The 15 Best Free PDF Readers of 2024

What is a PDF Reader?

A PDF (Portable Document Format) reader is a software that enables users to view, annotate, edit, and manage PDF files. Created by Adobe, this file format offers compatibility across multiple operating systems, making it a popular choice for sharing documents.

Are PDF readers free or do they cost money?

Both! There are a plethora of free PDF readers available, as well as premium (paid) versions offering advanced features.

What’s the difference between free PDF readers and paid ones?

Free PDF readers generally offer basic features such as viewing, basic annotation tools, and form filling. Paid versions, on the other hand, provide extensive functionality, including advanced editing tools, OCR (optical character recognition), watermarking, password protection, and digital signatures.

Which Free PDF reader is the best?

The “best” PDF reader varies based on individual needs. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and Foxit PDF Reader are among the most popular and comprehensive, but others excel in specific areas, such as user interface or file compatibility.

Top 5 free PDF readers for Mac:

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
2. PDF-XChange Editor (Limited free version)
3. Sumatra PDF (Also supports EPUB and MOBI)
4. Foxit PDF Reader
5. MuPDF (Open-source)

Top 5 free PDF readers for PC (Windows):

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (Offers cloud storage integration with Dropbox)
2. Foxit PDF Reader (Known for its user-friendly interface)
3. PDF-XChange Editor (Excellent for editing PDF files)
4. Sumatra PDF (Lightweight and supports multiple file formats)
5. Nitro Reader (Allows users to create PDFs from other file types)

Top 5 free PDF readers for iPhone (iOS):

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
2. Foxit PDF Reader Mobile
3. PDF-XChange Editor for iOS
4. SmallPDF (An all-in-one PDF software for viewing and converting PDFs)
5. MuPDF for iOS

Top 5 free PDF readers for Android:

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
2. Foxit PDF Reader Mobile
3. PDF-XChange Editor for Android
4. MuPDF for Android
5. Slim PDF (Known as the lightest PDF reader for Android in 2023)

FAQs

1. What is the world’s most trusted free PDF viewer?
   • Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is globally recognized and trusted.
2. What is the lightest PDF reader for 2023?
   • Slim PDF holds the title for being the most lightweight.
3. What is the most popular free PDF viewer?
   • Adobe Acrobat Reader DC tops the popularity charts, with Foxit coming in close.

Top 15 PDF Software Overall

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

– Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

– Features: Allows users to view PDFs, annotate, fill forms, and even add digital signatures. It offers cloud storage integration with services like Dropbox and Google Drive. While its basic version is free, there are advanced features available in the paid version.

2. Foxit PDF Reader

– Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

– Features: Known for its intuitive user interface, Foxit allows users to read, annotate, and edit pdf files. It also includes cloud storage options, form filling, and advanced editing features in its pro version.

3. PDF-XChange Editor

– Compatibility: Windows

– Features: Offers features like markup and annotation tools, form filling, OCR, and the ability to edit pdf documents. While the free version provides a robust reading experience, the paid version unlocks more editing tools.

4. Sumatra PDF

– Compatibility: Windows

– Features: A lightweight, open-source PDF viewer that supports other file formats like ePub, Mobi, and more. It focuses on basic features, ensuring a fast and smooth reading experience.

5. Nitro Reader

– Compatibility: Windows

– Features: Allows users to create PDFs, annotate, and insert and extract PDF pages. It also offers advanced features like digital signatures and password protection in its free version.

6. MuPDF

– Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux

– Features: An open-source PDF viewer that’s lightweight and fast. It provides basic functionality like viewing and annotating PDFs.

7. Slim PDF

– Compatibility: Windows

– Features: As the name suggests, it’s one of the smallest PDF readers available. Offers basic features to view pdf documents and is perfect for users looking for a straightforward reader without extra frills.

8. SmallPDF

– Compatibility: Web Browser (Cloud-based)

– Features: Not just a PDF viewer, but also a converter that can convert PDFs to and from file formats like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. It also allows basic editing, merging, and watermarking of PDF files.

9. Microsoft Edge

– Compatibility: Windows 10

– Features: The built-in web browser of Windows 10 offers functionality to read pdfs, annotate, and even fill pdf forms without any additional software.

10. Google Drive PDF Viewer

– Compatibility: Web Browser

– Features: Integrated into Google Drive, it allows users to view and annotate PDF files. It also provides cloud storage, making it easy for users to access PDFs on the go.

11. PDF Viewer (by Apple)

– Compatibility: iOS

– Features: Integrated into Apple devices, it allows users to view and annotate PDFs. Offers a user-friendly interface with options for bookmarks and cloud storage.

12. PDF Reader Pro

– Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

– Features: Apart from reading PDFs, it offers tools to annotate, edit, and merge PDF files. The free version has the basic tools, and the paid version offers advanced features.

13. PDF Converter

– Compatibility: Web Browser

– Features: As the name suggests, this tool allows users to convert PDFs to various file types like HTML, txt, etc. It also has a basic PDF viewing mode.

14. Expert PDF Reader

– Compatibility: Windows

– Features: Allows users to view, annotate, and print PDF documents. It provides basic editing features like adding sticky notes and marking up texts.

15. Soda PDF

– Compatibility: Windows, Web Browser

– Features: This all-in-one solution can create, edit, and view PDFs. It supports password protection, annotations, and offers a free download with basic features. The paid version provides an extensive range of editing features.

The best free PDF reader for you depends on your needs. Whether you simply want to view PDFs or have advanced editing needs, there’s a tool out there that fits the bill. Always check for compatibility with your operating system and the functionalities you require before choosing your ideal PDF software.