Top 10 pdf reader for windows

If you want to open a PDF document these days, the first solution that comes to mind is the web browsers, most of which now have an inbuilt PDF reader. This has reduced the need for a dedicated PDF reader or PDF viewer software. However, features like digital signature, form filling, annotation, etc. are still the cup of tea for an advanced PDF reader software.

For Windows 10/11, there are already tons of options if you want to download PDF viewer apps. But what are the ones you should go for? So, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best PDF readers for Windows PCs. The 2022 list includes the likes of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, SumatraPDF, Foxit Reader, etc. which are already a known name.

10 Best PDF Readers for Windows (2022)

Choosing the right PDF reader for Windows that suits your needs in the year 2022 isn’t a tough task, but you need to know about the available options. So, let’s tell you about different software for viewing and reading PDF documents and help you decide which one’s best for you:

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

If you’re looking for a powerful program to read PDF files, I’d like to recommend Adobe Acrobat Reader. It’s not uncommon to come across a PDF file that demands an advanced PDF reader. Here, I’m talking about the fillable forms that you can’t take care of using a basic PDF reader software for Windows.

Adobe Reader for Windows provides different reading modes, text highlighting, adding notes, filling forms, digital signatures, add stamps, etc. Adobe’s free PDF reader for Windows also supports a tabbed view, which means that you can open multiple PDF files simultaneously.

So, if your needs aren’t simple, you don’t want to just “read” PDF files, and you need advanced features, downloading Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the right choice. It’s also the best PDF reader for large files that some lightweight programs are unable to process fully.

Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP

2. SumatraPDF

SumatraPDF is an open-source and lightweight PDF reader software that you can install and use on your Windows computer. Licensed under GPLv3 license, SumatraPDF supports formats other than PDF as well, including the likes of EPUB, MOBI, FB2, CHM, XPS, and DjVu.

As I mentioned above, this free and best PDF reader is very light, and its 64-bit installer is just about 5MB in size. So, if you’re looking for a good PDF reader software that can deliver a fantastic reading experience with fast performance and essential features, SumatraPDF is the right PDF reader for you. But, it lacks advanced features like annotations, document signing, and form-filling.

It supports various keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate quickly and improve your reading experience. Sumatra also comes with easy previewing of LaTeX documents, and you can configure different text editors to integrate Sumatra. The free PDF viewer also supports running in restricted mode.

Supported platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP

3. Foxit reader

If you’re looking for a robust and free PDF reader for Windows 10/11 or older versions of Microsoft Windows, your search might end with Foxit Reader.

Just like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Foxit is a popular name in the world of document readers. However, compared to Adobe’s PDF reading solution, Foxit is comparatively lighter.

A while ago, Foxit also introduced its new online ConnectedPDF Document Management System. Its Text Viewer mode removes complex formatting and displays a plain Notepad-like view of the file.

The collaboration features further improve your PDF experience by letting you work online and share it with others. It’s an advanced software for reading PDF files, and it comes will all the necessary features.

Supported platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP

4. Expert PDF Reader

Another free to use the software you can find is the Expert PDF Reader which is developed by Visagesoft. In terms of look and feel, it will give you the feels of old MS Office apps. But the fact that it’s great at doing its job makes Expert PDF Reader an option worth considering.

Speaking of features, this Windows PDF reader can handle almost any document you throw at it. Also, you can modify annotations, add rubber stamps, etc. in existing files even if they’re created using other software.

Furthermore, you can bookmark files, view page thumbnails, and use the tabs feature open to multiple PDF files at the same time with this free PDF viewer.

Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7

5. Nitro Free PDF Reader

Nitro Reader is another famous name in the world of office and productivity software. I personally like this free PDF document reader as it tries to strike the perfect balance between usability and features. It doesn’t come loaded with tons of unnecessary features that one never uses. Its slick interface looks like just any other application from Microsoft’s Office suite.

Apart from all the basic features, Nitro Reader also comes with a handy QuickSign feature that makes digitally signing documents a simple task. You can also secure your documents and make sure that they are opened by the people who’ve received a digital certificate from you. So, go for Nitro Reader if you wish to use a no-nonsense PDF reader for Windows that also has a beautiful UI.

Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP

6. Google Drive

Just like your web browser, Google Drive is another way of opening a PDF file without any external tools. However, what it offers is an online PDF reader instead of other full-blown Windows apps on this list.

It offers basic features such as PDF printing, download, and lets you find content in the document. You can simply choose the option to open a PDF via Google Docs and convert that PDF into an editable doc format.

Apart from opening a PDF in its bare minimum format, you can connect external Chrome apps to this PDF reader and extend its functionality. Overall, it can turn to be a great alternative to traditional PDF viewers if you mostly store documents in your Google Drive.

Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP

7. Web Browsers – Chrome, Firefox, Edge

If your primarly goal is viewing PDF files and you don’t need features that come with advanced PDF reader software for Windows, you don’t need dedicated software. Your web browsers, like Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Opera, come with a free PDF reader built-in.

They are a part of your web browser and updated regularly with new features alongside your browser. As you click on a PDF link, the web browser starts opening the PDF file on its own and provides you a clutter-free reading experience. All browsers allow you to use features like adjustable text size, rotation, download, and printing.

Just in case you want to open locally stored PDF files using your web browser, you need to simply drag it to an open browser window. You can also right-click on the file to choose your browser using the “Choose Another App” option. If you don’t open or view PDF files regularly, your web browser is the best PDF viewer you can get.

Supported platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7

8. Slim PDF

Just like SumatraPDF, Slim PDF is another lightweight to consider if you’re searching for the best PDF reader for Windows 10/11 OS. Slim PDF calls itself the world’s smallest desktop PDF reader.

It’s an easy to use PDF reader for PC users and has recently been updated with a redesigned UI and support for the dark mode the many would fancy. Just as one would expect, this free PDF software is simply focused on reading, viewing, and printing your PDF files.

Slim PDF loads very quickly and lets you complete your job in less time. Please note that this Windows PDF reader doesn’t support many popular keyboard shortcuts, so don’t get disappointed. Also, it doesn’t let you highlight your text word by word. Anyway, it’s a portable PDF reader software that just works.

Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP

9. Javelin PDF Reader

The second-last entry on our top PDF readers list for 2022 is Javelin PDF Reader. It comes with all the basic PDF reading functionality that one needs to complete daily chores. The overall interface is super clean, and you can choose from most of the common reading modes like full screen, continuous, side by side, etc.

With just 2MB download size, Javelin is pretty lightweight when compared to the likes of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and Foxit Reader. This free PDF viewer for PC can open DRM-protected files with any issues and provides markup and annotation.

Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP

10. PDF-XChange Editor

PDF-XChange Editor is a free PDF reader for Windows 10/11 that has been completely revamped and simplified. It delivers quick loading times and provides a lightweight experience for reading, printing, annotating, saving images and text, etc. from a PDF file.

Prior to this, the software was called PDF-XChange Viewer, and it didn’t have the basic editing functions available for free. You also get features like OCR and digital signature as well. However, the UI might seem a little cluttered with too many options, maybe, a redesign would give some room to breathe.

As claimed by the developers, the free version of PDF-XChange Editor provides more than 60% of the features that ship with the paid version.

Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP

Btw, What is PDF? Who created it?

PDF stands for Portable Document Format and it was developed by Adobe – the makers of Acrobat Reader – in the 1990s.

One of the biggest advantages of PDF is it retains the document attributes and formatting as intended by the creator. For example, you might have seen how an MS Word file looks different when opened in some other word processor app.

Also, PDF makes documents tamper-proof which means unauthorized people can’t make any changes to the original document. It’s a much-needed feature in the case of confidential information and in times when we are dealing with tons of fake news.

So, which one is the best PDF reader for Windows 10/11?

So, we have listed down the best PDF reader software for Windows 10/11 and older versions that you can try out in 2022. Depending on your usage and needs, your choices might defer. For example, you might need an open source PDF reader or a free one, or a paid one with more features.

In my opinion, you have got full-fledged PDF readers like Acrobat DC, Foxit, and Nitro. The Windows PDF readers pack all the features that you would need for everyday usage. But if you don’t want the hassle of installation, you can either go with your web browser or the online PDF reader in Google Drive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Even though they’re over 25 years old, PDFs are still one of the main types of documents on the internet. Whether you’re trying to access your W-2, a contract, or an ebook, it’ll probably be in the form of a PDF. But to view these important documents, you need to download a PDF reader on your computer.

