Comparison

Files 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

Files

Manage all your documents, spreadsheets, and media on your iPhone and iPad. This app facilitates downloading, storing, editing, and transferring files across devices and cloud services. It offers seamless integration with other iOS apps for enhanced productivity.

Highlights
  • Download, store, edit, create, and transfer files
  • Cloud synchronization with iCloud
  • Support for Dropbox, Google Drive, FTP, and Wi-Fi transfer
  • Integrated website downloader for videos and music
  • Seamless integration with other iOS apps
  • Organize media into folders
  • Create documents for email and web attachments
Features
Read full description

The all-in-one File Manager for iOS. Files allows you to easily download, store, edit, create, transfer, and manage documents, spreadsheets, and media on your iPhone and iPad. File synchronisation and backup can happen automatically across your devices using iCloud. Files support transfer of files using Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive, FTP, Wifi, and many other protocols. Integrated downloader allows downloading from any website, including mp3, avi, mp4 and youtube videos. Files is tightly integrated with other iOS apps such as Safari, Mail and Pages so you can easily send files between your Apps. Using Files, you can easily create documents for use in emails, web site attachments, personal reminders. You can also use files to arrange your media files into folders, watch movies, play music, and achieve greater productivity on your iOS device. Files is a essential App for any regular iPhone and iPad user.

About

PDF Reader

Features
Read full description

PDF Reader-view is your indispensable, all-in-one tool for handling critical documents and files on iOS. Simplify the way you view, manage, and process every PDF on your iPhone and iPad. Designed for speed, reliability, and professional use. High-Impact Features for File Handling: • Instant E-Signatures: Securely e-sign any PDF document, form, or contract directly on your device using your finger or stylus. Fast, secure, and legally capable. • Easy Form Filling: Quickly fill out PDF forms and save the completed document with minimal effort. • Universal File Viewer: Open and view all your essential files in one powerful reader: • PDFs n eBooks: Seamlessly read all your digital books and documents. • Office Compatibility: View common Microsoft Office file types, including .doc, .xls, and .ppt. • Images n Web: Easily open and view .png, .jpg images, and .html web pages. • Reliable Speed: Experience rapid file opening and a clean, clear interface designed for maximum productivity. Download PDF Reader-view to streamline your document processing and file management.

Screenshots

Files4 screens
PDF Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PDF Reader at none against Files's 3. Files's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 113 months). On price and device support 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. Files sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. PDF Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Files ships an update every 3 months, PDF Reader every 113 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Files versus PDF Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFilesPDF Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (242 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews88.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings242 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 months — betterEvery 113 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS5.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size37 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSavy Soda Pty LtdAishvarya Sadasivam

Bugs and requests

Files

Reported bugs

7 issues
  • App crashes when launched on certain iOS versions
  • Random deletion of documents without user action
  • Google Drive sync fails with 'Access denied' error
  • Files not displaying or downloading
  • Blank screen when downloading Google Docs
Show 2 more
  • App closes unexpectedly on older devices
  • Storage space warnings causing app deletion consideration

Requested features

10 requests
  • iOS 11 and above compatibility update
  • iPad 1 iOS 5.1.1 support
  • Document signing capability
  • Audio and video downloader functionality
  • Music playback while using other apps
Show 5 more
  • File sharing with other applications
  • MP3 file editing capability
  • Touch-based writing/drawing feature
  • System file access
  • Ability to play music in background

PDF Reader

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Files

One-time3
  • Large Spreadsheets$1.99
  • Enhanced Security$1.99
  • Remove Ads$3.99
None

PDF Reader

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Files free?
Files is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PDF Reader free?
PDF Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Files or PDF Reader have ads?
PDF Reader shows ads; Files does not.
Which is updated more often, Files or PDF Reader?
Files ships an update every 3 months, and PDF Reader every 113 months. Most recently, Files was updated on October 7, 2026 and PDF Reader on October 4, 2026.

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