# PDF Reader vs Document Scanner

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PDF Reader at none against Document Scanner's 4. PDF Reader also leads on ratings volume (59 vs 5). Document Scanner's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Document Scanner sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. PDF Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for PDF Reader against 4.8 for Document Scanner. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PDF Reader has 59 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two.

PDF Reader ships an update every 5 days, Document Scanner weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | Document Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (59 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-viewer/id6746119431/reviews) | **[4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/document-scanner-pdf-editor/id6747021798/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **59** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 116 MB | 168 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [All About Housing LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773925650) | [Mai Duc Sang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1819434989) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-viewer/id6746119431)

This app provides a privacy-focused way to view, organize, and manage PDF files on your device. It offers tools for merging, splitting, securing documents, and converting images to PDF, all processed locally for enhanced data safety.

**Highlights:** View and organize PDF files, Merge and split PDFs, Secure documents with passwords, Convert images to PDF, Built-in document scanner, Local data processing for privacy

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Document Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/document-scanner-pdf-editor/id6747021798)

Easily scan, convert, and edit all your PDF files on mobile. Turn paper documents into high-quality PDFs, sign contracts, and secure your files with passwords. Organize, view, and share documents efficiently.

**Highlights:** Scan and convert documents to PDF, Smart ID and document scanning, Edit, sign, and secure PDFs, Organize, view, and share files, Image to PDF conversion, Password protection for PDFs

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Premium | $9.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Is Document Scanner free?

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

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

Document Scanner is rated higher. PDF Reader averages 4.7 out of 5 from 59 ratings, while Document Scanner averages 4.8 from 5 ratings.

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

PDF Reader shows ads; Document Scanner does not.

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

PDF Reader ships an update every 5 days, and Document Scanner weekly. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on September 15, 2026 and Document Scanner on September 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.*