# PDF Tools vs PDF Editor

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

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

PDF Tools ships an update every 5 months, PDF Editor monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Tools | PDF Editor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Monthly** |
| Size | 5 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [云峰 林](https://appshunter.io/developer/1740866485) | [Harihar Creation](https://appshunter.io/developer/6787873023) |

## 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 |


### PDF Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-editor-sign-and-scan/id6787873021)

**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 PDF Editor free?

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

### Do PDF Tools or PDF Editor have ads?

Both PDF Tools and PDF Editor show ads.

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

PDF Tools ships an update every 5 months, and PDF Editor monthly. Most recently, PDF Tools was updated on October 1, 2026 and PDF Editor on October 4, 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.*