10 Best PDF Readers: Full Guide With Free & Paid Options

PDF readers let you open and view PDFs exactly as they were created. Unlike web browsers and word processors, they keep the fonts, images, and formatting intact across operating systems and devices.

In this guide, we will introduce you to the best PDF readers, both free and paid, and examine their key features, as well as pros and cons. By the end, you will be able to make an informed choice about the tool that suits you best.

Key Takeaways

• PDF.net, which is fully browser-based and incredibly intuitive, is one of the best PDF readers for students, freelancers, professionals, and small businesses.
• Adobe Acrobat, Foxit, Xodo, PDFX-Change, and SumatraPDF offer software for opening and editing PDF files.
• When selecting a PDF reader, you should look for customization options, easy upload options, and the capacity to load long PDFs quickly.
• Compared to web browsers and word processors, PDF readers are more accurate, include better built-in tools, and process files faster.

Best PDF Readers Compared: Overview of Top 10 Tools

Let’s examine the top ten PDF readers you should consider:

#1. PDF.net

PDF.net is one of the best PDF tools for opening and viewing documents online, especially when you are in a hurry; you just need to have a reliable Internet connection. The platform doesn’t require a subscription to read PDFs online. However, if you want to download your files, you will need to choose a plan.

That said, you can choose from the following pricing plans:

• $1.45 for seven days of limited access
• $1.95 for seven days of full access
• $19.95 for annual access

If you are reading PDFs with sensitive information, rest assured that they will stay safe; PDF.net uses HTTPS connections and deletes your data shortly after processing. For peace of mind, the tool even allows you to password-protect your PDFs.

Here are some of the key features that you can enjoy with on this PDF viewer:

• Zoom and fit-to-screen controls
• Support for opening large files without lag
• Option to search for specific words or phrases
• Page thumbnails panel to look through long PDFs easily
• Wide set of PDF editing tools and AI features, such as Chat PDF and Summarize PDF

However, as every tool, PDF.net has its pros and cons. Here’s a quick overview:

Overall, students, freelancers, contractors, professionals in small teams, and everyday users who want to read PDFs online without having to overcome a steep learning curve or spend a lot of money on subscription will love this browser-based platform.

#2. Adobe Acrobat Reader

This is a free PDF viewer developed by the creator of PDF file format—Adobe. The reader is completely free, unless you want to use other features like their AI assistant. Also, if you are a mobile user, there is an app that you can download to view PDFs on the go.

Adobe Acrobat Reader offers several features, including:

• Options to change fonts, sizes, and line spacing to improve readability
• Light and dark modes to ease visual fatigue
• Continuous scrolling and single-page view options
• Support for bookmarks and table of contents links inside PDFs

Of course, aside from advantages, this PDF reader comes with certain drawbacks. Here’s a quick summary:

If you regularly view or review PDFs and prefer using offline software over an online option, then Adobe Acrobat Reader is a good option. It is also suitable if you often view PDFs on tablets or phones.

#3. Foxit PDF Reader

Foxit is the number one Adobe Acrobat alternative with a fast and user-friendly interface. The PDF reader itself is free, however, other options, like editing, signing, and secure file sharing might require a subscription.

Aside from the above mentioned features, Foxit offers:

• Integrations with Microsoft Teams and Salesforce
• Compatibility with Windows 10 and 11 and macOS 10.15 to 14
• Protected View option to keep your PDFs secure
• Option to deploy the software at scale using Foxit’s MSI installer

Now, let’s take a quick look at Foxit PDF Reader’s pros and cons:

All in all, Foxit focuses on business needs, with features like integrations and deployment support. Nevertheless, it’s still one of the best free PDF software if you need basic PDF viewing.

#4. DocHub

DocHub is a cloud-based platform for viewing and editing PDFs, with more than 100 million users worldwide. With this tool, you can choose between four pricing plans, including Free, Basic ($9 per month), Pro ($12 per month), and Site License.

It comes with several handy features, which depend on the plan, such as:

• Editing options, e.g. annotations, highlights, drawings, etc.
• Secure storage in the cloud
• Safe sharing with options to authenticate recipients
• Integration with Google Workspace

However, it's important to weigh in all factors before you decide on the best PDF reader for yourself. Here’s a quick overview of DocuHub’s pros and cons:

If you are already using Gmail, Google Drive, Google Classroom, or other tools within Google Workspace, DocHub is a convenient and cost-effective option for viewing and editing PDFs.

#5. Xodo PDF Reader

This PDF reader works on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, since it's available online and offline. Also, it supports multiple languages, such as English, Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Xodo PDF reader is free if you only use it to open PDF files. However, to use other tools, such as filling out PDF forms or applying e-signatures, you will need to choose a pricing plan:

1. Essentials ($4.99/month)
2. Web ($9.99/month)
3. PDF Studio ($9.99/month)
4. Document Suite ($14.99/month)

Now, let’s take a look at Xodo’s pros and cons:

Xodo is a good option for reading PDFs online in languages other than English, such as Chinese, Italian, or Japanese. Also, if you are a business owner reviewing invoices, contracts, and proposals daily, you will like this platform for its security.

#6. Wondershare PDFelement

Wondershare PDFelement can be used online or as an app on tablets and phones. It offers several subscription plans, including Personal ($129.99/year), Team ($139/year), Education ($39.99/year). You can also purchase a perpetual plan to save money.

Some of Wondershare PDFelement’s key features include:

• Read Aloud feature with options to set the reading range, voice, volume, and speed
• Auto bookmarks to ease navigation
• 3D Reading mode with page-flipping effects
• Light mode, dark mode, and eye-protection mode for reading in various conditions
• Option to customize the page layout (e.g., single page, two page, scrolling, split view)
• Option to resize the page for a comfortable reading experience

However, as every tool, Wondershare PDFelement has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a short overview:

Overall, this PDF reader is an excellent choice if you want full control over your documents.

