pdf vs Kiu
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Manage and annotate PDF files on your iPad with fast page turning and intuitive finger-writing. Easily import PDFs, organize them into bookshelves, and export annotated versions via email. Features include zoom, cropping, and multiple pen options.
- Fast page turning and scanning
- Intuitive finger-writing and annotation
- Easy PDF import via Dropbox, Email, iTunes
- Categorized bookshelves with search
- Export annotated PDFs via email
- Pinch zoom and crop page margins
Read full descriptionHide full description
[notice] pdf-notes for iPad (ads) involves advertisements. Paid version is available at http://itunes.apple.com/app/id4172008446 Utilize pdf-notes to manage all the pdf files on your iPad. Fast display, quick page-turning even a thousand pages, useful finger-writing and email your notes to your friends. Differentiation-1. While turning pages of paperbooks fast, you can glance over the pages. While turning pages of pdf-notes fast, you can still run over the contents. Speedy page turning and scanning the contents with pdf-notes or paperbooks. Differentiation-2. There are many pdf readers allow you to annotate; but do you know which app allows you can write any notes in a second? If you are using pdf-notes, you may experience very fast and intuitive finger-writing like: zoom-in and note by double-tap or; writing with one finger, page-turning with two fingers, pen-changing with three fingers. - Easy importing PDF files through (DropBox, Email or Safari's) "Open In..." or iTunes - Categorized multiple bookshelves(booklists) with powerful search - Displaying pages as optimized size 1024x768 of iPad - Portrait and landscape view - Pinch zoom and crop page-margins - Fast loading and Speedy page-turning - Finger-writing with a variety of pens, highlighters and text notes - Easy "zoom-in and note" on a magnified screen by a double tap - One-step page-turning using 2 fingers on editing mode - One-step pen-changing or undo/redo using 3 fingers on editing mode - Exporting annotated PDF files to Email - External display and screen brightness controls - AirPrint and multi-tasking Misunderstandings about pdf-notes: - Not only pdf-notes but every app recently updated is removed from the open-in menu because iOS5 or formers currently show only 10 apps in open-in menu. - iPad/iphone Mail/iBooks can't display PDF annotations so that please open it in the other pdf apps. - please visit the support site for more information http://bit.ly/f6D31P Blog http://pdf-notes.com Email musebook@musebook.com Twitter http://twitter.com/musebook4u YouTube http://youtu.be/4AyRyFq9yxg NOTE: All content contained herein is subject to change without notice.
Kiu
Read full descriptionHide full description
Kiu helps you build habits that actually stick. Instead of starting from scratch every time, you chain each new habit to a routine you already have: the "habit stacking" technique. That way the new thing leans on what you already do without thinking — and it takes far less effort to make it last. After your morning coffee, you meditate for a minute. After brushing your teeth, you read a page. Each small action becomes the trigger for the next, and little by little your day fills up with good habits, almost effortlessly. WHY KIU • Habit stacking: group your habits into "stacks" and let them lean on each other so they reinforce themselves. • Simple and visual: a clean, clear interface to see at a glance what's on for today. • Fully customizable: pick icons and colors for every habit and stack, and make the app your own. • Daily tracking: check off what you complete and watch yourself move forward day after day. • Your data, synced and secure: reach your progress from your account with complete peace of mind. • In 8 languages: Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese. HOW IT WORKS 1. Create your habits: define what you want to bring into your day. 2. Build them into stacks: link each habit to another that's already part of your routine. 3. Customize them: give them an icon and a color so you recognize them instantly. 4. Complete them every day: mark your progress and let consistency do the rest. WHO KIU IS FOR For anyone who wants to improve their routines without the overwhelm: study or read more, move your body, take care of your sleep, drink more water, meditate, get your day in order… If you've ever started a habit full of excitement and dropped it a week later, Kiu was made for you. The key isn't willpower — it's the system. Stop relying on motivation and start building a system that works for you. Download Kiu and chain your first habit today. Terms of Use (EULA): https://matjdev.github.io/kiu-web/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://matjdev.github.io/kiu-web/privacy.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: Kiu at none against pdf's shown. pdf's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.2). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. pdf sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Kiu sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Kiu | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.3 (23 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 68.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 23 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 18.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 141 MB | 81 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | AMuseTec Co., Ltd. | Matias Jarquez Ahucha |
Bugs and requests
Reported bugs
4 issues- Annotated PDFs losing data during export
- Crashes after recent app updates
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between apps
- Incorrect page numbering and navigation
Requested features
5 requests- Add text typing and editing capabilities
- Implement a table of contents feature
- Improve integration with cloud storage services
- Allow custom organization of PDF files
- Enhance the note-taking experience
Kiu
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
- 2-Month Pass$0.99
- 1-Year Pass$4.99
- Lifetime License$9.99
Kiu
- Kiu Pro – Monthly$2.991 Month
- Kiu Pro – Yearly$12.991 Year
- Kiu Pro – Lifetime$29.99









