Having a reliable PDF reader on your Android device is essential for work, education, and personal use. PDF (Portable Document Format) files are widely used for their compatibility across different platforms.
Choosing the right one can be daunting. We've compiled a list of the best PDF readers for Android to help you make an informed decision.
Comparison Table: Best PDF Editor for Android
| Name | Key Features | Free Version | Overall Rating |
| PDF Reader Pro | Bookmarking, annotation; night mode; opens large files quickly | Yes | 4.4* |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader | View, annotate, sign PDFs; cloud storage integration | Yes | 4.5* |
| Foxit PDF Reader | Fast viewing, editing; ConnectedPDF for security; sharing and collaboration | Yes | 4.6* |
| WPS Office | All-in-one office suite; PDF conversion; cloud support | Yes, with ads | 4.3* |
| Xodo PDF Reader & Editor | Editing and annotation tools; real-time collaboration; cross-platform | Yes | 4.7* |
| Librera Reader | Supports multiple document formats; customizable reading experience | Yes, with ads | 4.5* |
| PDF Reader - Sign, Scan, Edit & Share | Scanning, digital signature; editing and annotation; file sharing | Yes, with in-app purchases | 4.5* |
| Gaaiho PDF Reader | Intuitive navigation; annotation and collaboration tools; secure sharing | Yes | 4.3* |
| PDF Viewer Pro by PSPDFKit | Premium reading and editing; customizable toolbar; form filling and signing | No (Free trial only) | 4.6* |
| MuPDF Viewer | Lightweight; fast viewing; supports annotations and form filling | Yes | 4.2* |
10 Best PDF Readers for Android
1. PDF Reader Pro
Image source: PDF Reader Pro
PDF Reader Pro stands out for its smooth and intuitive PDF reading experience. It is tailored for users who prioritize efficient navigation and in-depth annotation of their PDF documents. The app includes features like bookmarking, a comfortable night mode, and quick opening of large files, making it an excellent choice for extensive PDF interaction.
Features:
- Bookmarking and annotation tools.
- Night mode for low-light reading.
- Fast opening of large PDF files.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Comprehensive annotation tools | Limited free version features |
| User-friendly interface | Ads in free version |
| Night mode for comfortable reading | Might be less feature-rich compared to others |
2. Adobe Acrobat Reader
Image source: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Adobe Acrobat Reader is one of the most trusted names in PDF management, offering a robust set of features for viewing, annotating, and signing PDFs. Its cloud storage integration allows for seamless access and management of documents across devices.
Features:
- View, annotate, and sign PDFs.
- Cloud storage integration.
- Text search and selection capabilities.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Widely trusted and reliable | Can be resource-intensive |
| Extensive feature set | Premium features require subscription |
| Good cloud integration |
3. Foxit PDF Reader
Image Source: Foxit
Known for its speed and security, Foxit PDF Reader offers advanced PDF editing, sharing, and collaboration features, making it ideal for professional use. Its ConnectedPDF feature provides enhanced document security and tracking capabilities.
Features:
- Fast and secure PDF viewing and editing.
- ConnectedPDF for enhanced security.
- Document sharing and collaboration.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| High-speed document processing | Some features are premium |
| Advanced security with ConnectedPDF | Interface can be complex for new users |
| Collaboration tools |
4. WPS Office
Image Source: WPS Office
WPS Office is more than just a PDF reader; it's a comprehensive office suite that supports various file formats, including PDFs. It offers conversion capabilities and cloud storage support, making it a versatile choice for document management.
Features:
- Supports multiple file formats.
- PDF conversion to and from other formats.
- Cloud storage integration.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| All-in-one office suite | Ads in the free version |
| Comprehensive file format support | Some features are behind a paywall |
| Cloud support for document access |
5. Xodo PDF Reader & Editor
Image Source: Xodo
Xodo is a feature-rich PDF reader and editor that enables users to fill out forms, annotate documents, and collaborate on PDFs in real-time. It's designed for efficiency and ease of use across various platforms.
Features:
- PDF editing and annotation.
- Real-time collaboration.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Extensive editing tools | Can be overwhelming for beginners |
| Supports real-time collaboration | |
| Free without major limitations |
6. Librera Reader
Image Source: Librera Reader
Librera Reader is a highly customizable PDF reader that stands out for its adaptability to the user's reading preferences. It supports a wide range of document formats beyond PDF, including EPUB, MOBI, and others, making it an excellent choice for those who also enjoy ebooks. Its user interface can be tailored to individual needs, offering various modes such as night mode, and is designed to enhance the reading experience on Android devices.
Features:
- Supports multiple document formats.
- Customizable reading experience with themes and modes.
- Text search, bookmarks, and annotations.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Versatile format support | Interface may be overwhelming due to customization options |
| High customization options for personal preference | Ads in the free version, though a premium version removes them |
| Useful features for academic and leisure reading, like annotations and night mode | Not as widely known, so less community support compared to bigger apps |
7. PDF Reader - Sign, Scan, Edit & Share
Image Source: PDF Reader
This app is a versatile PDF management tool that allows users to scan, sign, edit, and share PDF documents. It's designed to cater to both personal and professional document-handling needs.
Features:
- Document scanning and digital signatures.
- PDF editing and annotation.
