# PDF Read vs PDF Reader

The clearest difference is rating: PDF Reader at 3.5 against PDF Read's 2.6. PDF Read's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (63% vs 33%). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Read sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and PDF Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PDF Reader holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 2.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 2 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 63% of PDF Read's written reviews are positive against 33% of PDF Reader's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

PDF Read ships an update every 6 weeks, PDF Reader every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Read | PDF Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-read/id634845932/reviews) | **[3.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-docs-viewer/id1240773558/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **5** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **63.0% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 82 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [世木 林](https://appshunter.io/developer/528007397) | [小玲 白](https://appshunter.io/developer/1166875754) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Read

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-read/id634845932)

This app is a powerful PDF reader that allows for annotation, highlighting, and bookmarking. It offers fast rendering, supports password-protected files, and includes features like full-text search and form filling. Documents can be added via file sharing or Wi-Fi.

**Highlights:** Annotate and highlight PDFs, Bookmark and outline management, Full-text search, Form filling, Password-protected file support, Add documents via Wi-Fi, Freehand drawing signature

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |


### PDF Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-docs-viewer/id1240773558)

Easily view PDF documents on your mobile device or tablet. Upload files via WiFi, open encrypted PDFs with a password, and enjoy adaptive screen sizing for comfortable reading. Protect your documents with app lock and gesture passwords.

**Highlights:** View PDF documents, WiFi file upload, Encrypted PDF support, Adaptive screen size, Read Word, Excel, PPT, App lock and gesture password

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Permanently remove ads | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Read free?

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

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PDF Read or PDF Reader?

PDF Reader is rated higher. PDF Read averages 2.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while PDF Reader averages 3.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do PDF Read or PDF Reader have ads?

PDF Reader shows ads; PDF Read does not.

### Which is updated more often, PDF Read or PDF Reader?

PDF Read ships an update every 6 weeks, and PDF Reader every 9 months. Most recently, PDF Read was updated on October 8, 2026 and PDF Reader on October 2, 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.*