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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Tiny Scanner vs Scanner

Tiny Scanner 4.8★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner Tiny Scanner
Scanner 4.7★ · Free + IAP 55

Tiny Scanner (App A) is a better choice for users seeking a reliable document scanning app, despite recent issues with its subscription model and ads, as it generally offers better scanning quality and a more consistent user experience than Scanner (App B).

Tiny Scanner (App A) and Scanner (App B) both offer mobile document scanning, but recent changes to their free tiers and subscription models have led to significant user frustration. Tiny Scanner generally provides higher quality scans and is considered more reliable by long-term users, while Scanner is plagued by an overwhelming number of ads and issues with its free version.

Head to head

Scanning Quality & Features edge: Tiny ScannerR3R10R11R14
Tiny Scanner Tiny Scanner is praised for its ability to focus on images, produce clear and high-contrast documents, and its overall efficiency in scanning R3R11R14. Users appreciate its editing tools and the professional look of scans . However, some recent reviews indicate issues with border detection and occasional freezing R10R15.
Scanner Scanner also receives positive feedback for producing professional-looking scans and being able to combine documents . However, the free version is criticized for poor image quality, worse than a phone camera, and a logo watermark that interferes with information R81. Some users also report issues with auto-detection of document edges .
Ease of Use edge: Tiny ScannerR2R5R8R14
Tiny Scanner Many users find Tiny Scanner very easy to use, intuitive, and convenient for scanning and sending documents quickly R2R5R8R14. It's highlighted for its simplicity in managing files and sharing .
Scanner Scanner is also described as user-friendly, simple, and straightforward by some . However, the overwhelming presence of ads and paywalls significantly detracts from the ease of use for many, making the app frustrating and practically unusable R63R69R75.
Reliability & Performance edge: Tiny ScannerR10R15R20R22
Tiny Scanner Tiny Scanner is generally considered reliable by long-term users, with many stating it works perfectly and has been a 'life saver' for years . However, recent complaints mention the app freezing constantly, failing to detect borders, and issues with files being deleted after updates or not transferring to new phones R10R15R20R22.
Scanner Scanner's reliability is severely impacted by frequent ads and glitches . Some users report the app not working at all or stopping after scanning a certain number of pages, leading to loss of work . The app's auto-detector for edges is described as finicky .
Price & Value edge: Tiny ScannerR1R4R6R12
Tiny Scanner Tiny Scanner has shifted to a subscription model, which has angered many long-time users who previously paid for the app or used a free version R1R18R24R28. Users report features once free are now behind a paywall, and some feel scammed by recurring charges or being forced to pay for an 'upgraded' version despite having a valid subscription R1R4R12R18. The free trial is described as a hassle R12.
Scanner Scanner is heavily criticized for its aggressive monetization, with many users calling it a 'scam' due to hidden charges, overcharging, and subscriptions that continue after cancellation R64. The free version is deemed unusable due to a 10-page limit, watermarks, and an overwhelming number of unskippable ads that often block the UI R69. Some users report paying $9.99 per month or week R64.
Support & Transparency edge: Tiny ScannerR4R16R22R64
Tiny Scanner One user reported an issue with an unpaid balance and locked Apple ID after a free trial, seeking a waiver and unlock R4. Another user couldn't restore a subscription or transfer files to a new phone R22. There's also a complaint about the app constantly asking for reviews R16.
Scanner Several users report being continuously charged after canceling subscriptions, with no apparent resolution from the company R64. One user mentioned reaching out twice for help with a subscription not staying current and receiving no response . The app is also criticized for misleading instructions on how to cancel a free trial .
Pick Tiny Scanner if

Pick Tiny Scanner if you prioritize clear, professional scans and a generally reliable user experience, and are willing to navigate its current subscription model R11R14. It's also a good choice if you need to store and send important files on the go for business R5.

Pick Scanner if

Pick Scanner if you are looking for a very basic, free scanner for occasional use and don't mind a high volume of ads and potential watermarks on your documents, or if you are prepared to pay for the premium version to avoid these limitations .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of recent negative reviews related to their monetization strategies, making it challenging to compare their free tiers directly as user experiences vary widely. Many positive reviews for both apps appear to be from older versions or paid users, while recent free-tier users express strong dissatisfaction.

Frequently asked

Is Tiny Scanner truly free?
No, while Tiny Scanner offers a free trial, many features are now behind a paywall and users report that even basic functions like sharing PDFs or scanning multiple pages require a subscription, leading to frustration for those expecting a free version or who previously paid for the app R12R24R30R36.
Does Scanner have too many ads?
Yes, Scanner is heavily criticized for an overwhelming number of ads, with users reporting ads appearing every time they press anything, often making the app unusable and blocking the UI R63R69R75R81.
Are there issues with subscriptions and hidden charges for these apps?
Yes, both apps have significant complaints about subscription issues; Tiny Scanner users report being charged again after previously buying the app and features moving behind paywalls, while Scanner users frequently report hidden charges, being overcharged, and subscriptions continuing even after cancellation R1R4R18R28.