There are hundreds of PDF readers and some can cost you almost a thousand dollars per year, so we sifted through the internet to find the best free PDF readers that you can download online.

Below, we created a list of 15 of the best free PDF readers whose capabilities range from only viewing PDFs to creating, editing, and securing them.

The 5 Best Free PDF Readers for Windows and Mac

1. Foxit Reader

Image Source

Foxit Reader is like the Google Docs of PDF readers. You can create, share, and secure your PDFs all on the cloud. To create PDFs, you can upload scans, convert Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and Excel sheets, and even combine multiple PDFs into a new file.

If you want to collaborate with someone on a PDF, you can grant and revoke document access, track who opens your document and view their activity, edit, comment, and also notify readers about new updates to your PDF.

What We Like

Foxit reader also provides multiple security options to keep your PDFs safe and private, like passwords, digital signatures, and encryption. If you create PDFs regularly for your job and need a way to collaborate on the same file, Foxit would be a good option.

2. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Image Source

Adobe’s free PDF reader, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, connects to the Adobe Document cloud and other cloud storage systems like Box, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive, letting you open, view, share, and comment on PDFs from anywhere and on any device you want.

What We Like

Acrobat Reader DC coolest feature is that it can read text out loud, guiding you along any document that’s challenging to read. Adobe’s free PDF reader is great for any busy professional who needs to annotate PDFs on the go or on their commute.

3. Javelin PDF Reader

Image Source

Javelin PDF Reader is a straightforward PDF reader that lets you launch and print standard and encrypted PDFs, annotate them, and bookmark them. Since its download size is two MB and it doesn’t have extra features like editing, the PDF reader is fast with a simple and clean user interface. If you want to read and take notes on PDFs quickly, Javelin is probably the PDF reader for you.

What We Like

Although basic compared to powerhouse Adobe, if you want to read and take notes on PDFs quickly, Javelin is probably the PDF reader for you.

4. Google Drive

Image Source

Google Drive is the most accessible PDF converter and PDF storage system. On the platform, you can convert any of your documents, presentations, and sheets into PDF files and upload any PDFs to it for your own viewing purposes. If your only use for PDFs is viewing them or converting files into them, Google Drive is the best option for you.

What We Like

Google Drive allows teams to share documents and collaborate seamlessly thanks to a user-friendly interface and intuitive design.

5. Your Web Browser

Web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari all have integrated PDF readers. To view a PDF on your browser, all you have to do is click on the PDF link. You can also open PDF files that are already stored on your computer by dragging them to an open tab in your browser.

Additional features included in most browsers’ PDF readers: rotate, download, print, and adjust text size.

What We Like

The most accessible option on this list, web browser readers make it easy to open, read, adjust PDFs. If you don’t need to convert files into PDFs and you only need to view PDFs, you don’t need to download a PDF reader. You can just use your web browser.

The 5 Best Free PDF Readers for Windows

1. Nitro Reader

Image Source

Nitro Reader has a reputation for striking a good balance between usability and advanced features. The platform has an intuitive and slick interface, but you also have access to a wide variety of tools to create, review, secure, and share PDF files. To create new PDFs, all you have to do is drag and drop your documents into the reader. Then, you can design your PDF draft with custom colors, font embedding, and orientation.

When you want to review a document, the PDF reader’s review pane helps you edit, comment, and address feedback. If you’re a PDF power user, Nitro Reader could be your best option.

What We Like

To secure your PDF files, Nitro Reader uses QuickSign to password-protect and sign your documents. Sharing documents is also simple and secure — you can share documents with anyone since the PDFs you create in Nitro Reader are compatible with almost every other PDF reader.

2. PDF-XChange Editor

Image Source

PDF-XChange Editor is one of the more robust free PDF readers out there. You can create, view, add notes, record and attach audio, highlight text, attach files, strikethrough words, and add signatures. If you need to create, edit, and share PDFs at work a lot, PDF-XChange Editor could be the PDF reader for you.

