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PDF (Portable Document Format) is one of the most commonly used formats for sharing digital documents today. It is used by businesses, individuals, and government agencies to create and share electronic documents that can be viewed on multiple devices without any loss of formatting or data. PDFs are not only easy to create but also easy to share and store. Given their universal nature, it is possible to view a PDF file on any device be it a Windows PC, a Mac, or even a smartphone.
When it comes to reading and editing PDFs, there are many software options available in the market. While some software is free, others come at a cost. Selecting the right software that meets your needs can be daunting, given the host of options available. This guide aims to help you simplify your search process by providing a comprehensive list of the top 7 PDF readers for Windows. We have done extensive research and testing of PDF reader software available, and we’ll go through them in detail and help you select which one could be right for you.
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What PDF Readers Can Do?
PDF Readers are a powerful tool that allows you to do more with your documents than just read or view them. Here are some things you can do with a PDF reader:
- View, read, and print PDF files.
- Convert other file formats such as MS Word, Excel, or PowerPoint to PDF format.
- Annotate or mark up PDF files with comments, text, or highlighters.
- Fill out PDF forms that support interactive form fields.
- Sign PDF files with digital signatures.
- Redact and protect confidential information by hiding or removing sensitive text or graphics.
- Merge or split PDF files into smaller or larger PDF files.
- Archive and compress PDF files to reduce their size for easier storage or transmission.
What Factors Should Be Considered While Choosing a PDF Reader?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a PDF Reader. Here are a few of them:
- Cost: While several PDF Readers are free, others come at a cost. You can purchase subscription-based software or buy it outright, choosing at times between monthly or annual plans over per-license fees.
- Features: The features of PDF readers vary widely. Depending on your requirements assess if you need all the features such as electronic signatures, annotations, or the ability to select, copy, and paste text out of PDFs.
- User interface: The user interface and ease of use are essential in selecting a PDF Reader. Does it take up too many resources on your PC, or is it simple and efficient? A cumbersome UI may not always result in the best user experience.
- Security: PFD Readers often include security features such as password protection, data redaction, and digital signature capability. These factors are crucial if you are working with or distributing documents that contain confidential information to prevent data breaches.
- Support: Before investing in a PDF reader software, consider the support that comes with it. If you have issues, make sure support is included with your subscription or purchase plan.
Top 7 Best PDF Reader Recommendations
We have listed and discussed the top 7 PDF Readers for Windows based on their popularity, functionality, and features.
1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the most popular PDF Reader with over 1 billion installs worldwide. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a free program that includes features that can allow you to edit, view, fill, sign, annotate, and share PDFs. The software features ‘Protected Mode,’ which provides an extra layer of security to ward off malware and unauthorized access. It also includes a high level of compatibility with Adobe’s creative cloud suite, giving you access to more advanced features for media creation and presentations.
Pros:
- Highly customizable for user preferences.
- Integrates with the Adobe family of products.
- Provides cloud storage services.
- Excellent technical support.
Cons:
- Large install size.
- Does not support FTP or cloud-based services natively.
- Advanced features require additional licenses and subscription-based services.
2. Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is a free PDF reader software that comes with a clean user interface. It features many important features such as displaying a document at full screen or single-page view and support for multiple languages. It is available in both free and paid versions, and the free version includes features such as form fillings, document conversion, and multi-tab browsing. Foxit features OCR technology, which enables text recognition from scanned documents in editable formats such as plain text or Word Documents, making it a useful tool for the business user.
Pros:
- Offers a portable version of the software that doesn’t require installation.
- Highly customizable user interface.
- Offers collaboration tools for content creation and sharing.
- Foxit online offers cloud storage and document management solutions.
Cons:
- Does not support FTP and cloud-based services, but the Foxit online platform is an alternative for cloud storage and management.
- May require additional licenses for some professional and enterprise-level features.
3. Nitro PDF Reader
Nitro PDF Reader is an excellent free PDF reader with powerful editing tools as well as support for creating and converting PDF files. Nitro has an elegant and user-friendly interface and allows users to add text, shapes, highlight, and drawing tools to their PDF files. It comes with editing functions that are often needed in offices like merging multiple PDFs into one document, exporting the content of a PDF to text, and adding digital signatures. Nitro PDF Reader also includes features for extracting images and text from PDF files.
Pros:
- Adheres to the industry-standard for PDF files, making it a universal tool.
- Powerful document creation tools that can match Microsoft Office.
- Quickly converts text and images between different file types, including PDF conversions.
- A feature-rich virtual printer allows you to save files to PDF from Office or any standard programs.
Cons:
- The free version is a limited version of the advanced and more powerful paid Nitro Pro version.
- Too many plugin downloads and subsequent installs are required for many of the free features, such as cloud integration and OCR.
- Installer may bundle 3rd party software without user confirmation.
4. Slim PDF
With a small download size of only 1.5 MB, Slim PDF is among the lightest and quickest PDF Readers available. It is simple to use with a minimal, user-friendly interface and offers essential options such as full-screen mode, quick and easy text search, and rotation of pages. The Slim PDF Reader uses tabbed browsing, making it easy to read multiple PDF files at once. This program is ideal for users who prefer a lightweight, simple reader that’s not resource-intensive than its more robust, feature-packed counterparts.
Pros:
- Free and licensed versions available, most of which are affordable.
- One of the lightest and fastest PDF Readers available, with minimal system resource usage.
- Renders PDF files with near-to-zero delay and fast page flipping compared to standard readers.
- Very easy to use with minimalistic features that enable basic navigation and reading of documents.