#7. Wondershare PDF Reader

On the other hand, this is Wondershare’s free PDF reader. In addition to opening and viewing documents, it allows you to leave comments, perform conversions, and mark up your PDFs.

The key features include:

• Option to read PDFs like a real book
• Tools for highlighting, underlining, striking through, and drawing on PDFs
• Option to sign PDFs digitally after reviewing them

However, the caveat is that it is only available for Windows 11/10/8/7 (64-bit). That said, let’s take a quick look at its pros and cons:

If you are a student or professional who doesn't handle high volumes of documents but still wants a comfortable reading experience without the premium price tag, Wondershare PDF Reader is a good choice.

#8. PDF-XChange Editor

PDF-XChange was incorporated in 1997 and has established itself as one of the top names in the PDF industry. The Editor version starts at $62, but you can also upgrade to the Editor+ version, which starts at $79.

PDF-XChange has over 400 features, and here are a few standout ones:

• Option to select pages by aspect ratio
• Use multiple languages for OCR
• Option to export bookmarks
• Playback audio in interactive PDFs

You can download a free version to test 70% of PDF-XChange features before purchasing a plan. That said, let’s take a look at its pros and cons:

If you use MS Windows operating systems and are comfortable with the ribbon-style interface, this PDF reader is a good choice then.

#9. SumatraPDF

This is another PDF reader for Windows users, packed with fast, free features. Aside from PDF, you can use it to open EPUB, mobi, cbz, cbr, DjVu, XPS, and CHM files.

Here are some of the functionalities you can enjoy:

• Keyboard shortcuts for easy navigation
• Saves your reading progress with frequently and recently read documents displayed on the home screen
• Different viewing modes
• Advanced configuration parameters

Now, let’s take a quick look at SumatraPDF advantages and disadvantages:

SumatraPDF works well for users who value speed and simplicity over advanced editing tools. For example, students reading lecture notes, researchers reviewing academic papers, and employees opening manuals and reports.

#10. Smallpdf Reader

Smallpdf, founded in 2013, is a simple, secure, and reliable solution for handling PDFs online. It is free and works on any device. If you want to read documents offline, there is a desktop app that you can install as well.

Here’s a short overview of some of the key PDF viewing features:

• Option to zoom in and out
• Option to fit page to width
• Changes pages easily with one-click arrows
• Page thumbnails in a sidebar

However, aside from benefits, the tool has its drawbacks as well. Let’s take a quick look at them:

Smallpdf is a good fit if you view PDFs occasionally and just want an easy-to-use tool that allows you to start reading right away. Also, there is no steep learning curve to overcome.

What to Look for in a PDF Reader

You should look the following in a PDF reader:

• Easy way to upload documents
• Capacity to process lengthy documents without lag
• Simple navigation options, like one-click buttons or thumbnail pages on a sidebar
• Option to create bookmarks
• Option to zoom in and zoom out
• Option to switch between light and dark modes
• Responsive design on mobile devices
• Read out loud functionality
• Option to search the PDF
• No watermarks

4 Benefits of Using PDF Readers

Below are the top four benefits of using PDF readers:

1. More accurate. Unlike web browsers and word processors that often reflow text, PDF readers preserve the exact layout to make documents easier to read and understand. This makes them critical for exams, manuals, legal documents, and official forms.
2. Better built-in functionalities. Image viewers and browser previews usually only allow scrolling and zooming. However, PDF readers offer advanced features like thumbnails, bookmarks, and reading modes; these help you work through long PDFs efficiently.
3. Faster processing with complex files. PDF readers are designed to handle large documents with images, vectors, and embedded fonts. They don't encounter lagging, crashing, or rendering problems that are common with Word processors and browsers.
4. Reliable form handling. One of the most common uses of PDF is completing forms. With PDF readers, you can properly interact with dropdowns, checkboxes, and signature lines. Word processors often break form functionality or do not save entered data.

Final Thoughts

Before you decide on the best PDF reader, you must ask yourself whether you just need to quickly read a PDF or you want to edit along the way. It also helps to think about how often you handle PDFs and whether you need to do so as part of a team.

Businesses usually choose Adobe Acrobat and Foxit, while everyday users opt for PDF.net, DocHub, Wondershare PDFelement, and Smallpdf.

If you want a fast, simple, and secure solution, you can’t go wrong with PDF.net. This fully browser-based tool is easy to use and doesn’t require registration to start, so you can jump right into reading your PDFs.

Best PDF Readers FAQs

#1. Is there a better PDF reader than Chrome?

PDF.net is a better PDF reader than Chrome if you want to open documents and edit them in a single browser. For example, you can review an invoice and sign it or complete a tax form to file it with the IRS.

#2. Can I use a PDF reader online without downloading software?

Yes, you can use a PDF reader online without downloading software by using browser-based options like PDF.net, smallPDF, DocHub, etc. These save time because you don’t have to install anything, but you will need a reliable Internet connection.

#3. Which PDF reader is best for Windows?

The best PDF readers for Windows exclusively include Wondershare PDFelement, PDFX-Change, and SumatraPDF. Other options, like PDF.net, can also be used by Windows users because they are browser-based and aren’t specific to certain operating systems.

#4. Are there PDF readers for Mac that are free?

Yes, there are PDF readers for Mac that are free. PDF.net is one of the top options, as it is lightweight and has an intuitive interface. You won’t need to purchase a plan unless you edit your document.

#5. Can I annotate and edit PDFs with a PDF reader?

Yes, you can annotate and edit PDFs with a PDF reader. From the list above, only SumatraPDF offers very limited or no editing tools compared to the other options listed.

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