# PDF Tools vs StaffView

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StaffView at none against PDF Tools's 2. StaffView also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Tools sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. StaffView asks for nothing beyond the download.

PDF Tools ships an update every 5 months, StaffView every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Tools | StaffView |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Size | 5 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [云峰 林](https://appshunter.io/developer/1740866485) | [Rith Ry](https://appshunter.io/developer/1784159518) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-tools-merge-split-edit/id6738097501)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PDF Assistant Weekly VIP+Trial | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| PDF Assistant Permanent VIP | $3.99 | one-time |


### StaffView

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staffview/id6739194143)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Tools free?

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

### Is StaffView free?

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

### Do PDF Tools or StaffView have ads?

PDF Tools shows ads; StaffView does not.

### Which is updated more often, PDF Tools or StaffView?

PDF Tools ships an update every 5 months, and StaffView every 2 weeks. Most recently, PDF Tools was updated on October 1, 2026 and StaffView on October 8, 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.*