Top 10 Free PDF Readers for Windows and Mac (2025 Update)PDF remains the universal file format for sharing documents across platforms, and choosing the right PDF reader affects speed, privacy, annotation features, and workflow. Below is an up-to-date (2025) guide to the top 10 free PDF readers for Windows and Mac, covering strengths, weaknesses, standout features, and best-use scenarios so you can pick the tool that fits your needs.
What to look for in a PDF reader
Before the list, consider these factors:
- Performance: how quickly it opens large PDFs and handles many pages.
- Annotation & editing: highlighting, notes, form filling, basic editing.
- Search & navigation: text search, thumbnails, bookmarks, and TOC support.
- Compatibility: support for Windows and macOS versions you use.
- Security & privacy: sandboxing, no telemetry, safe handling of embedded content.
- Extras: OCR, export to other formats, cloud integration, e-signing.
1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Overview: The long-standing standard for PDF viewing and basic annotation.
Pros/Cons table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive feature set: viewing, annotations, form filling, e-sign | Can be resource-heavy; many advanced features behind paid plan |
| Excellent compatibility with PDF standards | Includes prompts to upgrade to paid services |
| Free OCR via mobile app | Larger installer size |
Standout features: reliable rendering, robust accessibility tools, built-in cloud sync with Adobe Document Cloud (optional), and good support for complex PDFs (forms, multimedia). Best for users who need maximum compatibility and occasional advanced features.
2. Foxit PDF Reader
Overview: Fast, lightweight, and feature-rich alternative to Adobe.
Pros/Cons table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and speedy | Some advanced features require paid version |
| Strong collaboration and commenting tools | Occasional bundled offers during install |
| Built-in security features (sandbox mode) | UI can be busy for new users |
Standout features: tabbed viewing, connected PDF features for collaboration, and security features suitable for business users. Good for users wanting speed and collaboration without Adobe’s footprint.
3. Sumatra PDF (Windows)
Overview: Ultra-lightweight, open-source PDF reader focused purely on viewing.
Pros/Cons table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely fast and minimal | No annotation or editing features |
| Portable version available | Limited to basic viewing features |
| Low memory and CPU usage | No official macOS version |
Standout features: tiny footprint, immediate launch, supports PDF, ePub, MOBI, XPS, DjVu. Best for users who want the simplest, fastest viewer.
4. PDF-XChange Editor (Free)
Overview: Feature-rich Windows editor with many tools available for free.
Pros/Cons table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong free annotation and editing tools | Some features add watermark unless paid |
| Built-in OCR | Windows-only |
| Many export options | UI can be dated and complex |
Standout features: robust annotation, measurement tools, OCR engine. Ideal for power users on Windows who need advanced markup capabilities without immediate cost.
5. Preview (macOS built-in)
Overview: Apple’s native macOS PDF and image viewer—fast and integrated.
Pros/Cons table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built into macOS, fast, and privacy-friendly | macOS-only; not as feature-rich as paid apps |
| Good annotation and form filling | Limited advanced editing |
| Excellent Preview integration with Spotlight and Quick Look | Fewer collaboration features |
Standout features: native integration, simple annotations, signature support. Best for most Mac users who need a reliable built-in option.
6. Nitro PDF Reader (Free version)
Overview: A capable reader with good annotation and conversion tools; Nitro also offers paid upgrades.
Pros/Cons table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly interface with solid annotation tools | Free features limited compared to paid Nitro Pro |
| Good PDF-to-Word conversion | Windows-focused |
| Integration with cloud services | Installer includes optional extras |
Standout features: intuitive UI, decent conversion capabilities, e-signature tools. Best for users who frequently convert PDFs to Office formats.
7. Okular (KDE) — Cross-platform
Overview: Open-source document viewer from the KDE project, available for Linux, Windows, and macOS via builds.
Pros/Cons table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cross-platform and open-source | macOS build can be less polished |
| Strong annotation and document handling | UI design varies by platform |
| Supports many document formats | Fewer commercial integrations |
Standout features: robust annotations, supports many formats (PDF, ePub, DjVu), and stores annotations separately. Good for users who value open-source and multi-format support.
8. MuPDF / mupdf-gl
Overview: Minimalist, high-performance PDF viewer with a focus on rendering accuracy.
Pros/Cons table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent rendering speed and fidelity | Very minimal UI; limited annotations |
| Small footprint | Not aimed at casual users who want features |
| Available on multiple platforms | Requires command-line familiarity for advanced use |
Standout features: precise rendering, fast performance. Best for users who prioritize rendering accuracy and speed over features.
9. PDF Reader Pro (Free tier)
Overview: A polished cross-platform reader with a number of free tools and paid upgrades.
Pros/Cons table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Polished UI and multi-platform support | Some core features locked behind paywall |
| Annotation, form filling, and basic editing | Subscription model for advanced features |
| Cloud sync and export options | Free tier has limits |
Standout features: modern UI, cross-device sync, and a good blend of viewing and editing tools for casual users who may later upgrade.
10. Xodo PDF Reader & Editor
Overview: Fast, modern reader with excellent annotation and collaboration; strong on mobile and web, desktop versions available.
Pros/Cons table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great annotation and real-time collaboration | Desktop native apps less feature-rich than web/mobile |
| Free with no ads | Some enterprise integrations limited |
| Syncs with Google Drive and Dropbox | Occasional compatibility quirks with complex PDFs |
Standout features: real-time collaboration, smooth annotation UX, strong mobile/web presence. Ideal for teams and students who annotate and share frequently.
How to choose the right one for you
- Need speed and simplicity: choose Sumatra PDF (Windows) or Preview (macOS).
- Need advanced annotation/OCR on Windows: PDF-XChange Editor or Foxit.
- Need cross-platform with collaboration: Xodo or Foxit.
- Prefer open-source: Okular or MuPDF.
- Need best compatibility and occasional advanced features: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
Security and privacy tips
- Keep your reader updated to patch vulnerabilities.
- Disable automatic loading of external content when possible.
- Use sandboxed readers (Foxit, Adobe with Protected Mode) for untrusted PDFs.
- Avoid downloading PDF readers from unofficial sites—use official vendor pages or trusted app stores.
If you want, I can:
- Produce shorter summaries for Windows-only or Mac-only lists.
- Create side-by-side feature comparison tables for any three readers you pick.
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