Comparison

PDF Reader vs PDF Tools

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

Head to head
About

PDF Reader

Easily read, annotate, and edit PDF documents with a comprehensive suite of tools. Mark important information, add text, signatures, and even merge or convert files. Secure your documents with password protection.

Highlights
  • Highlight and underline text
  • Hand-drawn annotation
  • Add text and fill forms
  • Digital signature and seal
  • Merge PDF files
  • Convert PDF to Word/JPG
  • Password protection
Features
Read full description

PDF Reader-Editing is a powerful PDF processing tool that helps you easily read, annotate and edit PDF documents. Whether it is highlighting, underlining, hand-drawn annotation, adding text, or signing directly, this app can perfectly meet your needs. Main functions: - Highlight and underline: mark important information in the document. - Hand-drawn annotation: freely add hand-drawn graphics and text. - Add text: easily insert text and fill in forms. - Signature and seal: sign documents directly on PDF, or stamp electronically. - Merge and combine multiple PDF files into one. - Convert PDFs to Word, JPG, Web, and vice versa Other functions: - Batch file management - Password protection to ensure document security Download now to improve your PDF editing experience! -Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. -Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. -Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal. -Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase. Privacy Policy: https://funnyapp.xyz/pdf/privacy.html Terms of User:https://funnyapp.xyz/pdf/terms.html

About

PDF Tools

Edit, convert, and manage PDF files with features like OCR scanning, electronic signatures, and file merging. This tool allows for local processing without requiring a login, ensuring privacy and security for your documents.

Highlights
  • PDF to Word/Excel/TXT conversion
  • OCR scanning
  • Electronic signature
  • Merge and split PDFs
  • File encryption
  • Highlight and doodle on PDFs
Features
Read full description

One-click conversion of PDF↔Word/Excel/TXT, no watermark! Supports OCR scanning, electronic signature, merge and split, file encryption, and turns your phone into an office tool in seconds! Core functions: All-round editing - highlight/doodle/add text, modify PDF like editing Word Format conversion - convert PDF to Word/Excel/PPT/picture, 100% retain the original format OCR recognition - scan paper documents → searchable PDF/text File management - merge/split/compress/encrypt PDF, delete blank pages in one click Electronic signature - handwritten signature or upload signature image, business contract is done in seconds Why choose us? No login required - open and use, no privacy concerns Local processing - sensitive files are not uploaded to the cloud, safer High performance - large files open in seconds, hundreds of pages of documents edited smoothly Applicable scenarios Students: Scan textbooks/notes to text, review more efficiently Workers: Sign contracts and change plans at any time, worry-free mobile office Home users: Merge travel guides, compress document scans Download now to experience professional-level PDF processing! Subscription Terms: 1. Payment will be charged to your iThunes account at confirmation of purchase. 2. You can manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal in your account settings after purchase. 3. Subscription will automatically renew if auto-renew is disabled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Privacy Policy: https://h5.pdfpro.xyz/privacy_policy.html Terms of Service: https://h5.pdfpro.xyz/user-agreement.html

Screenshots

PDF Reader4 screens
PDF Tools4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: PDF Tools at weekly against PDF Reader's every 3 weeks. PDF Tools also leads on ratings volume (9 vs 1). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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 Reader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per 7 days and PDF Tools sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for PDF Reader against 5.0 for PDF Tools. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PDF Tools has 9 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PDF Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, PDF Tools weekly. The most recent releases landed on June 11, 2026 and July 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
PDF Reader versus PDF Tools: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPDF ReaderPDF Tools
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (9 ratings)
Number of ratings19 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksWeekly — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS14.014.0
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB96 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer蕊 安Shilong Lu

Customer experience

PDF Reader

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

PDF Tools

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

PDF Reader

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Bronze3 Days trial$19.997 Days
  • Premium Gold$39.991 Year
3 purchases

PDF Tools

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly$2.997 Days
  • Yearly3 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • Permanent Member$3.99

Questions

Is PDF Reader free?
PDF Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PDF Tools free?
PDF Tools is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, PDF Reader or PDF Tools?
PDF Reader and PDF Tools are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 9 ratings respectively.
Do PDF Reader or PDF Tools have ads?
Both PDF Reader and PDF Tools show ads.
Which is updated more often, PDF Reader or PDF Tools?
PDF Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, and PDF Tools weekly. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on June 11, 2026 and PDF Tools on July 5, 2026.

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