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Best Android PDF Reader: Reviewed and Ranked!

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Dive in to discover the best Android PDF readers that will enhance your reading experience on the go.

PDF Reader Android: We review the best of the best.

PDF files have become a staple in our digital world, whether for work, study, or leisure. But reading long PDF documents can be a tedious and unnecessarily long task, especially for those with reading difficulties or disabilities, or for those who choose to listen to text instead of reading it. Fortunately, technology has come to the rescue, and now there are several Android PDF reader apps available for Android devices that can read PDF files out loud using text to speech technology. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the best PDF apps Android, highlighting their features and benefits to help you choose the best one for your needs.

What is a PDF reader?

A PDF reader, also known as a PDF viewer, is a software application specifically designed to view, navigate, and sometimes edit Portable Document Format (PDF) files. PDF is a versatile file format developed by Adobe Systems that preserves the fonts, images, graphics, and layout of any source document, regardless of the computer or software it was created on. Consequently, PDF readers provide a consistent way for users to view and interact with content across different devices and operating systems without the need to have the originating application installed.

Benefits of PDF readers

As a universal standard, PDFs ensure that the content remains consistent across different platforms and devices. To leverage the full potential of this format, PDF readers have been developed, offering a plethora of benefits, including:

  1. Consistency across platforms: One of the most prominent benefits of PDF readers is their ability to display documents consistently across different devices and operating systems. Whether you're viewing a PDF on a Mac, Windows PC, tablet, or smartphone, the content will appear the same, preserving its original formatting and layout.
  2. Security: PDF readers often come with features that allow for secure document viewing. This includes password protection, encryption, and even restrictions on copying, editing, or printing the content, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of information.
  3. Annotations and comments: Many PDF readers offer tools for users to annotate or comment directly on the document. This is particularly useful for collaborative tasks, as team members can provide feedback, highlight important sections, or make notes without altering the original content.
  4. Integrated search function: With a PDF reader, users can quickly search for specific text within a lengthy document, making it easier to locate and reference particular sections or terms.
  5. Accessibility features: Modern PDF readers often include accessibility features such as text to speech, which can be beneficial for individuals with visual impairments or reading disabilities.
  6. Interactivity: Beyond static text and images, PDFs can also contain links, buttons, forms, and multimedia elements. A good PDF reader will allow users to interact with these components, enhancing the overall user experience.
  7. Compactness: PDF files are often more compact than their source documents, especially when they contain graphics or images. With a PDF reader, users can view these compressed files without losing quality, making them ideal for sharing and storage.

Android’s built-in PDF reader: Google PDF Viewer

Most Android devices come with a built-in PDF reader, usually, Android users use the Google PDF Viewer. This app is designed to provide basic PDF viewing and navigation capabilities. Here’s a break down of the top Google PDF Viewer features:

  1. Open the PDF file: Once you've located the PDF file, tap on it to open it. Android should recognize Google PDF Viewer as the default app for viewing PDFs and open the file with it.
  2. Navigation: When the PDF file opens, you'll see the content of the PDF on your screen. You can swipe up and down to scroll through the pages. You can also use the on-screen navigation buttons or gestures, if available, to move between pages.
  3. Zoom in and out: To zoom in on a particular part of the document, use the pinch-to-zoom gesture (spread two fingers apart to zoom in, and pinch them together to zoom out). This is useful for reading small text or viewing detailed graphics.
  4. Search within the PDF: Google PDF Viewer includes a search function. Look for a magnifying glass or search icon, and use it to search for specific words or phrases within the PDF.
  5. View options: Some PDFs may have features like bookmarks, hyperlinks, or annotations. Depending on the PDF, you can tap on these elements to navigate within the document or access related content.
  6. Accessibility options: Google PDF Viewer supports accessibility features, such as text to speech, allowing you to have the document read aloud.
  7. Rotate the screen: If you want to change the orientation of the document, you can rotate your device, and Google PDF Viewer will adjust accordingly.
  8. Save or share the PDF: If you need to save or share the PDF, tap the share icon or options within the app. This allows you to send the PDF to other apps, email it, or save it to your device.

While it may be good for some users, those who need more advanced features such as annotation, commenting, or form filling may want to consider using a different Android PDF reader app.

Best PDF readers for Android

Android devices stand out for their vast ecosystem and adaptability. To match this dynamism, a myriad of mobile apps have been designed specifically for these devices, ensuring that users can efficiently open PDF files on the go. As PDFs have become a ubiquitous format for digital content, having the best PDF reader mobile app for your Android device is not just a luxury, but a necessity, ensuring seamless access and interaction with your important documents whenever and wherever you need them, so let’s explore the best Android PDF Readers.

