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Jan 30, 2024 · Try it now - it's free. Sumatra PDF, PDF-XChange Viewer, and Foxit Reader are probably your best bets out of the 21 options considered. "Free and open source" is the primary reason people pick Sumatra PDF over the competition. This page is powered by a knowledgeable community that helps you make an informed decision.
- Sumatra PDF is a free PDF, eBook (ePub, Mobi), XPS, DjVu, CHM, Comic Book (CBZ and CBR) reader for Windows.Sumatra PDF is a free PDF, eBook (ePub,...
- PDF reader and annotatorPDF reader and annotatorEfficient user interface: You get what you want by few interactions. | No ads: The reader offers a...
- Has a portable version that can be opened from a USB stick: A portable version can be put on a USB stick or installed on Windows without registry b...
- Free and open source | Supports smooth scrolling | Low RAM use: Amount of RAM use can be configured to trade off with performance. | Featureful | T...
- For Windows / Linux: http://www.foxitsoftware.com/Secure_PDF_Reader/ Unfortunately bundles toolbar software in the installer, so watch out for tha...
- Viewer and editor.Viewer and editor.Multi-platform | Open source
- The only PDF viewer which allows to extract pages for free.
- Mozilla Firefox is a free and open-source web browser developed for Windows, OS X, and Linux, with a mobile version for Android.Mozilla Firefox is...
- Free PDF reader with browser integration, image extraction, and PDF conversion.Free PDF reader with browser integration, image extraction, and PDF...
Sep 3, 2024 · Slim PDF is the best free PDF reader if you’re looking for something incredibly lightweight. The software download is really small, so is the perfect choice if you’re limited by hard drive ...
- Overview
- The best PDF reader for Windows in 2024
- 1. Adobe Acrobat DC
- 2. pdfFiller
- 3. Foxit PDF Editor
- 4. Soda PDF
- 5. WinZip PDF Pro
- 6. Kofax Power PDF
- 7. Perfect PDF Ultimate
- Should I use a PDF editor or a PDF reader on Windows?
Best
By Brian Turner
Contributions from
Steve Clark
last updated 18 October 2023
Our picks for the best PDF reader for Windows for every budget
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below you'll find full write-ups for each of our picks for the best PDF reader for Windows. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
Specifications
Operating system: Windows, macOS Plan: Subscription Today's Best Deals VISIT SITE
Reasons to buy
+ Convert and edit PDF files + Neat file comparison tool + Works across PCs, tablets and smartphones
Reasons to avoid
- May not be the best for very casual users - Feature-set and interface may overwhelm beginners Software giant Adobe not only pioneered the PDF, but it has also created a highly popular and comprehensive application that lets you manage such documents effectively. Adobe Acrobat Document Cloud provides you with the tools to download, convert and edit PDF files across computers, tablets and smartphones. With the software, you can use your smartphone camera to capture and turn any document into a high-quality PDF. There’s also a new file comparison tool, which quickly and accurately analyzes two PDF files to find any differences. That could be handy if you’re looking to compare different drafts of the same piece of work. What’s more, when you create a PDF document using Acrobat, you’re sent a smart file that you can edit, sign, share and search. You can even use the built-in preview feature to see what the document will look like on different screen sizes and resolutions. And if you’re writing a letter or have been sent an important form, you can add your signature by using the Acrobat app on a touchscreen-enabled device. If you’re interested in purchasing Acrobat, there are two offerings to pick from. Acrobat Standard DC which lets you create, edit and sign PDF documents. The subscription only works on Windows devices. Meanwhile, Acrobat Pro DC gives you access to all the listed features – plus it’s also compatible with Mac devices. If you strictly need a free PDF reader for Windows, there's also Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. It's less effective than Acrobat DC, with ads, but it should serve you well. Read our full Adobe Acrobat DC review. (Image credit: pdfFiller)The Best Windows PDF reader for fast file access
Specifications
Operating system: Web, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS Plan: Subscription Today's Best Deals VISIT WEBSITE
Reasons to buy
+ Available online, on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android + Responsive customer support + Online collaboration tools + No sign-up to read PDFs
Reasons to avoid
- Subscription required for extra tools - Learning curve can be steep pdfFiller is an online PDF editor built for creating and altering documents in your browser, with desktop apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. If you only need to view a PDF file, you can upload it from the homepage, give it a second or three to process, and you’re in. You don’t even need to sign in to use the free PDF reader. From here, you can also edit text - it effectively works like a word processor, making it very intuitive to use. At the top of the screen are a few more tools found in PDF readers and editors, including form filling, file conversion, the blackout redaction tool, and digital signatures (auto-generated, uploaded, or drawn by your own hand). Beyond the free Windows PDF reader, everything else is locked behind subscription plans. To save or export any document changes requires sign up and selecting one of three monthly or annual subscriptions. Enterprise pricing for teams of 10+ is available. Overall, one of the best PDF readers for Windows, Mac, mobile devices, and in the browser - documents are free to read and no sign up is necessary. But for additional tools, advanced or otherwise, a subscription will be needed. Read our full pdfFiller review. (Image credit: Foxit)The Best budget PDF reader for Windows
