# Code Viewer vs TextEdit

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Code Viewer at 49% against TextEdit's 17%. Code Viewer also leads on iOS requirement (7.0 vs 26.0). TextEdit's advantage is rating (3.7 vs 3.4) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Code Viewer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and TextEdit sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

TextEdit holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TextEdit has 378 ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 49% of Code Viewer's written reviews are positive against 17% of TextEdit's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Code Viewer ships an update every 3 weeks, TextEdit weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Viewer | TextEdit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-viewer-best-reader-for-code/id756979450/reviews) | **[3.7 (378 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textedit-text-editor/id1070883678/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **378** |
| Positive reviews | **49.0% of reviews** | 17.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 563 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [skoroapps s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1822210722) | [Kairoos Solutions SL](https://appshunter.io/developer/978066434) |

## What reviewers say

### Code Viewer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-viewer-best-reader-for-code/id756979450)

View and manage source code files for over 60 programming languages. Open Xcode projects, navigate code with a table of contents, and access files via drag-and-drop, GitHub, or "Open In" functionality. Customize your viewing experience with 30+ color themes.

**Highlights:** Supports 60+ programming languages, Opens Xcode projects, Table of Contents for navigation, Import files via iTunes, GitHub, or "Open In", 30+ color themes

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Version | $2.99 | one-time |


### TextEdit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textedit-text-editor/id1070883678)

A fast and versatile text editor for mobile devices, offering compatibility with various file formats and editors. It provides a distraction-free writing experience with advanced formatting, organization, and sharing features.

**Highlights:** Supports TXT, RTF, Markdown, TeX, and PDF formats, Cross-device and computer syncing via iCloud/Files, Distraction-free writing interface, Customizable keyboard extension for faster typing, Visual rich text formatting and one-tap options, Syntax highlighting for Markdown and TeX, Instant statistics and counters

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| TextEdit+ Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| TextEdit+ Annual | $14.99 | per year |
| TextEdit+ Full Unlock | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 📝 Simple and clean text editor
- 🔗 Integrates well with iCloud
- 👍 Useful for basic document editing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Requires subscription for full functionality
- 🔒 Locks users out of previously purchased content
- 🚫 Prevents access to app without subscription
- 🤖 Forced AI integration that users don't want

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening certain file types
- Formatting issues when copying/pasting text
- Inconsistent behavior across devices

**Requested features**

- Allow users to choose iCloud directory
- Offer one-time purchase option instead of subscription
- Restore previous paid versions without AI


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Viewer free?

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

### Is TextEdit free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Code Viewer or TextEdit?

TextEdit is rated higher. Code Viewer averages 3.4 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while TextEdit averages 3.7 from 378 ratings.

### Do Code Viewer or TextEdit have ads?

Neither Code Viewer nor TextEdit shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Code Viewer or TextEdit?

Code Viewer ships an update every 3 weeks, and TextEdit weekly. Most recently, Code Viewer was updated on October 7, 2026 and TextEdit on October 8, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*