7 Best Free PDF Readers (2025)

PDF documents are very popular as they can be opened on any operating system, and they are easy to attach with an email, message, or website. A PDF document also provides the advantage of not being altered easily. So, it is extensively used by individuals and organizations for digital copies of resumes, study material, documents, and manuals for peripherals and devices. A PDF reader software helps you create, manage, and secure your PDF files all in one place. It allows you to simplify complicated tasks involved in PDFs. There are many dedicated Windows PDF readers available in the market. Therefore, selecting the best PDF reader for editing, altering, or managing your PDF files is difficult. We have created the best PDF readers list for your needs.

After spending 60+ hours researching 25+ Best PDF Reader tools, I have created a comprehensive list of the top options, including free and paid versions. My in-depth and unbiased review provides well-researched pros, cons, and download links to help you choose the best Free PDF reader. This trusted guide offers exclusive insights—read the full article for a must-see breakdown of these tools. Read more…

Best Free PDF Reader for Windows 11/10

Name	Windows Supported versions	Free Trial	Link
👍 Adobe Acrobat Reader DC	Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11	Reader is Free. Adobe Acrobat is paid	Learn More
👍 UPDF	Windows 7 or later	Life Time Free Basic Plan	Learn More
PDF Xchange	Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 and 11	Lifetime Free with Limited Features	Learn More
Icecream Apps PDF Editor	Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 and 11	Lifetime Free with Limited Features	Learn More
Slim PDF	Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 and 11	Life Time Free Basic Plan	Learn More

1) Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

I evaluated Adobe Acrobat Reader DC as a solid free PDF reader software. It offered me various viewing options, including dark mode, which helps reduce eyestrain while reading. I could access its full-screen mode, which hides unnecessary menus for an uninterrupted view.

I found its cloud storage integration to be a great way to store documents online. The ability to extract words and images from PDFs made my work faster. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC supports Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it perfect for different systems.

👉 How to get it Free?

• Go to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
• Click on the “Download Acrobat Reader” button to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Visit Adobe Acrobat >>

Life Time Free Tool

---

2) UPDF

UPDF impressed me with its seamless ability to view, search, and edit PDF files. The multi-tab view was especially useful for handling multiple documents, while the AI-powered OCR delivered highly accurate recognition. I found the ability to chat with PDFs and convert them into mind maps a game-changer for grasping complex ideas efficiently.

I also appreciated the presentation mode for professional content sharing, and its cross-platform compatibility on up to four devices was extremely convenient. With support for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, UPDF stands out as a versatile and user-friendly PDF editor.

👉 How to get it Free?

• Go to UPDF
• Click on the “Free Download” button to get trial version.

Visit UPDF >>

Life Time Free Basic Plan

---

3) PDF-Xchange

PDF-XChange Editor is a free PDF reader tool with easy-to-use buttons, toolbars, and side panels that made PDF editing simple for me. I particularly appreciate how it offers fast performance and lets me remove unwanted features, giving me a cleaner viewing experience.

PDF-XChange is an excellent choice for editing PDFs, allowing me to attach notes and create fillable forms with ease. I found its ability to add comments before sharing files helpful for collaboration. Supporting Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, and 11, it is one of the best options for anyone seeking a robust PDF tool.

👉 How to get it Free?

• Go to PDF Xchange
• Click on the “Download” button to get feature-rich free PDF viewer/editor.

Link: https://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-editor

---

4) Icecream Apps PDF Editor

As I evaluated Icecream Apps PDF Editor, I found it ideal for creating and editing PDFs. It is a top-rated tool for managing pages and adding notes to documents. In fact, it helps you edit with simplicity, offering one of the easiest ways to handle PDFs. I found that drawing, adding shapes, arrows, and lines to a PDF document was simple and effective. It is available for download on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, making it one of the best options for a wide range of users.

Icecream PDF Editor allowed me to move, rotate, and resize PDF objects effortlessly, making it great for those who need a solution to manage and edit PDFs with ease. In my opinion, it’s ability to set a password to protect your PDF files makes it truly special. If you are in lookout for a reliable and trusted PDF reader, I would highly recommend it.

👉 How to get it Free?

• Go to Icecream Apps PDF Editor
• Click on the “Free Download” button to get free version of Icecream PDF Editor with a few limitations.

Visit IcecreamApps >>

Lifetime Free with Limited Features

---

5) Slim PDF

I analyzed Slim PDF, a simple and effective PDF reader software. I found this tool to be quite convincing for opening and viewing documents. It allows you to add comments and annotations easily. I could access its form-filling feature and validate digital signatures. The annotation tools are remarkable, and they offer great customization.

Slim PDF offers an improved navigation feature that helped me simplify my PDF viewing experience. I was able to sign PDFs with both electronic and digital signatures effortlessly, which is helpful to streamline workflows. It lets me create PDFs from any printable file format for easy document creation. The fact that Slim PDF Reader 2 is 1/10 of the size of Adobe® Reader® makes it an ideal solution for those looking for a lightweight, yet top-notch option.

