Best Free PDF Readers: A Comprehensive List I compiled a list of only the Best Free PDF Readers. Take a look!

Looking for the best free PDF readers? We got you. PDF files are the standard for document sharing across various operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Whether you’re reading an ebook, reviewing a business report, or filling out a PDF form, having the right PDF reader is essential.

In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the best free PDF readers, categorized by desktop and mobile use, helping you find the right tool to read, annotate, and even edit PDF documents.

Let’s get started

Best Free PDF Readers for Desktop

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader

When it comes to PDF readers, Adobe Acrobat Reader is a leading name. This free PDF reader allows you to view PDF documents, annotate PDFs, fill out forms, and more. Although advanced PDF editing features like redaction and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) are reserved for the Pro version, the free version covers the essential functionalities.

Key Features:

1. Annotate PDFs: Highlight text, add comments, and draw on PDF documents.
2. Fillable PDF Forms: Easily fill and sign PDF forms.
3. Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
4. Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Adobe apps and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

2. Foxit Reader

Foxit Reader is a lightweight and fast PDF reader that includes basic editing tools. Ideal for viewing and annotating PDFs, it also provides added security features such as digital signatures and redaction.

Key Features:

1. Annotate & Edit PDFs: Highlight text, add notes, and even edit text.
2. Cross-Platform: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
3. Integration: Compatible with Microsoft Office and web browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

3. Sumatra PDF

If speed and simplicity are what you need, Sumatra PDF is perfect. This open-source PDF reader supports multiple file formats, including ePub, MOBI, and XPS. While it lacks advanced editing features, its lightweight design makes it ideal for users looking to view PDFs quickly.

Key Features:

1. Lightweight: Minimal footprint for fast performance.
2. Multi-Format: Supports PDF, ePub, MOBI, and more.
3. Portable: Runs from a USB drive without installation (Windows only).

4. PDF-XChange Editor

PDF-XChange Editor is one of the best free PDF editors available. It offers annotation, text editing, and OCR features, making it an excellent choice for users looking to edit PDFs without paying for premium software.

Key Features:

1. Annotate & Edit PDFs: Highlight text, add bookmarks, and edit documents.
2. OCR: Convert scanned documents into editable text.
3. Free Version: Some advanced features may add watermarks.

5. MuPDF

MuPDF is an ultra-fast PDF viewer and editor supporting various file formats, including XPS and CBZ. Known for its speed, MuPDF also allows basic PDF annotation and text highlighting.

Key Features:

1. Speed: Extremely fast rendering of PDFs.
2. Multi-Format: Supports multiple document formats.
3. Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Best Free PDF Readers for Mobile Devices

1. Xodo PDF Reader & Editor

Xodo is a powerful PDF reader and editor for mobile devices. Available for Android and iOS, it allows users to read, annotate, and even edit PDF files directly from their smartphones or tablets. It’s ideal for mobile workflows and integrates with cloud storage like Google Drive and Dropbox.

Key Features:

1. Annotate PDFs: Highlight text, draw, and add comments.
2. Sync: Seamless integration with cloud services.
3. Cross-Platform: Available on iOS and Android.

2. Adobe Acrobat Reader (Mobile)

Adobe Acrobat Reader for mobile mirrors the desktop version’s functionality, providing users with a reliable app for viewing, annotating, and signing PDF documents. Its mobile-friendly interface makes it an excellent tool for editing PDFs on the go.

Key Features:

1. Mobile-Friendly: Optimized for viewing and editing on mobile devices.
2. Fillable Forms: Fill and sign PDF forms on iOS and Android.

3. Apple Preview (macOS and iOS)

For Apple users, Preview is built-in software that offers robust PDF viewing and annotation features. It’s an excellent option for those who don’t want to download additional apps for editing PDFs.

Key Features:

1. Annotate PDFs: Highlight text and add comments.
2. Edit PDFs: Basic editing options like cropping and adding text.

Notable Mentions

1. Microsoft Edge: Built-in PDF viewer for Windows 10, allowing basic annotation and form-filling tasks.
2. Okular: Open-source PDF reader for Linux that supports various document formats and advanced annotation tools.
3. PDF-XChange Editor: Free for Windows users, with advanced editing options like OCR (optical character recognition).

Before you go

Choosing the best free PDF reader depends on your specific needs. For basic PDF reading and annotation, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Foxit Reader are excellent choices. If you need editing features, PDF-XChange Editor and Foxit Reader stand out. For those prioritizing speed, Sumatra PDF and MuPDF are ideal. Mobile users can benefit from Xodo and Adobe Acrobat Reader. No matter your workflow, there’s a free PDF reader or editor to help you manage your PDF documents effectively.