11 BEST Adobe Acrobat Alternatives (2025)

Adobe Acrobat DC is a software that helps you to create, secure, and distribute PDF files. It also allows you to change content or images in PDF files. However, the biggest drawback of the adobe acrobat is the cost.

After researching 40+ Best Adobe Acrobat Alternatives and investing 100+ hours, I have curated a handpicked selection of free and paid tools. My comprehensive, in-depth guide offers trusted and well-researched insights on popular features and pricing. This exclusive and unbiased article may help you find the ultimate alternative. Read the complete article to discover insightful and credible recommendations.

Best Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat (Free & Paid)

Name	Platform	Free Trial	Link
👍 Ashampoo PDF Pro	Windows	30 Days Free Trial	Learn More
👍 Wondershare PDFelement	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android	14 Days Free Trial	Learn More
👍 ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor	Windows, Linux, macOS	Free download / Free cloud	Learn More
EaseUS PDF Editor	Windows	Lifetime Free Basic Plan	Learn More
Pdffiller	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android	30 Days Free Trial	Learn More

1) Ashampoo PDF Pro

Ashampoo PDF Pro, in my experience, is an excellent PDF editor for modifying text and images. It helped me manage my PDF documents effectively. I particularly appreciate the resizing feature, which makes the documents readable on different devices. I recommend this tool if you need a reliable way to merge PDFs swiftly.

Ashampoo PDF Pro is a versatile PDF editor that I could access for designing and editing forms effortlessly. It allowed me to compare PDFs side by side and split documents with ease. I particularly liked the simplified text formatting dialog, offering line and paragraph settings. Exporting my edited PDF into Microsoft Word, RTF, HTML, EPUB, or JPEG formats was seamless. The tool also supports text, drawings, and audio commentary, making it great for detailed edits on Windows.

Pricing:

• Pricing: $44 One-time Payment, 30-day money back guarantee. Lifetime license
• Free Trial: 30 Days Free Trial

Visit Ashampoo PDF >>

30-Days Free Trial

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2) Wondershare PDFelement

Wondershare PDFelement offered me an efficient way to manage PDF tasks. I found that creating, editing, converting, and signing documents was straightforward. The comment tool was great for team collaboration, making feedback easy. In my opinion, this Adobe Acrobat Alternative is a top choice for form sharing and analysis. It works seamlessly on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Wondershare PDFelement allowed me to control my files seamlessly and keep them protected from unauthorized access. You can edit PDFs with a robust word processor, expressing ideas visually and verbally. It is ideal for exporting documents to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, HTML, text, and image formats. The tool offers features like highlighting, underlining, strikethrough, note-taking, shapes, and callouts, making it a top-notch choice for detailed document handling.

Pricing:

• Pricing: $51.99 One-time fee
• Free Trial: 14 Days Free Trial

Visit PDFelement >>

14-Days Free Trial

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3) ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor

ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor impressed me immensely with its intuitive interface and powerful functionalities it offered for editing PDF documents. It was a great help for me in managing and modifying my documents in the most simplified way. With it, editing, viewing and filling out forms was easier than ever. While working on collaborative projects, advanced tools such as comments, notes and stamps were an indispensable feature that made collaboration even more professional.

It is also worth mentioning that this tool, in addition to being suitable for working from anywhere and its excellent functionality on Windows, macOS, and Linux, is also available as a full version on the web. Another advantage is its AI integration which offers useful tools, like text generation and OCR.

Meanwhile, as far as exporting to various formats such as DOCX, ODT and PNG is concerned, it was very fast, simple and accurate. So if you are looking for an easy, efficient and free way to work with PDF, which also includes a collaborative environment, let me tell you that ONLYOFFICE is the best choice.

Pricing:

• Pricing: Free desktop app and free cloud-based Startup plan. The Business plan starting at $20 per admin/month.
• Free Trial: Free download / Free cloud

Visit ONLYOFFICE >>

Free Download

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4) Icecream Apps PDF Editor

Icecream Apps PDF-Editor helped me edit PDF files without hassle. I could manage pages, add notes, and make changes easily. It offered me the option to merge pages and adjust objects by moving, rotating, or resizing. According to my review, it is a top-notch Adobe Acrobat Alternative for anyone seeking a reliable PDF tool.

Icecream Apps PDF Editor provides an effective solution for PDF protection by allowing you to set a password. It offered me a wide range of built-in forms that I could easily integrate into PDF documents. I particularly liked the search function that helps you find specific text before making changes. You can export edited files in JPG, PNG, TIFF, or RTF formats. It supports adding notes, highlighting, strikethroughs, and comments across Windows, Mac, and Android platforms.

Pricing:

• Pricing: $99 One-time fee with 30 Days Money Back Guarantee
• Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan

Download Link: https://icecreamapps.com/PDF-Editor/

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5) Nitro Pro

Nitro Pro is a replacement for Adobe PDF Editor. I found that it helps my team collaborate efficiently on various documents. The built-in OCR engine made it possible to convert paper documents into editable text files. It allowed me to handle digital documents easily, making tasks simpler. I could share documents quickly and securely via cloud storage, which saved time. In my experience, accessing and sharing files with colleagues was much faster.

