Foxit Reader Foxit Reader is another top-tier alternative to the Adobe Reader, and comes with many of the features that Sumatra PDF lacks. As a trade-off, it is neither as lightweight, nor as fast, but is perhaps, the best option if you want anything more than barely opening and reading PDF documents.
2020-12-21 15:15:10 • Filed to: Comparison of PDF Software • Proven solutions
Looking for an Adobe Reader alternative for Windows that will let you read and comment on PDF files, as well as fill out PDF forms? If so, you might want to learn more about PDFelement. It comes with PDF redaction, conversion, OCR, and PDF form editing and filling features. This Acrobat Reader alternative software has a much more cost-effective price and is considered one of the best tools on the market.
- Foxit Reader This is a very good alternative of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Though they offer premium versions, a free version is also available which serves all the basic.
- Open source alternatives to Adobe Acrobat for PDFs Due to the fact that PDF documents are actually made use of in several scenarios for a lot of different kind of functions, you might have to look to find out the available resource substitute to Adobe Artist that fulfills your accurate needs.
6 Best Adobe Reader Alternatives of 2020
1. PDFelement
PDFelement is the top Adobe Reader alternative on the market. This PDF tool is an all-in-one PDF solution, which acts as a PDF editor, converter, annotator, and creator. It gives you all the features you need to work with PDFs.
This Acrobat Reader alternative performs better compared to other options. PDFelement has the most stable functionalities and security features to protect your documents.
- The OCR feature supports more than 20 languages while working with scanned PDFs.
- It has automated spelling error detection which helps to fix typos and other errors.
- It can turn any non-fillable form into a fillable one in a simple click.
- The intelligent form automation technology can help extract data from all types of identical PDFs.
- It can extract data from hundreds of scanned or non-scanned PDF forms into one editable Excel file.
- It is compatible with macOS 10.12 above.
A) View PDFs in 5 Modes
First, as one of the best Adobe Reader alternatives, PDFelement offers 5 reading modes: fit to actual page size, fit to windows width, fit page to window, fit to window height, and full screen. You can select the mode you want to read a PDF file. If you want to read several PDF files at once, open them one-by-one by clicking 'File' > 'Open'. Here is the guide about how to view multiple PDF.
B) Annotate PDFs using Multiple Tools
Comment on PDF files using a variety of comment and markup tools. Adobe Reader only enables you to highlight and add sticky notes to a PDF file while PDFelement offers more options. You can review and highlight aspects of the PDF file with stamps, text box, sticky notes, shapes, highlighters, underline, and strikethrough tools. Here is the guide about how to annotate PDF.
C) Fill Out PDF Form Easily
Fill out and save PDF forms like Adobe Reader, PDFelement lets you fill in PDF forms efficiently. The difference is that it also lets you save the form while Adobe Reader cannot save filled PDF forms. What's more, after you've completed filling a form, you can add a digital signature as well. Here is the guide about how to create fillable form.
D) Edit PDF Content with More Options
Edit PDF text and images with PDFelement. It is more than an alternative to Acrobat Reader in displaying a PDF file. It also lets you edit a PDF file by adding, modifying, and deleting PDF text and images. Here is the guide about how to edit PDF.
E) Convert PDF to Other Formats
Convert and export PDF content for reuse. PDFelement is able to convert and export PDF content to Microsoft Word, Excel, Text, Images, PowerPoint, Plain text, and more. Users can easily copy or edit PDF text before or after conversion. Here is the guide about how to convert PDF.
PDFelement is the best Adobe Reader alternative and even offers more features. It is a complete solution to PDF editing and creation. Download the trial version to have a try today!
2. Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is a smooth PDF reader that is also one of the best Adobe Reader alternative. It also provides functions such as annotation, form filling, and signature PDF.
This PDF reader makes it easy for users to read and print PDF. Foxit PDF Reader integrates OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox and Box, allowing users to collaborate and share information. If your PDF file contains confidential information, this Adobe Reader alternative software can help you encrypt the PDF and sign the PDF.
3. Nitro Pro
Nitro Pro is another Acrobat Reader alternative for Windows. The tool is gaining popularity when it comes to the handling of documents, editing documents, and sharing them with others, both on and offline.
Alternatives To Adobe Acrobat
The documents created by this program can be opened on any PDF reader or any mobile device. The program also has a Cloud feature that lets users sign and share documents with different users.
