GoodReader review
A capable Apple-focused PDF workspace for reading, editing, signing, and file organization.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
GoodReader is a paid PDF reading, annotation, signing, and file-management app for Apple devices. It supports iOS and macOS, with tools for reading PDFs through text search, reflow, bookmarks, and tables of contents. Users can add notes, highlights, underlines, strikeouts, drawings, shapes, and other markups; fill forms; sign documents; and manage pages by inserting, deleting, extracting, rearranging, splitting, and merging them. The app also handles TXT, Microsoft Office, iWork, HTML, image, audio, and video files, making it suited to users who work with varied documents rather than PDFs alone.
Its strongest practical advantage is the combination of document tools and file management. GoodReader can copy, move, rename, compress, and synchronize files and folders, while connecting with Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, Box, WebDAV, FTP, SFTP, AFP, and SMB. Text-to-speech supports reading documents aloud. The published plans include GoodReader, Pro Pack monthly, Pro Pack annual, and GoodReader Pro. Pro Pack adds AES-256 encryption, Auto Sync, and advanced PDF annotation and page management; GoodReader Pro includes Pro Pack without requiring a subscription.
The main trade-off is that the full feature set is organized around paid plans, with no free plan. The standard app covers core reading, annotation, file management, and cloud or network connections, while paid upgrades add encryption, synchronization, advanced page tools, multi-window use, and PDF conversion. GoodReader is a strong fit for iOS and macOS users handling document-heavy workflows, especially when cloud, network, signing, and page-organization tools matter together. Users seeking a free PDF reader or broader support outside Apple platforms should consider alternatives.
GoodReader pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Broad PDF annotation, forms, signing, and page-management tools
- Connections to major cloud, network, and file-sharing services
- Text-to-speech, file organization, and support for multiple document formats
- Where it doesn't
- No free plan
- Advanced features require a Pro Pack or GoodReader Pro plan
- Apple-device focus limits broader platform coverage
GoodReader fact sheet, pricing and score →
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