# PDF Reader vs Docsmith

The clearest difference is ads: Docsmith at none against PDF Reader's shown. On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support 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 Docsmith sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PDF Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, Docsmith fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | Docsmith |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 6 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ahmet Bostancklioglu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1780554362) | [Serhii Tykhonenko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895816215) |

## 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 |


### Docsmith

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/docsmith-edit-pdf-text/id6792732105)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly Offer | $24.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $34.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Is Docsmith free?

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

### Do PDF Reader or Docsmith have ads?

PDF Reader shows ads; Docsmith does not.

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

PDF Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, and Docsmith fortnightly. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on October 25, 2026 and Docsmith on October 24, 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.*