4. Power PDF
Power PDF comes with nearly all the features you need to edit and create PDFs. It has a dictation option, which makes it useful for sight-impaired users. It helps you create forms, and convert PDFs into Word and other Office file formats. You can use Power PDF to merge different PDFs into one, as well as protect them with secure passwords.
This program helps you dictate notes using Dragon Notes. Instead of typing the notes out, the tool does everything for you. The disadvantage of this application is that you can only open one PDF file at a time. It does not support the opening of multiple PDF files.
5. PDF-Xchange
PDF-Xchange has functions that outdo the basic functionalities of Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can browse for PDF documents, perform simple annotations, use text and drawing tools, and place text where you want using the typewriter tool. PDF-Xchange is a portable application that includes many more features such as OCR, image recognition, and security support.
You can also use this Adobe Reader alternative to apply custom stamps and markups to your document. This program also supports more than 30 languages when viewing and reading documents. However, the special features such as text extraction and reorganizing pages are only accessible through the PRO upgrade.
6. PDF Studio
PDF Studio is a user-friendly Adobe reader alternative which comes at a lower price. It also comes with advanced PDF editing features to work with PDFs seamlessly and efficiently.
The program can also be used as a PDF creator, and you can use it to modify your PDF documents in compliance with PDF standards. You can also create PDFs out of images, Word documents, and other file types. It supports documents through Google Drive SharePoint.
Free Download or Buy PDFelement right now!
Free Download or Buy PDFelement right now!
Buy PDFelement right now!
Buy PDFelement right now!
In the list of top PDF applications, Adobe Acrobat is the most preferred one. The main reason behind users opting for Adobe Acrobat is the fact that the software makes it seamless for them to create PDFs, while also making changes to the saved files as well as sharing the same with others. It goes without saying that Adobe Acrobat is the best at what it is meant to do.
However, it has one drawback, which is, the software comes at a high price. If you are looking just to some basic functions such as annotating or rotating a PDF, then use the Adobe Reader DC on Windows 10 or macOS built-in preview app. Both are free and works fine. However, for more advanced features like edit or merge two PDFs, you will have to shell out money. Still, it doesn't have to as expensive as Adobe Acrobat.
Free Alternative For Acrobat Reader
There are better alternatives for applications like Adobe Acrobat that are meant to serve the same purpose as the former and that too, at a lower price. With the endless PDF programs claiming to offer you the best job possible, we bring you to the top layer of the cream:
Read: How to Reduce PDF File Size Without Losing Quality
Best Adobe Acrobat Alternative
1. Nitro Pro
The best part about Nitro Pro is that the software has a lot in common with Adobe Acrobat. This is possibly the primary reason why it is widely considered to be the best alternative for Adobe Acrobat. With Nitro Pro, one can create PDF files, edit them, shuffle them onto other locations and even eliminate any unwanted element in the view. The system offers bookmarks and linking tools that help in creating and filling in forms.
Users can comment and highlight specific components within documents. It offers security through the use of digital IDs that allow only the owner to access the software. Moreover, it automatically links the PDF printer option upon installation. Some exclusive features of the application include the permanent delete option, which enables individuals to get rid of data from a PDF file.
Read: 7 Best PDF Voice Reader for Windows
Pros: It also comes with an exhaustive converter tool also lets users select data for permanent deletion.
Cons: The major disadvantage of Nitro Pro is that it does not support embed video files when creating PDFs. Therefore, it can get quite troublesome when it comes to creating PDFs.
Price: One can make use of Nitro Pro free of charge during the first 14 days. However, once the trial period expires, users are required to pay $159.99 for lifetime access. Nitro also offers a special discount for those looking to purchase the service in bulk.
Download Nitro Pro (14-days free trial)
2. Foxit PhantomPDF
Foxit PhantomPDF is the second-best alternative to Adobe Acrobat. For those looking to create, share or even simply edit PDF files, must consider Foxit PhantomPDF. Let's not sugar-coat it too much as Foxit PhantomPDF does not offer high profile features the way Nitro or Acrobat does but it still delivers a great job nonetheless.
Upon opening Foxit PhantomPDF, users will meet an interface that represents a ribbon-style backdrop — the same way it appears on Microsoft. The system is designed to highlight a user-friendly experience, thereby making adapting such PDF programs easier.
