# PDF Reader vs CHM Reader

PDF Reader and CHM Reader both sit at 4.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 71% of PDF Reader's written reviews are positive against 43% of CHM Reader's. PDF Reader also leads on ratings volume (8 vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Reader sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and CHM Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for PDF Reader against 5.0 for CHM Reader. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 2 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 71% of PDF Reader's written reviews are positive against 43% of CHM Reader's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 8, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | CHM Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-mini-version/id898564035/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chm-reader-read-chm-txt/id6758199572/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **71.4% of reviews** | 42.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 50 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [绪强 任](https://appshunter.io/developer/898564038) | [灿耿 陈](https://appshunter.io/developer/1688324562) |

## 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 |


### CHM Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chm-reader-read-chm-txt/id6758199572)

This app provides a streamlined and efficient way to read CHM and TXT documents. It offers features like smart table of contents navigation, full-text search, adjustable font sizes, and night mode for a comfortable reading experience.

**Highlights:** Professional CHM format support, Smart Table of Contents navigation, Full-text search, Adjustable font size, Night mode, Bookmark collection

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly members | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Subscription | $4.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Membership | $6.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Is CHM Reader free?

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

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

CHM Reader is rated higher. PDF Reader averages 4.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while CHM Reader averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

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

Neither PDF Reader nor CHM Reader shows ads.

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

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