Nitro Pro impressed me with its ability to convert PDF files to Excel and PowerPoint quickly. It is an excellent alternative to handling printed documents. I found the multitasking feature helpful for modifying PDFs effortlessly. You can export your edited files in Word, RTF, Image, or Excel formats. It also allows you to verify digital signatures with ease. It supports highlight, cross-out, underline, and replace options on Windows and Mac platforms.

Pricing:

• Pricing: Plans start at $13.26 per user/month.
• Free Trial: 14 Days Free Trial. No credit card required.

Download Link: https://www.gonitro.com/

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6) ABBYY FineReader PDF

I found ABBYY FineReader PDF to be a great OCR and PDF software. I could access and edit content from locked PDF files and scanned documents quickly. This tool is simple to use and improves productivity by making document management easier. It uses advanced OCR to scan and turn paper documents into Word, Excel, or PDF files. The software supports platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

ABBYY FineReader PDF is a superior choice for creating, editing, commenting, and annotating PDF files. In my experience, it offers a quick way to spot differences across document versions. The Hot Folder feature is excellent for speeding up document conversion. You can export the edited PDF in Word, Excel, or other formats. This top-of-the-line tool supports text, images, charts, and captions, making it perfect for comprehensive document management.

Pricing:

• Pricing: Plans start at $ 99/year.
• Free Trial: 7 Days Free Trial.

Download Link: https://pdf.abbyy.com/

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7) Dochub

I analyzed Dochub, and it proved to be a free online solution for editing, sending, and signing PDF files. The tool made it possible for me to streamline my document workflow without hassle. I found it helpful to annotate and sign PDF documents digitally. I recommend it as one of the best alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Pro due to its integration with Gmail, Dropbox, and Google Drive. It is available on Android, iOS, and Windows platforms.

DocHub allowed me to get PDF files signed effortlessly with popular tools like Sign Requests and eSignatures. I could export the edited PDF in Doc format without any hassle. It supports useful features like Whiteout, Redact, Highlight, Underline, and Strikeout, making document editing seamless. I particularly liked the option to insert images, add comments, and create custom fields. It also provides strong security with OAuth 2.0 authentication and 256-bit SSL encryption, ensuring data protection.

Pricing:

• Pricing: Plans start at $8 per month bill Annually.
• Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan

Download Link: https://dochub.com/

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8) Xodo

I found Xodo to be a powerful Adobe Acrobat Alternative. It helped me edit, annotate, sign, and share PDF files across devices. Its intuitive design allowed me to stay focused on my tasks without any hassle. I particularly liked how it lets me create comments and add signatures easily. In my experience, it is perfect for highlighting important text in documents.

Xodo stands out as a superior choice for managing PDF tasks, offering a seamless experience for completing forms on mobile devices. It allowed me to sign documents effortlessly, which I found particularly helpful for quick approvals. Collaborating in real-time is a breeze, and it integrates smoothly with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Xodo’s own platform. Export options include JPG, PNG, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and HTML formats, making it one of the most versatile tools I have used.

Pricing:

• Pricing: Plans start at $14.99/month. 20% Discount on Yearly Payment.
• Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan

Download link: https://www.xodo.com/

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9) Foxit PDF Editor

Foxit PDF Editor is a reliable tool that allowed me to handle my PDF files well. It is one of the best Adobe Acrobat alternatives. I could access various features that made document creation easier. It is perfect for users who need a tool compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android.

Foxit PDF Editor is an excellent solution for creating and editing fillable forms and documents. I found that it allows you to easily add headers, footers, and export files as PDFs. It offers a seamless collaboration experience with the team, and I particularly liked its enhanced content protection. Additionally, it provides ECMs and cloud storage for efficient document sharing, and you can export your edited PDF files to Word, Excel, and other formats. The support for Note, Line, and Highlight features makes it even more versatile.

Pricing:

• Pricing: Plans start at $129.99/year
• Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan

Download link: https://www.foxit.com/pdf-editor/

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10) Ilovepdf

IlovePDF impressed me with its features. I particularly liked how it helps split, merge, and convert PDF files. According to my review, the tool is ideal for adding watermarks and compressing PDFs. I could manage my documents with ease, making it one of the top choices for Adobe Acrobat alternatives. It also works well for both single and bulk file management online.

IlovePDF is an impressive PDF editing tool that allowed me to combine and merge PDFs effortlessly. I was able to reduce file size, improving PDF quality without any compromise. It helped me convert PDF to JPG and vice versa in just seconds. My advice is to add page numbers or watermarks as needed. It also allows you to delete or add pages easily and export in formats like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, or JPG.

Pricing:

• Pricing: Plans start at $5/month Billed annually
• Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan

Download link: https://www.ilovepdf.com/

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11) PDFescape

PDFescape is a solid alternative to Adobe Acrobat. I reviewed this tool and found it excellent for managing PDF files. I could easily create and edit documents from any device, whether online or on Windows. The free version is perfect for basic edits, while the premium option adds more features. I advise you to consider PDFescape if you need an efficient tool with many options for PDF tasks.