👉 How to get it Free?

• Go to Slim PDF
• Click on the “Windows Download” button to download Slim PDF Reader for free.

Link: https://www.investintech.com/resources/freetools/slimpdfreader/

---

6) Ashampoo PDF

Ashampoo PDF helped me manage PDF files effectively. I could edit, create, and safeguard files with this PDF reader software application. It also offered me the ability to produce well-sized documents readable on any device. I was impressed by the encryption feature that secures intellectual property.

Ashampoo PDF is an ideal solution for managing and editing PDF documents seamlessly. I could access the new snapshot function, which made it possible to capture perfect PDF screenshots. I found that it helps you split large PDFs into smaller documents based on a custom number of pages, which is great for organization. It allowed me to edit open images directly using an external image editor, which saved me time.

👉 How to get it Free?

• Go to Ashampoo PDF
• Click on the “Download” button to get 30 days free trial of Pro.

Visit Ashampoo >>

30-Days Free Trial

---

7) Google Drive

Google Drive is an amazing option for anyone seeking free PDF software. I have tested its PDF viewer, and it allowed me to open, view, convert, and share my PDF files across Google Drive. I particularly liked how easy it was to convert PDFs into editable documents with just a few clicks. In my experience, it is one of the best tools to manage PDFs.

Google Drive allowed me to store PDFs, presentations, and photos effortlessly. I could access my documents from anywhere, which is helpful for staying organized. In fact, if you are familiar with Google Drive’s features, it is great for managing and collaborating on documents.

👉 How to get it Free?

• Go to Google Drive
• Click on the “Get started” button to get Workspace free for 14 days or Use Google Drive for free.

Visit Google Drive >>

14-Days Free Trial

How do I get Adobe Acrobat Reader for free on Windows 11/10?

Step 1) Download the PDF reader on your PC

Open: https://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/ and select Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Step 2) Select your operating system

You will be asked about your operating system; I am selecting Windows 10. However, you need to select the Windows version according to your PC.

Step 3) Select language

You need to select the language of your choice. I have selected English.

Step 4) Select the version

Lastly, select the 64-bit version for the 64-bit PC.

Step 5) Download the Acrobat Reader

Now, go to the upper right corner of the screen and start downloading Acrobat reader

Step 6) Save and run the .exe file on your PC

Click on the finish button when the process is completed and install the software by double-clicking on the .exe file

Step 7) Start the PDF reader application

You can see that the Acrobat PDF DC application has been launched

What is PDF?

Portable Document Format (PDF), standardized as ISO 32000, is a file format. It was developed by Adobe in 1992 to present documents, including text formatting and images, independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems.

Why use PDF Editor Software?

PDF editor software helps you edit your .pdf files efficiently and easily. It also allows users to create, secure, and distribute various PDF documents. A PDF editor tool also helps optimize PDF documents for various applications to print and manipulate PDF files.

How did we choose the Best PDF Reader Software?

At Guru99, we prioritize providing credible, accurate, and objective information through rigorous content creation and review. After dedicating over 60 hours to researching 25+ PDF Reader tools, I compiled a comprehensive guide featuring both free and paid options. This unbiased resource includes pros, cons, and download links to offer trusted information. Multiple factors were considered to ensure the selected PDF readers deliver the best experience. Below are the key aspects you should focus on when choosing the right one.

• Ease of Use: The interface should be simple, intuitive, and user-friendly, enabling quick access to essential features without confusion.
• Scan and OCR Features: Look for software that offers reliable Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities, allowing you to scan and convert documents into editable formats.
• PDF Functionalities: The software should support a variety of operations, including creating, editing, sharing, and printing PDF files, ensuring flexibility in managing documents.
• Advanced Editing Features: Look for software with advanced editing tools, such as the ability to add annotations, signatures, watermarks, and hyperlinks to the PDF.
• Integration with Cloud Services: It’s beneficial if the PDF reader integrates with cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, allowing easy access to your documents from anywhere.
• Security: Ensure that the software provides robust security features like encryption and password protection to safeguard your sensitive data.
• Mobile-Friendliness: The PDF reader should offer compatibility with mobile devices, making it easier to access, view, and edit documents on the go.
• Pricing: Consider the cost of the software and whether it offers a free version or trial. Ensure the pricing aligns with your budget and offers the required features.
• Customer Support: It is important that the software provides accessible and reliable customer service to address any technical issues or queries promptly.

Verdict:

In this review, you got acquainted with some of the best PDF readers available. All of them have their unique benefits. To help you decide, I have created my verdict:

• 👍 Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a powerful and secure choice for users needing cross-platform compatibility and excellent integration with cloud services.
• 👍 UPDF provides an awesome and user-friendly experience with comprehensive AI-powered features, offering a cost-effective solution for PDF editing and management.
• PDF Xchange Editor is a top-notch tool with a robust feature set, offering impressive speed and customizable options for editing and viewing PDFs.