# PDF Reader vs Epub Reader

The clearest difference is ads: PDF Reader at none against Epub Reader's shown. PDF Reader also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and review sentiment (71% vs 55%). Epub Reader's advantage is ratings volume (11K vs 8) and chart position (#132 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Reader sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Epub Reader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PDF Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Epub Reader has 11K ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of PDF Reader's written reviews are positive against 55% of Epub Reader's.

PDF Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, Epub Reader every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on August 30, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | Epub Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-mini-version/id898564035/reviews)** | [4.5 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epub-reader-read-epubchmtxt/id1296870631/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **11K** |
| Positive reviews | **71.4% of reviews** | 55.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#132** |
| Size | 50 MB | 70 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [绪强 任](https://appshunter.io/developer/898564038) | [俐 马](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896144174) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-mini-version/id898564035)

This app allows you to read various document formats like PDF, EPUB, and CHM on your iPhone and iPad. It supports file import, text search, annotation, and even previewing MS Office files and videos. A simple to-do list and auto-save reading progress are also included.

**Highlights:** Reads PDF, CHM, EPUB, TXT files, PDF annotation and text search, File import via Files, Airdrop, iTunes, web, MS Office and video file preview, Simple To-Do list functionality, Auto-save reading progress

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reader App donate | $0.99 | one-time |
| Dropbox Support | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ad | $4.99 | one-time |
| Todo donate | $7.99 | one-time |
| Todo donate | $14.99 | one-time |


### Epub Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epub-reader-read-epubchmtxt/id1296870631)

**Currently charting:** #132 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

This app offers a seamless reading experience for various ebook formats including EPUB, PDF, and CHM. It supports multiple compression formats and provides features like table of contents, note-taking, and bookmarking. Customize your reading with adjustable font sizes.

**Highlights:** Supports EPUB, PDF, CHM, RTF formats, Opens compressed files (ZIP, RAR, 7Zip), Table of Contents navigation, Note-taking functionality, Bookmark management, Customizable font size

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual professional version | $3.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Passcode Lock | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pro Version | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 💡 Convenient file transfer via WiFi
- 🤩 Great for casual reading

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Loses bookmarks and reading progress
- 🔍 Lacks search functionality
- 🌗 No dark mode option
- 📏 Limited customization options
- 💤 Doesn't remember last read position

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening certain files
- Distorts images in some ebooks
- Fails to open ePub files consistently

**Requested features**

- Add dark mode
- Improve bookmark and progress tracking
- Implement search feature
- Increase customization options
- Allow variable screen timeout


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Is Epub Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PDF Reader or Epub Reader?

PDF Reader is rated higher. PDF Reader averages 4.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Epub Reader averages 4.5 from 11K ratings.

### Do PDF Reader or Epub Reader have ads?

Epub Reader shows ads; PDF Reader does not.

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

PDF Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, and Epub Reader every 11 days. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on August 30, 2026 and Epub Reader on September 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.*