What We Like

The PDF reader’s coolest feature is its Optical Character Recognition tool — it can scan printed documents and convert the text into a searchable document.

3. MuPDF

Image Source

MuPDF is a standard PDF reader for viewing and editing PDF files. You can fill out text forms, annotate documents, and use it to convert PDF files into other file types like HTML, SVG, and CBZ. You can also write scripts in Javascript to alter your documents.

What We Like

If you want a low-memory PDF reader that you can easily edit and view files on, MuPDF is your best option.

4. SumatraPDF

Image Source

Even though SumatraPDF lacks some advanced features like annotation, document signing, and form-filling, Sumatra PDF provides an intuitive and fast reading experience — it has multiple viewing modes like single page, book, and presentation and shortcuts that help you navigate any PDF file. If you just need to read PDFs for work, consider using SumatraPDF.

What We Like

The variety of Sumatra PDF’s viewing modes make it easy for users to quickly access and read the information they’re looking for.

5. Slim PDF

Image Source

Slim PDF is one of the smallest PDF readers in the world, taking up just 15 MB of space on your computer. Despite its tiny size, this free PDF reader comes with a lot of advanced features that complement core functionalities such as those allowing you to print, search, zoom and rotate PDF files.

It’s available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

What We Like

Slim PDF is small but mighty. If you are looking for a solution that strikes the perfect balance between being lightweight and powerful, Slim PDF is a great choice.

The 5 Best Free PDF Readers for Mac

1. PDF Reader Premium

Image Source

With over 50 million downloads, PDF Reader Premium is one of the most popular PDF readers for Apple Devices. It has powerful functionality that lets you view your PDF in multiple tabs, annotate your document with images and sticky notes, organize your files with tags, sign signatures and fill out forms on your PDF, and store and transfer PDFs through a variety of cloud services. Anyone who frequently uses PDFs for work should consider downloading PDF Reader Premium.

What We Like

In addition to editing and signature capabilities, PDF Reader Premium makes it easy to export documents to a variety of formats like JPG and DOCX.

2. Preview

Image Source

Even though Preview is the pre-installed PDF reader on every Mac, it’s more powerful than you think. On Preview, you can view and annotate your documents, combine documents, fill out and sign forms, edit images, share files, and even export a password protected PDF, if there’s sensitive information on your document. Preview is the best choice for someone who wants to use one PDF reader for personal and professional matters.

What We Like

Preview is the best choice for someone who wants to use one PDF reader for personal and professional matters.

3. Skim

Image Source

Skim is a PDF reader that was originally designed to help academics read and annotate scientific papers in PDF format, but they’ve now improved their functionality to let anyone view any type of PDF file on the reader. On Skim, you can highlight text, take notes, take snapshots, export notes as text, and integrate with third party apps like BibDesk, a bibliography manager.

What We Like

Designed with academics in mind, Skim’s annotation and markup features put it above the competition.

4. Soda PDF

Image Source

Soda PDF is one of the best PDF readers for reading visual documents like digital catalogs, magazines, and comic books — you can even view files in 3D. The app also lets you create and edit PDFs from scratch. Soda PDF sells an online PDF platform too, so they drive demand for it by offering free PDF tools on their website like convert to PDF, convert from PDF, merge, split, & compress, sign & secure, and insert elements like watermarks and page numbering. You can use these online tools as a proxy for a downloadable PDF reader if you want to save space on your computer.

What We Like

Having both a web-based app and desktop version gives users the flexibility to read PDFs on any device.

5. Wondershare

Image Source

While Wondershare isn’t completely free, it does offer a free trial. However this may be a good option for someone who needs a pdf editor for one-off projects.

With Wondershare PDFelement, you can not only edit documents and convert them to PDFs, but it also allows for digital signatures, watermarks, and makes it easy to create forms.

What We Like

Wondershare’s free version offers a robust assortment of features and functionality users typically would need to pay for.

Edit PDFs With Ease

PDF editing software is a must for businesses and professionals. Having the right PDF editor can aid your team with collaboration and file management.

