10 Best PDF Reader 2024

Alyssa

May 28, 2024

Hey, my friend! I guess you may be struggling to open your PDF right now. Or maybe you are looking for a PDF Reader that is compatible with different file formats, or you are tired of the current clunky PDF tools, then you have come to the right place! In this article, we will recommend PDF readers that we have good experience with to you. Just choose the one you want based on your needs. Whether you need a lightweight reader for quick viewing or a multi-functional reader-editor, this article has it all, so read on.

The best PDF readers of 2024 offer a range of features from basic viewing to advanced editing, catering to various user needs and enhancing productivity and user experience.

What is PDF Reader?

A PDF reader is a document reading tool that allows you to view, navigate, and some multi-functional PDF readers can edit PDF files. Compared with word documents, PDF files do not have their layout changed due to differences in file viewing devices and operating systems, so this format is widely used in many places. A suitable PDF reader can make a huge difference in the way you interact with these documents. From basic document viewing functions to editing document content, different PDF readers provide more or less different functions.

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC - "The All-Rounder"

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is one of the most common PDF readers and is quite famous for PDF reading. It is usually the preferred PDF reader for many users. This reader is multi-functional and provides advanced editing capabilities in addition to viewing PDFs. A powerful tool for individuals and businesses, Adobe’s reputation for quality and reliability is reflected in the product, making it the first choice for users around the world.

Features	Detailed Information
Advanced editing tools	Modify text and images directly in PDF files.
Cloud storage integration	Easily save and access documents from Adobe Document Cloud.
Easy PDF Conversion	Convert PDFs to and from Microsoft Office formats and other file types.
Secure document sharing	Share documents with confidence using password protection and encryption options.

2. Foxit Reader - "The Lightweight Champion"

Foxit Reader is a lightweight PDF reader. The reader is known for its fast loading and intuitive interface, making it an excellent choice for users who need to quickly view and manage PDFs. If you usually need to process a large number of PDF files and only need the basic functions of a PDF reader, then Foxit Reader is the perfect choice. It balances your needs between performance and functionality.

Features	Detailed Information
Lightweight application	runs smoothly and does not consume a lot of system resources.
Collaboration tools	Share comments and discussions in documents with other users.
Secure Digital Signature	Digitally sign documents to verify authenticity and integrity.

3. SumatraPDF - "The Minimalist's Delight"

SumatraPDF is a PDF reader focused on concise reading. If you need a PDF reader that loads quickly and doesn’t like excessive design, SumatraPDF is your best choice. The reader’s simple design can bring users a better reading experience.

Features	Detailed Information
Page Simplicity	A simple, uncluttered interface that prioritizes readability.
Fast Loading	Quickly open and browse PDF files.
Supports multiple file formats	in addition to PDF, EPUB, MOBI, CHM, XPS, DjVu, CBZ and CBR files can also be read.
Portable version available	no installation required to use, ideal for use on multiple computers via USB drive.

4. Nitro PDF Reader - "The User-Friendly Converter"

Nitro PDF Reader is an AI PDF reader that can freely convert PDF formats to other formats, and also provides document combination, tagging and annotation functions. In addition, in order to improve the user experience and simplify the user’s workflow, the Nitro PDF Reader usage page is very simple. Whether students, professionals or casual users, they can quickly understand and use all functions of this PDF.

Features	Detailed Information
User-friendly interface	Intuitive layout makes all features easy to find and use.
Free format conversion	Easily convert PDF files into editable Excel, PowerPoint or other everyday documents.
Annotation tools	Add comments, highlight text, and draw shapes on PDFs.
Document Combination	Combine multiple PDF documents together to make it easier to process multiple files at once and save time on repetitive tasks.

5. PDFelement - "The All-in-One Solution"

PDFelement is a multi-functional PDF reader suitable for professional use. It provides a wide range of tools, including document editing, document form conversion, Document Scanning(OCR), document creation and other functions, and adds AI tools to further simplify user workload processes. Make it this software designed to provide users with everything they need to work with PDF documents, from simple viewing to complex editing tasks, to manage documents efficiently and effectively.

Features	Detailed Information
Multifunctional editing	Edit and modify PDF text, images, and pages directly on the PDF reader.
Document Scanning (OCR)	Ability to scan physical documents and convert them into editable and searchable text.
Form creation and filling	Create fillable PDF forms and collect information easily.
Cryptographically Protect Documents	Password protect and encrypt your PDFs to keep them secure.

