# 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 rating (4.7 vs 4.3) and review sentiment (50% vs 25%). On price, ratings volume, 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. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 105 and 59 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of Shark Scan's written reviews are positive against 50% of PDF Reader's.

Shark Scan ships an update every 2 weeks, PDF Reader every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 1, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shark Scan | PDF Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (105 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shark-scan-short-dramas/id6503337651/reviews) | **[4.7 (59 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-viewer/id6746119431/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **105** | 59 |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 51 MB | 116 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Chengdu Dance Elephant Technology Co., LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741861571) | [All About Housing LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773925650) |

## What reviewers say

### Shark Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shark-scan-short-dramas/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-viewer/id6746119431)

This app provides a privacy-focused way to view, organize, and manage PDF files on your device. It offers tools for merging, splitting, securing documents, and converting images to PDF, all processed locally for enhanced data safety.

**Highlights:** View and organize PDF files, Merge and split PDFs, Secure documents with passwords, Convert images to PDF, Built-in document scanner, Local data processing for privacy

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## 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 105 ratings, while PDF Reader averages 4.7 from 59 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 every 5 days. Most recently, Shark Scan was updated on September 1, 2026 and PDF Reader on September 15, 2026.

---

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