By Johan MüllerTue. 06 Feb. 20243min Read

Best PDF Readers for Android

Looking for the best PDF readers for your Android device? Check out our list of top PDF reader apps that offer a range of features.
Best PDF Readers for Android

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.

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Johan Müller
Blog Author - B2B SaaS Content Writer
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Like any other writer, his path crossed with the SaaS industry. For over three years, he has been combining his SEO and writing skills to create informative listicles, comparisons, and tutorial posts.


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

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.

"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."
person
Johan Müller
B2B SaaS Content Writer
Source: LinkedIn


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

Adobe Acrobat

 

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

Nitro PDF

 

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

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

Xodo PDF

 

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

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

PDF Reader

 

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

Gaaiho PDF

 

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

PDF Viewer Pro


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

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.

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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.

"For those who manage a large library of documents, an all-in-one file explorer within the app can be a game-changer, enabling users to browse files efficiently without leaving the app."
person
Johan Müller
B2B SaaS Content Writer
Source: LinkedIn



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.

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