# SELF vs PDF Scanner

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SELF at none against PDF Scanner's 3. SELF also leads on ads (none vs shown). PDF Scanner's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, ratings volume, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Scanner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. SELF asks for nothing beyond the download.

PDF Scanner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 10 respectively.

SELF ships an update every 3 weeks, PDF Scanner weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 14, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SELF | PDF Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self/id1663745416/reviews) | **[5.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scanner-scan-edit-docs/id6797830429/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **10** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 74 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Self ID Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1663745418) | [Xiaoyou Interactive](https://appshunter.io/developer/1845756944) |

## What reviewers say

### SELF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self/id1663745416)

Manage your digital identity and data securely and privately. Create multiple profiles, control access, and log in to apps and websites without passwords. Your identity, on your terms.

**Highlights:** Organize digital life, Own and manage multiple profiles, Secure with biometrics or password, Control data sharing, Passwordless login, Connect with trusted identities, Use data across platforms

**In-app purchases:** none


### PDF Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scanner-scan-edit-docs/id6797830429)

Transform your phone into a powerful scanner with AI-powered OCR, PDF conversion, and e-signature capabilities. Securely manage and edit documents locally, perfect for office work, studying, and daily tasks.

**Highlights:** AI HD Document Scanning, Multi-mode Scanning, Smart Image Enhancement, Flexible PDF Conversion, Offline Multilingual OCR, PDF Signing & Annotation, Secure Local Storage

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Week | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SELF free?

SELF is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is PDF Scanner free?

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

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

PDF Scanner is rated higher. SELF averages 4.6 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while PDF Scanner averages 5.0 from 10 ratings.

### Do SELF or PDF Scanner have ads?

PDF Scanner shows ads; SELF does not.

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

SELF ships an update every 3 weeks, and PDF Scanner weekly. Most recently, SELF was updated on November 14, 2026 and PDF Scanner on November 6, 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.*