Speechify PDF Reader for Android

speechify-app-logo-small

Speechify sets itself apart as a distinctive text to speech PDF reader. Crafted mainly for those who learn best through listening and for individuals facing reading challenges such as dyslexia, it transforms written content from PDFs into audible narration. It's particularly beneficial for those with visual challenges and multitaskers. Its user-friendly design ensures a seamless and enjoyable auditory experience.

Pricing: Free version or premium version for $139/year

Top features:

  1. OCR scanning
  2. 200+ lifelike narrator options
  3. Multilingual support
  4. Text highlighting
  5. Speed controls

Foxit PDF Reader

Foxit PDF Reader

Foxit Reader stands as a lightweight and robust alternative to Adobe, emphasizing quick performance and efficiency. It provides an array of tools for viewing, annotations, and filling out forms. Boasting a user-centric interface and robust security measures, it's a favored option among businesses.

Pricing: Free

Top features:

  1. Ability to create new PDFs
  2. PDF reading
  3. Digital signing
  4. Multilingual support
  5. Speed controls

Xodo PDF Reader & Editor

Xodo-Pdf-Reader

Xodo is a cross-platform PDF tool highlighting collaborative capabilities and user-friendliness. It enables users to effortlessly read, annotate, sign, and distribute PDFs. Its notable prowess on mobile devices, facilitating on-the-move annotations and modifications, garners particular acclaim. Thanks to its integration with the cloud, it offers a consistent workflow across various platforms and gadgets.

Pricing: $108 annually

Top features:

  1. E-signature feature
  2. Unlimited document processing
  3. Bulk file conversion
  4. License for business use
  5. PDF merging

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe-Acrobat-Reader-1

Renowned in the PDF software landscape, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC provides an extensive toolkit for users to freely view, annotate, and sign PDFs. Through its cloud connectivity, users enjoy effortless access and editing of documents across different devices. Its longstanding reputation is built on trustworthiness and a plethora of features. This software is a benchmark in both work and personal arenas.

Pricing: Free version or $12.99/month for premium

Top features:

  1. E-signing
  2. Response tracking
  3. Form filling
  4. Collaboration features
  5. Edit text and images, export, secure, and organize documents

PDF Expert

PDF-expert

PDF Expert is a sophisticated digital tool designed for the manipulation and management of PDF documents. Favored by both professionals and casual users, it offers a suite of functionalities beyond just reading. Users can seamlessly annotate, edit text, replace images, and manage links within the PDF as well as sign documents. Its conversion tools are also noteworthy, allowing users to transform PDFs into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.

Pricing: $39.99 yearly

Top features:

  1. PDF file manager
  2. Ability to convert PDFs to Word, Excel, PPT
  3. Multilingual support
  4. OCR feature
  5. Sign documents

WPS Office

wps-office

Though WPS Office is known for its word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools, it also boasts a capable PDF viewing and editing feature. Users have the convenience to view, annotate, and transform PDF files without the requirement of another application. Mirroring the appearance of Microsoft Office, it presents a recognizable interface to its users. With its availability across different platforms, users can access it on a variety of devices.

Pricing: $35.99

Top features:

  1. Contract signing
  2. PDF editing
  3. PDF collaboration
  4. Form filling
  5. PDF compression

MuPDF

MuPDF

MuPDF is a free PDF reader celebrated for its swift page rendering and efficiency. Designed with a keen emphasis on performance, it accommodates functionalities such as annotations and form-filling. Given its compact nature, it's particularly apt for mobile devices and vintage PCs. Furthermore, for developers aiming to integrate it into their software, MuPDF provides a range of bindings.

Pricing: Free

Top features:

  1. Annotation
  2. PDF editing
  3. Document conversion
  4. PDF viewer
  5. Document manipulation

Foxit PDF Editor

Foxit PDF Reader

Foxit PDF Editor, formerly recognized as Foxit PhantomPDF, serves as an all-encompassing platform for generating, modifying, and safeguarding PDFs. With a rich array of tools designed for both personal and professional users, it stands out due to functionalities like collaborative reviews, form generation, and enhanced security measures. Thanks to its intuitive interface coupled with swift operations, it promises both efficiency and elevated productivity.

Pricing: $13.25/month, billed annually

Top features:

  1. PDF editing
  2. PDF filling
  3. Document signing
  4. Live collaboration
  5. Exporting to popular formats

CamScanner

CamScanner

CamScanner is a versatile scanner application designed to transform your mobile device into an efficient portable scanner. Leveraging advanced AI-driven OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology, it automatically identifies and processes text within scanned documents, ensuring both clarity and accuracy. Once scanned, users can effortlessly save documents in various formats, such as PDF, JPG, Word, or TXT, and then share them as needed.

