Top 9 Free PDF Readers in 2020

Elise Williams

2020-09-08 10:36:58 • Filed to: Top PDF Software • Proven solutions

PDF is a useful format for both personal and business use due to its compact file size and the fact that it's used universally. However, you need to have the right PDF reader installed on your device in order to read them. Here's a list of the top 9 Free PDF Readers on the market.

9 Best PDF Readers for Windows 7/8/8.1/10

1. PDFelement

PDFelement is loaded with numerous features that will help all users view PDFs, whether you are a personal or business user. You can enjoy reading PDF files on Kindles, iBooks, desktops and more. PDFelement also has great compatibility with all versions of Windows, from Windows XP to Windows 10.

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With its ample features, PDFelement is one of the most popular PDF readers for Windows.

Pros:

Lets you convert PDFs, read PDFs, create PDFs, annotate PDFs, edit PDFs, add watermarks, resize & rotate graphical objects in the PDF document, and even protect PDFs with passwords.
Its advanced OCR feature supports 17 popular languages.
You can change viewing modes quickly with its drag-and-drop function.
It has a simple user interface that allows users to load more than 300 different formats.
You can also view scanned images easily with the embedded OCR feature.

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2. Nitro Pro 10

Nitro Pro is another popular PDF Reader and offers an outstanding user interface. It also has full compatibility with Windows 10, 8, Vista, 7 and XP .

Pros:

User-friendly interface similar to Microsoft Office.
The available features are among the most advanced on the market.
Offers simple to markup and the ability to add sticky notes in PDF documents for reviewing.
You can also get access to some special features in the ribbon.

Cons:

There is no free version.
It does not support embedding audio and video files into a PDF document.

3. PDF-Xchange Viewer

PDF-Xchange Viewer is an excellent PDF Reader and Viewer. Additionally, it is packed with a versatile number of extra features. It is compatible with all Windows systems, from Windows XP to Windows 10.

Pros:

It has a tabbed interface in order to process multiple PDF files at a time.
It supports standard features, such as bookmarks.
It can not only create PDF files from links, but also from existing files.

Cons:

The unpaid version has limited features.
It is more expensive than other similar products.

4. Foxit Reader

This application is a popular PDF Reader for Windows. It works seamlessly with all Windows systems.

Pros:

It has a similar interface to Microsoft products.
You can view text within PDF portfolios.
Tabs can be also created for customized views.
Managing comments is simple with commands like export, import, e-mail, pop-up notes, and comments available.

Cons:

Several users have reported problems viewing or opening PDF documents in Windows 7 using this tool.
The system crashes frequently.
The trial version is totally different after updates are initiated.

5. PDF Reader

This is a PDF Reader with multiple features that assists both your basic and advanced document management requirements in the office. You can create, edit, view, and annotate your PDF files in Windows using this tool.

Pros:

It supports multiple features and facilities.
It has a simple and intuitive interface.

Cons:

It may perform slowly when OCR crashes.

6. Adobe^® Acrobat^® Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader as the new PDF Reader is an advanced program for creating, viewing, and combining PDF files. The software is compatible with Windows 2012 R2, server 2008 R2, 7, 8, & 10.

Pros:

It's undoubtedly one of the best free PDF readers available.
It is fast and simple for users.
It has a user-friendly interface with sophisticated features.

Cons:

Only some limited features are available compared to the other PDF programs.
The export function has a relatively slow speed, so PDF conversions take a considerable amount of time.
Adobe Acrobat XI support has ended. Check out the best alternatives to Adobe Acrobat here.

7. Expert PDF Reader

If you're in need of a free PDF viewer which can handle some occasional annotation and editing tasks, then Expert PDF Reader will be the best option for you. It is compatible from Windows XP to Windows 10.

Pros:

It lets you create, edit, and view PDFs.
Its interface is pretty simple.

Cons:

It lacks a number of features.
It is not convenient for advanced users.

8. Sumatra PDF Reader

This is a lightweight PDF Reader that doesn't have overly complicated functions. It is packed with necessary features that allow seamless editing. It is compatible with the older versions of Windows like XP, Vista, 7, 8 as well as the latest Windows 10.

Pros:

It has built-in EasyStart which saves time and allows conversion previews.
Has advanced features like custom profiles, watermarking, and merging.
It is one of the simplest viewers.
CBR or comic book reader format is also supported.

Cons:

The available features are very limited.
The optimization controls are not that efficient.

9. SlimPDF Reader

SlimPDF Reader claims to be the all-in-one PDF Reader and PDF editor. It supports various Windows platforms.

Pros:

It is a light-weight application.
Navigation is easy, simple and self-explanatory.

Cons:

It only supports basic PDF features.
It lags behind compared to the other competitive PDF suites available on the market.

Tips on Choosing the Right PDF Viewer

Windows 10 has brought a lot of new features to the table that have greatly improved the user experience compared to earlier versions of Windows. Programs like PDFelement let you create PDFs easily on Windows. If you want a reliable yet powerful PDF reader, these tips will help you select the right product.

The basic versions of most PDF viewers are only useful for beginners. Professionals/advanced users should opt for the paid versions.
You should choose a PDF reader that has clearly visible sub menus and simple navigation.
The PDF viewers which are packed with functions like editing, annotation, and creation contain more value.
Your PDF viewer should be compatible with all formats.
Document loading times should be minimal to improve ease of viewing.

Overall, PDFelement has all the necessary features to facilitate the best PDF reading and viewing experience for all users.

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