Even though PDFs have been around for over 20 years, they're still a fundamental part of business, education, and corporate worlds. This is because PDFs offer several advantages: they have small file sizes, the page layout stays the same no matter where you open them, and they avoid formatting issues across different devices.
That said, to make the most out of PDF files, you need a good PDF reader on your computer. If you're looking for the best PDF reader for your PC, don't worry. We've put together a list of some of the top choices out there. Keep reading to find out which ones made the list.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right PDF reader for your needs can significantly enhance how you interact with documents personally or professionally. Below is a comparison of several popular PDF readers
PDF Reader |
Strengths |
Ideal For |
Compatibility |
Price Range* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Comprehensive editing, annotation, and OCR tools |
Professional editing and document management |
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
Free basic, paid upgrade |
|
Document automation, extraction, and processing |
Automated data extraction and process workflows |
Web-based |
Subscription-based |
|
Lightweight, minimalistic design |
Quick reading and basic annotating |
Windows, macOS |
Free Trial |
|
Extensive features, collaboration, security |
Business professionals, collaborative projects |
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
Free basic, paid upgrade |
|
Seamless integration with WPS Office, lightweight |
WPS Office users, basic PDF viewing/editing |
Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
Free, with premium features |
|
Advanced OCR, document conversion, editing |
Scanning, archiving, and converting documents |
Windows, macOS |
Subscription or perpetual |
1. PDF Reader Pro
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
PDF Reader Pro stands out as a robust and versatile tool designed to cater to the needs of professionals who require more than just the ability to view PDFs. Offering an impressive suite of features that includes advanced editing tools, document annotation, form filling, and OCR capabilities, this software transforms the way we interact with digital documents. It is particularly favored for its user-friendly interface that simplifies complex tasks, making document management efficient and seamless.
Key Features
- Advanced Editing Tools: Modify text, images, and pages in PDFs with ease.
- Annotation and Markup: Extensive options for annotating documents, including highlights, notes, and stamps.
- OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Convert scanned documents into editable and searchable text.
- Form Filling: Easily fill out and save PDF forms.
- File Conversion: Convert PDFs to and from various formats like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Split and Merge: Combine multiple PDFs into one or split a document into several files.
Pricing
Plan | Pricing |
Free |
$0 (Free trial) |
Permanent License |
$79.99 (once-off for all features) |
Premium License |
$59.99 (once-off without unlimited file conversion) |
AI Tools |
$14.99 per 50 credits for all tools |
Our Teams Take On PDF Reader Pro
Experiencing PDF Reader Pro firsthand, I've found it to be an indispensable asset in my toolkit. Whether I'm revising a contract, annotating research papers, or compiling reports from various documents, PDF Reader Pro handles it all with precision and efficiency.
The OCR feature has been a game-changer for working with scanned documents, making them as easy to edit as any digital text. Its comprehensive feature set, coupled with a smooth and intuitive interface, ensures that my workflow is uninterrupted and more productive than ever.
Experience a new level of document management with PDF Reader Pro, the ultimate solution for all your PDF needs. PDF Reader Pro offers a comprehensive set of tools designed to enhance your productivity. With features like advanced reading options, seamless editing capabilities, and robust file conversion, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Don't let your PDFs control you – take charge with PDF Reader Pro today and transform the way you interact with your documents forever.
2. AlgoDocs
Image Source: AlgoDocs
AlgoDocs is a powerful, cloud-based document automation platform that excels in extracting and processing information from various document formats, including PDFs. It's tailored for businesses and individuals who handle a high volume of documents and seek to automate data extraction and document processing tasks. AlgoDocs shines in its ability to streamline workflows by automating the mundane and repetitive task of data entry, making it a valuable tool for sectors like finance, healthcare, and logistics, where accuracy and efficiency are paramount.
Key Features
- Automated Data Extraction: AlgoDocs can automatically identify and extract key information from documents, such as invoices, receipts, and contracts.
- Batch Processing: It allows for the processing of large volumes of documents simultaneously, saving significant time.
- Customizable Templates: Users can create custom extraction templates for different document types, enhancing the accuracy of data extraction.
- Integration Capabilities: AlgoDocs offers integration options with other business systems (like CRM and ERP), facilitating seamless data flow.
- AI and Machine Learning: Leveraging AI, AlgoDocs improves over time, learning from corrections and adjustments to increase extraction accuracy.
- Secure Cloud Storage: Documents are stored securely in the cloud, ensuring data is safe and accessible from anywhere.
Pricing
Plan |
Monthly Price |
Pages per Month |
---|---|---|
Free |
$0 |
50 |
Basic |
$23 |
300 |
Business |
$84 |
1500 |
Ultimate |
$175 |
5000 |
Our Teams Take On AlgoDocs
Using AlgoDocs has significantly streamlined how our team manages documents. Its automated data extraction is a standout feature, transforming how we process invoices and contracts. Previously, manual data entry was a major bottleneck, but AlgoDocs automates this process, saving us hours and reducing errors. This is all good, but something I struggled with, is uploading my documents and opening it. This is suppose to bethe easiest step.
3. Xodo PDF Reader & Editor
Image Source: Xodo PDF Reader
Xodo PDF Reader is a minimalist PDF reader known for its simplicity and efficiency. It's designed for users who need a straightforward solution for viewing and navigating PDF documents without the added complexity of editing or annotating features. Xodo PDF Reader stands out for its lightweight design, ensuring that it uses minimal system resources, making it ideal for older computers or systems with limited storage. Its user-friendly interface allows for easy access to essential viewing functionalities, catering to those who prioritize speed and simplicity in document handling.