Pricing: $4.99 per month

Top features:

  1. PDF merging & splitting
  2. OCR scanning
  3. E-signing feature
  4. PDF password protection
  5. Watermarking

EBookDroid - PDF & DJVU Reader

EBookDroid-PDF-DJVU-Reader

EBookDroid - PDF & DJVU Reader is a versatile and highly customizable document viewer designed for Android devices. It supports a wide range of ebook and document formats, including DjVU, PDF, XPS, FictionBook, Comics Book formats, EPUB, RTF, MOBI, and AWZ3. A standout feature of EBookDroid is its flexible font mapping for PDFs, allowing for both internal and external fonts. Version 2.0 of the app introduces additional tools like text selection, highlighting, free-hand annotations, and notes.

Pricing: Free

Top features:

  1. Ability to annotate PDFs free-hand
  2. External dictionary support
  3. Zooming
  4. Crop and split pages
  5. Flexible font mapping

GoodReader GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer

GoodReader-GoodReader-PDF-Editor-Viewer

GoodReader stands as a powerful PDF management solution tailored for iOS devices. Beyond just reading and marking up PDFs, it's adept at organizing files, synchronizing with multiple cloud platforms, and decompressing archives. Its versatility in handling diverse tasks, from perusing lengthy books to modifying documents, has endeared it to many iPad and iPhone enthusiasts. Its evolution through consistent updates over time guarantees users an enhanced experience.

Pricing: $5.99/month

Top features:

  1. Ability to view PDF files
  2. Annotation features
  3. Integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.
  4. Split screen feature
  5. Data protection

PocketBook Reader

Pocketbook-Reader

PocketBook Reader is a free app tailored for avid readers, providing an extensive platform to enjoy a wide range of e-content, from books and magazines to textbooks and PDFs. Notably, it's not just limited to reading; the app also caters to audiobook enthusiasts. Supporting an impressive array of 26 book and audio formats, it ensures a comprehensive reading experience. One of its standout features is the ad-free environment, allowing users to immerse themselves in their reading or listening sessions without interruptions, ensuring utmost comfort.

Pricing: Free

Top features:

  1. Supports 19 book formats
  2. Text to speech
  3. Bookmarking
  4. Integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.
  5. Night mode

PDF-XChange Viewer

PDF-XChange-Viewer

PDF-XChange Viewer stands out due to its powerful annotation and editing functions. PDF-XChange Editor offers a comprehensive range of tools, enabling users to annotate, alter, and implement OCR on PDF documents. It is lauded for its seamless operation and user-friendly interface. Additionally, the software comes equipped with features to craft fillable forms and directly scan documents into PDF format.

Pricing: $56 per year

Top features:

  1. OCR scanning
  2. Annotation features
  3. Ability to edit PDFs
  4. PDF forms
  5. PDF signing

Moon+ Reader

Moon-Reader

Moon+ Reader is a feature-rich PDF and ebook reader designed to enhance the digital reading experience. It supports a vast array of file formats and allows users to enjoy innovative reading features like smooth scrolling. Its customization options are extensive, allowing adjustments in visual settings, over 10 themes, and even varying page-turning effects. Navigation is made easy with touch, volume, and camera key controls.

Pricing: $8.99 + in-app purchases

Top features:

  1. Text highlighting
  2. Customizable text settings
  3. Dictionary integrations
  4. Eye health reading options
  5. Dual page mode for landscape screen

PDF Viewer Pro

PDF-Viewer-Pro

PDF Viewer Pro is an advanced software application designed for Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks that facilitates comprehensive interaction with PDF documents. Beyond the basic functionalities of viewing and searching within PDFs, PDF Viewer Pro offers a suite of professional features that enhance the document interaction experience, allowing users to annotate, create, and modify PDFs.

Pricing: $ 47.99 lifetime license

Top features:

  1. Annotating functionality
  2. OCR scanning
  3. Bookmarking
  4. Smart zoom
  5. PDF customization and themes

ezPDF Reader PDF Annotate Form

ezPDF-Reader-PDF-Annotate-Form

ezPDF Reader PDF Annotate Form is a comprehensive PDF management tool for Android devices that stands out from other PDF readers due to its multifaceted features. Not only does it allow for the standard viewing and highlighting of documents, but it is also equipped to play embedded multimedia files, such as audio, video, and GIF animations, as well as has a text to speech feature. Additional features include DRM Service, providing added protection to sensitive documents by preventing misuse and tracking the distribution history, night mode, and gesture controls.

