Best PDF Reader Software: 20 Top Choices

The digital era has transformed the way we interact with information, making the Portable Document Format (PDF) an indispensable part of our daily lives. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual reader, having a reliable PDF reader can enhance your experience with this versatile document format. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of PDF readers, exploring the top choices across various platforms. 

How to Choose Between Free and Paid PDF Readers

What is the difference between a free and paid PDF reader?

A free PDF reader allows you to open, view, and print PDFs, often with basic tools like annotations, highlighting, or comments. While it’s perfect for casual use, some advanced functions—like advanced editing, form creation, or OCR—are usually locked behind paid wall. Paid PDF readers cater to professional users with robust tools, such as digital signatures, enhanced security, and cloud integration for collaboration.

Do I need a PDF reader or just a browser?

Most modern browsers can open PDFs, making them suitable for occasional viewing. However, if you frequently interact with PDFs—adding comments, filling forms, or working with interactive features—dedicated PDF readers offer a smoother, more functional experience. For more control over your PDFs, a full PDF reader is recommended.

Are free PDF readers reliable?

Free PDF readers are generally safe if downloaded from trusted sources, but they may come with limitations or ads. Additionally, they may lack regular updates or security patches compared to paid options. Always verify the source and check for frequent updates to avoid vulnerabilities.

Is a free PDF reader good enough for everyday use?

If your needs are simple—like viewing or sharing files—a free PDF reader or browser-based option will suffice. However, if your work involves frequent annotations, collaboration, or minor edits, a dedicated free reader may be more useful. For more demanding tasks, such as creating documents or converting PDFs to other formats, investing in a premium version might be worth it.

Read More: 15 Essential Free PDF Editors for 2024

20 Best PDF Reader Software

From Windows and Mac to mobile devices and online solutions, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best PDF readers in this article to cater to your diverse needs.

Best PDF Readers for Windows:

1. KDAN PDF Reader (Windows):

Overview:

KDAN PDF Reader for Windows is recognized for its user-friendly interface and robust features, making it a standout choice for individuals and professionals alike. The software seamlessly integrates annotation tools and cloud services, ensuring a comprehensive solution for reading and managing PDF documents.

Key Features:

• Intuitive Interface: The software’s interface is designed for ease of use, allowing users to navigate through PDFs effortlessly.
• Annotation Tools: KDAN PDF Reader offers a suite of annotation tools, enabling users to highlight, underline, and add comments to PDF documents.
• Cloud Integration: With seamless cloud integration, users can access and sync their PDFs across devices, ensuring a consistent experience.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: The basic version is free.
• Document 365: Offers comprehensive KDAN PDF Reader with over 20 premium features, available across mobile devices, PCs, and Mac, and comes with 1TB of KDAN Cloud Storage at a rate of $4.99/month or $59.99/year. 

2. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Overview:

Adobe Acrobat Reader stands as a household name in the world of PDFs, known for its reliability and extensive feature set. It remains a top choice for Windows users, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for viewing, annotating, and editing PDF documents.

Key Features:

• Extensive Feature Set: Adobe Acrobat Reader provides a wide array of features, including viewing, annotation, and basic editing tools.
• Reliability: Renowned for its stability and consistent performance, Adobe Acrobat Reader ensures a smooth user experience.
• Cloud Storage: Adobe Acrobat Reader users can benefit from cloud storage options, allowing them to access their PDFs from anywhere.

Pricing:

• Free Version: Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for free for basic use.
• Adobe Acrobat Pro DC: For additional editing capabilities and advanced features, the Pro version starts at $14.99/month.

3. Nitro Reader

Overview:

Nitro Reader is a free PDF reader for Windows, known for its impressive performance and user-friendly interface. It caters to users seeking essential features like annotation and form-filling, providing a streamlined experience for managing PDFs.

Key Features:

• Impressive Performance: Nitro Reader is designed to deliver efficient and quick performance, ensuring a seamless reading experience.
• Annotation and Form-Filling: The software includes essential annotation tools and features for filling out forms within PDF documents.
• User-Friendly Interface: Nitro Reader’s interface is intuitive, making it accessible for users of varying technical backgrounds.

Pricing:

• Basic Version: Nitro Reader is available for free, providing essential features.
• Nitro Pro: For more advanced features, the Pro version is available starting at $159 as a one-time purchase.

4. PDF-XChange Editor

Overview:

PDF-XChange Editor is celebrated for its feature-rich design and versatility. This Windows PDF reader goes beyond basic viewing, offering advanced editing capabilities such as text editing and page manipulation, making it an ideal choice for users with diverse document needs.

