PDF files are so common nowadays that there are plenty of apps that allow you to view it. While the default is the Adobe’s PDF reader, it has become bloated and difficult to use. In this article, we will look at six free alternative PDF readers for Windows.
1. Foxit
Price: Free / €75.06 annually
Foxit is one of the best alternatives to Adobe Reader. It is a robust and feature-rich PDF reader that offers many benefits for users who need to work with PDF documents.
Foxit PDF reader is known for its fast performance and quick loading time. This software offers note-taking tools, highlighting, text manipulation, and digital form filling. The software allows users to customize the interface, add plugins, and modify the settings according to their needs.
Pros
- Fast and efficient
- Feature-rich
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Customizable
Cons
- Advertisements
- Limited free version
2. Sumatra PDF
Price: Free
Sumatra PDF reader is a lightweight and open-source software designed for viewing PDF documents. While it lacks advanced features and editing capabilities, its lightweight and user-friendly interface makes it a popular choice for many users. However, the software may not be suitable for users who need to work with complex PDF files or require advanced features.
Sumatra PDF reader is known for its small size and quick loading times, making it a great choice for users who want a simple and fast PDF reader. It also offers a portable version that can be run from a USB drive, making it convenient for users who need to access PDF files on multiple devices.
Pros
- Lightweight and fast
- User-friendly interface
- Open-source
- Portable version
Cons
- Limited features
- No editing capabilities
- Compatibility issues
3. PDF-XChange Viewer
Price: Free/ $56.00
PDF-XChange Viewer offers a wide range of features, including note-taking tools, highlighting, text manipulation, and digital form filling. These features make it a versatile tool for working with PDF files.
The software allows users to customize the interface, add plugins, and modify the settings according to their needs. PDF-XChange Viewer offers a portable version that can be run from a USB drive, making it convenient for users who need to access PDF files on multiple devices.
Pros
- Fast and reliable
- Feature-rich
- Customizable
- Portable version
Cons
- Advertisements
- Limited features in the free version
- The interface can be overwhelming
4. Google Docs
Price: Free
Google Docs is not primarily designed as a PDF reader, but it is capable of opening and displaying PDF files. Although Docs lacks features found in most PDF readers, the fact that it is available in the cloud makes it incredibly useful when you are at a computer without a PDF viewer installed.
Google Docs allows multiple users to collaborate on the same document simultaneously, making it a great tool for group projects or teamwork. PDF files often contain complex formatting, and while Google Docs is capable of displaying these files, some formatting may be lost or altered in the process.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Collaborative
Cons
- Limited functionality
- Formatting issues
- Security concerns
5. Google Chrome (or Firefox)
Price: Free
Chrome (and Firefox) has an integrated PDF reader that can open PDF files directly in the browser without additional software or plugins. Since Chrome is a widely used browser, many people may already have it installed on their computers, making it a convenient option for viewing PDF files.
Chrome’s built-in PDF reader is relatively basic and lacks some of the more advanced features that dedicated PDF readers offer, such as Foxit or Adobe Reader. Like other web browsers, Chrome’s PDF reader may not display complex formatting in PDF files accurately.
Pros
- Integrated reader
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited features
- Formatting issues
- Security concerns
6. Nitro Reader
Price: €223.19
Nitro Reader offers many features, including note-taking tools, highlighting, text manipulation, and digital form filling. These features make it a versatile tool for working with PDF files. Nitro Reader has a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and use.
Furthermore, this software displays ads promoting its paid products, which can be intrusive and annoying for some users.
Pros
- Fast and efficient
- Feature-rich
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Advertisements
- Limited features in free version
- Lack of support
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would you need an Adobe Reader alternative?
While Adobe Reader is a great tool for viewing and printing PDF files, some users may prefer alternative PDF readers for a variety of reasons, such as cost, features, or compatibility issues.
Can these alternative free PDF readers be used to convert PDF files to other formats?
Some of these alternative free PDF readers, such as Nitro Reader and PDF-XChange Viewer, come with the feature to convert PDF files to other formats, such as Word or Excel. However, this feature may not be available in all free versions of the software.
Is Foxit Reader better than Adobe Reader?
Foxit Reader is a popular alternative to Adobe Reader, and many users prefer it for its faster performance, smaller file size, and streamlined interface. Additionally, Foxit Reader offers more advanced features in its free version than Adobe Reader does, such as the ability to create and edit PDF files.
However, some users may prefer Adobe Reader due to its familiarity and extensive range of features, particularly for users who work extensively with PDF files. Ultimately, the choice between Foxit Reader and Adobe Reader depends on individual preferences and needs.
Image credit: Laptop computer displaying logo of Adobe Acrobat file by 123RF. All screenshots by Farhad Pashaei.
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