- File sharing and collaboration.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Comprehensive document management tools | In-app purchases for some features |
| Easy document sharing and collaboration | Ads in free version |
| Supports scanning and digital signatures |
8. Gaaiho PDF Reader
Image Source: Gaaiho PDF Reader
Gaaiho PDF Reader offers a user-friendly interface with powerful annotation and collaboration tools. Its secure document sharing and management options make it a great choice for business users.
Features:
- Intuitive document navigation.
- Annotation and collaboration tools.
- Secure document sharing.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface | Less known than other options |
| Strong collaboration features | Some premium features |
| High security for document sharing |
9. PDF Viewer Pro by PSPDFKit
Image Source: PDF Viewer Pro
PDF Viewer Pro is aimed at providing a premium PDF reading and editing experience. It boasts a customizable toolbar and advanced features like form filling and document signing, catering to professional needs.
Features:
- Advanced reading and annotation.
- Customizable toolbar.
- Form filling and signing.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality document rendering | Premium version required for full feature access |
| Customizable for efficiency | Might be expensive for some users |
| Comprehensive editing tools |
10. MuPDF Viewer
Image Source: MuPDF Viewer
MuPDF Viewer is a minimalistic, lightweight PDF reader known for its speed and simplicity. It supports a wide range of PDF functionalities, including annotations and form filling.
Features:
- Lightweight and fast.
- Supports annotations and form filling.
- Open-source.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast and efficient viewing | Limited advanced features |
| Minimalistic design | No integrated cloud storage |
| Open-source software |
You can also check our recommendations for the 10 Best AI Apps for iOS and Android.
Best PDF Readers for Android: Best Practices
Android users, in particular, have a vast selection of PDF reader apps at their disposal, each designed to enhance the reading and management of physical documents, ebooks, and more on a mobile device.
Converting Documents Into PDF Files
For users looking to convert physical documents or other types of documents into PDF files, apps with OCR software are invaluable. OCR, or Optical Character Recognition, allows for the digitization of printed text, making scanned documents searchable and editable.
Apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader and WPS Office (previously known as KingSoft Office) offer robust OCR capabilities alongside their PDF viewing engine, ensuring that documents are not only accessible but also interactable.
Reading and Annotating PDFs
When it comes to reading mode, the best PDF readers offer a variety of options to suit different preferences, including dual page mode for a book-like experience, full-screen mode for maximum immersion, and adjustable screen orientation for optimal viewing comfort. These features, coupled with additional tools like bookmarks in PDF files and annotations, significantly enhance the user experience.
Filling and Signing PDF Forms
PDF forms have become a norm for business transactions, applications, and surveys. The top PDF readers for Android facilitate easy filling and signing of PDF forms, turning a mobile device into a powerful tool for completing official documents on the go. Some apps also feature a PDF compressor to reduce file size for easier sharing.
Paid vs. Free Versions
While many PDF readers offer a free version, investing in a paid-for version unlocks a plethora of additional features. These can include an ad-free experience, advanced editing tools, better PDF viewing engines, and more comprehensive file management capabilities. Deciding between the free and paid versions depends on the type of convenience and functionality you require from your PDF reader.
Modern Design and User Experience
A modern design is not just about aesthetics; it's about providing a type of convenience that caters to the needs of today's Android users. The best PDF readers boast a modern design that simplifies navigation and makes it easier to access and manage various types of documents. This includes intuitive layouts, customizable reading modes, and support for different screen orientations.
Choosing the Right PDF Reader
For many, the default choice might be a popular option like Google PDF Viewer due to its direct integration with Google's ecosystem. However, exploring other PDF readers can reveal features that better suit specific needs, such as ebook readers that specialize in handling digital books or apps with a dedicated PDF viewing engine for high-quality rendering.
Best PDF Readers for Android: FAQ
Can I extract images from documents using Android PDF readers?
Many PDF readers for Android offer the capability to extract images from documents, enabling users to reuse or share specific graphics or photos embedded within a PDF.
How can I streamline document management on my Android device?
Streamlining document management can be achieved with PDF readers that offer features like document scanning, cloud integration, and excellent document compatibility, facilitating efficient organization, storage, and retrieval of documents.
What features ensure crisp documents when viewing PDFs on Android?
To ensure crisp documents, opt for PDF readers with high-quality rendering and advanced editing features. These apps maintain the clarity and readability of text and images, even when zooming in.
Can I use Android PDF readers for marking documents?
Yes. Android PDF readers typically include features for marking documents, such as highlighting, underlining, and adding notes, essential for anyone who needs to review or annotate documents.
Are there any document scanner apps available for Android that integrate with PDF readers?
Several document scanner apps integrate directly with PDF readers, allowing you to scan physical documents and convert them into PDF format, often including OCR technology for editable text conversion.
What makes a PDF reader have excellent document compatibility?
Excellent document compatibility means a PDF reader can handle a wide range of PDF types and versions, ensuring users can view and work with any PDF, regardless of its source or complexity.
How do PDF readers handle access security features?
PDF readers with access security features offer password protection, encryption, and permissions settings to restrict how a PDF can be viewed, edited, or shared, maintaining document confidentiality.
What should I look for in a PDF reader to work with lengthy documents?
For lengthy documents, look for PDF readers with smooth scrolling, robust indexing, and bookmarking capabilities to make navigating through long documents more manageable.
Are there any PDF readers for Android that offer a wide variety of advanced editing features?
Some PDF readers offer advanced editing features, including text editing, image manipulation, and the addition of document extras like stamps and watermarks, invaluable for substantial PDF modifications.