Key Features
- Lightweight Installation: Takes up minimal disk space and system resources.
- Fast Document Opening: Quick loading times for opening and viewing PDFs.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available for users on Windows and macOS.
- Customizable Viewing Modes: Supports different modes like single page, continuous scroll, or presentation mode for versatile document viewing.
Pricing
Feature | Xodo Pro Individual | Xodo Pro Teams |
Pricing Model | Annual Subscription | Custom Pricing |
Monthly Cost Equivalent | $9 | - |
Annual Cost | $108 | - |
Discounts | 25% off Monthly Equivalent | - |
Our Teams Take On Xodo PDF Reader & Editor
This lightweight PDF reader has transformed the way I open and view documents, freeing my system from the heavy load I've experienced with other software. Its straightforward interface enables me to navigate through documents quickly, zoom in on details, and locate specific information effortlessly.
4. Foxit Reader
Image Source: Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is a comprehensive PDF solution that offers more than just reading capabilities. Designed to cater to the needs of both individual users and businesses, it blends advanced features with a user-friendly design. Foxit Reader excels in providing a secure and collaborative environment for PDF document management, making it ideal for those who require more than just basic viewing functionalities.
Its ability to handle a wide range of PDF tasks—from creating and editing to signing and securing documents—makes it a robust alternative to more cumbersome PDF software.
Key Features
- Collaboration Tools: Supports shared reviews, commenting, and team feedback collection directly within the document.
- Form Creation and Filling: Enables users to create and fill out interactive PDF forms.
- Integration: Seamlessly integrates with popular cloud storage services for easy access and sharing of documents.
- Multi-Language Support: Available in multiple languages, catering to a global user base.
Pricing
Plan |
Price (Per Year) |
Users |
---|---|---|
PDF Editor Cloud for Individuals |
$59.99 |
1 |
PDF Editor Suite for Individuals |
$109.99 |
1 |
PDF Editor Suite Pro for Individuals |
$139.99 |
1 |
PDF Editor Suite for Teams |
$129.00 |
Multiple |
Our Teams Take On Foxit Reader
The ability to edit documents directly, without converting them to another format, has streamlined my work, especially when dealing with time-sensitive edits. Thanks to its commenting and feedback tools, collaborating within PDFs has simplified my team's review process, eliminating the clutter of multiple email threads.
The security features ensure that sensitive documents are well-protected, providing a sense of security.
5. WPS Viewer
Image Source: WPS Viewer
WPS Viewer, part of the WPS Office suite, is a straightforward tool designed for viewing and managing PDF files. It's tailored for users who frequently work with PDFs and seek a seamless integration with WPS Office's other applications. Lightweight and easy to use, WPS Viewer offers basic functionalities like reading, searching within documents, and simple annotation tools, making it an excellent option for straightforward PDF viewing needs.
Key Features
- Basic Viewing and Annotation: Enables users to easily view PDFs and make simple annotations.
- Document Conversion: Offers limited abilities to convert PDF documents into other formats.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple, intuitive interface that makes navigation and document viewing straightforward.
- Lightweight: Does not consume significant system resources, ensuring smooth operation.
Pricing
WPS Office Version |
Pricing |
---|---|
WPS Office Free |
Free |
WPS Office Premium |
$29/year |
WPS Office Professional |
$79.99/lifetime |
Our Teams Take On WPS Viewer
In using WPS Viewer, I've appreciated its simplicity and how well it integrates with the WPS Office suite, which keeps everything streamlined. It's great for quickly opening and skimming through PDFs without any hassle. The annotation tools, while basic, have been adequate for marking up documents on the fly.
However, it's worth noting that if you're looking for more advanced PDF management features like detailed editing or extensive file conversion options, WPS Viewer might fall short.
6. ABBYY FineReader
Image Source: Abbyy FineReader
ABBYY FineReader is a sophisticated document management solution renowned for its optical character recognition (OCR) technology. It excels in converting scans, PDFs, and digital photographs into editable and searchable formats, making it a powerful tool for individuals and businesses dealing with extensive document digitization.
Key Features
- Advanced OCR Technology: Delivers accurate conversion of printed text into digital, editable formats.
- Document Editing and Management: Allows for editing, organizing, and commenting within documents.
- Multi-Format Support: Supports conversion between various formats, including PDF, DOCX, XLSX, and more.
- Document Comparison: Enables users to compare documents in different formats to detect differences.
- Multilingual Support: Can process documents in over 190 languages.
Pricing
Product |
Platform |
Subscription Type |
Price |
---|---|---|---|
FineReader PDF Standard |
Windows |
Yearly |
$99/year |
FineReader PDF 15 Corporate |
Windows |
Yearly |
$165/year |
FineReader PDF for Mac |
Mac |
Yearly |
$69/year |
Our Team's Take On ABBYY FineReader
No matter what kind of document a client gives me, ABBYY easily gets accurate word counts and deciphers text. Easy to use scanning software for my Fujitsu scanner. The character recognition software is great and it made almost no mistakes.
I've noticed the software struggles with recognizing complicated languages like Arabic, leading to inaccurate OCR results. The software's price is pretty steep compared to its competitors.