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5 alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Reader

Updated By Tom On Aug 14, 2022, 5:04 pm

If you want to create or view PDF files, you may use Adobe's Acrobat Reader. After all, Adobe is the creator of PDF documents.

But if you want rotate or merge PDFs, you need to buy the expensive Pro version. So many people will want to find a more cost-effective alternative to adobe acrobat reader, below, I will show you Adobe's Top 5 Alternatives to Make Your Choice Easier!

Top 5 Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Reader

1. Geekersoft PDF Editor

If you are looking for an alternative to Adobe Reader for Windows, first check out the Geekersoft PDF Editor, which provides free access to PDF documents and includes PDF creation, editing, conversion, OCR, and PDF signature. This Acrobat Reader alternative is cheap and considered to be the most cost-effective PDF editing tool on the market.

1. Four reading modes

As one of the best alternatives to Adobe Reader, Geekersoft PDF Editor provides four modes to read PDF: original ratio, fit to page, fit to width, fit to visible. You can choose the reading mode that suits you to read multiple files at once.

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2. Provide various annotation tools

It allows you to highlight and add sticky notes in PDF files just like Adobe Reader. For specific operations, please check: How to Annotate PDF Guide.

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3. Easily modify and edit PDF content

The Geekersoft PDF Editor allows you to edit PDF text and images. Not only is it an alternative to Acrobat Reader, it has many of the features of Acrobat Acrobat Pro, such as allowing you to add, modify, and delete text and images. For details, please check: How to Edit PDF guide.

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4. Convert PDF to other formats

Geekersoft PDF Editor can convert PDF content to Microsoft Word, Excel, Image, PowerPoint and other formats.

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5. Handwritten signature

The tool also supports a smooth hand-written signature, which is perfect for paperless office requirements. For details, please check: How to Sign PDFs.

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2. Wondershare PDFelement

Wondershare PDFelement is also an excellent alternative to Adobe Acrobat. This tool provides watermarking, adding headers and footers, password permissions, creation, and document conversion for more than 90% of Adobe Acrobat features.

As can be seen in the PDFelement reviews, it can provide enough value for the average user and is ideal for those who frequently need to manipulate, edit, annotate and make changes to PDF documents.

Wondershare PDFelement's pricing is more flexible, you can subscribe on a monthly and annual basis, or you can subscribe for a lifetime, and the price is much cheaper than Adobe.

Free Trial for Win Free Trial for Mac

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3. Foxit Reader

Foxit Reader is a very smooth PDF reader and a good alternatives to Adobe Reader. In addition to reading, it also provides annotation, form filling and signature functions.

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This PDF reader helps users read and print PDFs easily. It also integrates with OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box for users to collaborate and share files.

4. Nitro PDF Pro

Nitro PDF Pro is one of the best Acrobat alternatives for those who don't like subscriptions, offering a one-time permanent license purchase. The toolkit has an interface and experience comparable to that of Adob E Acrobat, making it easy to use. It provides many tools for users, including annotations, editing capabilities, OCR, PDF conversion, and more.

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The license price is higher than the first three, at $180 per license.

5. Readdle PDF Expert

If you are choosing an Adobe Reader alternative under Apple ecosystem (MAC, iPad, iPhone), then Readdle PDF Expert is your best choice. PDF Expert has the same comprehensive functions as Acrobat, in addition to image and text editing, it can also complete operations such as converting Word/Excel/PowerPoint, OCR and electronic signatures.

On iOS mobile devices, it is widely used to add notes, edit information, extract or rearrange pages, etc. Especially for those who use Apple Pencil on iPad, the experience is even better than that of the Adob E Reader.

In terms of pricing, Readdle PDF Expert offers an annual subscription or a perpetual license.

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