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. [R3] Tiny Scanner 3/5 · US Mike R.: Love how it focuses on my image and then puts it into a file for me but when I converted from PDF to Word, it’s very garbled
  2. [R10] Tiny Scanner 2/5 · US Freezing constantly: What is happening to this app?
  3. [R11] Tiny Scanner 5/5 · US Great scans with a simple touch.: Easy, always great clarity & contrast in documents. Go to solution for scanning.
  4. [R14] Tiny Scanner 5/5 · US Excellent product!: The efficiency and ease of use, are impressive
  5. [R2] Tiny Scanner 5/5 · US Very convenient app: Good performance
  6. [R5] Tiny Scanner 5/5 · US Best work app!: I use this app for storing all my important files on the go. Very useful for my Real Estate business!
  7. [R8] Tiny Scanner 5/5 · US Tiny Scanner: I LOVE this app. I’ve been using it for years and it is so easy to send documents with it.
  8. [R15] Tiny Scanner 3/5 · GB When it works it works: Probably 20% of the time the blue box is bouncing around a simple white piece of paper document it eventually snaps a photo of about 1/8th of the page.
  9. [R20] Tiny Scanner 1/5 · US Deleted all my files.: Your company deleted all my files. The app was updated and everything is gone. I will not renew my subscription when it expires.
  10. [R22] Tiny Scanner 1/5 · US Can not restore subscription and files not transferring to new phone: App and subscription not transferring to new iPhone
  11. [R1] Tiny Scanner 1/5 · US Scam: They keep changing the name and charging for the app again.
  12. [R4] Tiny Scanner 1/5 · US Error: Hello! I accidentally signed up for a free trial of the Tiny Scanner app. I intended to cancel it, but now I have an unpaid balance of $49.99 and my Apple ID is completely locked. I also have $10 of my own money stuck on this balance. Could you please waive/cancel this unpaid balance and unlock my Apple ID? Thank you!
  13. [R6] Tiny Scanner 3/5 · US SUBSCRIPTION AHEAD!: App works very well but does come with a paid feature
  14. [R12] Tiny Scanner 3/5 · GB No good for occasional use: For occasional scans this gets expensive as monthly subscription and no free version - like restricted to just 5 scans per week. There is a free trial but too much hassle as have to sign up then cancel. Will continue to use document scan option in iOS Files app.
  15. [R16] Tiny Scanner 1/5 · US Stop asking me to keep reviewing the app!: The app works but I keep getting asked to review it even though I already did. One star for the frustration.
  16. [R64] Scanner 1/5 · US Hidden charges: I paid for 9.99 a month but somehow I ended up paying around 50 dollars a month and I don’t even use this app! They were taking money from me for soo long and I didn’t know it
  17. [R24] Tiny Scanner 1/5 · US Great but…: I’ve used the app for years, and it has been great! However, you now have to pay to email yourself the PDFs. I use it to submit receipts for work, and my work isn’t paying for the app, so, unfortunately, I will be finding another app to use going forward. To the devs, it is not free, if you have to pay.
  18. [R30] Tiny Scanner 1/5 · GB “1 free share left”: Lmaooo, scam. Used to be a normal app
  19. [R36] Tiny Scanner 1/5 · GB Elnur S: This guys are scammers! I am a client of the Tiny Scanner for more than 7 years now, and my current subscription is paid until 15 of November 2025. Despite of the valid subscription application doesn’t allow me to scan more than one page and requires to pay more for “upgraded” version of the App. Then the question is what for I have paid £24,99???
  20. [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
  21. [R69] Scanner 3/5 · US Ok: Too many adds
  22. [R75] Scanner 3/5 · US Pretty alright app: It’s not horrible, but it’s not great. It’s fine for what it needs to be used for, a scanner. But it’s basically forcing you to upgrade to premium; obscene amount of ads, no unpaid text recognition, ect. Pretty annoying. But overall, it’s fine.
  23. [R81] Scanner 1/5 · US Watermark / Ads: Free version has frequent pop-up advertisements and each scan has a watermark.
  24. [R18] Tiny Scanner 1/5 · US Terrible app: Initially bought it few years ago and now with the subscription model it sucks…don’t buy waste of money and time
  25. [R28] Tiny Scanner 2/5 · GB Shame: Big big shame many features that were once free now sit behind a paywall. I remember paying for this originally, now they’ve taken those features you paid for away. Signs of classic U.S business practices. Avoid.

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