Comparison

PDF Reader vs PDF Scanner

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PDF Reader

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
Read full description

PDF Reader - Viewer is a privacy-focused PDF document management tool designed to help you easily view, organize, and manage your PDF files on iPhone and iPad. With useful PDF tools such as merging, splitting, and password protection, it provides a simple and convenient solution for managing your documents. All processing is performed locally on your device, helping keep your documents private and secure. Privacy Matters Your privacy comes first. - Your PDF document files stay locally on your device - All processing is performed locally - Your documents do not need to be uploaded to external servers - Keep your files private while managing them securely PDF Management - Easily manage and organize your PDF files. Scan your device and list all available PDF files - Merge multiple PDF files into one - Split large PDF files into smaller documents - Add passwords to protect sensitive files - Remove passwords from unlocked PDF files - Conversion & Creation - Convenient tools for creating and converting PDF documents. Convert images to PDF quickly - Use the built-in document scanner to scan documents and save them as PDF files - Enjoy a smooth reading experience with multiple viewing modes - File Organization & PDF Reader - Keep your documents organized and easy to access. Quickly access recently opened files - Add important documents to Favorites - Rename files - Delete unwanted files - Share documents - Print files Simple and Powerful Whether you're a student, professional, or anyone who needs a simple yet powerful document management app, PDF Reader - Viewer makes it easy to manage your files and documents. With all processing performed locally on your device, you can enjoy a secure and private PDF reading and document management experience. Download Now - Download PDF Reader - Viewer today for a simple, secure, and convenient way to read, organize, and manage your PDF files.

About

PDF Scanner

Transform your iPhone into a powerful document studio. Scan, read, edit, merge, and manage all your PDF files with this all-in-one, ultra-fast, and intuitive application. Keep your documents confidential with local processing.

Highlights
  • Intelligent document scanning
  • PDF reading and annotation
  • Drawing and easy signing
  • Merge and organize PDFs
  • Ultimate file manager
  • Local data privacy
Features
Read full description

Transform your iPhone into a powerful, pocket-sized document studio! Whether you are a student, professional, or simply trying to go paperless, PDF Scanner - File Reader provides you need to scan, read, edit, and manage your PDF files seamlessly. Stop juggling multiple apps for your documents. We bring all the essential PDF tools into one lightning-fast, easy-to-use application. CORE FEATURES: Smart Document Scanner Instantly turn receipts, notes, and multi-page documents into crystal-clear PDFs. Read & Annotate Enjoy a smooth, fast PDF reading experience. Highlight important text, draw shapes, or add notes directly onto your documents. Easy Drawing & Signing Sign contracts, forms, and official applications directly on your screen using the intuitive brush tool. Write your name or add hand-drawn annotations naturally to any document, then save it instantly. Merge & Organize Combine multiple PDFs or images into a single, organized document. Reorder, extract, or delete specific pages with an intuitive interface. Ultimate File Manager Organize your documents with custom folders and quick search. LOCAL-FIRST PRIVACY Your documents are your business. PDF Scanner - File Reader is built on a "Local-First" philosophy. The vast majority of document rendering, scanning, and editing happens directly on your device. We do not upload your sensitive files to our servers without your permission. Download PDF Scanner - File Reader and take control of your digital documents!

Screenshots

PDF Reader4 screens
PDF Scanner4 screens

Verdict

The call

PDF Reader and PDF Scanner both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 50% of PDF Reader's written reviews are positive against 0% of PDF Scanner's. PDF Reader also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 4 weeks) and ratings volume (64 vs 6). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for PDF Reader against 4.8 for PDF Scanner. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PDF Reader has 64 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 50% of PDF Reader's written reviews are positive against 0% of PDF Scanner's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PDF Reader ships an update every 6 days, PDF Scanner every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PDF Reader versus PDF Scanner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPDF ReaderPDF Scanner
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (64 ratings)4.8 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings64 — better6
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterEvery 4 weeks
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supportedAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size116 MB115 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperAll About Housing LLCFuzhou Xuanlong Technology Co., Ltd.

Customer experience

PDF Reader

All ratings64 ratings
Positive92.2%
Neutral4.7%
Negative3.1%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

PDF Scanner

All ratings6 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

PDF Reader

No in-app purchases

None

PDF Scanner

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PDF Reader free?
PDF Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PDF Scanner free?
PDF Scanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, PDF Reader or PDF Scanner?
PDF Scanner is rated higher. PDF Reader averages 4.7 out of 5 from 64 ratings, while PDF Scanner averages 4.8 from 6 ratings.
Do PDF Reader or PDF Scanner have ads?
Both PDF Reader and PDF Scanner show ads.
Which is updated more often, PDF Reader or PDF Scanner?
PDF Reader ships an update every 6 days, and PDF Scanner every 4 weeks. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on October 3, 2026 and PDF Scanner on October 1, 2026.

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