Key Features:

• Advanced Editing: PDF-XChange Editor allows users to perform advanced editing tasks, including text manipulation and page adjustments.
• Versatility: The software supports a wide range of features, making it suitable for users requiring more than basic PDF viewing.
• User-Friendly Interface: Despite its advanced capabilities, PDF-XChange Editor maintains a user-friendly interface for accessibility.

Pricing:

• Free Version: PDF-XChange Editor offers a free basic version.
• Paid Version: Advanced features are available in the paid version, starting at $43.50.

5. Expert PDF Reader

Overview:

Expert PDF Reader for Windows is a lightweight and efficient option that prioritizes a smooth reading experience. While it may be simple, it excels in quickly opening and displaying PDFs, making it an ideal choice for users with basic document viewing needs.

Key Features:

• Efficiency: Expert PDF Reader focuses on quick document rendering, ensuring a fast and efficient reading experience.
• Simplicity: The software is designed to be straightforward, making it accessible for users who prefer a minimalist approach.
• Free of Charge: Expert PDF Reader is completely free, making it an attractive option for users with basic PDF requirements.

Pricing:

• Free Version: Expert PDF Reader is available free of charge, offering a simple and efficient solution for basic PDF viewing needs.

Best PDF Readers for Mac:

1. KDAN PDF Reader Mac

Overview: 

KDAN PDF Reader for Mac stands out with its clean interface and seamless integration with macOS. It delivers a delightful reading experience while offering essential annotation and editing tools, making it a versatile choice for users.

Key Features:

• Intuitive Interface: Streamlined design for effortless navigation.
• Seamless Integration: Harmonious interaction with macOS for an enhanced user experience.
• Annotation and Editing Tools: Comprehensive features for marking up and modifying PDFs.

Pricing: 

• Free Plan: The basic version is free.
• Document 365: Offers comprehensive KDAN PDF Reader with over 20 premium features, available across mobile devices, PCs, and Mac, and comes with 1TB of KDAN Cloud Storage at a rate of $4.99/month or $59.99/year. 

2. Preview

Overview: 

Pre-installed on every Mac, Preview is a default PDF reader bundled with macOS. Despite its seemingly basic appearance, it surprises users with fundamental features for viewing and annotating PDFs, proving to be a convenient and readily available option.

Key Features:

• Default Inclusion: Inherent with macOS, ensuring widespread accessibility.
• Fundamental Tools: Basic yet effective tools for viewing and annotating PDF documents.

Pricing: 

• Preview is included with macOS and is entirely free.

3. PDF Expert

Overview: 

PDF Expert is hailed as one of the best PDF readers for Mac, offering a harmonious blend of user-friendly design and robust features. It supports advanced annotation, editing, and form-filling, making it an ideal choice for professionals and power users.

Key Features:

• User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation with a user-centric design.
• Advanced Annotation: Powerful tools for detailed PDF markup.
• Form-Filling Capabilities: Comprehensive features for interacting with PDF forms.

Pricing:

• Perpetual License: PDF Expert is available for a one-time purchase, starting at $79.99.

4. Skim

Overview: 

Skim, an open-source PDF reader for Mac, emphasizes simplicity and efficiency. With a focus on fast rendering and robust annotation tools, it caters to users who prefer a lightweight yet capable solution for PDF document management.

Key Features:

• Open-Source Design: User customization options for a personalized experience.
• Fast Rendering: Efficient document rendering for quick access.
• Robust Annotation: Lightweight, yet powerful tools for effective markup.

Pricing: 

• Free Plan: Skim is available for free, making it an accessible choice for users seeking simplicity.

5. PDFsam

Overview: 

PDFsam, short for PDF Split and Merge, is a distinctive PDF reader for Mac that specializes in document manipulation. Users can split, merge, and rearrange PDF pages, providing a tailored experience for those with specific document organization needs.

Key Features:

• PDF Manipulation: Specialized tools for splitting, merging, and organizing PDFs.
• Page Rearrangement: Options for reordering and restructuring PDF pages.
• Enhanced Document Management: Capabilities beyond standard viewing for comprehensive control.

Pricing: 

• Free Plan: The basic version of PDFsam is free
• Enhanced version: Offers additional features, starting at $69 per year.

Best PDF Readers for Mobile Devices:

1. KDAN PDF Reader

Overview: 

KDAN PDF Reader is a versatile cross-platform solution available on both Android and iOS, designed to provide users with a seamless PDF experience. With a focus on a user-friendly interface and essential features, it caters to a wide range of users, from casual readers to professionals.