One of the best parts about Foxit PhantomPDF is the fact that it offers you a clear set of instructions right at the beginning, taking you through a step-by-step journey into editing, reviewing and sharing PDF files on the platform. It is extremely easy for one to create as well as modify existing PDF files with different text and elements. There's also a page extraction, drag page, and drop page option that significantly enhances the how-about of the app. The system holds the ability to convert PDF into different formats, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint as well as Outlook and vice versa.
Pros: Intuitive UI, focus on PDF creation, good collection of PDF edit tools
Cons: PhantomPDF Standard edition does not perform Bates Numbering, which is critical in most law firms, nor does it perform redaction. However, both of these features are present in the more expensive Business edition of Foxit PhantomPDF. Similarly, there are a lot of features lacking in the product that requires a heavy price.
Price: There are three different versions of PhantomPDF, i.e. the Education version which costs $59 one-off fee or $3.83 per month, a Standard version that costs $109 one-off fee or $7.50 per month and the Business version, which costs $9 a month or $139 one-time fee.
3. PDF Architect
PDF Architect is an affordable option that individuals can choose over Adobe Acrobat. Similar to PhantomPDF, the system lacks several advanced features that are essentially meant to enhance the system's use.
Users can carry out the basic activities such as creating, editing and converting PDF files — ideal for those looking for a quick access on an everyday basis. PDF Architect features an economic option that allows users to purchase tools that they wish to use. In other words, you won't be required to spend money on unnecessary features that might never come into use. The program is specifically designed to immerse itself with as many cloud services as it possibly can. This way, individuals can gain access to different services from remote locations as well.
Pros: One can purchase each module separately as per their needs
Cons: There are quite a few problems when it comes to this software including issues regarding its viewing module and the fact that it does not provide a specific mobile optimization. Apart from this, it does not include a drag and drop editing facility either. OCR is not available in basic packages
Price: PDF Architect's price is what tempts one into purchasing the service. There are two versions being offered, i.e. a Standard version which comes for a price of $59 and the Pro version that is priced at $89.
4. Nuance Power PDF Advanced
How about this? A software application that offers ninety-five percent of the same features as Adobe Acrobat but comes for half its price — Nuance Power PDF Advanced. If you are an MS Office users, you'll feel right at home with Nuance Power PDF. The UI is formatted similarly.
While most of you might have heard of it already, it features an extremely user-friendly interface and does an excellent job at creating, manipulating as well as securing numerous PDF files.
The system offers consumers the ability to create forms and gather data for analysis. Furthermore, one can also add notes from Dragon Notes. The scanned files can easily convert to PDF formats and be shared on different platforms. Another highly important aspect is its support for javascript programming — which is unlike any other.
First, as one of the best Adobe Reader alternatives, PDFelement offers 5 reading modes: fit to actual page size, fit to windows width, fit page to window, fit to window height, and full screen. You can select the mode you want to read a PDF file. If you want to read several PDF files at once, open them one-by-one by clicking 'File' > 'Open'. Here is the guide about how to view multiple PDF.
B) Annotate PDFs using Multiple Tools
Comment on PDF files using a variety of comment and markup tools. Adobe Reader only enables you to highlight and add sticky notes to a PDF file while PDFelement offers more options. You can review and highlight aspects of the PDF file with stamps, text box, sticky notes, shapes, highlighters, underline, and strikethrough tools. Here is the guide about how to annotate PDF.
C) Fill Out PDF Form Easily
Fill out and save PDF forms like Adobe Reader, PDFelement lets you fill in PDF forms efficiently. The difference is that it also lets you save the form while Adobe Reader cannot save filled PDF forms. What's more, after you've completed filling a form, you can add a digital signature as well. Here is the guide about how to create fillable form.
D) Edit PDF Content with More Options
Edit PDF text and images with PDFelement. It is more than an alternative to Acrobat Reader in displaying a PDF file. It also lets you edit a PDF file by adding, modifying, and deleting PDF text and images. Here is the guide about how to edit PDF.
E) Convert PDF to Other Formats
Convert and export PDF content for reuse. PDFelement is able to convert and export PDF content to Microsoft Word, Excel, Text, Images, PowerPoint, Plain text, and more. Users can easily copy or edit PDF text before or after conversion. Here is the guide about how to convert PDF.
