With plenty of available options, choosing the appropriate PDF reader becomes difficult. To help you find the right one, here are the best ten curated PDF readers.
It is also essential to consider specific criteria while choosing a PDF reader.
Below are specific criteria that should be taken into consideration while choosing:
- Editing functions
- Viewing options
- Ability to take notes
- Security functions
- Sharing ability
- Available file conversions
10 Best PDF Readers of 2023
The numerous PDF readers available in the market can cost you quite a few bucks. But here are some of the best free PDF readers that can be accessed freely. All you need to do is to download them online.
These ten free PDF readers will make work easier and much more convenient.
1) Foxit PDF Reader
Even though Foxit PDF Reader can be intimidating initially, it will soon be a relatively easier software for you to use and navigate.
It is a great PDF reader for personal use and is equally powerful and rich in features. It is a good choice for those who want to access PDF files from anywhere.
The only thing that needs to be added here is the OCR (optical character recognition) scanned PDFs, create PDF files from scratch, or merge and split PDF files.
Operating System:
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Citrix.
Features:
- Read and print pdf
- Accessibility from all over the world
- Collaboration and sharing
- Protect, fill, and sign PDFs
Pros:
- PDF creation and editing
- Safe mode disables JavaScript
- Light-weight download
- Built-in security tools
- Microsoft Office plugins
- Fast and easy to use
Cons:
- Certain features require an extension
- Absence of OCR or batch conversion
- Can be slow or unresponsive while opening large or complex PDF files
2) MuPDF
MuPDF, a free, open-source, lightweight PDF and XPS viewer, is known for its speed and clean rendering of pages.
MuPDF has built-in keyboard shortcuts that make it easier and simpler to accomplish specific actions like flipping pages, zooming in, and searching for text.
It focuses on performance and supports certain features like filling and annotations. It provides the users with basic functionality like viewing and annotating PDFs.
Operating System:
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
Features:
- Availability of a variety of operating systems
- Supports a variety of features
- Read and annotate PDFs
- Fill out PDF forms
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Small file size
- Light-weight and fast
- Free and open-source
- Supports XPS and CBZ files
Cons:
- The interface isn’t pleasing
- It does not have a built-in interface
- Lack of commercial support
- Can be slow or unresponsive while opening large or complex PDF files
Also, read: How To Protect PDF Files – Complete Guide
3) Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the first choice for business professionals since it is a great tool and can annotate PDFs on the go.
Its compatibility with other systems allows users to open, view, share, and comment on PDFs from any device. The remarkable “read text out loud” feature is also worth mentioning.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a decent addition to the software library due to its simplicity and easy user interface.
Operating System:
Windows, macOS
Features:
- View and print PDF
- Share and comment on the PDF
- Searching for text in PDF files
- Annotating PDF files
- Converting PDF files to other formats
Pros:
- Multiplatform
- Ability to handle large PDFs with ease
- Tab view for multiple documents
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Relatively large
- Can only read PDF files
- It can be buggy and unstable with newer versions of Windows or macOS
- Regular upgradation to Pro’ ads
4) Slim PDF
True to its name, Slim PDF is specifically designed to be a lightweight and straightforward PDF reader.
Its minimal system resources make it suitable for systems with limited capabilities.
It offers users certain essential features like viewing PDF documents and is an ideal choice for users who prioritize speed and simplicity.
Operating System:
Windows
Features:
- Open and view PDFs
- Add comments or annotate PDFs
- Fill and sign PDFs
- Dark or light theme options
Pros:
- Small download size
- Speedy
- Minimalistic design
- Small file size
- Loads extremely quickly
- Can convert file types
Cons:
- No annotation or editing tools
- It doesn’t have too many features
- Not available for all operating systems
5) Javelin PDF Reader
Javelin PDF reader is entirely free for both personal and commercial use. This lightweight and fast PDF reader offers a variety of features.
The downloadable size is two MB and has a simple and clean user interface. This fast PDF reader allows you to quickly read and take notes on PDFs.
Operating System:
macOS and Windows
Features:
- Allows to view standard and encrypted PDF files
- Supports internal and external hyperlinks, standard annotation, and navigation trees
- Open, view, and print PDF files
- Search for text in PDF files
Pros:
- Availability of Advanced encryption option
- Allows to access and manage metadata with mobile version
- Secure PDF files with passwords and encryption
- Converting PDFs to other formats such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and HTML
Cons:
- Complicated at the time of installation
- Limited features
- It isn’t completely free but offers a free version
- Slow and unresponsive customer support
6) PDF Escape
PDF Escape is the “original online Free PDF editor and form filler.”
