# Joy Reader vs PDF Reader & Document Scanner

The clearest difference is rating: PDF Reader & Document Scanner at 5.0 against Joy Reader's 1.0. PDF Reader & Document Scanner also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 months). Joy Reader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Reader & Document Scanner sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Joy Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

PDF Reader & Document Scanner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Joy Reader ships an update every 6 months, PDF Reader & Document Scanner fortnightly. Both last shipped on September 18, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Joy Reader | PDF Reader & Document Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/joy-reader/id507616869/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-and-document-scanner/id6738300825/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 83 MB | 80 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [tag.digital Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1757292257) | [Moses Julius](https://appshunter.io/developer/1552879383) |

## What reviewers say

### Joy Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/joy-reader/id507616869)

This application serves as a versatile viewer for numerous file formats, including DPA, PDF, and HTML. It offers multiple convenient methods for adding and accessing your documents, such as direct import from iTunes, URL links, or QR code scanning.

**Highlights:** Supports DPA, PDF, JPG, PNG, HTML file types, Add files from iTunes, Add files via JOY code/direct URL, Built-in QR code scanner, View files anytime, anywhere

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### PDF Reader & Document Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-and-document-scanner/id6738300825)

This app offers a comprehensive suite for managing PDF documents, including viewing, scanning, and converting files. It features OCR for text extraction and TTS for audio playback, all while prioritizing user privacy with offline access.

**Highlights:** Smart PDF Scanner, Image to PDF Converter, OCR Text Extraction, TTS Voice Reader, Merge & Split PDFs, Offline Access

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Access Premium-for week | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Lovely pdf  -monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Lovely PDF-yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Access Premium-Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Joy Reader free?

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

### Is PDF Reader & Document Scanner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Joy Reader or PDF Reader & Document Scanner?

PDF Reader & Document Scanner is rated higher. Joy Reader averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while PDF Reader & Document Scanner averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Joy Reader or PDF Reader & Document Scanner have ads?

PDF Reader & Document Scanner shows ads; Joy Reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, Joy Reader or PDF Reader & Document Scanner?

Joy Reader ships an update every 6 months, and PDF Reader & Document Scanner fortnightly. Most recently, Joy Reader was updated on September 18, 2026 and PDF Reader & Document Scanner on September 18, 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.*