# PDF Reader vs SmartClean

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PDF Reader at 50% against SmartClean's 0%. PDF Reader also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 5 days vs monthly). SmartClean's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SmartClean sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. PDF Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

PDF Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 59 and 48 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of PDF Reader's written reviews are positive against 0% of SmartClean's.

PDF Reader ships an update every 5 days, SmartClean monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | SmartClean |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (59 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-viewer/id6746119431/reviews)** | [4.5 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartclean-media-cleaner/id6751190568/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **59** | 48 |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 116 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [All About Housing LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773925650) | [雷 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1785384442) |

## 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


### SmartClean

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartclean-media-cleaner/id6751190568)

This app offers a calm and organized approach to managing your camera roll. It helps you reduce photo and video sizes, curate your media with smart groupings, and even print cherished memories. Reclaim device space with a thoughtful daily digital maintenance routine.

**Highlights:** Photo & video size reduction, Calendar-based media review, Smart groupings for curation, Video collection view, Print memories, Live space reclaim estimate

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VIP Membership | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| VIP membership | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| VIP membership | $39.99 | per year |
| VIP membership | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Is SmartClean free?

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

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

PDF Reader is rated higher. PDF Reader averages 4.7 out of 5 from 59 ratings, while SmartClean averages 4.5 from 48 ratings.

### Do PDF Reader or SmartClean have ads?

PDF Reader shows ads; SmartClean does not.

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

PDF Reader ships an update every 5 days, and SmartClean monthly. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on September 15, 2026 and SmartClean on September 22, 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.*