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For viewing, editing, annotating, digitally signing your documents, and more, the best PDF readers are great. Most modern browsers will open PDF files for free if all you need to do is read them. However, PDF editors, free PDF editors, and specialized PDF reader software are appropriate if you wish to do a little more with your files.
A program called a PDF reader enables you to open and view PDF files. “Portable document format” is called PDF. Although it cannot be changed, this format is simple to print and distribute. The files cannot be changed back to their original format after being saved as PDFs without specialized software. When you wish to distribute a non-editable document, you can use that format.
The best PDF readers can be opened on any operating system and are easy to attach to emails, messages, and websites, so they are very popular. Another advantage of PDF documents is that it cannot be easily edited. Therefore, it is widely used by both individuals and companies to store digital versions of documents, learning materials, gadgets, and resume manuals.
Best PDF Readers Comparison Table
Determine whether or not you are required to add digital signatures or fill out PDF forms online. Look for PDF readers that have powerful capabilities for filling out forms and signing documents.
| Feature | Viewing | Annotation Tools | PDF Editing | Form Filling | OCR | Digital Signatures | Speed and Performance | User Interface | Platform | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foxit PDF Reader | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Fast | Modern | Windows, macOS | Download Now |
| Javelin PDF Reader | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Fast | Simple | Windows | Download Now |
| SumatraPDF | Yes | Limited | No | No | No | No | Very Fast | Minimal | Windows | Visit Website |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Modern | Windows, macOS | Download Now |
| Nitro PDF Reader | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Fast | Modern | Windows | Download Now |
Here is the list of Best PDF Readers
Nowadays, the first thing that springs to mind when someone has to access a PDF file is their web browser, as the most of them now come with a built-in PDF reader. The requirement for specialized PDF reader or PDF viewer software has decreased as a result. However, advanced the best PDF readers software still prefers capabilities like digital signature, form filling, annotation, etc.
Foxit PDF Reader
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Viewing | Open and view PDF documents with fast rendering. |
| Annotation Tools | Markup, highlight, underline, and add notes to PDFs. |
| Form Filling | Fill in interactive PDF forms and save changes. |
| Commenting | Collaborate by adding comments and annotations to PDFs. |
| ConnectedPDF | Collaborative document management with tracking and sharing features. |
| Multi-Tabbed Interface | Open and manage multiple PDF documents in tabs. |
| Download Now |
Foxit PDF Reader is not only the best PDF reader, it can create PDF files from scratch, and its integration with Microsoft Office allows you to quickly create PDF versions of papers you are working on. You can also use Foxit Reader to scan documents and images and create PDFs from them. Support for optical character recognition of scanned documents is the only item missing from the free version.
The program is really easy to use, if a bit intimidating at first, because it uses the same ribbon-style menus as Microsoft Office. Accessing tools such as editing, signature, highlighting, and commenting is not too difficult. If you download the free software add-on for the program, you will be able to merge and split PDF files.
The Good
- Fast loading and rendering of PDF documents.
- Comprehensive set of annotation and markup tools.
- ConnectedPDF feature for collaborative document management.
- User-friendly interface with a Microsoft Office-style ribbon toolbar.
The Bad
- Free version includes ads and additional offers during installation.
- Some advanced features require a paid subscription.
Javelin PDF reader
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Secure Viewing | Encrypted viewing with digital signatures for document security. |
| Annotation and Notes | Add text annotations and notes to PDFs. |
| Form Filling | Fill in and save PDF forms. |
| Search and Navigation | Search for keywords and navigate through PDF documents. |
| Text-to-Speech | Convert text to speech for accessibility. |
| Printing | Print PDF documents. |
| Download Now |
The Javelin is the best PDF readers software prioritizes security while respecting users’ privacy and their data. Although it is not the flashiest PDF viewer, it does include all the essential capabilities. Its key selling point is the absence of extra features. File encryption is essentially a function that stops people from using your files without your consent, in case you are unfamiliar with it. To stop someone from duplicating or sharing your data, encrypt them.
