# PDF Reader vs ZRead

The clearest difference is ads: ZRead at none against PDF Reader's shown. ZRead also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs monthly). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and ZRead sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for PDF Reader against 5.0 for ZRead. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

PDF Reader ships an update monthly, ZRead every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | ZRead |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-magicpdf/id6743257879/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zread-epub-reader/id6758880626/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2** | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 8 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.2 | **17** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Logical Magic Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1703399815) | [光泽 赖](https://appshunter.io/developer/1873981179) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-magicpdf/id6743257879)

This app helps you track your reading progress for PDF documents. It allows you to sync your PDFs and reading status across multiple devices for a seamless experience. Customize your reading environment for optimal comfort.

**Highlights:** Track reading progress, Sync PDFs and progress across devices, Configurable reading experience, Document reader functionality

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Pro | $49.99 | one-time |


### ZRead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zread-epub-reader/id6758880626)

A versatile reader for ebooks, PDFs, and comics. Supports numerous file formats including EPUB, MOBI, and CBZ. Offers a clean reading experience with privacy in mind.

**Highlights:** EPUB, PDF, TXT, FB2, MOBI, AZW support, CBZ, CBR, CB7 comic format support, Custom source integration, Privacy-focused design, Clean reading interface

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ZRead Pro Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| ZRead Pro Yearly | $6.99 | per year |
| Founding Member | $6.99 | one-time |
| ZRead Pro Lifetime | $12.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Is ZRead free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PDF Reader or ZRead?

PDF Reader and ZRead are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do PDF Reader or ZRead have ads?

PDF Reader shows ads; ZRead does not.

### Which is updated more often, PDF Reader or ZRead?

PDF Reader ships an update monthly, and ZRead every 9 days. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on September 30, 2026 and ZRead on October 1, 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.*