This article was originally published in August 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Скачайте любую из этих бесплатных программ для чтения PDF:

1. SumatraPDF

В этой подборке мы представили популярные программы для чтения PDF файлов, специализирующиеся на открытии, просмотре и редактировании сканированных документов, чертежей, журналов, форм, книг и различной документации в Portable Document Format.

Мы поможем вам выбрать лучший PDF-ридер, отталкиваясь от конкретных потребностей пользователя, функциональных возможностей программы, дополнительных опций, качественного инструментария, комфорта и удобства работы в софте.

Рейтинг программ для чтения PDF файлов 2020

Обзор программ длядля чтения PDF файлов 2020

Foxit Reader скачать

Приложение впечатляет удобством использования, количеством важных настроек и гарантией безопасности вашей документации. Фоксит Ридер создает, читает, редактирует и отправляет на печать PDF, позволяет расставлять комментарии на выбранные фрагменты текста, включать и отключать панели, заполнять формы, импортировать и экспортировать страницы.

В функционале софта доступно также добавление тестового и графического материала, настройка заливки, шрифта и штриховки, удобный поиск. Утилита распространяется для разных платформ и имеет приятное русскоязычное меню.

STDU Viewer скачать

Это компактное программное обеспечение позволяет просматривать и читать документацию различных форматов, одновременно открывать несколько документов и выводить материал на печать.

СТДУ Вивер способен отыскать текст разными способами, экспортировать страницы в форматы картинок, открыть постраничный просмотр с разворотами, исправить ошибки в плохо отсканированных текстах и восстановить сессию. Юзер может настраивать параметры чтения, применять настройки для сенсорных экранов, распечатывать защищенные ПДФ, создавать закладки, корректировать констраст, яркость и гамму.

Movavi PDF Editor скачать

Одна из лучших пдф-читалок с функциями редактора и создания документа с нуля. Продукт популярной компании отличается высококачественной работой и немалыми возможностями. Мовави ПДФ Эдитор позволит читать цифровые книги, смотреть отчёты и другой pdf-материал, копировать тест в буфер, читать аннотации и комменты, масштабировать и одновременно работать с несколькими видами документации.

Пользователь также может обновлять ПДФ-презентации, объединять проекты из разного софта, конвертировать вышеназванный формат, заверять документы подписью и печатью. Единственным минусом проги является ограничение работы бесплатного периода.

Adobe Acrobat Reader скачать

Популярный ридер для работы с ПДФ, позволяющий просматривать и копировать «начинку», открывать находящийся в документе мультимедийный контент, добавлять электронные подписи, комментировать и выбирать режим чтения.

Комфортный и оптимальный просмотрщик организует работу с графическими файлами, электронными книгами и текстовой документацией, откроет объемную графику и flash-ролики, интегрируется в веб-навигатор и выведет материал на печать. Бесплатная версия ограничивает возможности приложения только просмотром документов без применения расширенных опций.

Soda PDF скачать

Программа с интересным названием предоставит вам просмотр, создание и редактуру PDF-файлов. Сода отличается от аналогов наличием уникальной методики 3D-чтения документов и идентификации текста.

Прога имеет своё облако, конвертирует разные типы файлов в пдф, имеет мощную систему поиска и разные режимы чтения, подсвечивает и перечеркивает текст, масштабирует, создает закладки, добавляет комменты и указатели. Имеет современный русскоязычный интерфейс с доступным управлением.

Free PDF Reader скачать

Удобный и компактный софт легко откроет и прочитает документы ПДФ, оптимизирует их в нужном виде и отправит на печать. Со встроенным инструментарием легко повернуть документ, настроить размер страниц, увеличить масштаб, перетащить страницу, скопировать текст для другого ПО и настроить горячие клавиши.

Утилита заметно «проигрывает» своим конкурентам скромным функционалом, но очень актуальна пользователям, которым нужны лишь самые необходимые в работе с pdf опции.

Hamster PDF Reader скачать

Приложение работает не только с PDF, но и DjVu, XPS форматами, актуально для чтения журналов с компьютера, электронных книг, дизайнерских работ и разной документации.

Хамстер читает, показывает и печатает материал, выделяет и копирует фрагменты текста, имеет полноэкранный режим, поиск по тексту и постраничный переход. Доступна также функция ползунка масштабирования, настройка конфигурации документа и портативная работа ПО.

