# PDF Reader vs PDF Scanner

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PDF Reader at none against PDF Scanner's 2. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Scanner sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 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 4.7 for PDF Scanner. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 64 and 57 respectively.

PDF Reader ships an update every 6 days, PDF Scanner weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | PDF Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (64 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-viewer/id6746119431/reviews) | [4.7 (57 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scannerscan-for-documents/id6775806063/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **64** | 57 |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 116 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16** | 17 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [All About Housing LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773925650) | [Quke Technology](https://appshunter.io/developer/1880975939) |

## 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


### PDF Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scannerscan-for-documents/id6775806063)

This app transforms your smartphone into a professional scanner with AI-powered features for document capture, OCR, and PDF conversion. It offers offline editing, e-signature capabilities, and secure local storage for sensitive files. Ideal for professionals and students needing to digitize and manage documents efficiently.

**Highlights:** AI HD Scanning with auto edge detection, Multi-mode scanning for documents and IDs, Smart image optimization for print quality, Versatile PDF conversion to Word, Excel, PPT, Offline multilingual OCR for text extraction, PDF signing and annotation, Comprehensive local PDF editing, Secure local offline storage

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| yearly | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked 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 in-app purchases available.

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

PDF Reader and PDF Scanner are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 64 and 57 ratings respectively.

### 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 weekly. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on October 3, 2026 and PDF Scanner on October 8, 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.*