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

Features
Read full description

PDF Reader - Scan & View is a powerful and simple tool designed to handle all your document needs. Whether you need to read a book, scan a physical document, or organize your files, we have got you covered. KEY FEATURES: Fast PDF Viewer Open and view PDF files instantly. Smooth scrolling and zooming provide the best reading experience. Smart Document Scanner Turn your device into a portable scanner. Use your camera to scan physical documents, receipts, notes, and certificates. Automatically crop and enhance quality. Share & Print Easily share your documents with friends or colleagues via email or social apps. Print documents directly from your device. File Management Access your files quickly and keep your documents organized. Simple, fast, and secure. Download PDF Reader - Scan & View today and boost your productivity! Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xR6lwKj3V-RCzuJWOxmKXhIRI26U_VcVcTvIpJvX1wQ/edit

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

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PDF Scanner at none against PDF Reader's 3. PDF Reader's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and iOS requirement 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. PDF Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. PDF Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PDF Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, PDF Scanner every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
PDF Reader versus PDF Scanner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPDF ReaderPDF Scanner
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.8 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—6 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 4 weeks
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Ad-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size48 MB115 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDimster Design LLCFuzhou Xuanlong Technology Co., Ltd.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

PDF Reader

Subscriptions3
  • Pro Membership$1.997 Days
  • Pro Membership$2.991 Month
  • Pro Membership$29.991 Year
None

PDF Scanner

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PDF Reader free?
PDF Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PDF Scanner free?
PDF Scanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
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 3 weeks, and PDF Scanner every 4 weeks. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on October 2, 2026 and PDF Scanner on October 1, 2026.

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