PDF-XChange Viewer скачать

Является хорошим просмотрщиком и редактором, который, помимо основных функций, может также заполнять и сохранять Adobe PDF формы, извлекать фрагменты и рисунки, увеличивать текст и экспортировать страницы пдф в разные форматы изображений.

Утилита работает быстрее и функциональнее своих конкурентов, поддерживает вкладки и штампы юзера, создает снимки, добавляет комменты, аннотации и отметки, копирует в буфер текст и имеет дополнения к браузеру.

Master PDF Editor скачать

Разработчики позиционируют свой продукт как многофункциональную читалку, редактор и просмотрщик с большим набором опций и качеством выполняемых действий. Мастер ПДФ может объединить файлы в единый, оптически распознать текст, разделить исходник, оставить подпись и комментарий, зашифровать материал и отправить пдф на виртуальный принтер.

Пользователю доступно добавление к документу любого изображения, перетаскивание объектов внутри файла, изменение размера, формирование уникальных штампов, калькуляция и валидация данных, редактура страниц.

Infix PDF Editor скачать

Завершим наш обзор утилитой, которая может не только просматривать и редактировать PDF, но и переводить, форматировать и конвертировать его. Солидный конкурент для многих текстовых редакторов благодаря развитому инструментарию, работой с графикой и текстом.

Инфикс Эдитор корректирует материалы в документе, скрывает и блокирует графические объекты на странице, создает и редактирует маски, автозаполняет формы, преобразовывает ПДФ, переводит документы и многое другое.

Whether it’s about reading a document or downloading a course material, PDF readers are still relevant in 2021. In fact, they are still as important as they were 20 years ago. While even the web browsers these days are equipped with the ability to read PDFs, you would still need advanced features like digital signature, annotation, etc.

As a PDF reader, the first name that comes into your mind is Adobe Reader. But there are many other PDF readers that are free and without the annoying adverts.

The 10 Best Free PDF Readers for Windows 10 and Earlier Version

To make it easier for you, we have handpicked some of the best free PDF readers for Windows. While some of them are lightweight, there are others that include work as a simple PDF editing tool and not so complicated.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe needs no introduction. It’s one of the most popular and widely used PDF readers across the world. Adobe falls in the category of advanced PDF readers because of its features that do a lot more than the basic. For instance, designing fillable forms that are beyond the capabilities of a basic PDF reader.

Features:

• It converts almost any file or format into a top-quality PDF.
• Easy to share and looks attractive.
• It allows you to convert MS Word, MS Excel, and even MS PowerPoint to PDF format.
• Option to convert camera clicks directly to PDF.
• Facility to get a print of the PDF, turn HTML pages to PDF, and even convert the PDFs to Office use formats.
• Option to edit data in scanned tables and right into the PDF.
• Allows you to review the PDF generated, comment on it, merge or compare two files.
• It makes it easy to get legal e-signatures, and even fill or sign any form, all online.
• Lets you send the PDF files online and also keep track of them.

Interesting Fact:

Acrobat Reader allows you to turn the current forms to the fillable PDF version, effortlessly.

Get it here: https://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/?red=a

Price: Free trial available; pro version starts from $12.99/month

Foxit Reader

Foxit Reader is another great PDF reader that lets you read files in PDF format for free. It’s a simple application, where all you need to do is to choose and upload the file or simply drag and drop the file to be converted in the empty space. It allows you to convert the document to Word, JPG, or Excel. You can also merge the PDF, convert from Image to PDF, or Word to PDF.

Features:

• Simple and easy to use application with the option to upload file or drag-and-drop.
• It allows you to edit the PDF file when opened in Phantom PDF Online. Lets you fill forms, edit current texts in PDF and modify fonts, style, color, and size.
• You also have the freedom to modify the document format by shifting the boxes, and even add or remove the text in the PDF.
• From Windows or Mac to Linux, it’s compatible with a wide range of operating systems.
• It also works seamlessly with different browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera, and Firefox.
• It offers more editing PDF tools with the desktop version.
• It can be accessed anywhere and all the time.

