# InstaPDF vs Epson DocumentScan

The clearest difference is review sentiment: InstaPDF at 85% against Epson DocumentScan's 12%. InstaPDF also leads on rating (4.9 vs 1.8) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). Epson DocumentScan's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. InstaPDF sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Epson DocumentScan asks for nothing beyond the download.

InstaPDF holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: InstaPDF has 1K ratings behind it against 121, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of InstaPDF's written reviews are positive against 12% of Epson DocumentScan's.

InstaPDF ships an update fortnightly, Epson DocumentScan every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and August 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | InstaPDF | Epson DocumentScan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instapdf-scan-edit-and-share/id565931517/reviews)** | [1.8 (121 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epson-documentscan/id796829552/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1K** | 121 |
| Positive reviews | **85.0% of reviews** | 11.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 9 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Proconsult.at GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/452201565) | [Seiko Epson Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/326876195) |

## What reviewers say

### InstaPDF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instapdf-scan-edit-and-share/id565931517)

This app allows you to scan, edit, and securely store your documents. It offers features like automatic cropping, text detection, and the ability to add signatures and annotations. Documents can be synced across devices and shared easily.

**Highlights:** Fast multipage scanning with auto page detection, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), PDF editing (add/remove pages, merge, stamp, sign), Cross-device document syncing, Folder organization and sharing, Integrated QR code reader

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CloudSafe Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| CloudSafe Yearly | $27.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Efficient workflow
- 🔒 Secure storage
- 💡 Helpful features (filters, stamps, etc.)
- 🚀 Quick scanning and sharing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or issues
- 🔧 Cropping/editing could be improved
- 💻 Compatibility issues with some devices
- 🔑 Password recovery/reset needs improvement

**Reported bugs**

- Sign-in with Apple not working for some users
- Cropping/alignment issues in certain lighting conditions
- Disappearing folders reported by some users

**Requested features**

- Import function for PDFs from other apps
- Password protection/encryption for sensitive documents
- Advanced editing tools (annotations, redaction, etc.)
- Integration with cloud storage services (iCloud, Google Drive, etc.)


### Epson DocumentScan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epson-documentscan/id796829552)

Scan documents directly from your Epson scanner to your Apple device. Preview, edit, and organize scanned pages before sending them via email, to other apps, or to popular cloud storage services.  Transfer files to your PC using iTunes.

**Highlights:** Direct scanning to iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Edit scanned pages (rotation, re-ordering), Send files via email, Integrate with cloud services (Box, Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, OneDrive), Send data to PC via iTunes, Autosize and auto image type recognition

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Basic scanning functionality works
- 📱 WiFi connectivity available for mobile scanning
- 📄 Saves documents as PDF format
- ⚡ Quick setup process for compatible scanners
- 🎨 Works well with art canvas scanning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent WiFi connectivity issues
- ❌ Poor iOS/iPhone compatibility
- 🔌 Requires cellular data to be disabled on iOS devices
- 📤 Difficult file export and sharing functionality
- ⚙️ Missing advanced features compared to desktop app

**Reported bugs**

- App cannot find scanner even when connected to same network
- WiFi direct mode fails to establish connection
- App freezes on scanner search screen
- Crashes when attempting to save photos to camera roll
- Crashes when pressing 'scan more' during batch operations

**Requested features**

- Direct save to Files app and cloud storage (Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive)
- OCR support for searchable PDFs
- Bulk export of multiple files at once
- Higher DPI scanning options (600 DPI or higher)
- Automatic double-sided page detection


## Frequently asked questions

### Is InstaPDF free?

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

### Is Epson DocumentScan free?

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

### Which has better reviews, InstaPDF or Epson DocumentScan?

InstaPDF is rated higher. InstaPDF averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1K ratings, while Epson DocumentScan averages 1.8 from 121 ratings.

### Do InstaPDF or Epson DocumentScan have ads?

Neither InstaPDF nor Epson DocumentScan shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, InstaPDF or Epson DocumentScan?

InstaPDF ships an update fortnightly, and Epson DocumentScan every 3 months. Most recently, InstaPDF was updated on September 20, 2026 and Epson DocumentScan on August 13, 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.*