Specifications
Operating system: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Plan: Subscription, Perpetual license Today's Best Deals VISIT SITE
Reasons to buy
+ Cloud tools + Collaborative features + Good value for money + Powerful OCR and redaction tools
Reasons to avoid
- No OCR in free version - Pro version is PC-only Foxit has developed a sophisticated PDF management app, with PDF Editor (formerly PhantomPDF) being pushed as a tool that goes well beyond PDF viewing, providing a range of cloud-based tools that allow you to create and customize documents at scale. Described by the company as a ‘transformative’ PDF application, the software lets you create and modify PDFs while providing a plethora of sophisticated management, security and collaboration features. For instance, you can manage who has access to documents, track who opens them, notify readers of document updates and send document requests to your colleagues. This software also sports a whole suite of useful editing tools. You can change the layout of a document, rearrange paragraphs, columns and pages, or make your documents look more professional by including stamps, watermarks, headers, footers and so forth. You can also merge PDFs and split PDFs into new files. Should you be mulling a purchase, the good news is that there’s a free trial so you can test out the software first. Read our full Foxit PDF review. (Image credit: Soda)The Best online PDF reader for Windows
Specifications
Operating system: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Plan: Subscription Today's Best Deals VISIT WEBSITE
Reasons to buy
+ Free PDF editing, converting, merging, and compressing - up to a point + Easy to use + Works great in browsers + Compatible with Google Drive and more
Reasons to avoid
- Premium tools locked behind Pro subscription - Subscription-only Soda PDF is one of the best PDF readers for Windows for both individual users and businesses. It offers a full suite of cloud-based PDF tools through either home or premium editions. When we tested out Soda PDF, we discovered a versatile online PDF editor with plenty of tools for document management, whether it's tweaking minor typos or more or less starting from scratch. With the software, you’re able to review, annotate, send and track documents from a single comprehensive user interface. You can also connect Soda PDF to Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Evernote and Box accounts, which makes it easier to download and distribute documents. Another great thing about the application is that it comes with a batch processing feature, allowing you to create and convert multiple PDF files at the same time. There’s an e-sign function as well, which you can use to prepare and send PDF-based contracts to clients or partners. What’s more, you can track and get reminders on all the documents you distribute through the app. Plus, if you use a range of devices within your company, the software works not just for Windows, but also Mac, Linux, iOS and Android devices. Overall, PDF power-users prepared to pay for the premium features will gain the most from Soda PDF. And it's certainly not one for those looking for an offline PDF reader. Read our full Soda PDF review. (Image credit: WinZip)The Best PDF reader for Windows only
Specifications
Operating system: Windows Plan: Subscription Today's Best Deals Check Amazon VISIT WEBSITE
Reasons to buy
+ Simple and elegant interface + Large toolkit for reading and reworking PDF documents + Easy to use
Reasons to avoid
- Annual subscription may not offer value to all - Some occasional glitches and odd design choices - Windows-only WinZip PDF Pro is so dedicated to viewing PDFs that it's the first thing you'll see when you open this top PDF reader for Windows. In fact, when we reviewed the software, we found this constant nudge to make it our default PDF reader on Windows, that it started getting mildly irritating. Still, overlook this minor grip and you'll find a stellar PDF reader fully loaded with tools for editing, manipulating documents. This isn't just a PDF reader, You'll find all the usual tools - and simply, too, since the interface is clean and elegant navigation is incredibly easy. Overall, we were left with the impression that anything we needed to do with our PDF documents was largely possible in WinZip PDF Pro. Hardware requirements are minimal, so it's an ideal PDF reader for low-end PCs. Read our full WinZip PDF Pro review. (Image credit: Kofax)The Best Windows PDF reader with enterprise-level tools
Specifications
Operating system: Windows, macOS Plan: Perpetual license Today's Best Deals Power PDF Standard $129 Power PDF Advanced $179 Visit Siteat Tungsten
Reasons to buy
+ Used by major enterprises + Subscription-free + Clean, easy to use interface + Packed with tools
