# PDF Reader vs Document Scanner

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PDF Reader at 50% against Document Scanner's 0%. PDF Reader also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and rating (4.7 vs 4.4). Document Scanner's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Document Scanner sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. PDF Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

PDF Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PDF Reader has 64 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of PDF Reader's written reviews are positive against 0% of Document Scanner's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 6 days. Both last shipped on October 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | Document Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (64 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-viewer/id6746119431/reviews)** | [4.4 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/document-scanner-pdf-convert/id6747743124/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **64** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days | Every 6 days |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 116 MB | 109 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [All About Housing LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773925650) | [DUY KY TRADING PRODUCTION ONE MEMBER COMPANY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/964419067) |

## 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-convert/id6747743124)

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 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?

PDF Reader is rated higher. PDF Reader averages 4.7 out of 5 from 64 ratings, while Document Scanner averages 4.4 from 7 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 6 days, and Document Scanner every 6 days. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on October 3, 2026 and Document Scanner on October 3, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*