Interesting Fact:

Foxit Reader is cloud-based that offers similar functions to the PhantomPDF in editing PDF or adding text to PDF just like a word processor.

Get it here: https://online.foxitsoftware.com/

Price: Free limited version; pro version starts from $129.

PDFelement

With PDFelement, it’s easier to create PDFs. Moreover, you can also edit, convert, and sign the PDF documents online, on major platforms like Mac and Windows. Best of all, it enables you to read PDFs on desktops, laptops, Kindles, and more.

Features:

• It offers a fully-featured word processor that allows you to create PDFs, effortlessly.
• It helps you create some of the richest and most attractive PDF communications.
• It allows you to turn PDFs to office documents with the same tables, formatting, and layout.
• Teams can collaborate more efficiently and collect feedback from customers and co-workers, much faster.
• Makes creating and sharing PDF forms effortless.
• Easy to join gathered forms for investigation and export gathered information in a spreadsheet.

Interesting Fact:

Manages documents in a manner that safely keeps sensitive data away from unauthorized access.

Get it here: https://pdf.wondershare.com/

Price: Free trial available; pro version starts from $6.99

PDF-XChange Editor

PDF-Xchange is Editor is known for its compact size, fast performance, and a gamut of features all for free. With the PDF viewer/editor, you can create, edit, view, digitally sign, annotate or OCR PDF documents. But, that’s just the start as it allows you to do a lot more beyond that.

Features:

• It equips you with a wide range of Editing Tools, documents improvement features, navigation panel, and options to edit pages. This helps you to edit and update your PDF documents.
• It allows you to change between the Classic/Ribbon interface and adjust the user-interface for mouse and touch-based actions.
• Comes equipped with an improved OCR plugin which is optional.
• Option to add comments and annotations to files in different formats that include shapes, audio files, hyperlinks, and text boxes.
• Facility to create email documents and even get a print. You can also join the PDFs into one, create PDF files straight from the scanned material, and also convert files to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• It allows you to add or delete images, barcodes, backgrounds, and watermarks.
• Freedom to create customized toolbars and include comfortable links to third-party applications using the launch preferences.

Interesting Fact:

On purchasing a license of the PDF-Xchange Editor you get a PDF-Xchange Life by Tracker Software, absolutely free.

Get it here: https://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-editor

Price: Pro version starts from $43.50

You may also like to know free Flowchart Software for Windows here in detail.

Sumatra PDF

Apart from being a PDF reader, Sumatra can also read eBooks, Comic books, XPS, DjVu, and CHM on Windows. This free and open-source PDF reader is known for its compact size, portability, and fast performance.

Features:

• It helps you to view PDFs as quickly as possible.
• Goes easy on system resources since it’s just a window that launches pretty fast.
• Comes loaded with keyboard shortcuts and provides support for tabs that helps read PDFs even faster.
• Supports different types of files like ebooks in Mobi and ePub, or comic books in CBZ and CBR formats.

Interesting Fact:

It comes with an integrated EasyStart function that saves your time and lets you convert previews.

Get it here: https://pdf.wondershare.com/top-pdf-software/free-pdf-reader.html

Price: Free

Javelin PDF Reader

Whether you want to view a standard PDF file or encrypted PDF files, Javelin PDF Reader makes it easy to read for you. This simple PDF reader also allows you to annotate the PDFs and even bookmark them.

Features:

• It offers fast performance and comes with a straightforward and clean user interface.
• Best option to read and take notes quickly on PDFs.
• Provides support for internal and external hyperlinks, a variety of page display formats, markup, navigation trees, document text searching feature, and ore.
• Digitally signed and virus free products.

Interesting Fact:

Option to apply limitations to printing permissions, the flexibility of expiring at a fixed time, or not viewable anymore.

Get it here: https://www.drumlinsecurity.com/javelindownloads.html

Price: Free

Nitro Pro 10

Although it’s a pro version, Nitro Pro 10 also comes with a 30-days free trial for users. It offers PDF solutions at the business level helping you get rid of the complex licensing process while focusing on user satisfaction. It helps you boost business productivity by providing employees with a profitable PDF solution. It helps employees to focus on boosting data security, lowering printing requirements, and minimizing paper waste.