If necessary, you can even limit who can print from your files. Additionally, the files can be programmed to become inaccessible after a certain period of time, adding an added degree of security for very sensitive data. It has a premium edition that adds additional security features for papers that need to be especially secure and is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
The Good
- Lightweight and fast PDF reader.
- Secure viewing with encryption and digital signatures.
- Ability to fill in PDF forms and add annotations.
- Support for text-to-speech functionality.
The Bad
- Limited advanced editing features compared to other readers.
- User interface may not be as modern or intuitive.
SumatraPDF
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Minimalistic, lightweight PDF reader. |
| Multiple Document Formats | Supports various document formats, including PDF, ePub, MOBI, and more. |
| Quick Viewing | Fast loading and rendering of PDFs. |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | Use keyboard shortcuts for navigation and functions. |
| Basic Annotation | Add basic text annotations to PDFs. |
| Visit Website |
Download and use SumatraPDF, an open source portable PDF reader, on your Windows PC. Supported. If you are seeking a software that can give you a great reading experience with quick performance and necessary features, SumatraPDF is the best PDF reader for you.
However, it lacks sophisticated features like form filling, document signing, and annotations. It offers a number of keyboard shortcuts to make it easier for you to navigate and enhance your reading experience. In addition, Sumatra offers a simple LaTeX document preview, and you can set up several text editors to work with Sumatra. This free PDF viewer also allows for limited mode operation.
The Good
- Extremely lightweight and fast PDF reader.
- Open-source and free to use.
- Supports various document formats beyond PDF (e.g., ePub, MOBI, XPS).
- Simple and minimalistic interface.
The Bad
- Limited advanced features compared to other PDF readers.
- Lack of extensive annotation and editing tools.
Adobe Acrobat Reader
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Viewing | Open, view, and interact with PDF documents. |
| Annotation and Markups | Add comments, highlight, underline, and more. |
| Form Filling | Fill in and save interactive PDF forms. |
| E-Signatures | Sign PDF documents electronically. |
| PDF Creation | Convert documents to PDF and create PDF files. |
| OCR (Optical Character Recognition) | Recognize text from scanned documents. |
| Download Now |
The Adobe Acrobat Reader if you’re seeking for a strong tool to read PDF files. It’s not unusual to encounter a PDF file that requires a sophisticated PDF viewer. Here, I’m referring to the fillable forms that a standard PDF reader program for Windows cannot handle. Different reading modes, text highlighting, adding notes, filling out forms, digital signatures, stamps, and other features are offered by Adobe Reader for Windows.
The best PDF readers from Adobe for Windows also supports tabbed views, allowing you to open multiple PDF files at once. Therefore, installing Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the best option if your needs aren’t straightforward, you don’t just want to “read” PDF files, and you need extensive functionality.
The Good
- Cloud-based storage and access to files from anywhere.
- Built-in PDF viewer for quick viewing and basic annotations.
- Collaboration features for real-time editing and sharing.
- Integration with other Google Workspace apps.
The Bad
- Limited advanced PDF editing capabilities.
- Reliance on internet connectivity for full functionality.
Nitro PDF Reader
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Viewing | Open and view PDF documents with a user-friendly interface. |
| PDF Editing | Edit text, images, and pages in PDF documents. |
| PDF Creation | Convert other document formats to PDF and create PDF files. |
| Form Filling | Fill in and save PDF forms. |
| Signature Tools | Sign PDF documents digitally. |
| Download Now |
The interface of Nitro appears to have been directly copied from Microsoft Office. Additionally, this PDF viewer has a ton of features, just like the industry-leading office suite. With Nitro, unlike many other best PDF readers, you can complete forms and digitally sign documents. A PDF can be changed into a plain text document, notes added, and images extracted.