Cons:
- Has limited features compared to other advanced PDF reader software.
- Does not support creation or editing of PDFs, but it can be used to view, convert, or extract data from the file.
- Annotations require ‘pro’ version or upgrade to premium or licensed versions.
5. Sumatra PDF
Sumatra PDF is an open-source, lightweight, and fast PDF Reader that supports a broad range of file formats including PDF, XPS, DjVu, CBR, EPUB, and MOBI. It is portable software that doesn’t need installation, making it an excellent choice for those running it from removable devices such as USBs. Sumatra PDF’s most impressive aspect is its minimalism; It features a straightforward and uncluttered user interface that can hide the menu bar and its toolbar as it can be accessed via keyboard shortcuts.
Pros:
- Free and open-source, developed through user contribution contributions.
- Has good support for multiple file formats in addition to PDF, such as XPS, e-books, and comic books.
- Designed for speed with near-instant rendering of documents compared to similar functionality with Adobe Reader.
- Very lightweight, download sizes are less than 10MB.
Cons:
- Sumatra PDF currently lacks essential annotation functionality.
- Compatibility with commonly-used cloud services is limited or non-existent.
- Some features like rotation and zoom are less intuitive compared to other advanced PDF readers.
6. PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange Editor is a comprehensive PDF reader software that’s unique in its powerful and versatile features. The software is available in both a free and paid version and includes a fantastic set of advanced editing features, including OCR, forms management, document creation and improved layer support. PDF-XChange Editor offers a unique feature that enables you to edit PDFs documents without changing their formatting. It comes with a user-friendly interface and some powerful annotation tools that support comments, stamps, highlighting, text insertion, and much more.
Pros:
- Available as both a free and paid version with affordable prices.
- Powerful suite of features that include OCR and advanced editing capabilities.
- Provides advanced formatting features, allowing users to work with basic to complex documents.
- Offers robust data security with access restrictions, form filling and support for digital signing.
Cons:
- The interface could be a little daunting for new and casual users.
- The free version will add watermarks to edited PDFs if not purchased.
- Supports fewer cloud storage services compared to other advanced PDF readers.
7. Gaaiho PDF Reader
Gaaiho PDF Reader is a fast and powerful PDF Reader that includes many new features that aren’t available in other more established PDF readers. This software has a clean interface and includes a broad range of functionalities such as editing, annotation, and conversion tools. Gaaiho is specifically focused on collaboration and online connectivity and can integrate with numerous cloud-based storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or SharePoint.
Pros:
- Integrates with a wide range of cloud-based services, which ensures online storage of work content for effective collaboration.
- Features user-friendly interface and provides advanced annotation capabilities.
- Fast and accurate rendering with exceptional zooming capabilities, allowing for legible text even on the smallest displays.
- Gaaiho includes e-signature tools and offers advanced security measures such as password protection and data redaction.
Cons:
- The free version is limited compared to paid versions.
- More expensive compared to other free PDF readers.
- Requires several plugins installs for full functionality.
Comparative Analysis of Each Software
Here is an overview of the comparison between the top 7 PDF Readers for Windows:
| Adobe Acrobat Reader DC | Foxit Reader | Nitro PDF Reader | Slim PDF | Sumatra PDF | PDF-XChange Editor | Gaaiho PDF Reader | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREE TRIAL | No | No | No | No | No | Download only, with watermarked features | No |
| PRICE | Free | Free | Free & Paid Versions starting $40 | Free | Free | Free & Paid Versions starting $43 | Paid Version starting $92.5 |
| EASE-OF-USE | Can be overwhelming for new users. | Ease of use is high | Ease of use is high | Requires little help | Minimal User Interface | Less Intuitive, targeting professional users | Intuitive and user-friendly interface |
| VALUE FOR MONEY | Free | Free | May require purchase; Free version limited by watermarks or ads in PDFs. | Free | Free | Free & Paid Versions starting $43 | Paid Version starting $92.5 |
Our Thoughts on PDF Readers
Choosing the right software for managing and editing PDF files depends largely on your specific needs. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and Foxit Reader are both popular and reliable options for users looking to get started.
However, if your focus is on speed, efficiency, and minimalism, look no further than Sumatra PDF or Radical Baby. The software review determines that PDF-XChange Editor is the best fit for businesses that require professional-grade features such as OCR and form management. And for users looking for more advanced features, Nitro PDF Reader is the right choice.
FAQs About PDF Readers
Q1: What Is the Best Free PDF Reader for Windows?
A: When it comes to free PDF readers for Windows, we recommend Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Foxit Reader, or Slim PDF as they are all easy to use and come packed with a range of useful features.
Q2: What Is the Most Lightweight PDF Reader?
A: The most lightweight PDF Reader based on our review is Slim PDF Reader as it only requires minimal resources or active plugins to function efficiently.
Q3: Should I Pay for a PDF Reader?
A: Although many PDF readers offer a range of premium features that enhance productivity, it really depends on how frequently you use PDFs and what features you require. Often, free versions can suffice if your needs are minimal. Still, if you frequently work with PDFs and need the full palette of premium features, it may be worth investing in a paid PDF reader solution.
Q4: Can I Edit a PDF Using Free Software?
A: Yes, with some limitations, free software like Foxit Reader and Nitro PDF Reader is capable of editing basic elements like text, images, and forms in a PDF. Hence, it’s wise to assess your needs for specific editing features before deciding on Free or Paid Versions.
Q5: Is It Safe to Use a Free PDF Reader?
A: Yes, free PDF readers like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Foxit Reader, or Nitro PDF Reader are safe for downloading and using on