# PDF Reader vs QR & Barcode Reader

The clearest difference is update cadence: QR & Barcode Reader at every 2 weeks against PDF Reader's every 3 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Reader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and QR & Barcode Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PDF Reader ships an update every 3 months, QR & Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | QR & Barcode Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Size | 23 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Smit Pipaliya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1646406919) | [SWAINFO SOLUTIONS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1650786446) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-pdf-viewer/id6443484704)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PDF Reader & Editor Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| PDF Reader & Editor Yearly | $27.49 | per year |


### QR & Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-and-barcode-reader/id6450925004)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Code - Scanner & Generator | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Is QR & Barcode Reader free?

QR & Barcode Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do PDF Reader or QR & Barcode Reader have ads?

Both PDF Reader and QR & Barcode Reader show ads.

### Which is updated more often, PDF Reader or QR & Barcode Reader?

PDF Reader ships an update every 3 months, and QR & Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on October 3, 2026 and QR & Barcode Reader on October 2, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*