Why people search for this
PDF Expert is a good, full PDF editor. People search for a one-time price because they're tired of paying every year. Others paid years ago, and then an update asked them to subscribe.
On Readdle's own pricing page, the Lifetime license says Mac only. The yearly plan is the one that covers iPhone, iPad and Mac. So on an iPhone, there's no pay-once option today. Plans change, so check the page before you buy.
Already subscribed? Here's how to cancel a PDF app subscription on iPhone. Comparing signing apps? See the best app to sign a PDF on iPhone.
Built for forms: dates, text, checkboxes and signatures.
Open your PDF. Add your signature. Send it back.What PDF Expert reviewers complain about
We read the 416 most recent US App Store reviews of PDF Expert (October 2024 to October 2026). 288 gave 1 to 3 stars. About 112 of those were about money: the subscription, the price, weekly charges, or features they paid for once that later needed a plan.
Others were about crashes after updates, sync with cloud drives, and sign-in requests. The app is still well rated overall. Read current reviews yourself; the link is below.
eSign PDF vs PDF Expert
Pick by what you actually do with PDFs.
| Feature | eSign PDF | PDF Expert |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Signing and filling PDFs | Reading, editing and organizing PDFs |
| Price on iPhone | $59.99 one-time (US) | Yearly subscription (Lifetime is Mac only) |
| Account | None | Readdle account for some features |
| Sign, date, initials, checkboxes | Yes, likely spots found for you | Yes |
| Someone else signs on your phone | Yes | Yes |
| Edit PDF text, convert, merge | No | Yes |
| Flattened PDF | Every export | Check how your recipient sees it |
PDF Expert pricing checked on pdfexpert.com on 2026-10-15. Other plans and local prices for eSign PDF are in the App Store.
Keep PDF Expert if
- ✓You edit the text in PDFs, not just sign them.
- ✓You convert PDFs to Word or images, or merge and split them.
- ✓You read and mark up PDFs every day on iPad with Apple Pencil.
- ✓You work on a Mac and can use the Lifetime license there.
eSign PDF is enough if
- ✓Most PDFs you open are forms to sign and send back.
- ✓You want to pay once and never think about renewals.
- ✓You don't want an account or a cloud library.
- ✓You need the signature to show up on Windows and Android.
Verdict
Choose PDF Expert if you edit
You need a full PDF editor on iPhone and iPad, and a yearly plan fits how much you use it.
Choose eSign PDF if you sign and fill
You want to pay once. Sign, fill, flatten and send back. No account, $59.99 one-time (US). More options: PDF signing apps with no subscription.
FAQ
Does PDF Expert have a one-time purchase?+
Yes, but Readdle lists the Lifetime license as Mac only. On iPhone and iPad, the paid features come with a yearly subscription. Check pdfexpert.com/pricing for current plans.
Does the PDF Expert Lifetime license work on iPad?+
Not according to Readdle's pricing page, which lists it as Mac only (checked October 2026).
Is there a PDF Expert alternative for iPhone with no subscription?+
For signing and filling, yes. Apple Markup is free for simple signatures. eSign PDF is $59.99 one-time (US). Neither replaces a full PDF editor.
How do I cancel PDF Expert on iPhone?+
If you subscribed in the app, go to Settings → your name → Subscriptions → PDF Expert → Cancel Subscription. If you paid Readdle directly, cancel in your Readdle account.
Can eSign PDF edit PDF text?+
No. It signs and fills PDFs: signatures, dates, text boxes, checkboxes and initials. It doesn't change the original text.