Reasons to avoid
- Not a full PDF editor - Standard versions on PC and Mac are different Another notable PDF management software platform for individuals and enterprises is Power PDF, an easy-to-use piece of software that lets you create, edit, annotate and share documents quickly. It’s used by a number of large organizations and governments. There are several versions of the software, all of which offer different features. The Standard edition lets you create, convert, combine and edit documents, fill in forms and share PDF files. It also lets you turn documents like invoices and receipts into PDFs through a scanning and OCR feature. Meanwhile, the Power PDF Advanced package is targeted at business users. While offering all the same features of the Standard edition, it comes with collaboration, security and redaction abilities. You can access documents anywhere and at any time through the cloud, too. Enterprises can get a quote for volume licensing of the software as well. By going down this route, firms get one deployment package with a single license. Read our full Kofax Power PDF review. (Image credit: Soft Xpansion)The Best Windows PDF reader for beginners
Specifications
Operating system: Windows Plan: Perpetual license Today's Best Deals VISIT WEBSITE
Reasons to buy
+ Very user-friendly + Budget price perpetual license + Solid functionality
Reasons to avoid
- Tools may be too basic - Windows-only SoftXpansion has developed Perfect PDF Ultimate, which is described by the firm as an ‘all-in-one’ application for processing PDF files. Available to buy direct from the Microsoft Store, this user-friendly software is perfect for viewing, editing and creating PDF documents. Features include the ability to edit page content, generate interactive forms, comment on existing documents, as well as being able to convert, combine and split files. You can also add e-signatures and encryption to important business files. Thanks to its simple and intuitive interface, Perfect PDF Ultimate is a great app for beginners, especially if they’re looking to dabble with PDF editing. However, the software could feel too basic for some users. There’s also no option to convert PDFs to other formats or vice versa, so you may need to consider other options if conversion is a priority. Best PDF reader for Windows: FAQs
Depending on what you intend to do with your documents, you may find you need either a PDF reader or a fully featured PDF editor.
PDF readers on Windows 10 and 11 come with plenty of tools for viewing files on your desktop. They also feature online collaboration tools, letting you share, comment, annotate, and collaborate. And the very best PDF readers for Windows 10 and 11 also come equipped with productivity-boosting tools.
PDF editors for Windows have a lot more tools, specifically for creating, editing, and converting documents into other formats. They also include features like the best PDF converter and esign software.
If you only intend to view PDF files and make notes for the team, a PDF reader (sometimes billed as a PDF viewer) should be more than enough. If you're regularly making and working on PDFs, PDF editing software will likely serve your needs better.
- Tina Sieber
- Senior Author
- Sumatra PDF. Highlight: Most lightweight PDF reader, also available as a portable app. Sumatra PDF is the best alternative to using your browser as a PDF reader because it's easy on system resources.
- Foxit Reader. Highlight: The most feature-complete free PDF reader. Foxit Reader was one of the first mainstream Adobe Reader alternatives. It remains a great option because, among the free PDF readers, it offers the most features, with no strings attached.
- PDF-XChange Editor. Highlight: Packed with features, yet fast. PDF-XChange Editor offers a bouquet of features, making it great for editing and annotations.
- STDU Viewer. Highlight: One viewer to replace them all, great for navigating multiple documents. The Scientific and Technical Document Utility (STUD) Viewer is one of the best tools for all your technical documentation, books, and other readings.
- PDF-XChange Editor. PDF-XChange Editor is the most feature-rich, best looking, most secure, most customizable, and the least bloated free PDF viewer/reader and editor for Windows.
- Foxit Reader. Foxit Reader is the most popular free PDF Reader/Viewer for Windows. Foxit has always advertised their PDF Reader as a lightweight and feature-rich alternative to the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Adobe Acrobat Reader comes from Adobe, the creators of the PDF (.pdf) file format. It’s not a bad PDF Reader/Viewer, not at all.
- Sumatra PDF. Sumatra PDF can be the first choice for the default PDF viewer due to many factors such as the low system resource requirements and system impact, speed and performance, ad/nag/promo-free user interface and user experience.
Jul 22, 2022 · Web Browsers – Chrome, Firefox, Edge. 8. Slim PDF. 9. Javelin PDF Reader. 10. PDF-XChange Editor. Choosing the right PDF reader for Windows that suits your needs in the year 2022 isn’t a tough ...
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Nov 29, 2022 · Downloading a PDF reader is the first step to reading PDF files with Windows 10. Microsoft Edge, the default program, can open PDFs but offers only a few features. A reader designed specifically ...
