Comparison

PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo vs PDF Hero

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo

Edit, sign, convert, and organize PDF documents with a comprehensive suite of tools. Scan images to PDF, compress files, and integrate with cloud storage for seamless access across devices. Offers advanced annotation and drawing capabilities.

Highlights
  • Edit PDFs
  • Scan to PDF
  • Fill & Sign Forms
  • Convert Files to PDF
  • Annotate & Draw
  • Cloud Integration
  • Compress PDFs
Features
Read full description

Transform your PDFs. Get your work done quickly with Xodo's all-in-one PDF editor and reader with 30+ features - all available on your iPhone or iPad. Safely store and sync your files on your iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive and Dropbox so you can easily view, edit, convert, e-sign and compress your files anytime, anywhere on your device. Edit PDFs: Intuitive, easy-to-use PDF editor for any user in mind. • Compress PDF: Quickly reduce PDF file size for ease of sharing • Flatten PDF: All annotations in PDF like fillable forms will be locked and merged into a single layer for protection • Rotate & crop PDF: Add, remove, rearrange, rotate, crop PDF pages with ease • Split & extract PDF: Instantly split PDF or extract pages to a new PDF file • Create new PDF: Create PDFs from scratch or use one of our ready-made templates and edit file Scan PDFs: Seamlessly scan images and save as PDFs. • PDF scanner: Scan image with your camera or open an existing image or file and save as a new PDF • Edit scanned PDF: Edit, annotate, send your documents to iCloud, share via AirDrop, or any available app on your device Fill & Sign PDF Forms: Fill out, sign, and share your PDF forms. • Create your e-signature: E-sign your documents by hand or type in your signature, and save to reuse for later • Stylus-friendly: Supports Apple Pencil Convert PDFs: Convert files to PDF in seconds. • PDF converter: Convert any MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to PDF, iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) to PDF • Additional file formats: Convert JPG to PDF, PNG to PDF, PDF to JPG, PDF to PNG View & print PDFs: Quick and convenient PDF reader for e-books, reports, digital planner. • Viewing mode: View in light, dark, and sepia color modes for comfort reading • Bookmark feature: Tag your favorite PDF pages • Multiple tabs: Use tabs to work across multiple PDF documents • Print PDFs directly from your device • Fully searchable text: Search text within PDF to save time Annotate & Draw PDFs: Utilize Xodo's annotation tools configured to you. • Fully-featured mark-up tools: Add images, links, stamp or highlight text directly on PDF documents • Arrange pages: Thumbnail browser for deleting pages, extracting, and inserting pages • Scrolling mode: See all annotations at a glance with the touch of your finger Store & Manage Files Securely: Integrate with popular cloud apps and safely store your important files so you can pick up where you left off. • Built-in file manager: Rename, copy, move, or delete docs and folders locally • Cloud integration: Sync your files directly on iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive and Dropbox to view in multiple devices • Protected features: Protect your PDF files with password encryption and unlock your protected PDF with PDF password remover tool Upgrade to Xodo Mobile Subscription: Get unlimited access to all 30+ tools with custom toolbar for quick access. • Free trial available in supported regions • Convert PDF to MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) • Remove sensitive content with PDF Redaction tool • High compression file size • Easily merge multiple documents to a single PDF • Create fillable PDF forms to fill out and sign while you're on the go • Support Smart pen to streamline and enhance note taking experience • Annotate in Reader mode - When viewing a PDF in reader mode, you can highlight, underline and strikeout text. • View and manage files with nesting layers - PDFs that include multi-level layers can be viewed individually • Scanned images can save as PDFs with searchable text (OCR) option • Flexible monthly and annual subscription options • Cancel anytime For Support and Feedback: support@xodo.com Visit Homepage: xodo.com Xodo is powered by Apryse | https://apryse.com

About

PDF Hero

Edit, create, and manage PDF documents on your mobile device. Annotate, fill forms, sign, and share files with ease. Offers advanced features like OCR and compression for enhanced document control.

Highlights
  • Create PDFs from scratch
  • Edit text and annotate documents
  • Fill and sign PDF forms
  • Convert images/documents to PDF
  • OCR for editable text
  • Compress and merge PDFs
  • Password-protect sensitive data
Features
Read full description

Looking for a convenient and easy-to-use PDF editor? View and edit PDF files on the go with PDF Hero! The app works on iPhone and iPad. PDF Hero helps you take control of your papers and run your business in the ever-changing digital world. Create and read PDFs, then annotate, edit, fill and sign forms, or share files. Manage paperwork hassle-free from anywhere – the office, remotely, or from home. There’s no need for printed copies when you can access and edit the docs you need, on the go – all in an app. Stay one step ahead when it comes to document management. CREATE & VIEW - Create PDFs from scratch. - Open and view any PDF file. - Zoom in and out while reading. - Search to find the necessary information using text search. - Read PDFs easier with Read Mode by creating bookmarks and navigating conveniently. EDIT & ANNOTATE - Edit text in your PDF files, fix typos, and correct paragraphs. - Add comments and annotations using text notes. - Write on PDFs with your finger or stylus. - Fill PDF forms. - Highlight key ideas and add shapes. - Insert images, crop, resize, or change the angle if necessary. MANAGE & STORE - Import files from your device or online storage services like iCloud and Dropbox. - Delete pages from a multi-page PDF document. - Share PDF files with or without annotations for further reading and commenting. - Print files right from your device. Level up with Premium features! PRO EDITING - Convert images and documents to PDF files. - Sign docs right on the screen of your device. - Add stamps to PDF documents. - Transform PDF files into editable text with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology. PRO MANAGEMENT - Compress PDFs and share them as ZIP files. - Manage PDF pages: add pages, rotate, and reorder them. - Share selected pages of a multi-page PDF file. - Merge two or more PDF pages into a single document. - Password-protect sensitive data. *To digitize printed copies and transform them into editable PDF scans, try our Scan Hero app! Subscription payments will be charged to your App Store account at confirmation of your purchase. Subscriptions will automatically renew and you will be charged unless auto-renew is turned off or unless you cancel at least 24 hours prior to the end of the current subscription or trial period. Any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited when you purchase a premium subscription during the free trial period. The cost of renewal depends on the Subscription Plan you choose. Subscriptions and auto-renewal may be managed by going to Account Settings after purchase or by contacting Customer Support. Privacy Policy: https://support.bendingspoons.com/privacy.html?app=1512973255 Terms of Service: https://support.bendingspoons.com/tos.html?app=1512973255 Got questions or suggestions? Please don’t hesitate to email us at pdfhero@bendingspoons.com

