Our team researches and compares all the latest software and trending tools so you can make choices with all the facts.
This time we had a look at PDFEscape and how it compares to the likes of a comprehensive application like PDF Reader Pro.
A Quick Comparison
| Feature | PDF Reader Pro | PDFescape |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web-based, Windows, macOS (via browser) |
| Main Focus | PDF viewing, editing, annotation | PDF editing, form filling, annotation |
| Free Version Available? | Yes (limited features) | Yes (web-based with limited features) |
| Paid Version | Yes (more advanced features) | Yes (web & desktop with more features) |
| Editing Capabilities | Text editing, image insertion, annotations, form filling, OCR | Text editing, annotations, form creation, PDF merging |
| Form Handling | Fillable form support, form creation | Create & fill forms |
| OCR (Optical Character Recognition) | Yes | No |
| File Compression | Yes | No |
| Cloud Storage Integration | Yes (iCloud, Dropbox, etc.) | No (Cloud integration in paid plans) |
| Security Features | Password protection, redaction | Password protection, watermarking |
| Batch Processing | Yes (batch editing, file management) | No |
| Annotation Tools | Highlights, notes, freehand, stamps, etc. | Highlights, sticky notes, shapes, etc. |
| User Interface | Professional, clean | Simple, user-friendly |
| Cross-Platform Sync | Yes | No (web version only syncs on browser) |
This PDF management software is aimed at small businesses and personal users and has a variety of plans to suit an at-home office as well as an entire team.
Best Features
- Secure Digital Signature
- AI Content-Improvement Capabilities
- Lighting-Quick Image-to-PDF Conversion
Pricing
The pricing plans are fantastic for us, because PDF Reader Pro offers a lifetime subscription, which is a once-off payment, but also allows those with like large organisations (like educators) to purchase team licenses as well.
| Standard | Advanced | Permanent |
| $79.99 /year | $99.99 /year | $119.99 |
What We Like About It
This application allows us to conduct business processes like signing and adding watermarks to documents foe secure sharing but it's also ideal for those small tasks you need to get done at home; be it converting images to PDF or filling in your tax documents.
This web-based application has a very simple interface and is designed for users looking for a free tool but don't consider themselves power users. It also has a desktop service with more premium features but this is only available on Windows.
Best Features
- Sticky notes and annotation
- Simple interface
- Password protection
Pricing
| Free | Premium | Ultimate |
| Online Use | $2.99 /month (power editing) | $5.99 /month (power editing plus) |
What We Like About It
The free features are very useful for those who don't have a regular software that they use on a daily basis. If you need to just fill in a form or create a PDF quickly, this does the job.
Which Would We Choose?
PDF Reader Pro is a great choice if you need a comprehensive, feature-rich PDF software. If you're looking for advanced tools like OCR (Optical Character Recognition), batch processing, and integration with cloud storage services, PDF Reader Pro provides a well-rounded experience for users. It's particularly useful for professionals or anyone needing a desktop-grade app that offers more control.
PDFescape, on the other hand, is ideal for those who need quick, lightweight PDF editing without requiring a full-fledged software suite. If you don't need advanced editing options, OCR, or batch processing, and you're more focused on tasks like form filling, simple annotation, and editing PDFs directly from your browser, PDFescape offers a convenient web-based solution.
Did you find this exploration of both applications helpful? Follow our blog to access more user guides and reviews.