Although the free version of Nitro PDF Reader is still available, you cannot download it. You are compelled to download a 14-day trial version of Nitro Pro, and if you don’t activate a pro license, the free reader will expire. You will no longer be able to edit pages, combine multiple files, use OCR, convert PDFs into Office formats, or redact sensitive data once the trial period has over.
The Good
- Built-in PDF viewing capabilities.
- No need to install additional software.
- Quick access to online PDF documents.
- Some basic annotation and form filling features.
The Bad
- Limited offline access to PDFs.
- Fewer advanced features compared to dedicated PDF readers.
Google Drive
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cloud Storage | Store and access files in the cloud. |
| PDF Viewing | Open and view PDF documents within Google Drive. |
| Collaboration | Real-time collaboration on documents with others. |
| Basic Annotation | Add basic comments and annotations to PDFs. |
| Sharing and Access Control | Share files and control access permissions. |
| Download Now |
Google Drive is a cloud storage and backup platform that allows users to access files, documents, images, and more, store them in a secure location, and work together. Anywhere the user is at the time, including at home, while traveling, or at work, they can utilize the Google Drive platform to access, share, edit, collaborate on, and access files.
Even in the event of a technological catastrophe, files are safeguarded and safely saved thanks to Google Drive’s security and backup mechanisms. Whatever happens to the users’ devices, Google Drive securely stores their files. Users of Google Drive get access to more features than just file storage. Users can edit files together from any device and share them with anybody they choose.
The Good
- Rich set of PDF editing tools and features.
- Advanced annotation options, including sticky notes and comments.
- Ability to create, edit, and convert PDF documents.
- OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for scanned documents.
The Bad
- Some advanced features are only available in the paid version.
- User interface may feel overwhelming for casual users.
PDF-XChange Editor
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Viewing | Open and view PDF documents with advanced rendering options. |
| PDF Editing | Edit text, images, and pages in PDF documents. |
| PDF Creation | Convert other document formats to PDF and create PDF files. |
| Form Filling | Fill in and save PDF forms. |
| Annotation and Markups | Add comments, highlights, shapes, and more to PDFs. |
| OCR (Optical Character Recognition) | Recognize text from scanned documents. |
| Visit Website |
The next item on the list is the best PDF readers and editor for Windows called PDF XChange Editor. Standard capabilities are provided, including reading, viewing, producing, annotating, saving photos, printing, and adding signatures, notes, and texts to PDF files. The Optical Character Recognition capability that PDF XChange Editor has is what makes it special because it aids in editing and turning printed and photocopied documents into searchable documents by scanning and recognizing the text on them.
Even text formatting and font conversion are supported. Additionally, PDF XChange Editor enables you to record audio and attach additional files to your documents in addition to allowing you to split and merge individual PDF files. To protect your papers, you can make use of its autosave and auto-recovery features.
The Good
- Robust editing capabilities, including text, image, and page manipulation within PDF documents.
- Extensive annotation options, including comments, highlights, shapes, and more.
- Ability to convert other document formats to PDF and create new PDF documents.
The Bad
- The software’s extensive features may have a steeper learning curve for new users.
How to Choose a Best PDF Reader
There are a number of essential aspects to think about before settling on the most suitable PDF reader for your requirements. The following is an exhaustive list of considerations that you need to give some thought to:
- Ease of use: Even people who have never used a PDF player before should be able to use it. Look for a reader that is easy to use and has clear directions.
- Compatibility: Make sure that the PDF reader you choose works with your devices and running system.
- Security: If you’re working with sensitive papers, you should choose a PDF reader with strong security features.
Questions and Answers
A: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, SumatraPDF, PDF-XChange Viewer, and Microsoft Edge, which can read PDFs right out of the box, are all popular PDF players.
A: Many PDF players have free versions that let you look at PDFs and move around. Some advanced functions, like editing, may require a paid version or subscription, though.
A: Most basic PDF readers focus on reading PDFs and making notes on them. For more complicated editing jobs, you might need software like Adobe Acrobat Pro or other tools from a third party.