Screenshots

PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo4 screens
PDF Hero4 screens

Verdict

The call

PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo and PDF Hero both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 55% of PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo's written reviews are positive against 18% of PDF Hero's. PDF Hero's advantage is ratings volume (10K vs 1.7K) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 per month and PDF Hero sells 20 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

PDF Hero holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PDF Hero has 10K ratings behind it against 1.7K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 55% of PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo's written reviews are positive against 18% of PDF Hero's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo versus PDF Hero: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPDF Reader & Editor | XodoPDF Hero
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (1.7K ratings)4.6 (10K ratings) — better
Positive reviews55.5% of reviews — better17.8% of reviews
Number of ratings1.7K10K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size103 MB536 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperXodo Technologies Inc.Mosaic S.r.l.

Customer experience

PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo

All ratings1,703 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral4.5%
Negative12.2%
Written reviews1,013 reviews
Positive55.5%
Neutral12.3%
Negative32.2%

PDF Hero

All ratings10,328 ratings
Positive90.4%
Neutral2.4%
Negative7.1%
Written reviews247 reviews
Positive17.8%
Neutral5.3%
Negative76.9%

User reviews

PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo

From 1.7K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Best PDF reader
  • 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
  • 🚀 Efficient PDF handling
  • 👍 Useful annotation tools
  • 👍 Convenient cloud sync

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes and freezes
  • 🐛 Losing annotations and files
  • 🐛 Buggy updates
  • 🐛 Inconsistent performance
  • 🔒 Subscription model issues

PDF Hero

From 10K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 💡 Useful PDF editing features
  • 🚀 Easy to use
  • 👍 Signature functionality

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and malfunctions
  • 🐛 Inconsistent behavior and glitches
  • 🔋 High subscription cost
  • 🔒 Difficult to cancel subscription
  • 👎 Poor text editing capabilities

Bugs and requests

PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Disappearing annotations
  • Inability to open saved files
  • Frequent crashes and freezes
  • Syncing issues with cloud storage
  • Incompatibility with iOS 14 updates

Requested features

6 requests
  • Add manual zoom percentage
  • Improve Apple Pencil support
  • Implement better page navigation
  • Allow exporting annotations
  • Add split-screen support on iPad
Show 1 more
  • Improve text editing and alignment

PDF Hero

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Text disappearing or jumping around during editing
  • Inability to save or transfer edited documents
  • App crashing or freezing during use
  • Incorrect rendering of PDF content

Requested features

4 requests
  • Improved text editing and manipulation
  • Better file management and organization
  • Seamless integration with other apps
  • Clearer subscription and cancellation policies

In-app purchases

6 purchases

PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo

Subscriptions6
  • Xodo Mobile (Monthly)3 Days trial$11.991 Month
  • Xodo PDF Converter & Editor3 Days trial2 variants$11.991 Month
  • Xodo PDF Converter & Editor3 Days trial$39.991 Year
Show 3 more
  • Xodo Mobile (Yearly)1 Year trial$107.991 Year
  • Xodo Mobile (Yearly)7 Days trial$107.991 Year
  • Xodo Pro (Yearly)7 Days trial$107.991 Year
20 purchases

PDF Hero

Subscriptions20
  • Weekly Premium with Free Trial7 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • Weekly Premium$2.997 Days
  • Weekly with free trial7 Days trial$3.997 Days
Show 17 more
  • Weekly Subscription$3.997 Days
  • Weekly Premium$5.997 Days
  • Weekly Premium with Free Trial7 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • Weekly Sub with Free Trial7 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Weekly Subscription$7.997 Days
  • PDF Hero Premium 1 Month$9.991 Month
  • PDF Hero Premium 1 Month3 Days trial$10.991 Month
  • PDF Hero Premium 1 Month3 Days trial2 variants$11.991 Month
  • Convert & Merge PDF Documents3 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • PDF Hero Premium 3 Months3 Days trial$19.993 Months
  • PDF Hero Premium 1 Year3 Days trial$34.991 Year
  • Yearly with Free Trial7 Days trial$69.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription$69.991 Year
  • PDF Hero Premium 1 Year3 Days trial$89.991 Year
  • Yearly Bundle$99.991 Year
  • Yearly Bundle with Free Trial7 Days trial$99.991 Year
  • PDF Hero Premium 1 Year3 Days trial$99.991 Year

Questions

Is PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo free?
PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PDF Hero free?
PDF Hero is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo or PDF Hero?
PDF Hero is rated higher. PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo averages 4.4 out of 5 from 1.7K ratings, while PDF Hero averages 4.6 from 10K ratings.
Do PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo or PDF Hero have ads?
Neither PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo nor PDF Hero shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo or PDF Hero?
PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo ships an update every 3 weeks, and PDF Hero every 3 weeks. Most recently, PDF Reader & Editor | Xodo was updated on October 19, 2026 and PDF Hero on October 18, 2026.

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