Comparison

PDF Scanner vs PDF Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PDF Scanner

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
Read full description

PDF Scanner: Convert & Editor Turn your iPhone or iPad into a powerful PDF tool with PDF Scanner. Create, edit, sign, and organize all your documents in one place. Whether you need to scan receipts, convert images, or sign contracts on the go, PDF Scannermakes it fast and easy. Key Features: · Scan to PDF: Use your camera to scan papers, receipts, or notes into clear, high-quality PDFs. · Create PDFs: Convert images or documents into professional PDFs with just a few taps. · Edit PDFs: Add, remove, or rearrange pages; annotate, highlight, and mark up text. · Merge & Split: Combine multiple PDFs into one or split a large file into separate documents. · Extract Text (OCR): Recognize and copy text from scanned documents for quick reuse. · Sign & Fill: Use your finger or Apple Pencil to e-sign documents and fill out PDF forms easily. · Safe & Local: All documents are stored securely on your device. Nothing is shared unless you export. With PDF Scanner, you’ll always have the right tools at your fingertips to handle contracts, schoolwork, invoices, or personal files—anytime, anywhere. Privacy Policy: https://www.simpledoctool.com/privacyPolicy.html Terms of Use: https://www.simpledoctool.com/termsOfService.html For any feedback or queries, please contact us at mailto:simpledocpro@outlook.com

About

PDF Reader

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
Read full description

PDF Reader - Viewer is a privacy-focused PDF document management tool designed to help you easily view, organize, and manage your PDF files on iPhone and iPad. With useful PDF tools such as merging, splitting, and password protection, it provides a simple and convenient solution for managing your documents. All processing is performed locally on your device, helping keep your documents private and secure. Privacy Matters Your privacy comes first. - Your PDF document files stay locally on your device - All processing is performed locally - Your documents do not need to be uploaded to external servers - Keep your files private while managing them securely PDF Management - Easily manage and organize your PDF files. Scan your device and list all available PDF files - Merge multiple PDF files into one - Split large PDF files into smaller documents - Add passwords to protect sensitive files - Remove passwords from unlocked PDF files - Conversion & Creation - Convenient tools for creating and converting PDF documents. Convert images to PDF quickly - Use the built-in document scanner to scan documents and save them as PDF files - Enjoy a smooth reading experience with multiple viewing modes - File Organization & PDF Reader - Keep your documents organized and easy to access. Quickly access recently opened files - Add important documents to Favorites - Rename files - Delete unwanted files - Share documents - Print files Simple and Powerful Whether you're a student, professional, or anyone who needs a simple yet powerful document management app, PDF Reader - Viewer makes it easy to manage your files and documents. With all processing performed locally on your device, you can enjoy a secure and private PDF reading and document management experience. Download Now - Download PDF Reader - Viewer today for a simple, secure, and convenient way to read, organize, and manage your PDF files.

Screenshots

PDF Scanner4 screens
PDF Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

PDF Scanner and PDF Reader both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of PDF Scanner's written reviews are positive against 50% of PDF Reader's. PDF Reader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. PDF Scanner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. PDF Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for PDF Scanner against 4.7 for PDF Reader. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 113 and 59 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of PDF Scanner's written reviews are positive against 50% of PDF Reader's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PDF Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, PDF Reader every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
PDF Scanner versus PDF Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPDF ScannerPDF Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (113 ratings)4.7 (59 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings113 — better59
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesAd-supported — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS14.0 — better15
Further details — not scored
Size48 MB116 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperWalrus Holdings(Hong Kong)LimitedAll About Housing LLC

Customer experience

PDF Scanner

All ratings113 ratings
Positive93.8%
Neutral1.8%
Negative4.4%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

PDF Reader

All ratings59 ratings
Positive94.9%
Neutral1.7%
Negative3.4%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

PDF Scanner

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly$4.997 Days
  • Weekly$7.997 Days
  • Annual$49.991 Year
None

PDF Reader

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PDF Scanner free?
PDF Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PDF Reader free?
PDF Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, PDF Scanner or PDF Reader?
PDF Scanner and PDF Reader are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 113 and 59 ratings respectively.
Do PDF Scanner or PDF Reader have ads?
Both PDF Scanner and PDF Reader show ads.
Which is updated more often, PDF Scanner or PDF Reader?
PDF Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, and PDF Reader every 5 days. Most recently, PDF Scanner was updated on September 21, 2026 and PDF Reader on September 15, 2026.

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