Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

CamScanner vs Scanner

CamScanner 4.8★ · Free + IAP 65
Winner CamScanner
Scanner 4.7★ · Free + IAP 55

CamScanner is generally preferred for its core scanning functionality and organization features, but both apps face significant criticism regarding aggressive monetization tactics and subscription management.

Full reviews: CamScanner · Scanner

CamScanner and Scanner both offer mobile document scanning, but both are heavily criticized for intrusive ads and deceptive subscription practices. CamScanner is praised for its scanning quality and organizational tools, while Scanner is noted for its ease of use, though recent updates have made the free version of Scanner nearly unusable.

Head to head

Scanning Quality and Features edge: CamScannerR5R11R24R26
CamScanner CamScanner is highly praised for its scanning capabilities, with users finding it easy to use and effective for converting documents to PDF, sharpening pixelation, and organizing files R5R11R26. Some recent updates, however, have led to complaints about AI features making scans worse or washed out R24.
Scanner Scanner users appreciate its ability to produce clear, professional-looking scans that don't look like mere pictures . It's noted for being simple and straightforward, making it easy to scan and group documents . However, the free version is criticized for poor image quality, sometimes worse than a phone camera, and a 10-page limit .
Ease of Use edge: ScannerR5R23R42R50
CamScanner Many users find CamScanner easy to install and use, allowing them to scan papers quickly and efficiently R5R23R42R50. It's considered intuitive for tasks like taking pictures for time tickets and sending via email R42. However, some users find it not always a quick breeze .
Scanner Scanner is frequently described as very user-friendly, simple, and easy to use, with an intuitive interface . Users appreciate its straightforward process for scanning and sending documents as PDFs via email .
Reliability and Support tieR4R9R11R13
CamScanner CamScanner is generally seen as a reliable tool for organizing files and daily work R11R26. However, users report significant issues with documents disappearing after upgrades R4, files getting stuck during upload R9, and emails not being received after conversion R13. Support is also criticized for being unhelpful .
Scanner Scanner is generally considered reliable for its core function . However, some users report glitches and significant issues with the app crashing and losing scanned pages, especially after scanning many documents . There are also complaints about unresponsiveness from support .
Price/Value and Monetization tieR1R3R6R16
CamScanner CamScanner is heavily criticized for its aggressive monetization. Users report being charged for annual subscriptions without clear notification R1, being automatically signed up for expensive tiers R18, and having benefits removed after paying R1. Many free users complain about excessive ads R3R6R16 and paywalls for basic features like removing watermarks or compressing images R47.
Scanner Scanner also faces strong criticism for its monetization. Users report hidden charges and being overcharged , with some being charged after canceling subscriptions . The free version is deemed unusable due to a 10-page limit, watermarks, and constant, unskippable ads . Many features are paywalled, forcing users to upgrade .
Security and Privacy tieR4R10R22R59
CamScanner CamScanner has severe security and privacy concerns. Users report files disappearing R4, inability to delete files from the cloud R10, and accusations of stealing information and dropping Trojans R59. There are also complaints about the app interface appearing in Chinese R22.
Scanner Scanner users have reported alarming issues with ads displaying scareware, prompting downloads for fake virus fixes R63. There are also complaints about inappropriate, pornographic ads appearing, which is a concern for children using the app . Some users accuse the app of being a scam and stealing credit card information .
Pick CamScanner if

Pick CamScanner if you need a robust scanning tool for organizing many documents for work or real estate, and you are willing to navigate its aggressive monetization or pay for a premium subscription R11R26.

Pick Scanner if

Pick Scanner if you prioritize extreme ease of use and a straightforward scanning process for occasional, simple document conversions, and are prepared for frequent ads or a subscription .

Evidence note: Both apps have a high lifetime rating, but recent reviews are heavily skewed negative, primarily due to aggressive monetization, excessive ads, and subscription issues. The free vs. paid asymmetry is very strong here, with many negative reviews for both apps stemming from free-tier limitations or unexpected charges after free trials.

