# GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer vs simREF

The clearest difference is price: simREF at Free against GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer's $5.99. simREF also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 69%) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer's advantage is ratings volume (14K vs 3) and chart position (#28 vs unranked). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

simREF is free to download; GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer costs $5.99 up front. GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and simREF sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

simREF holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer has 14K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer's written reviews are positive against 100% of simREF's.

GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer ships an update weekly, simREF every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer | simREF |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $5.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (14K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/goodreader-pdf-editor-and-viewer/id777310222/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **14K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 68.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#28** | — |
| Size | 53 MB | 148 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Good.iWare, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/289191291) | [Chris-Luca Fischer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843257076) |

## What reviewers say

### GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/goodreader-pdf-editor-and-viewer/id777310222)

**Currently charting:** #28 Top Paid · Productivity (US App Store)

This app offers robust PDF editing and viewing capabilities, alongside comprehensive file management tools. It allows users to annotate PDFs, manage files from various cloud services, and secure sensitive data with advanced encryption. Enjoy a superior reading experience with features like PDF Reflow and split-screen viewing.

**Highlights:** PDF annotation and editing, Extensive file format support, Cloud service integration (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.), AES-256 military-grade encryption, Split-screen viewing for iPad, File management and organization

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Pack (monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Pack (annual) | $17.99 | per year |
| Auto Sync | $9.99 | one-time |
| Pro Pack | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent for reading and annotating PDFs
- 📚 Powerful file management and organization
- 💻 Seamless integration with cloud storage
- 🎨 Customizable reading experience
- ⚙️ Robust set of features and capabilities

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Subscription model for some features
- 🔀 Cluttered interface after recent update
- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 📁 Difficulty migrating files from older versions
- 🖌️ Lacking palm rejection and customizable Apple Pencil controls

**Reported bugs**

- Syncing issues with cloud storage providers
- Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between apps

**Requested features**

- Continuous scrolling for better reading experience
- Improved search functionality with advanced filters
- Ability to set custom color schemes and themes
- Enhanced support for ebook formats like EPUB
- Streamlined annotation tools and workflow


### simREF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206)

This app provides quick-reference checklists and operational data for flight simulation on iPad. It features interactive normal and abnormal checklists, essential flight data, and a CG/Trim calculator for takeoff planning in a distraction-free, dark UI optimized for cockpit environments.

**Highlights:** Interactive Normal & Abnormal Checklists, Operational Data at a glance, CG/Trim calculator, Offline functionality, Dark UI for cockpit environments, iPad landscape optimized

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IndiGo Virtual Integration | $2.99 | one-time |
| simREF Full Access | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer free?

GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer costs $5.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is simREF free?

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

### Which has better reviews, GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer or simREF?

simREF is rated higher. GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer averages 4.7 out of 5 from 14K ratings, while simREF averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer or simREF have ads?

Neither GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer nor simREF shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer or simREF?

GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer ships an update weekly, and simREF every 2 weeks. Most recently, GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer was updated on October 2, 2026 and simREF on September 25, 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.*