PDFelement is the best Adobe Reader alternative and even offers more features. It is a complete solution to PDF editing and creation. Download the trial version to have a try today!
2. Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is a smooth PDF reader that is also one of the best Adobe Reader alternative. It also provides functions such as annotation, form filling, and signature PDF.
This PDF reader makes it easy for users to read and print PDF. Foxit PDF Reader integrates OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox and Box, allowing users to collaborate and share information. If your PDF file contains confidential information, this Adobe Reader alternative software can help you encrypt the PDF and sign the PDF.
3. Nitro Pro
Nitro Pro is another Acrobat Reader alternative for Windows. The tool is gaining popularity when it comes to the handling of documents, editing documents, and sharing them with others, both on and offline.
Alternatives To Adobe Acrobat
The documents created by this program can be opened on any PDF reader or any mobile device. The program also has a Cloud feature that lets users sign and share documents with different users.
4. Power PDF
Power PDF comes with nearly all the features you need to edit and create PDFs. It has a dictation option, which makes it useful for sight-impaired users. It helps you create forms, and convert PDFs into Word and other Office file formats. You can use Power PDF to merge different PDFs into one, as well as protect them with secure passwords.
This program helps you dictate notes using Dragon Notes. Instead of typing the notes out, the tool does everything for you. The disadvantage of this application is that you can only open one PDF file at a time. It does not support the opening of multiple PDF files.
5. PDF-Xchange
PDF-Xchange has functions that outdo the basic functionalities of Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can browse for PDF documents, perform simple annotations, use text and drawing tools, and place text where you want using the typewriter tool. PDF-Xchange is a portable application that includes many more features such as OCR, image recognition, and security support.
You can also use this Adobe Reader alternative to apply custom stamps and markups to your document. This program also supports more than 30 languages when viewing and reading documents. However, the special features such as text extraction and reorganizing pages are only accessible through the PRO upgrade.
6. PDF Studio
PDF Studio is a user-friendly Adobe reader alternative which comes at a lower price. It also comes with advanced PDF editing features to work with PDFs seamlessly and efficiently.
The program can also be used as a PDF creator, and you can use it to modify your PDF documents in compliance with PDF standards. You can also create PDFs out of images, Word documents, and other file types. It supports documents through Google Drive SharePoint.
Free Download or Buy PDFelement right now!
Free Download or Buy PDFelement right now!
Buy PDFelement right now!
Buy PDFelement right now!
In the list of top PDF applications, Adobe Acrobat is the most preferred one. The main reason behind users opting for Adobe Acrobat is the fact that the software makes it seamless for them to create PDFs, while also making changes to the saved files as well as sharing the same with others. It goes without saying that Adobe Acrobat is the best at what it is meant to do.
However, it has one drawback, which is, the software comes at a high price. If you are looking just to some basic functions such as annotating or rotating a PDF, then use the Adobe Reader DC on Windows 10 or macOS built-in preview app. Both are free and works fine. However, for more advanced features like edit or merge two PDFs, you will have to shell out money. Still, it doesn't have to as expensive as Adobe Acrobat.
Free Alternative For Acrobat Reader
There are better alternatives for applications like Adobe Acrobat that are meant to serve the same purpose as the former and that too, at a lower price. With the endless PDF programs claiming to offer you the best job possible, we bring you to the top layer of the cream:
Read: How to Reduce PDF File Size Without Losing Quality
Best Adobe Acrobat Alternative
1. Nitro Pro
The best part about Nitro Pro is that the software has a lot in common with Adobe Acrobat. This is possibly the primary reason why it is widely considered to be the best alternative for Adobe Acrobat. With Nitro Pro, one can create PDF files, edit them, shuffle them onto other locations and even eliminate any unwanted element in the view. The system offers bookmarks and linking tools that help in creating and filling in forms.
Users can comment and highlight specific components within documents. It offers security through the use of digital IDs that allow only the owner to access the software. Moreover, it automatically links the PDF printer option upon installation. Some exclusive features of the application include the permanent delete option, which enables individuals to get rid of data from a PDF file.
Read: 7 Best PDF Voice Reader for Windows
Pros: It also comes with an exhaustive converter tool also lets users select data for permanent deletion.
Cons: The major disadvantage of Nitro Pro is that it does not support embed video files when creating PDFs. Therefore, it can get quite troublesome when it comes to creating PDFs.
