# PDF Tools vs Document Scanner

The clearest difference is rating: PDF Tools at 5.0 against Document Scanner's 3.0. PDF Tools also leads on ratings volume (9 vs 2) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). Document Scanner's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and chart position (#160 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Tools sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Document Scanner sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PDF Tools holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 2 respectively.

PDF Tools ships an update weekly, Document Scanner every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on July 5, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Tools | Document Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-tools-read-and-edit/id6745811413/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/document-scanner-pdf-convert/id6747743124/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 2 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#160** |
| Size | 96 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shilong Lu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1185413008) | [DUY KY TRADING PRODUCTION ONE MEMBER COMPANY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/964419067) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-tools-read-and-edit/id6745811413)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Permanent Member | $3.99 | one-time |


### Document Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/document-scanner-pdf-convert/id6747743124)

**Currently charting:** #160 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

This app is a versatile mobile scanner and PDF converter. It allows users to scan various documents, convert them between formats, and manage files with powerful AI tools. Basic features are free, with premium options for unlimited scans and advanced editing.

**Highlights:** Scan documents, text, QR codes, and IDs, Convert PDF to JPG and vice versa, Compress, merge, and manage PDF files, AI tools for translation and summarization, E-sign documents and add watermarks, Password protection for PDFs

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Fash Sale | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Tools free?

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

### Is Document Scanner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PDF Tools or Document Scanner?

PDF Tools is rated higher. PDF Tools averages 5.0 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Document Scanner averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do PDF Tools or Document Scanner have ads?

PDF Tools shows ads; Document Scanner does not.

### Which is updated more often, PDF Tools or Document Scanner?

PDF Tools ships an update weekly, and Document Scanner every 4 days. Most recently, PDF Tools was updated on July 5, 2026 and Document Scanner on September 16, 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.*