It is available in a browser-based version and is easy to use; make edits to your PDFs and create and fill PDF forms. Being a tremendously user-friendly software, it gives the liberty to the users to manipulate PDFs with ease.
Operating System:
Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS
Features:
- Share PDFs online
- Create basic PDF forms
- View and edit PDFs
- Secure PDFs
Pros:
- Web-based, so it runs on any operating system
- Easy to use
- Accessible from anywhere
- Offers a wide variety of features, such as the ability to edit, convert, merge, split, and secure PDF files
Cons:
- It doesn’t provide exclusive templates and resources
- Cannot convert PDF files in batch
- It does not provide OCR (optical character recognition)
7) CoolPDF
Cool PDF reader is small in size and has standard features like file conversion and a tool that allows you to zoom in and out of the PDF.
This is an accessible PDF reader of less than 4MB and is beneficial for users who want to access their PDF files from various devices. Even though it is not fully featured like other paid PDF readers, it can create PDF files and merge or split PDFs.
Operating System:
Windows
Features:
- View and print PDF
- Extract PDF to TXT
- Supports PDF files of all versions
- The slide shows a PDF document with a full-screen
Pros:
- Light-weight and fast
- Easy to use
- Supports a variety of document formats
- Provides a variety of features such as search, highlight, annotate, and a lot more
Cons:
- Only available for Windows
- Known to have some bugs and glitches
- It doesn’t have many features like other PDF readers
- Available only for windows
8) Skim
The Skim was specially designed, keeping in mind the academic readers.
It offers a variety of features that are useful for scientific research. This powerful PDF reader is ideal for scientific and academic use.
Here, you can highlight text, take snapshots, export notes as text, and integrate with third-party apps like BibDesk. Its annotation and markup features are also worth mentioning.
Operating System:
MacOS
Features:
- Convenient reading in full-screen
- Export notes as text
- Save passwords in the keychain
- Allows powerful presentations with built-in transitions
- Highlight important text and take snapshots
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Powerful and versatile
- Easy to use
- Minimalistic design
- Clutter-free reading experience
- Features like split view, snapshots for, and integration with LaTex are worth mentioning
Cons:
- Only available for macOS
- Offers fewer features than other PDF readers
- It may not be suitable for all users
9) Nuance PDF Reader
Nuance PDF reader is a good choice for users who want to read various document formats to support a wide range of file types. Nuance Communications developed it.
It is an excellent choice since it is fast, lightweight, and offers various features. But if you want to edit PDF files directly, you will have to take the help of another PDF editor.
Operating System:
Windows
Features:
- Fast performance
- Variety of customization options
- User-friendly interface
- Zooming in and zooming out of PDF files option
Pros:
- Free and easy to use
- The dictation feature is ideal for visually impaired persons
- Light-weight and fast
- Supports a variety of document formats
- Offers a variety of features
Cons:
- Not a full-fledged PDF editor
- Only for Windows
- You can only open one PDF at a time
10) Sumatra PDF
The various viewing modes in Sumatra make it easy for users to access and read the information they seek.
Sumatra PDF reader is well known for its clean and straightforward interface, and that’s what makes it easier to use for beginners.
It has multiple viewing modes like a single page, book, presentation, and shortcuts, which help navigate PDF files. Advanced features like annotation, document signing, and form filling make it an excellent PDF reader.
Operating System:
Windows
Features:
- Light-weight
- supports multiple file formats
- highlight and annotate PDF files
- supports many document formats such as CHM, XPS, MOBI, DjVu, and a few more
Pros:
- Open source
- Available in a vast language
- Built-in EasyStart that saves time and allows conversion previews.
- Availability of advanced features like custom profiles, watermarking, and merging.
Cons:
- Available features are limited
- Optimization controls aren’t that efficient
- No editing or annotation feature
- Absence of anti-aliasing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What Is The Process of Converting A PDF File To Another Format?
You must use a PDF converter to convert a PDF file to any other format, such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. Many PDF converters are available in both free and paid versions.
- How To Use A PDF Reader?
You need to open the PDF file you want to view to use a PDF reader. The PDF reader will then display the PDF file, and you can use the PDF reader’s features to view, print, and annotate the PDF files.
- How Can I Secure A PDF File With A Password?
To secure a PDF file with a password, you must open the PDF file in the PDF reader and then go to the File menu.
Then select the “Encrypt” option followed by “Password Protection”. Finally, enter your password and click the “Encrypt” button.
Bottom Line
The best PDF reader for you depends entirely on your needs and preferences. However, in this write-up, we have guided you about the best ten free PDF readers.
It doesn’t matter what your needs are; you are sure to get hold of the suitable one for you. So, look out for the perfect PDF reader and tell us how it has helped you make your work easier and more convenient.