6. PDF-XChange Editor - "The Customizable Workhorse"

PDF-XChange Editor is a PDF editor used by professionals. In addition to the basic functions of the popular PDF viewer, it also has a customizable interface, compares documents and provides a summary of differences between documents, and overlays. A comprehensive set of annotation tools, ideal for users who need to customize PDFs to their specific needs.

Features	Detailed Information
Customizable interface	Users can layout the page according to their own needs to adapt to the user's daily workflow.
Rich annotation tools	Highlight text, add comments, and draw shapes on PDF.
Document Dictation feature	When the feature is activated, all document text heard will be selected.
Built-in OCR	Scan documents and convert to editable text.

7. PDFescape - "The Browser-Based Solution"

PDFescape is a free online AI PDF reader with existing PDF basic functions. Users can browse, edit, and annotate PDF tasks on it. At the same time, users can share and view PDF files online directly on the platform, and can set passwords to protect PDF files. It requires no downloading and installation, making it ideal for users who work on web browsers.

Features	Detailed Information
Browser-based	Access PDF tools directly from any web browser, no installation required.
Editing tools	Modify text, add images, and insert links into PDFs.
Annotation tools	Highlight text, add comments, and draw shapes
Form Filling	Easily fill out and save PDF forms.
PDF Creation	Create a new PDF document from scratch.
Share securely	Protect your PDFs with passwords and encryption

8. Sejda PDF Desktop - "The Versatile Performer"

Sejda PDF Desktop is an AI PDF reader with multiple functions, which can meet the needs of most users for PDF files, such as splitting and merging files, PDF format conversion, direct editing, adding passwords and restrictions, etc., from simple Check out advanced editing, conversions, and more. In addition, Sejda PDF Desktop pays special attention to efficient performance and the ability to handle large documents smoothly. Therefore, the page design is very simple and user-friendly.

Features	Detailed Information
Text editing	Text PDF content can be edited directly. Such as modifying text and images, adding links and comments, etc.
PDF Conversion	Convert PDF to Word, Excel, and other formats. PDF cropping: You can create PDF margins, adjust the visible page area, and change the PDF page size.
PDF cropping	You can create PDF margins, adjust the visible page area, and change the PDF page size.
Form Filling	Easily fill out and save PDF forms.
Batch processing	Process multiple PDF files at once to save time.
OCR Technology	Convert scanned documents into editable text.
Secure document handling	Password protection and encryption for added security.

9. PDF Architect - "The Modular Master"

PDF Architect is a platform with a variety of PDF conversion and editing tools. Users can choose to use it online or download it according to their needs. In addition to basic document format conversion functions, PDF Architect can also convert HTML to PDF, scan documents and convert them to PDF documents, and extract text and images from PDF. With PDF Architect, users can add (or remove) passwords, merge or split PDFs, compare PDFs, and compress PDFs to save transmission time after completing editing the PDF content. The simple and intuitive interface and complete functions make it a good choice for professionals and leisure people in need.

Features	Detailed Information
Content extraction	Ability to extract text, and images from PDF.
Editing tools	Easily modify text and images and rearrange pages.
Free-form conversion	Convert PDF to and from various document formats and images.
Direct compression	Ability to compress PDF directly without downloading additional software.
Secure document handling	Add password protection to your PDFs.
Content comparison	Compares the text of two PDF files, quickly displaying any differences in content and indicating corresponding line numbers.

10. PDF Studio - "The Comprehensive Package"

PDF Studio is a commercial desktop application launched by Qoppa Software. While having most of the functions of existing PDF, it also launches PDF optimization functions according to user needs, which can optimize PDF and reduce its size. Precision measurement tools make it easy to compare the visual differences between two PDFs. The needs of both individual users and corporate users can be met.

Features	Detailed Information
Complete editing tools	Equipped with a variety of text editing tools, you can easily modify text, images and pages.
Batch processing	Process multiple files simultaneously, saving time on large projects.
OCR function	Convert scanned documents into editable text.
Secure document sharing	Password protect and encrypt your PDFs to keep them safe.

Selecting the right PDF reader can significantly enhance your document handling experience. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight tool for quick tasks or a comprehensive solution for professional use, there’s something for everyone on this list. Each of these PDF readers offers unique features tailored to different needs, from basic viewing and annotation to advanced editing and secure sharing. Explore these options to find the perfect PDF reader that will boost your productivity and meet your specific requirements in 2024!