Frequently asked

Are CamScanner and Scanner truly free to use?
No, while both apps offer a free tier, users widely report that the free versions are severely limited and often unusable due to excessive ads, watermarks on scans, page limits (e.g., 10 pages for Scanner), and paywalls for essential features R15R41R47R57.
Do these apps have issues with subscriptions and hidden charges?
Yes, both CamScanner and Scanner have numerous complaints about hidden charges, automatic renewals without notification, and difficulties canceling subscriptions, with users reporting charges ranging from $6.99/week to $50-$60/year R1R18R27R31.
Are there privacy or security concerns with CamScanner or Scanner?
Yes, users have raised serious privacy and security concerns for both apps, including CamScanner being accused of stealing information, dropping Trojans, and having files disappear or be undeletable from the cloud R4R10R59. Scanner has been criticized for displaying inappropriate ads, including scareware and pornography, and for allegedly stealing credit card information R63.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R5] CamScanner 5/5 · US Great scanner tool: Wow saw this on Facebook and it works so well. Just install it and scanned my papers in less than a minute. Works great love it and is simple to use
  2. [R11] CamScanner 5/5 · US Great convenience: I have been working in real estate sales for many many years. This tool has been instrumental and keeping all of my files organized. I highly recommend.
  3. [R24] CamScanner 3/5 · GB Again, AI makes everything worse: I’m a subscriber because I need this app for work. It used to take perfect scans - the enhance feature still made the detail of the original visible. Now it’s either an au naturel scan (I don’t need to pay for an App to do that, the phone camera does that) or a completely washed-out version barely recognisable from the original. Can I have my old app back please,
  4. [R26] CamScanner 5/5 · US So many apps to choose from! Don’t stress yourself out use Camscanner!!: It seems like anymore you have to use multiple apps for this attribute or instrument-tool. But there’s no need to stress if you just start using CamScanner-your life will be made easier whether it’s converting or documents to PDF or sharpening up the pixelation. Camscanner is my go to.
  5. [R23] CamScanner 5/5 · US Love this app: This is my go to app for sending docs. It’s SO easy and convenient.
  6. [R42] CamScanner 5/5 · US Easy to use: App works great! Easy to take pictures for time tickets. Send it via email, professional!
  7. [R50] CamScanner 5/5 · US App: Great app ,easy to use.
  8. [R4] CamScanner 1/5 · US Sketchy Upgrade Stealing Information: There’s been a new upgrade and all the files that I’ve had scanned in the past which were important documents suddenly have disappeared. I’m super frustrated and will escalate this case because this is completely unethical.
  9. [R9] CamScanner 3/5 · GB It needs improvement: Sometimes it gets stuck trying uploading some documents and it keeps asking for payment option . Over all a good product
  10. [R13] CamScanner 1/5 · US PDF to email: Paid for the subscription tried four times to email a picture converted to PDF to my email and haven’t seen it yet. Not a good start.
  11. [R1] CamScanner 1/5 · US Scamcanner: These jerks renewed my annual subscription without letting me know in advance that I would not receive all or most of the benefits included in the subscription last year when I signed up for it. Though the service in general is helpful, I cannot at all recommend the subscription because the developers are obviously not trustworthy.
  12. [R3] CamScanner 3/5 · US To many advertisement: To many advertisement
  13. [R6] CamScanner 3/5 · US Annoying: Every time we access, a Temu propaganda pops in, if we are paying for the app, there should be no problem accessing it
  14. [R16] CamScanner 1/5 · US Dog water app: 500 popups
  15. [R10] CamScanner 1/5 · US No way to delete completely: If you you transfer via link it uploads your file to the cloud and no way to then delete the file. Ever
  16. [R22] CamScanner 1/5 · US W😤W: I was sent a few documents to review and was forced to download the app. I finally downloaded the app and I attempted to open the documents and EVERYTHING IS IN CHINESE! I AM LIVID RIGHT NOW BECAUSE WE HAVE A DEADLINE.
  17. [R59] CamScanner 1/5 · US Steals info, drops Trojans: If giving your personal information to Chinese hackers is your goal, this is the app for you
  18. [R15] CamScanner 3/5 · GB It’s not free: It’s not free
  19. [R41] CamScanner 1/5 · US Not Free: Not Free - there is a paywall
  20. [R47] CamScanner 1/5 · US Absolute garbage.: It isn’t possible to compress the images from the app into a pdf file without purchasing the premium subscription. You can barely do anything without buying the stupid subscription. It also prompts you to buy it with almost every click you make. Do not purchase the stupid subscription ever. Do not support the creators of this app. They don’t deserve it. The only positive thing a
  21. [R57] CamScanner 1/5 · US Subscription +ads = no thanks: If you are going to ask $60 subscription fee, spare me of ads every time I open the app. And don’t add watermark in the exported files. This app used to be great, now it sucks!
  22. [R18] CamScanner 3/5 · GB App ok, auto-membership needs serious attention though: I signed up to this app to scan 1 document. It required a free trial which usually means I don't use them, but I was on something of a time crunch & did it anyways thinking if I forgot to cancel it was likely to be just a couple of quid. Well, no, despite having what looks like over a dozen tiers of membership levels & pricing, I was automati
  23. [R27] CamScanner 1/5 · US CamScammer: I signed up for the free trial. I used it once. After 2 months to my surprise I was charged $6.99/week. I wasn’t aware of signing up for any subscription. I requested for a refund and was declined. Be aware! This is how they will get you
  24. [R31] CamScanner 2/5 · US Good App: I used the app worked pretty good. More than what I ever needed it for, for the prices. So I went in my subscriptions and hit cancel Subscription.. I got charged $59.99 for the premium membership. Be careful with this app . I gave a 2 star because of charging me anyway.
  25. [R63] Scanner 3/5 · US Ads appear compromised: Lately I’ve been getting ads of what is called scareware telling me I have viruses on my phone or my accounts are locked and asking me to download. I’ve had a tech perform a security scan and my phone is clean so I’ve course I’m not intending on clicking on the compromised ads. I’ll be deleting and using another application for my pdf needs

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store