# PDF Scanner vs QR Code Reader

The clearest difference is ads: QR Code Reader at none against PDF Scanner's shown. QR Code Reader also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). PDF Scanner's advantage is ratings volume (113 vs 16). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Scanner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and QR Code Reader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

QR Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PDF Scanner has 113 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two.

PDF Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, QR Code Reader weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and August 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Scanner | QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (113 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scanner-convert-and-editor/id6636519419/reviews) | **[4.9 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-ai-scan/id6745132899/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **113** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 48 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Walrus Holdings(Hong Kong)Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1762952172) | [Elite Wealth Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1784660633) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scanner-convert-and-editor/id6636519419)

Transform your mobile device into a comprehensive PDF management tool. Easily scan documents, convert images to PDFs, edit existing files, and add digital signatures. This app offers OCR capabilities to extract text and securely stores your files locally.

**Highlights:** Scan documents to PDF, Convert images to PDF, Edit PDF pages and text, Merge and split PDFs, Extract text with OCR, E-sign and fill forms, Secure local storage

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual | $49.99 | per year |


### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-ai-scan/id6745132899)

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes with an AI-powered engine. Identify plants, animals, and objects using your camera. Offers design tools for custom codes and intelligent history management.

**Highlights:** AI-powered QR/barcode scanning, Object identification (plants, animals, products), Custom QR code design tools, Intelligent scan history, Privacy-focused data processing

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Access | $9.99 | per month |
| Limited Offer | $35.99 | per year |
| Yearly Access | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Scanner free?

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

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PDF Scanner or QR Code Reader?

QR Code Reader is rated higher. PDF Scanner averages 4.7 out of 5 from 113 ratings, while QR Code Reader averages 4.9 from 16 ratings.

### Do PDF Scanner or QR Code Reader have ads?

PDF Scanner shows ads; QR Code Reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, PDF Scanner or QR Code Reader?

PDF Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, and QR Code Reader weekly. Most recently, PDF Scanner was updated on September 21, 2026 and QR Code Reader on August 17, 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.*