# PDF Reader vs Box

The clearest difference is ads: Box at none against PDF Reader's shown. Box also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and device support (3 vs 1). PDF Reader's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Box sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PDF Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, Box weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | Box |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 6 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ahmet Bostancklioglu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1780554362) | [BOX LLC (Japan)](https://appshunter.io/developer/6787610467) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Box

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/box-notes-and-todos/id6787610465)

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Box Pro | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Is Box free?

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

### Do PDF Reader or Box have ads?

PDF Reader shows ads; Box does not.

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

PDF Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, and Box weekly. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on November 5, 2026 and Box on November 6, 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.*