Key Features:

• Document Viewing: KDAN PDF Reader ensures smooth and efficient document rendering, allowing users to easily navigate through their PDF files.
• Annotation Tools: The application offers a comprehensive set of annotation tools, including highlighters, text boxes, and drawing tools, facilitating interactive engagement with PDF content.

Pricing: 

• Free Plan: The basic version is free.
• Document 365: Offers comprehensive KDAN PDF Reader with over 20 premium features, available across mobile devices, PCs, and Mac, and comes with 1TB of KDAN Cloud Storage at a rate of $4.99/month or $59.99/year. 

2. Foxit PDF Reader

Overview: 

Foxit PDF Reader stands out as a feature-rich option, designed to cater to the needs of mobile users. With a robust set of annotation tools and seamless cloud integration, it ensures a consistent and powerful PDF experience across various devices, including smartphones and tablets.

Key Features:

• Powerful Annotation: Foxit PDF Reader offers advanced annotation capabilities, allowing users to mark up and comment on PDF documents with precision.
• Cloud Integration: The application seamlessly integrates with cloud storage services, enabling users to access and sync their documents across different devices.
• User-Friendly Interface: With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, Foxit PDF Reader ensures a smooth navigation experience.

Pricing: 

• Free Plan: Foxit PDF Reader provides a free version with essential features. 
• Premium Plan: A premium version is available starting at $10.99/year, offering additional functionalities for users who require advanced tools.

3. Right PDF

Overview: 

Right PDF is tailored specifically for Android users, emphasizing a lightweight design for quick document rendering. While maintaining efficiency, it provides essential features for viewing and annotating PDFs on mobile devices.

Key Features:

• Quick Document Rendering: Right PDF prioritizes speed, ensuring swift opening and rendering of PDF documents for efficient use.
• Essential Annotation Tools: While keeping the application lightweight, Right PDF includes fundamental annotation tools, allowing users to mark up their documents when needed.
• User-Friendly Experience: With a clean and straightforward interface, Right PDF offers a hassle-free reading experience.

Pricing: 

• Free Plan: Right PDF is available for free, making it an accessible option for users seeking a lightweight yet capable PDF reader on their Android devices.

4. Xodo

Overview: 

Xodo is a highly regarded PDF reader available on both Android and iOS, offering a comprehensive set of features. Its cross-platform compatibility makes it a preferred choice for users who frequently switch between different devices.

Key Features:

• Annotation and Collaboration: Xodo provides advanced annotation tools, including the ability to collaborate on documents in real time, fostering teamwork and productivity.
• Form-Filling Capabilities: The application supports form-filling, allowing users to complete and sign PDF forms directly on their mobile devices.
• Cross-Platform Sync: Xodo ensures seamless synchronization of documents and annotations across various platforms for a consistent user experience.

Pricing: 

• Free Plan: Xodo is available for free, offering a powerful set of features without any cost, making it an attractive option for users looking for a versatile and cross-compatible PDF reader.

5. WPS Office

Overview:

While primarily recognized as an office suite, WPS Office includes a robust PDF reader for mobile devices. With features like annotation and document signing, it caters to users seeking a comprehensive solution for both productivity and PDF management.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Solution: WPS Office offers a holistic solution, combining office suite functionalities with a powerful PDF reader.
• Annotation and Signing: Users can annotate PDFs and sign documents directly within the app, streamlining document management.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: WPS Office provides a free version with basic features.
• Premium Plan: For enhanced capabilities, a premium subscription is available, starting at $29.99/year.

Best Online PDF Readers:

1. Sejda

Overview:

Sejda is an online PDF reader that goes beyond mere viewing, offering a comprehensive set of features for editing, splitting, and merging PDFs. Its intuitive interface and seamless cloud integration make it an attractive choice for users who prefer to manage and access their PDF documents on the web.

Key Features:

• Editing Capabilities: Sejda allows users to make essential edits to their PDF documents, ensuring flexibility in managing content.
• Splitting and Merging: The platform facilitates the easy splitting and merging of PDF files, providing users with control over the organization of their documents.
• User-Friendly Interface: Sejda is designed with simplicity in mind, ensuring that users can navigate its features effortlessly.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Limited use is available for free.
• Weekly Pass: $7.50, providing access to premium features for a week.
• Annual Subscription: $63, offering a cost-effective option for those seeking long-term benefits.

2. HiPDF

Overview:

HiPDF is an all-encompassing online tool that offers a suite of PDF tool, including a reliable PDF reader. It caters to users who prioritize quick and accessible solutions for their PDF documents, making it an efficient choice for a variety of tasks.

