# PDF Tools vs PDF Compressor

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PDF Compressor at none against PDF Tools's 1. PDF Compressor also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). PDF Tools's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Tools sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PDF Compressor asks for nothing beyond the download.

PDF Tools ships an update fortnightly, PDF Compressor every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Tools | PDF Compressor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-tools-merge-compress/id6804040189/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 19 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VeloTract](https://appshunter.io/developer/6788989340) | [TAREQ ALHUSAINI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1259393688) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-tools-merge-compress/id6804040189)

Easily manage PDF files on your iPhone or iPad with tools for merging, splitting, compressing, and protecting documents. All operations are performed offline and privately, with no account required. Offers free functionality with optional Pro upgrades for higher limits.

**Highlights:** Convert images to PDF, Merge multiple PDFs, Split PDFs into ranges or single pages, Organize, rotate, and delete pages, Compress PDF file size, Add password protection, Unlock password-protected PDFs

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PDF Tools Pro | $9.99 | one-time |


### PDF Compressor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-compressor-reduce-pdf/id6809077494)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Tools free?

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

### Is PDF Compressor free?

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

### Do PDF Tools or PDF Compressor have ads?

PDF Compressor shows ads; PDF Tools does not.

### Which is updated more often, PDF Tools or PDF Compressor?

PDF Tools ships an update fortnightly, and PDF Compressor every 8 days. Most recently, PDF Tools was updated on October 14, 2026 and PDF Compressor on October 1, 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.*