PDFescape helps you effortlessly annotate PDF documents with features like carets, sticky notes, and highlight tools. It is one of the best options for creating PDF forms and sharing them online. In my opinion, its ability to export PDFs in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and image formats is impressive and offers great versatility, making it a top-rated choice.

Pricing:

• Pricing: Plans start at $2.99/month billed yearly
• Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan

Download link: https://www.pdfescape.com

Other Best Adobe Acrobat Alternative

1. NovaPDF – This allows you to create industry-standard PDF files easily. Just open your file and click on Print and select novaPDF to generate PDF. It is a simple and quick way to generate PDFs. It includes features for beginner and advanced user.
   Link: https://www.novapdf.com/
2. Able2Extract Professional – It is a software tool to convert, create, and edit PDF files. This Adobe Acrobat alternative free software converts PDF file to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, AutoCAD, Images, and Publisher. This PDF editor tool is a cross-platform editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
   Link:https://www.investintech.com/prod_a2e.htm/
3. PDFexpert – This is a robust PDF editor. You can use this software to read, comment, edit PDF files, change images, and text. This software available free of charge and can be used on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. The PDF editor allows a user to view, annotate, edit PDFs, and change images.
   Link:https://pdfexpert.com/
4. PDF Fusion – It is a PDF creator software that allows you to assemble, edit and create PDFs. This Adobe Acrobat alternative helps you quickly assemble new documents using pages from existing material. It also allows you to export and email PDF documents with ease.
   Link:https://www.wordperfect.com/en/product/pdf-creator/
5. Sejda PDF Editor – Sejda PDF is a free online PDF tool. It also provides direct links to open PDF documents with the editor. You can also use this editor to fill and sign PDF. The editor is alternative to other PDF creating and editing software such as Adobe acrobat. Use this alternative to Adobe Acrobat software to compress PDF files.
   Link:https://www.sejda.com/pdf-editor
6. SmallPDF – SmallPDF is an online PDF tool. It is all in one software tools to compress, edit, convert, split, and merge PDFs online. Users can use it to convert Gmail attachment into various files to and from PDF. The trial version of this tool is available for seven days.
   Link:https://smallpdf.com/

What is Adobe Acrobat?

Adobe Acrobat DC is software that helps you to create, view, manipulate, manage, and distribute files in PDF (Portable Document Format) format. It allows you to change content or images in PDF files. It also helps you to stay connected with your team with simple workflows across different devices.

How Did We Choose Best PDF Editor Software?

At Guru99, our commitment to credibility ensures that our content is accurate, relevant, and objective. After researching 40+ Best Adobe Acrobat Alternatives and dedicating 100+ hours, I have curated a comprehensive list of both free and paid tools. My in-depth guide covers trusted insights on features and pricing. Check out below important factors, including a step-by-step breakdown, to consider when selecting a PDF viewer, editor, or creator software, providing you with reliable and well-researched resources to make an informed decision.

• Ease of Use: Choose software that has a user-friendly interface and straightforward navigation. It should cater to both beginners and advanced users.
• Comprehensive PDF Tools: The software must allow you to create, edit, print, and share PDF files seamlessly. Check if it includes options for inserting images, hyperlinks, and comments.
• Scanning and OCR Features: Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is vital for converting scanned documents into editable and searchable text. This feature enhances productivity.
• Platform Compatibility: Check if the software is supported on multiple platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This ensures accessibility across various devices.
• Security Features: Opt for software that offers strong security measures such as password protection, encryption, and digital signatures to safeguard your documents.
• Collaboration Tools: Look for features that support real-time collaboration, enabling you to work on documents with your team effectively.
• File Conversion: Check if the software can convert files to and from various formats (e.g., Word, Excel, and JPG) for added flexibility.
• Customer Support: Reliable customer support can be crucial, especially if you encounter issues or need help using advanced features.

Why look for an Adobe Acrobat alternative?

The main drawback with Adobe Acrobat is the cost and lack of some features. On the other hand, some good Adobe Acrobat alternative tools offer similar or more benefits for free or less cost. These alternative tools offer users multiple functionalities and features for PDF files with lesser cost compared to Adobe Acrobat.

Verdict:

In this review, you got acquainted with some of the best Adobe Acrobat alternatives. Each of them provides unique features to solve your PDF needs efficiently. I have detailed my experience below to help you make an informed decision.

• 👍 Ashampoo PDF Pro is a top-notch choice if you are deciding on a comprehensive tool that offers excellent PDF editing capabilities, making it an ideal solution for those needing secure document management.
• 👍 Wondershare PDFelement stands out as a phenomenal option, with its powerful editing tools and a user-friendly interface that allows you to handle PDFs with ease, even without advanced skills.
• 👍 ONLYOFFICE PDF Editor impressed me with its intuitive interface and collaborative features, making it perfect for teams who need a free, efficient solution with AI integration and multi-platform support.