As a pioneer in the PDF industry, Adobe Acrobat offers a wide range of features, including PDF compression, which is essential for users needing to reduce file sizes to meet upload requirements. However, solely paying Adobe's steep fees for compression tools may not be cost-effective. Therefore, we have evaluated 6 competitors to Adobe Acrobat PDF Compressor based on criteria such as functionality, pricing, and free trial opportunities to provide users with a broader range of choices.

​​Specifically, we conducted tests on the software in the following areas: file compression limits, speed and quality, online or local availability, and interface simplicity. We also took into account the additional PDF tools these applications offer and compared their pricing&Plan.

Acrobat PDF Compressor Alternatives vs. Adobe Acrobat

6 Best Alternatives to Acrobat PDF Compressor

PDF Reader Pro

PDF Reader Pro Compressor is a comprehensive and cost-effective solution that offers a range of features to efficiently manage PDF documents. It's notable that PDF Reader Pro Mac compressor tool is totally free, with no compression time limit. Users can select from four preset compression sizes or customize the size according to their specific needs. The batch compression feature further enhances productivity.

Beyond compression, PDF Reader Pro is a versatile all-in-one PDF editor that includes functionalities such as editing, converting, OCR, form creation, and more at an affordable price ($79.99/permanent). Users can explore the Mac version through a fully functional 7-day trial without credit requirement.

Pros

1. Compressor tool totally free.

2. Four optional compression sizes or customized sizes.

3. All-in-one PDF editor with an affordable price.

4. a fully-functional 7-day trial, no credit card required.

Cons

1. Offline software, need to download APP.

2. Permanent version only.

Small PDF

Small PDF is one of the most popular online PDF editors, offering users the ability to compress PDF files to a standard resolution or lower resolution efficiently. Beyond PDFs, it also supports compression for various formats such as image files, Word, and Excel. In addition to compression, the platform provides a myriad of other tools including PDF conversion and annotation capabilities. However, one drawback to note is the Web-based compressor's slower processing speed, and those who seeking a smaller file size need to opt for the paid version, as the tool is not entirely free.

Pros

1. Free compress to standard size.

2. Support compressing files in various formats like image, Word, etc.

Cons

1. Low processing speed in compression.

2. Not totally free. Paid for a lower resolution.

3. File Size is limited.

PDF Element

PDF Element Compressor stands out as a comprehensive offline PDF editor encompassing a myriad of advanced functionalities like compressing, converting, securing, OCR, etc. Its clear and intuitive interface allows users to navigate the tool's features with ease. 

Noteworthy is the ability to customize image compression parameters during the compression process to meet different file size requirements. Additionally, the support for batch compression enhances efficiency for bulk tasks. While a 7-day free trial is available, it is important to highlight that a PDF Element watermark will be present during this trial phase. 

Pros

1. Comprehensive features.

1. Customize the resolution images when compressing.

2. Provide a 7-day free trial.

Cons

1. Paid for PDF compressor.

2. Saving files with watermarks.

Foxit PDF Editor

Foxit PDF Editor is a professional PDF editing tool that can complete many complex editing tasks. It offers powerful compression capabilities with customizable parameters such as image resolution, and removal of unneeded objects in PDFs, enabling users to reduce file size to their desire. Another highlight is that Foxit PDF supports compressing image files of scanned PDFs, which is not realized by many PDF tools.

The platform provides a 14-day free trial without requiring credit card information, facilitating users to fully experience all advanced features before making a purchase. However, due to its advanced functionalities geared towards professional editing tasks, users may find it challenging to get started, making it a costly investment for those who don’t have enough budget.

Pros

1. Experts and leaders in the PDF industry.

2. Powerful PDF compressor with customizable parameters.

3. 14-day free trial with no credit required.

Cons

1.  High price, $128/yr.

2. Paid for compression.

3. Not easy enough to operate.

I Love PDF

I Love PDF, a totally free online PDF Editor renowned for its array of complimentary basic editing functions such as PDF merging, splitting, and conversion. The PDF compression feature allows users to compress files into three different sizes without any cost, catering to various requirements. However, drawbacks include slower file submission and download speeds, as well as the necessity to upgrade to the premium version to process larger files efficiently.

Pros

1. Compress PDFs totally free.

2. All the basic editing tools are free.

Cons

1. Low file downloading speed.

2. Only one operation at a time, continuous editing is not possible.

PDF Expert

PDF Expert is a versatile offline PDF tool available for Mac, iOS, and iPad devices at an affordable price. With the ability to compress PDF files into four different sizes, users can efficiently manage their document sizes based on specific requirements. Furthermore, users can explore the full functionality of the Mac version through a complimentary 7-day trial period without the need to provide credit card information. 

However, it's important to note that PDF Expert is exclusively compatible with Mac and iOS systems. If your device is Windows, you won't be able to use the compressor.

Pros

1. Provide 7-day free trial with no credit card requirement.

2. Provides more size options than online compressors.

Cons

1. Mac & iOS only.

2. No monthly plan, subscribe by year or permanent.

FAQ About PDF Compressor

1. When Do We Need to Compress PDFs?

PDF Compressor is commonly used when individuals or businesses need to reduce the file size of PDF documents. This is particularly beneficial when large PDF files need to be shared via email, uploaded to a website, or stored in a digital archive. For example, to ensure that the PDF is accepted by a court’s case management system, we always need to compress the document.

2. Is PDF Compressor Free? 

Most PDF compressors are not free, but they typically offer a free trial period of 7 to 14 days. However, PDF Reader Pro Mac Compressor provides completely free functionality. If you mainly require the compression feature, PDF Reader Pro is definitely your best choice.