Pricing: Free

Top features:

  1. PDF annotations
  2. Text to speech
  3. Fillable forms
  4. Multimedia support
  5. Night mode

pdfFiller

pdfFiller

PdfFiller is a web-based platform dedicated to modifying, signing, and dispatching PDFs. Utilizing cloud technology, it enables users to adjust documents straight from their browsers, ensuring compatibility across various devices. The platform prioritizes teamwork, offering tools for users to seek signatures or distribute modifiable documents to peers. While it operates on a subscription model, ensuring regular updates and cloud space, the annual cost is more expensive than other solutions.

Pricing: $96 per user per year, with a minimum of 20 users required

Top features:

  1. PDF creation
  2. PDF collaboration and sharing
  3. Annotations
  4. Forms & magic fields
  5. E-signing

Libera Reader

Libera-Reader

Librera Reader is a versatile and lightweight e-book reading application designed for Android devices, renowned for its capability to support a vast array of e-book formats including, but not limited to, PDF, EPUB, MOBI, and DJVU. Occupying just under 14MB of storage, its interface is feature-rich yet user-friendly, adaptable to user preferences for an optimal reading experience. Beyond simple reading, Librera Reader offers text to speech functionalities, annotations, bookmarks, and even a unique mode tailored for musicians that allows automated sheet scrolling.

Pricing: Free

Top features:

  1. Text to speech
  2. Annotations
  3. Bookmarking
  4. Dictionary lookups
  5. Automated scrolling

eReader Prestigio

eReader-Prestigio-1

eReader Prestigio is a free yet comprehensive, multilingual book reading application designed for both text and audiobooks. Supporting a variety of formats, including PDFs, it offers users an intuitive interface available in over 25 languages. The app distinguishes itself with its in-app store library, boasting over 50,000 text books suitable for both children and adults, complemented by Text to speech functionality for a read-along experience. Users can personalize their reading experience through a selection of themes, in-book backgrounds, fonts, and reading modes.

PDF Extra

PDF-Extra

PDF Extra stands out as an all-encompassing tool designed for a complete editing, creation, and signing experience with PDF documents. Going beyond basic functionalities, it offers a generous storage solution with 100 GB on MobiDrive, ensuring that users have ample space to manage and archive their essential documents. An additional standout feature is its ability to convert PDFs to various office formats, facilitating effortless integration into other software and work processes. For a one-time fee of $99.99, users can enjoy PDF Extra’s flexibility and accessibility.

DocuSign

DocuSign

At $15 monthly, DocuSign is a game-changer in the realm of electronic document management, particularly for PDFs. This digital solution empowers users to sign, send, and manage documents securely and efficiently from virtually anywhere. Instead of relying on traditional and time-consuming paper-based methods, users can electronically sign PDFs, ensuring both convenience and security. DocuSign's platform provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier for individuals and businesses to complete agreements and contracts on the go.

OfficeSuite

OfficeSuite

OfficeSuite is a robust and comprehensive office solution tailored to cater to modern productivity needs. It offers users a suite of tools, enabling them to not only create, edit, format, and comment on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, but also to convert and protect them. Remarkably versatile, OfficeSuite boasts compatibility with a myriad of platforms, including Microsoft Office, Google's suite of office tools, OpenOffice, LibreOffice, and many others.

Speechify – #1 Android PDF reader 

Speechify emerges as a clear front-runner when it comes to Android PDF readers. What sets this text to speech tool apart is its 200+ lifelike voices that cater to diverse linguistic preferences. Additionally, its versatility is commendable; not only can it handle multiple language accents with ease, but it’s also proficient at reading a broad range of materials. Whether it’s content from a website, a study guide, or documents in formats such as PDF or DOC, Speechify can read any text aloud, ensuring a seamless reading experience. Available on Windows, Mac, IOS, and Android, Speechify also allows you to listen to your PDFs on the go. Download the Speechify Android app for free from the Google Play store today and boost your productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best PDF reader for Android varies based on user needs, but many recommend Speechify for its excellent text to speech capabilities.

Yes, Android does come with a built-in PDF viewer, typically through the Google Drive app or a pre-installed file manager.

Yes, Speechify is a free PDF app that reads PDFs aloud.

The difference between PDF and ePub is that PDF preserves the exact layout and design of a document, while ePub is a more flexible format designed specifically for ebooks, allowing text to adjust based on the device's screen size.

To read a PDF on your Android phone, simply open the PDF file using a preferred app, such as Speechify, which can even read out the content for you.

Reading a PDF on an Android tablet is similar to a phone; you'll use a suitable app, like Speechify, to open and view the document.

A PDF file is a Portable Document Format file, designed to present documents consistently across different platforms and devices, and Speechify can help bring these documents to life with its audio features.

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.