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

Easily manage your PDF files on your phone with tools for reading, editing, signing, and converting documents. Import files, use the camera, and access recent documents quickly. Convert various file types to PDF and perform essential PDF management tasks like merging and splitting.

Highlights
  • Sign documents
  • Add text to PDFs
  • Highlight and underline content
  • Convert Docs/Excel/Img to PDF
  • Merge and split PDFs
  • Compress and extract PDFs
Features
Read full description

PDF Reader: Edit & Sign helps you handle everyday PDF tasks on your phone in a simple and convenient way. Open PDF files, review documents, and use essential tools for PDF reading, PDF editing, PDF signing, and PDF conversion in one easy place. The app makes it easy to get started with your files. You can import PDF files, use the camera when needed, and quickly access recent files from the home screen, so your documents are always within reach. When you open a PDF, you can work on it with practical PDF tools for common document tasks, including: - Sign documents - Add text - Highlight content - Strike text - Underline text - Draw on PDF PDF Reader: Edit & Sign also includes useful PDF conversion options to help you turn other file types into PDF: - Docs to PDF - Excel to PDF - Img to PDF For additional file management, the app provides essential PDF tools in one place: - Merge PDF - Split PDF - Compress PDF - Extract PDF With a clean interface and essential PDF features, PDF Reader: Edit & Sign gives you a practical way to read PDF files, sign documents, convert files to PDF, and manage PDF documents on your phone. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

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 2. PDF Scanner also leads on ratings volume (6 vs 1). PDF Reader's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model 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 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. PDF Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

PDF Reader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PDF Scanner has 6 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PDF Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, PDF Scanner every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
PDF Reader versus PDF Scanner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPDF ReaderPDF Scanner
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better4.8 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings16 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationAd-supportedAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.6 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size54 MB115 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperQuynh Trang Pham DoanFuzhou Xuanlong Technology Co., Ltd.

Customer experience

PDF Reader

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

PDF Scanner

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

In-app purchases

2 purchases

PDF Reader

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly Premium3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • Yearly Premium$39.991 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.
Which has better reviews, PDF Reader or PDF Scanner?
PDF Reader is rated higher. PDF Reader averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 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 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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