Comparison

Javelin Reader vs GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Javelin Reader

This app is a PDF reader designed for books and articles, offering features like bookmarking, annotation, and highlighting. It allows users to download documents via URL, file sharing, or XML shortcuts, supporting DRM-protected files.

Highlights
  • PDF reading
  • Bookmarking
  • Annotation
  • Highlighting/markup
  • Document download via URL
  • File sharing support
  • DRM protected file support
Read full description

Javelin version 3 is a special PDF reader for books, articles and similar documents, with or without document authorization. The app supports PDF reading functionality and navigation via the Contents icon, embedded hyperlinks, bookmarks and similar features. Bookmarking, Annotation and highlighting/markup features are supported in the PDF reader. Documents can be downloaded to the app in one of three principal ways: (i) by using the download icon in the toolbar and entering a full URL; or (ii) by file sharing via iTunes - files may be downloaded or shared that have the file extensions .pdf and .drmz; and (iii) the app supports a third file format, which is an xml structure for lists of documents. This essentially provides a shortcut for the download procedure, as the xml file includes a description of the file and the url of the file to be downloaded, thereby simplifying the download process for the user. These xml lists can themselves be downloaded via an explicit URL download request or may be pre-loaded - a sample catalog is pre-loaded. Suitable files downloaded via Safari may also be opened via Javelin. Examples of the type of document that would use Javelin include: an electronic copy of a book in PDF format that has previously been purchased in print or other form via the publisher’s website or a traditional bookstore; notes to accompany a training course; intra-corporate technical manuals; and documents provided on a time-limited basis). Javelin does not support in-app purchasing or direct purchasing of digital content through other means. Advanced catalog-handling facilities provide a convenient means for publishers to provide access to their publications.

About

GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer

This app offers robust PDF editing and viewing capabilities, alongside comprehensive file management tools. It allows users to annotate PDFs, manage files from various cloud services, and secure sensitive data with advanced encryption. Enjoy a superior reading experience with features like PDF Reflow and split-screen viewing.

Highlights
  • PDF annotation and editing
  • Extensive file format support
  • Cloud service integration (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)
  • AES-256 military-grade encryption
  • Split-screen viewing for iPad
  • File management and organization
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

First released in 2009, GoodReader® is truly a veteran of the App Store. In the modern app business, it's not easy to stay relevant that long. We're proud to say that after 17 years and counting, we've been delivering wonderful updates with extraordinary new features. And we're going to keep doing that! GoodReader is a perfect combination of document-reading and file-managing capabilities. It's your one-stop shop for all your document needs on your iOS device. Use the app once, and you'll be hooked. Soon you'll be wondering how you ever managed to work without it. -= File Reading =- PDF, TXT, MS Office, iWork, HTML, pictures, music & audio-books, videos. This is what you can view in GoodReader, plus you can also annotate PDF files and edit TXT files. -= PDF Reading and Annotating =- PDF files is where GoodReader truly shines. Reading experience is so superior, it's hard to describe. To rephrase one of our customers' review, "try it, and you'll see." While you're at it, give our PDF Reflow feature a try. You'll be surprised how much better PDF reading goes when you don't have to scroll left/right all the time, for every single line of text. Annotating PDFs is another star feature of our app. Adding notes and drawings, highlighting text, and then sharing your annotated files or annotation summaries will be your main productivity and collaboration asset. -= File Management =- While reading files is a big part of GoodReader, it's not all it can do. It can also serve as a central hub for all your files, even those that can't be opened by GoodReader itself. It's like bringing your personal computer experience to your mobile device — easily managing huge collections of files and folders will make you forget you don't have your laptop around. -= Connecting =- Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, Box.com, WebDAV, SMB, FTP, SFTP — these are all accessible from inside GoodReader. Download, upload, and sync individual files or huge folder collections. -= Security =- With GoodReader, your data security steps up to the level previously only dreamt of. With Pro Pack®, our new set of professional-level super-features, you'll get AES-256, a military-grade encryption, for all your data, at a price of a cup of coffee! And it's completely independent from the built-in Apple's Data Protection, so even if a hacker steals and unlocks your device, your data will still be protected by another strong layer of security, our own. -= Multi-Windows =- Seamlessly view and manage multiple files simultaneously on iPad. -= Notes =- Capture ideas and comments while reading or studying a technical document without even leaving the app. Sort and group your notes into categories. (Note: Some features require a Pro Pack® subscription.)

Screenshots

Javelin Reader2 screens
GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer at 69% against Javelin Reader's 19%. GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.0) and update cadence (weekly vs every 12 months). Javelin Reader's advantage is price (Free vs $6.99) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). On ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Javelin Reader is free to download; GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer costs $6.99 up front. GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Javelin Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer has 14K ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 19% of Javelin Reader's written reviews are positive against 69% of GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Javelin Reader ships an update every 12 months, GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
Javelin Reader versus GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJavelin ReaderGoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer
PriceFree — better$6.99
Rating2.0 (16 ratings)4.7 (14K ratings) — better
Positive reviews18.8% of reviews68.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1614K — better
Update frequencyEvery 12 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#37 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS9.3 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB53 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDrumlinGood.iWare, Inc.

Customer experience

Javelin Reader

All ratings16 ratings
Positive12.5%
Neutral18.8%
Negative68.8%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive18.8%
Neutral18.8%
Negative62.5%

GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer

All ratings13,805 ratings
Positive92.3%
Neutral2.3%
Negative5.5%
Written reviews1,840 reviews
Positive68.7%
Neutral7.9%
Negative23.4%

Bugs and requests

Javelin Reader

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Syncing issues with cloud storage providers
  • Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
  • Inconsistent behavior when switching between apps

Requested features

5 requests
  • Continuous scrolling for better reading experience
  • Improved search functionality with advanced filters
  • Ability to set custom color schemes and themes
  • Enhanced support for ebook formats like EPUB
  • Streamlined annotation tools and workflow

In-app purchases

None

Javelin Reader

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Pack (monthly)7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Pro Pack (annual)7 Days trial$24.991 Year
One-time2
  • Auto Sync$59.99
  • Pro Pack$89.99

Questions

Is Javelin Reader free?
Javelin Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer free?
GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer costs $6.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Javelin Reader or GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer?
GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer is rated higher. Javelin Reader averages 2.0 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer averages 4.7 from 14K ratings.
Do Javelin Reader or GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer have ads?
Neither Javelin Reader nor GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Javelin Reader or GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer?
Javelin Reader ships an update every 12 months, and GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer weekly. Most recently, Javelin Reader was updated on October 2, 2026 and GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer on October 16, 2026.

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