2025 Guide

Best Adobe Acrobat Alternative

Adobe Acrobat is the industry leader in PDF editing technology. However, many users seek alternatives because they come at lower prices or have simpler features. Throughout this page, we will cover the best Adobe Acrobat alternatives you should know about.

Top-Rated PDF Editors

Discover our expertly curated selection of the best PDF editors, trusted by millions of users worldwide

Most Popular
PDF Guru
Best for Mac Users
Advanced Features
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Best Value
TheBestPDF
Windows Optimized
User-Friendly Interface
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Most Visited
PDF Guru
Fast Performance
Easy to Use
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Best Adobe Acrobat Alternative

Adobe Acrobat Alternative Overall

While Adobe Acrobat has set a golden standard for PDF editing software, it can be a feature overload for casual users. That’s why we’ve tested out various alternatives that are available online. As we evaluate the options to find the best Adobe Acrobat alternative, these are some of the key criteria we focus on:

  • Core editing tools
  • File management features
  • Conversion capabilities
  • Compatible platforms
  • Form support
  • User interface
  • Performance speed
  • Reliability
  • Licensing
  • Pricing

PDF Guru

PDF Guru interface overview

Specifications and Key Features:

  • Compatible with multiple platforms
  • Core tools
  • OCR support
  • AI-powered summarizer
  • Encrypted upload
  • GDPR compliant
ProsCons
Highly accurate conversionsLimited customizations
Clean interfaceNo offline access
Smart OCR technology
Accurate editing tools
Multi-platform support

If you’re looking for an alternative PDF editor with smart technology, we highly recommend PDF Guru. This cloud-based editor stands out for its impressive precision. The AI technology allows for editing complex files with ease.

PDF Guru has both a free and a paid version, making it appealing to both casual users and professionals. It features many similar tools to Adobe with reliable power, but the interface is much simpler. This is a standout alternative because the smart technology interprets the file’s structure for the most accurate conversions.

TheBestPDF

TheBestPDF interface overview

Specifications and Key Features:

  • Compatible with multiple platforms
  • Core tools
  • OCR support
  • Unlimited document processing
  • HTTPS encryption
  • GDPR compliant
ProsCons
Wide assortment of editing toolsAdvanced features cost extra
Multilingual supportBusy interface
Ease of access of multiple devices

If you’re managing a high volume of files, TheBestPDF is one of the top free alternatives to Adobe Acrobat. This option is exceptional because there is no daily limit for the number of files you can process. It’s an excellent option for start-ups and remote brands that have a smaller budget to work with.

There are many core tools and editing features, which are also appealing to casual users. The OCR support allows them to process scanned documents and images accurately so they can be edited with ease.

PDF Leader

PDF Leader interface overview

Specifications and Key Features:

  • Compatible with multiple platforms
  • Core tools
  • No-frills approach
  • Encrypted uploads
ProsCons
Simplistic interfaceNo OCR support
Fast processingLimited features
User-friendly editing tools

Casual users who are searching for alternatives to Adobe Acrobat that are less complex are often drawn to PDF Leader. If you don’t need a full suite of editing tools for your files, then you may appreciate the simplicity of this free-to-use platform. While most basic features are free, a few advanced settings are behind a pay wall.

PDF Leader stands out as one of the top selections because you can manage your document within seconds. The options to merge, convert, and compress PDF documents are on the main interface, so you don’t have to navigate menus or pages for what you need. This reliable option allows you to manage your PDF within seconds so that you can get back to business.

Small PDF

Small PDF interface overview

Specifications and Key Features:

  • Compatible with multiple platforms
  • Core tools
  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • OCR support available
  • SSL encryption
  • GDPR compliant
ProsCons
Advanced form supportLimits for file size in free mode
User-friendly interfaceVarious tools behind a paywall
Highly accurate conversions

Small PDF is the best alternative to Adobe Acrobat for users who rely on cross-platform accessibility. You can connect from nearly any device and rely on the software’s powerful functionality to manage your documents. This is ideal for teams split across multiple devices or people working from various locations.

This software features a reliable assortment of essential editing tools to simplify PDF document management. It covers all of your basic everyday needs, and advanced settings for more complex tasks are behind a paywall.

PDF24

PDF24 interface overview

Specifications and Key Features:

  • Compatible with multiple platforms
  • Core tools
  • OCR support
  • No registration required
  • HTTPS encryption
ProsCons
All features are freeNot ideal for complex formats
OCR and other essential tools are availableLimited customizations
Reliable for standard tasks

PDF24 is a standout alternative PDF editor because it’s reliable, and every feature is free. This is a first-choice option for casual users and professionals with basic daily tasks. Since it doesn’t require registration or installation, it’s also great for one-time users.

This lightweight editor operates smoothly from the internet browser on nearly any device. Users can expect consistent performance and results without the fuss of Adobe’s complex menus.

PDF Gear

PDF Gear interface overview

Specifications and Key Features:

  • Compatible with multiple platforms
  • Core tools
  • OCR support
  • Offline desktop app
  • Encrypted uploads
ProsCons
Excellent offline functionalityLimited cloud integration
Free and paid versionsFewer settings on the web version
Modern interface

PDF Gear is an excellent option for users who need to manage documents offline. It allows you to access a full suite of editing tools developed to meet professionals’ needs. The clean and modern interface is also preferred, as it’s less complex than Adobe.

This reliable program also ranks high because of its accuracy in conversions. It has OCR support for scanned documents, making editing nearly any document you need easier. PDF Gear is a standout choice if you’re looking for a more simplistic software than Adobe that you can use offline.

Why People Search For an Adobe Acrobat Alternative

Adobe Acrobat has an excellent reputation and has received great feedback from users around the globe. However, it’s not the right fit for everyone. These are just a few of the reasons why people choose alternative programs.

  • Adobe Acrobat has a higher price point than the competition
  • Some users don’t like subscription platforms, opting for software with a one-time fee instead
  • Casual users lean towards software with simpler tools
  • Lightweight PDF editors and converters operate better on older devices
  • Many free programs don’t require account registration, ideal for one-time and occasional users
  • Many alternatives offer faster conversion with basic documents
  • Mobile apps from alternatives offer a smoother experience

Final Words

There is a wide range of PDF editing and converting software available. While Adobe Acrobat is a leader in this industry, it’s not tailored to every user’s specific needs. Of course, the best software for you will ultimately depend on your workflow and requirements. The alternatives we listed have received excellent reliability, functionality, and privacy feedback, making them top contenders.