Features:

• It offers powerful performance and strong features at half the cost compared to other leading PDF readers.
• Responsive interface inspired by MS Office and curtailed learning curve which is perfect even for beginners.
• It helps you create universally compatible PDFs and printable file types.
• It allows you to edit the PDF text like adding, removing, and changing text and images in different windows at the same time.
• Converts any PDF file quickly and accurately to and from MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on any device.
• Facility to merge PDFs and other file formats into a single PDF file.
• Option to organize pages into PDF with the help of a useful Pages window.
• Converts scan into editable, and searchable PDFs that are also size-optimized.
• It allows you to create fillable forms so that others can fill or add their own details to a current form.
• Option to add eSignature on your PDFs and send requests to others for adding their eSigns.
• Facility to carry out uniform review and collaboration by implementing searchable commenting, markup, and version control.
• Compare files and detect disparities and evaluate anomalies in text and images.

Interesting Fact:

It offers total protection and security by offering you to fix access and activity authorizations, add encryption, and hiding sensitive data.

Get it here: https://www.gonitro.com/nps/pro/pdf-software

Price: Free trial available; pro version starts from $159.

You may also want to know about the best download manager software available for Windows.

Soda PDF

If you are looking for a dependable, responsive, and lightweight PDF software that can be used at home, Soda PDF could well be your answer. With the help of this program, you can access the features on any device in a web browser. From creating PDFs from more than 300 file formats, or converting to a wide range of file types to editing the content of the files, it can do anything you can think of.

Features:

• Option to read the PDFs in 3D using exclusive page-flipping technology.
• It allows you to create PDFs from any file, merge different files at one time, or convert PDF to Word, Excel, JPG, and PPT.
• Facility to edit and modify the text and change the structure of the documents on your own as per your requirement.
• Option to add notes into your PDF docs and collaborate with others.
• Professional quality data protection with 256-bit AES password encryption.
• Allows to create fillable forms, send and gather legal eSignatures.
• OCR features let you convert scanned files and images to PDFs.

Interesting Fact:

Features can be used on almost any device and connect to Google Drive, Evernote, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box.

Get it here: https://www.sodapdf.com/

Price: Free download available; plans start from $63.

Slim PDF

If you intend to work with only PDF documents, then Slim PDF is an ideal choice for you. It’s simple and easy to use PDF reader, perfect for opening PDFs and reading them.

Features:

• A compact program that doesn’t occupy much space of your system.
• It features a clean interface with no bloatware.
• Converts PDF documents to MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• It allows you to create a PDF document from any file format that can be printed.
• Option to sign PDF files with eSignatures.
• Allows you to create fillable PDF forms, and even edit them.
• Facility to edit PDF texts and files, and protect them with a password.

Interesting Fact:

It’s the smallest desktop PDF viewer and reader in the world with just 1/10th of the size of the Adobe Reader.

Get it here: https://www.investintech.com/resources/freetools/slimpdfreader/

Price: Free download available; pro version priced at $149.95

MuPDF

MupDF is a portable PDF reader that also works as an XPS and e-book viewer. It comes equipped with a software library, command-line tools, and viewing tools for different platforms.

Features:

• Renderer designed for superior quality anti-aliased graphics.
• Compact, yet fast viewer that supports many document formats including PDF, EPUB, OpenXPS, XPS, FictionBook2, and CBZ.
• It allows you to add notes to the PDF docs and fill forms.
• Option to add notes, edit, and transform documents into different formats (PDF, HTML, CBZ, and SVG) using the command line tools.
• Facility to write scripts for manipulation of documents using Javascript.

Interesting Fact:

Option to add or delete features since the library is written in portable C. Also features a Java library with the help of JNI that runs on both Android and Oracle’s Java.

Get it here: https://mupdf.com/

Price: free

Conclusion

Apart from the top 10, you can also read PDFs on your web browser. Whether it’s Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox, all of these come with a built-in PDF reader. While these may not have advanced features, this is indeed quick to way to at least read PDFs when needed. Best of all, these save a lot of your system resources and are absolutely free. However, if you need advanced features like editing he PDF doc, signature facility, etc., it’s better to download one of the top 10 best free PDF readers for Windows or convenience.