Key Features:

• Viewing and Basic Editing: HiPDF provides users with essential tools for viewing and making basic edits to their PDF files.
• Accessibility: The platform is designed to be user-friendly and easily accessible, ensuring a smooth experience for users of all skill levels.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Basic use is available for free.
• Pro Version: Starts at $6 per month, unlocking advanced features for users with more demanding PDF requirements.

3. Smallpdf 

Overview:

Widely recognized for its simplicity and efficiency, Smallpdf is an online PDF reader that focuses on providing fast document rendering and easy navigation. It complements its reading capabilities with a suite of PDF tools designed to meet various document needs.

Key Features:

• Fast Document Rendering: Smallpdf prioritizes speed, ensuring that users can quickly access and view their PDF documents.
• Comprehensive PDF Tools: In addition to being a reader, Smallpdf offers a range of tools for tasks such as compression, conversion, and editing.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Basic use is available for free.
• Pro Version: Priced at $108 per year, providing users with an ad-free experience and additional advanced features.

4. DocHub

Overview:

DocHub stands out among online PDF readers and PDF editors for its collaborative features. With real-time collaboration and annotation tools, it caters to users who need to work on PDF documents seamlessly with others.

Key Features:

• Real-Time Collaboration: DocHub enables users to collaborate with others in real time, making it an ideal choice for team-based projects.
• Annotation Tools: The platform offers robust annotation tools, allowing users to mark up and comment on PDF documents.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Basic use is available for free.
• Pro Version: Starting at $6.99 per month, providing additional features such as offline access and advanced security options.

5. iLovePDF

Overview:

iLovePDF is an online platform offering a suite of PDF tools, including a reliable PDF reader. Its user-friendly interface and integration with cloud storage make it a versatile choice for users who prefer managing their PDFs on the web.

Key Features:

• Cloud Integration: iLovePDF seamlessly integrates with cloud storage solutions, enabling users to manage and access their PDF documents from various devices.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed to be intuitive, ensuring that users can navigate its features with ease.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Basic use is available for free.
• Premium Version: Starting at $6 per month, offering advanced features for users with more demanding PDF requirements.

How to Choose the Best PDF Reader in Four Steps

Choosing the right PDF reader can be a daunting task, given the various options available. To simplify the process, consider the following four steps:

Step 1: Read Customer Reviews

Start your search by reading customer reviews to gain insights into the experiences of other users. Focus on reviews that highlight the aspects most relevant to your needs, such as ease of use, customer support, and overall satisfaction. Look for patterns in feedback to identify common strengths or potential drawbacks of each PDF reader.

Step 2: Confirm the Size of Your Business

Consider the scale of your business to ensure the selected PDF reader aligns with your organization’s size and requirements. Larger enterprises may benefit from advanced editing tools and robust collaboration tools, while smaller businesses may prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Evaluate whether the PDF reader offers scalable solutions that can grow with your business.

Step 3: What Features Are You Searching for?

Clearly define the features you require in a PDF reader. This may include editing capabilities, online collaboration tools, security features, or specific integrations. Prioritize your feature preferences based on the nature of your work and the tasks you regularly perform with PDF documents. 

Step 4: Evaluate Usability Using a Free Trial Demo

Opt for PDF reader apps that provide free trial demos, allowing you to experience the software firsthand before committing. During the trial period, assess the software’s usability, interface, and overall user experience. Test key features relevant to your workflow to ensure they meet your expectations and contribute to increased productivity. Pay attention to how intuitive the PDF reader is and whether it integrates seamlessly with your existing tools and systems.

Find the Best PDF Reader for Every Situation

Documents are prevalent in various aspects of our digital lives. Whether you use Windows, Mac, mobile, or web platforms, this guide covers a diverse range of PDF readers to help you find the perfect fit for your specific needs. For users seeking advanced collaboration tools, seamless OCR features, and AI-powered capabilities, KDAN PDF Reader is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suitable for educators managing digital worksheets, business professionals handling contracts, and creatives working on design-heavy PDFs. With its built-in OCR, form-filling tools, and e-signature capabilities, Kdan offers a versatile platform for more complex needs, making it ideal for those who require more than just basic viewing. From feature-rich powerhouses to lightweight and efficient options, these PDF readers provide a wealth of tools to enhance your document viewing, editing, and collaboration experience. Explore the possibilities and elevate your PDF interactions with the best PDF readers available across different platforms.

(The featured image is made by Pj Accetturo on Unsplash)