2022's Top 15 Free PDF Readers (Google Ads)

        PDFs are still among the most used forms of documents on the internet even though they have been around for more than 25 years. It will probably be a PDF whether you're trying to view your W-2, a contract, or an ebook. But you need to download a PDF reader to your computer in order to access these significant documents.

We searched the internet for the finest free PDF readers that you can download online because there are hundreds of them and some of them can cost you about $1,000 per year.

We've compiled a list of the top 15 free PDF readers that can do everything from just view documents to generating, altering, and safeguarding them.

The Top 10 Free PDF Viewers

The Top 5 Free PDF Readers for Mac and Windows

1. Foxit Reader

The Google Docs of PDF readers is Foxit Reader. PDFs may be created, shared, and secured all online. You can upload scans, convert Word documents, PowerPoint slideshows, Excel spreadsheets, and even combine numerous PDFs into one new file to make a PDF.

If you wish to work together on a PDF, you may grant and revoke document access, keep track of who opens your document and see what they do, edit, add comments, and alert readers to new modifications.

What We Enjoy

Passwords, digital signatures, and encryption are just a few of the security features that Foxit Reader offers to keep your PDFs secure and confidential. Foxit would be a fantastic choice if you frequently create PDFs for work and need a means for others to work together on the same document.

2. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

By connecting to the Adobe Document cloud and other cloud storage platforms like Box, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive, Adobe's free PDF reader, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, enables you to open, view, share, and comment on PDFs from anywhere and on any device you choose.

What We Enjoy

The nicest feature of Acrobat Reader DC is its ability to read aloud text, guiding you through any difficult-to-read documents. Any busy worker who needs to annotate PDFs on the move or during their commute will benefit greatly from Adobe's free PDF viewer.

3. Javelin PDF Reader

A simple PDF reader called Javelin PDF Reader allows you to open, print, bookmark, and annotate both plain-text and encrypted PDF files. The PDF reader is quick and has a straightforward user interface because its download size is only two MB and it lacks other functions like editing. Javelin is perhaps the best PDF reader if you want to swiftly read and annotate PDFs.

What We Prefer

Despite being simple in comparison to heavyweight Adobe, Javelin is perhaps the best PDF reader if you want to view and annotate documents rapidly.

4. Google Drive

The most accessible PDF conversion and storage solution is Google Drive. You can upload any PDFs to the site for your personal reading and convert any of your documents, presentations, and sheets into PDF files. Google Drive is the ideal choice for you if the only thing you do with PDFs is view them or convert other files into them.

What We Enjoy

Thanks to its user-friendly interface and straightforward design, Google Drive enables teams to exchange documents and interact in real time.

5. Your Web Browser

PDF readers are built into web browsers including Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. All you need to do to view a PDF on your browser is click on the PDF link. By dragging them to an open tab in your browser, you can also open PDF files that are already on your computer.

The majority of browsers' PDF readers also contain options to rotate, download, print, and change font size.

What We Enjoy

Web browser readers are the most user-friendly option on this list, making it simple to open, view, and modify PDFs. You don't need to download a PDF reader if you only need to view PDFs and don't need to convert files into PDFs. Simply utilize your web browser.

Windows's Top 5 Free PDF Readers

1. Nitro Reader

It is well known that Nitro Reader successfully balances usability and sophisticated functionality. You may generate, examine, secure, and share PDF files using a wide range of features available on the platform, which also has a user-friendly and clean interface. Simply drag and drop your documents into the reader to create new PDFs. Then, you can customize the font embedding, orientation, and colors in your PDF draft.

The review window in the PDF reader's software enables you to modify, comment on, and respond to criticism when reviewing a document. Nitro Reader might be the ideal choice for you if you're a power user of PDFs.

What We Enjoy

Nitro Reader uses QuickSign to password-protect and sign your documents in order to secure your PDF files. The PDFs you create in Nitro Reader are compatible with practically every other PDF reader, so sharing documents with others is likewise easy and secure.

2. PDF-XChange Editor

One of the more feature-rich free PDF readers available is PDF-XChange Editor. You can add signatures, create, view, and add notes. You can also record audio and attach it, highlight text, add files, strikethrough words, and highlight text. The PDF reader for you may be PDF-XChange Editor if you frequently produce, modify, and distribute PDFs at work.

What We Enjoy

The PDF reader's optical character recognition technology, which can scan printed documents and turn the text into a searchable document, is its coolest feature.

3. MuPDF

A common PDF reader for reading and altering PDF files is MuPDF. You may use it to convert PDF files into other file types including HTML, SVG, and CBZ, as well as to fill out text forms, annotate documents, and more. Javascript also allows you to create scripts that will change your documents.

What We Enjoy

MuPDF is your best choice if you want a low-memory PDF reader that you can use to easily edit and view documents.

4. SumatraPDF

SumatraPDF offers a straightforward and quick reading experience despite lacking some advanced capabilities like annotation, document signature, and form-filling. It contains numerous viewing modes, including single page, book, and presentation, as well as shortcuts that make it easy to traverse any PDF file. Use SumatraPDF if you only need to read PDFs for work.

What We Enjoy

Users may easily access and understand the information they're seeking for thanks to the assortment of viewing options provided by Sumatra PDF.

5. Slim PDF

One of the smallest PDF readers available, Slim PDF uses only 15 MB of space on your PC. Despite its small size, this free PDF reader has a ton of cutting-edge functions that go beyond basic capabilities like printing, searching, zooming, and rotating PDF files.

It works with Windows, Macs, and Linux.

What We Enjoy

Slim PDF is compact but powerful. Slim PDF is a terrific option if you're looking for a solution that perfectly balances portability and strength.