Price: One can make use of Nitro Pro free of charge during the first 14 days. However, once the trial period expires, users are required to pay $159.99 for lifetime access. Nitro also offers a special discount for those looking to purchase the service in bulk.
Download Nitro Pro (14-days free trial)
2. Foxit PhantomPDF
Foxit PhantomPDF is the second-best alternative to Adobe Acrobat. For those looking to create, share or even simply edit PDF files, must consider Foxit PhantomPDF. Let's not sugar-coat it too much as Foxit PhantomPDF does not offer high profile features the way Nitro or Acrobat does but it still delivers a great job nonetheless.
Upon opening Foxit PhantomPDF, users will meet an interface that represents a ribbon-style backdrop — the same way it appears on Microsoft. The system is designed to highlight a user-friendly experience, thereby making adapting such PDF programs easier.
One of the best parts about Foxit PhantomPDF is the fact that it offers you a clear set of instructions right at the beginning, taking you through a step-by-step journey into editing, reviewing and sharing PDF files on the platform. It is extremely easy for one to create as well as modify existing PDF files with different text and elements. There's also a page extraction, drag page, and drop page option that significantly enhances the how-about of the app. The system holds the ability to convert PDF into different formats, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint as well as Outlook and vice versa.
Pros: Intuitive UI, focus on PDF creation, good collection of PDF edit tools
Cons: PhantomPDF Standard edition does not perform Bates Numbering, which is critical in most law firms, nor does it perform redaction. However, both of these features are present in the more expensive Business edition of Foxit PhantomPDF. Similarly, there are a lot of features lacking in the product that requires a heavy price.
Price: There are three different versions of PhantomPDF, i.e. the Education version which costs $59 one-off fee or $3.83 per month, a Standard version that costs $109 one-off fee or $7.50 per month and the Business version, which costs $9 a month or $139 one-time fee.
3. PDF Architect
PDF Architect is an affordable option that individuals can choose over Adobe Acrobat. Similar to PhantomPDF, the system lacks several advanced features that are essentially meant to enhance the system's use.
Users can carry out the basic activities such as creating, editing and converting PDF files — ideal for those looking for a quick access on an everyday basis. PDF Architect features an economic option that allows users to purchase tools that they wish to use. In other words, you won't be required to spend money on unnecessary features that might never come into use. The program is specifically designed to immerse itself with as many cloud services as it possibly can. This way, individuals can gain access to different services from remote locations as well.
Pros: One can purchase each module separately as per their needs
Cons: There are quite a few problems when it comes to this software including issues regarding its viewing module and the fact that it does not provide a specific mobile optimization. Apart from this, it does not include a drag and drop editing facility either. OCR is not available in basic packages
Price: PDF Architect's price is what tempts one into purchasing the service. There are two versions being offered, i.e. a Standard version which comes for a price of $59 and the Pro version that is priced at $89.
4. Nuance Power PDF Advanced
How about this? A software application that offers ninety-five percent of the same features as Adobe Acrobat but comes for half its price — Nuance Power PDF Advanced. If you are an MS Office users, you'll feel right at home with Nuance Power PDF. The UI is formatted similarly.
While most of you might have heard of it already, it features an extremely user-friendly interface and does an excellent job at creating, manipulating as well as securing numerous PDF files.
The system offers consumers the ability to create forms and gather data for analysis. Furthermore, one can also add notes from Dragon Notes. The scanned files can easily convert to PDF formats and be shared on different platforms. Another highly important aspect is its support for javascript programming — which is unlike any other.
Pros: Superlative security features, Javascript support
Acrobat reader free download for win7. Cons: The main issue with Nuance Power PDF is that it lacks many features offered its major competitors.
Price: The Nuance Power PDF Advanced software application comes for a lifetime price of $99.
Best Adobe Acrobat Alternative?
Well, it depends on your need. The closest alternative in our opinion would be Nitro Pro. If you are an MS Office users, Nuance Power PDF might work out for you.
It is very important to analyze your requirements before purchasing a PDF Suite. Some of the PDF software mentioned above focus mainly on editing PDF files, while some offer an exhaustive set of PDF creation tools and some are best suited for converting and merging PDF files. Logic free download pc. Thankfully a majority of these tools are offered with a trial so it goes without saying, try before you buy!
Read: Best Apps to Convert PDF to Word Document
