CleanScanner vs Scan_Buddy
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
CleanScanner
A private and simple PDF scanner for your iPhone. It focuses on essential scanning features without subscriptions, ads, or data tracking. Documents are processed locally and you control where they are saved.
- High-quality document scans
- Automatic edge detection
- Export as PDF
- Local document processing
- Full OCR with Pro version
- No subscription or ads
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No more subscription traps, ads, or unnecessary data tracking. CleanScanner is the honest tool for your iPhone: A minimalist PDF scanner that does exactly what it should – and nothing else. I developed CleanScanner because I wanted an app that doesn't try to upload my data to a cloud or force monthly costs on me. CleanScanner is 100% local, 100% private, and focused on the essentials. Why CleanScanner? + Full Privacy: Your documents are never processed on external servers. Everything happens directly on your iPhone. + No Data Clutter: The app doesn't permanently store your PDFs. After scanning, YOU decide via the iOS share dialog where the document goes (e.g., iCloud Drive, Files app, email, or messenger). + Simplicity: Open, scan, share. No login, no setup, no frills. Core Features: + High-quality document scans with automatic edge detection. + Export as PDF in seconds. + Uses the native iOS share dialog for maximum flexibility. + Smart image optimization for perfect readability. Honest & Transparent: Free vs. Pro: CleanScanner is free to use so you can experience the quality yourself. If you like the app, you can remove all limitations with a one-time purchase. Free Basic Version: + Create documents with up to 3 pages. + Share your PDFs easily with other apps. CleanScanner Pro (One-Time Purchase, valid for a lifetime): + No Page Limits: Scan documents of any length. + Full OCR: Your PDF contains the recognized text – perfect for full-text search and copying content. + Support Indie Development: Help me build more apps without subscriptions and tracking.
Scan_Buddy
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Turn paperwork into organized, searchable digital documents with ScanBuddy. From contracts, invoices, and receipts to forms and personal records, ScanBuddy helps you scan, edit, sign, organize, and export documents directly on your iPhone. FEATURES • Intelligent Document Detection Automatically detects document edges and creates clean, professional-looking scans. • Simple Document Organization Rename, categorize, and manage your documents with a fast, intuitive workflow. • On-Device OCR Recognize and search text directly on your iPhone. • PDF Editing Add and edit text directly within your PDF documents. • Digital Signatures Capture your signature and place it precisely on contracts, forms, and other important documents. • Smart Data Recognition Identify key information in your documents and keep important details organized. • Contract and Deadline Reminders Stay on top of expiration dates, cancellation periods, and important deadlines. • Privacy First Your documents and OCR processing remain on your device. No ads. No tracking. FREE 7-DAY TRIAL Try all ScanBuddy features free for 7 days. After the trial, unlock the full app permanently with a one-time purchase. No subscription required. Documents created during the trial remain accessible and can still be viewed and exported without purchasing the full version. Designed for iPhone. Built for anyone who wants less paperwork and better organization.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: CleanScanner at daily against Scan_Buddy's fortnightly. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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
Both are free to download. CleanScanner sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Scan_Buddy sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
CleanScanner ships an update daily, Scan_Buddy fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CleanScanner | Scan_Buddy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Daily — better | Fortnightly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 40 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Thomas Wana | Jan Erik Thelen |
In-app purchases
CleanScanner
- CleanScanner Pro Lifetime$3.99
Scan_Buddy
- 7 Day TrialFree
- ScanBuddy Full Unlock$4.99
Questions
Is CleanScanner free?
Is Scan_Buddy free?
Do CleanScanner or Scan_Buddy have ads?
Which is updated more often, CleanScanner or Scan_Buddy?
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