# PDF Reader vs HiReader

The clearest difference is rating: PDF Reader at 4.9 against HiReader's 4.4. PDF Reader also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.5). HiReader's advantage is review sentiment (88% vs 71%) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Reader sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and HiReader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PDF Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 10 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 71% of PDF Reader's written reviews are positive against 88% of HiReader's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

PDF Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, HiReader every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | HiReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-mini-version/id898564035/reviews)** | [4.4 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hireader-epub-and-pdf-reader/id6737322638/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **10** |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | **87.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 50 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [绪强 任](https://appshunter.io/developer/898564038) | [云根 付](https://appshunter.io/developer/1696464801) |

## 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 |


### HiReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hireader-epub-and-pdf-reader/id6737322638)

Organize and read your local ebooks with a feature-rich reader. Supports multiple formats, custom themes, and detailed reading statistics. Sync your progress across devices.

**Highlights:** Multi-format ebook support, Organize books into groups, Customizable reading layout and themes, Detailed reading statistics, Cloud sync for progress and files, Flexible document import options

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HiReader Pro | $1.99 | per month |
| HiReader Pro | $9.99 | per year |
| HiReader Pro | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Is HiReader free?

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

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

PDF Reader is rated higher. PDF Reader averages 4.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while HiReader averages 4.4 from 10 ratings.

### Do PDF Reader or HiReader have ads?

Neither PDF Reader nor HiReader shows ads.

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

PDF Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, and HiReader every 9 days. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on October 8, 2026 and HiReader on October 12, 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.*