# Shark Scan vs PDF Reader

The clearest difference is ads: Shark Scan at none against PDF Reader's shown. Shark Scan also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). PDF Reader's advantage is review sentiment (56% vs 25%) and rating (4.7 vs 4.3). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

PDF Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PDF Reader has 4.4K ratings behind it against 107, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of Shark Scan's written reviews are positive against 56% of PDF Reader's.

Shark Scan ships an update every 2 weeks, PDF Reader weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shark Scan | PDF Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (107 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shark-scan-gif-qr-code/id6503337651/reviews) | **[4.7 (4.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-easy-editor/id6630367408/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 107 | **4.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **55.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Best chart rank | — | **#159** |
| Size | 49 MB | 69 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chengdu Dance Elephant Technology Co., LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741861571) | [SPARK TECH LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1709259681) |

## What reviewers say

### Shark Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shark-scan-gif-qr-code/id6503337651)

This app combines lightning-fast QR code scanning with AI-powered recognition for identifying objects and plants. It also offers a library of short dramas and allows users to create custom QR codes from photos, GIFs, or text.

**Highlights:** Fast QR/barcode scanning, AI object recognition, Short drama library, Custom QR code creation, Identify plants, animals, coins

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### PDF Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-easy-editor/id6630367408)

**Currently charting:** #159 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

Transform your smartphone into a powerful PDF scanner and editor. Easily convert images and documents to PDF, or convert PDFs to other formats. Protect your files with encryption and share them securely.

**Highlights:** Scan documents, Convert images to PDF, Convert PDF to other formats, Crop image sizes, Share documents, Add watermark, File encryption

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Useful features
- 🚀 Fast performance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 💰 Excessive ads
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Compatibility problems with newer devices
- Frequent crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- More customization options
- Improved privacy controls
- Better customer support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shark Scan free?

Shark Scan is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Shark Scan or PDF Reader?

PDF Reader is rated higher. Shark Scan averages 4.3 out of 5 from 107 ratings, while PDF Reader averages 4.7 from 4.4K ratings.

### Do Shark Scan or PDF Reader have ads?

PDF Reader shows ads; Shark Scan does not.

### Which is updated more often, Shark Scan or PDF Reader?

Shark Scan ships an update every 2 weeks, and PDF Reader weekly. Most recently, Shark Scan was updated on October 25, 2026 and PDF Reader on October 24, 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.*