# notebook vs PDF Reader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: notebook at none against PDF Reader's 3. notebook also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. notebook asks for nothing beyond the download.

notebook ships an update every 3 days, PDF Reader every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | notebook | PDF Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-read-merge-sign/id6769790281/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 43 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [EMMANUEL MAVETYA KASONGO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1873888915) | [Ahmet Bostancklioglu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1780554362) |

## What reviewers say

### notebook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notebook-transcriber-ai/id6758603148)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### PDF Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-read-merge-sign/id6769790281)

This app offers a streamlined way to manage PDF documents on your iPhone. It allows you to read, edit, merge, compress, and secure your files directly on your device, with no cloud syncing or account required. Advanced features like OCR and password protection are available.

**Highlights:** Read PDFs with zoom and night mode, Sign and annotate documents, Merge and split PDF files, Compress and encrypt PDFs, OCR for searchable text, Share via system share sheet

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Pro Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is notebook free?

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

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Do notebook or PDF Reader have ads?

PDF Reader shows ads; notebook does not.

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

notebook ships an update every 3 days, and PDF Reader every 3 weeks. Most recently, notebook was updated on October 25, 2026 and PDF Reader on October 28, 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.*