protected PDFs.

**Highlights:** Offline PDF unlocking and locking, Password removal and auto-unlock, Image to PDF conversion, Document scanning to PDF, Secure PDF password management, Multi-language support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PDF Unlock Genie - Annual | $0.99 | per year |
| PDF Unlock Genie - Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| PDF Unlock Genie - Yearly | $12.99 | per year |
| PDF Unlock Genie - Lifetime | $2.99 | one-time |
| PDF Unlock Genie - Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Scanner free?

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

### Is PDF Unlock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PDF Scanner or PDF Unlock?

PDF Scanner is rated higher. PDF Scanner averages 4.8 out of 5 from 96 ratings, while PDF Unlock averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do PDF Scanner or PDF Unlock have ads?

PDF Scanner shows ads; PDF Unlock does not.

### Which is updated more often, PDF Scanner or PDF Unlock?

PDF Scanner ships an update every 10 days, and PDF Unlock every 8 days. Most recently, PDF Scanner was updated on September 21, 2026 and PDF Unlock on August 27, 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.*