![\"marketer](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023.jpg\")
<\/div>\nBut to view these important documents, you need to download a PDF reader on your computer.<\/p>\n
There are hundreds of PDF readers, and some can cost you almost a thousand dollars per year, so we sifted through the internet to find the best free PDF readers you can download online.<\/p>\n
Below, we curated 20 free PDF readers whose capabilities range from only viewing PDFs to creating, editing, and securing them.<\/p>\n
Foxit Reader is like the Google Docs of PDF readers. You can create, share, and secure your PDFs on the cloud.<\/p>\n To create PDFs, you can upload scans, convert Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and Excel sheets, and even combine multiple PDFs into a new file.<\/p>\n If you want to collaborate, you can grant and revoke document access. You can then track who opens your document and view their activity. The program will also notify readers about new updates to your PDF.<\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>Foxit PDF Reader provides multiple security options to keep your PDFs safe and private, like passwords, digital signatures, and encryption.<\/p>\n Foxit would be a good option if you create PDFs regularly for your job and need a way to collaborate on the same file.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Adobe\u2019s free PDF reader, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, connects to the Adobe Document Cloud and other cloud storage systems like Box, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive.<\/p>\n The PDF reader’s compatibility with other systems lets you open, view, share, and comment on PDFs from anywhere and on any device you want.<\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>Acrobat Reader DC’s most remarkable feature is that it can read text out loud<\/a>, guiding you along any challenging document.<\/p>\n Adobe\u2019s free PDF reader is great for any busy professional who needs to annotate PDFs on the go or their commute.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Javelin PDF Reader is a straightforward PDF reader that lets you launch and print standard and encrypted PDFs, annotate them, and bookmark them.<\/p>\n Since its download size is two MB and it doesn\u2019t have extra features like editing, the PDF reader is fast.<\/p>\n You’ll also find a simple and clean user interface. If you want to read and take notes on PDFs quickly, Javelin is the PDF reader.<\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>Although basic compared to powerhouse Adobe, if you want to read and take notes on PDFs quickly, Javelin is probably the PDF reader for you.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Google Drive is the most accessible PDF converter and PDF storage system. You can convert any documents, presentations, and sheets into PDF files on the platform. You can then upload any PDFs to the cloud for viewing purposes.<\/p>\n If your only use for PDFs is viewing or converting files into them, Google Drive is the best option.<\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>Google Drive allows teams to share documents and collaborate seamlessly, thanks to a user-friendly interface and intuitive design.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari all have integrated PDF readers. To view a PDF on your browser, all you have to do is click on the PDF link.<\/p>\n You can also open PDF files already stored on your computer by dragging them to an open tab in your browser.<\/p>\n Additional features included in most browsers’ PDF readers: rotate, download, print, and adjust text size.<\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>The most accessible option on this list, web browser readers, make it easy to open, read, and adjust PDFs. If you don\u2019t need to convert files into PDFs, you don\u2019t need to download a PDF reader. You can just use your web browser.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Canva is more than a free graphic design and editing solution. You can also view pdfs with a free account. And you can do much more than view \u2014 you can manipulate every element of your pdf, editing text and graphics.<\/p>\n It\u2019s as easy as opening the app, uploading your pdf, and opening it.<\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>Canva is becoming increasingly popular for graphic design and video editing. So many people use it daily, which makes it an extremely convenient tool for viewing and updating pdfs.<\/p>\n Occasionally, the content slightly shifts when you open the pdf in Canva, but the payoff is huge if you\u2019re already familiar with Canva. And as a web-based app with an intuitive interface, it\u2019s easy to use and widely available to almost every device.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Did you know that one of the most popular free e-reader apps is also a great PDF reader? The app is free, making it an excellent option for reading and storing PDFs to access them on the go.<\/p>\n After downloading the app for your device, you can email your file directly to your mobile Kindle app. To find your Kindle address, go into settings and find the \u201cSend to Kindle email address.\u201d<\/p>\n By emailing it to your Kindle app, you can access it on any device you use Kindle on. Alternatively, to read your PDF locally on the Kindle desktop app, go to File > Import a Local PDF.<\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>So many people use Kindle to keep our libraries close for easy access. Using Kindle to read and store important PDFs means you can access them on the go.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, if you download them, you can access them even if you don\u2019t have internet or wifi access.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re already a Kindle user or familiar with the interface, this is a great option \u2014 no matter which device you use.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n DocFly has won accolades from publications as a free online PDF viewer and editor. Using it is as simple as going to the website, dragging your pdf file to its upload window, and following the prompts based on your needs.<\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>Because it\u2019s easy to use and requires no downloads, DocFly is a fantastic option for anyone needing a quick way to view or edit pdfs and convert them to other file formats.<\/p>\n The free version is limited to 3 monthly files, but it’s a great solution if you just need a quick fix.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n LightPDF comes in a browser-based app that just about any web browser can use, as well as an iPhone app. The free version allows you to use up to 3 PDFs a day.<\/p>\n Features include editing, merging, rotating your files, and two-way conversion between PDF and various other file types.<\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>Anything browser based is user-friendly for just about anyone. LightPDF\u2019s intuitive interface makes it easy to use and view or edit PDFs without much know-how.<\/p>\n And while the free version is limited to 3 files a day, that\u2019s sufficient for most people\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n Plus, with AI becoming increasingly popular and important, this option may soon be among the top choices.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n PDFescape touts itself as the \u201coriginal online FREE PDF editor & form filler.\u201d Available as a browser-based version, it\u2019s easy to use, make basic edits to your PDFs, and create and fill PDF forms.<\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>The best part about these free browser-based options is that all you need is an internet connection. Because PDFescape is so user-friendly, just about anyone can view or edit PDFs.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Sejda offers a free online PDF editor that you can use to quickly and easily manage your PDF documents.<\/p>\n According to Sejda, files stay private and are deleted after 2 hours. And it\u2019s free for up to 200 pages, 50 Mb, or three tasks per hour, which suits most people\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>You can add files from your local computer, Dropbox, and Google Drive; Sejda makes it easy for the end user\u2014you. They also offer a free desktop version for Mac with a low-cost annual upgrade.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Ashampoo is a free Windows download lets users create, merge, and edit PDFs. A light version of their more robust paid PDF software, it\u2019s plenty robust for most users.<\/p>\n With simple word processor-style editing, the ability to add pages, merge documents, and sign-and-fill, Ashampoo covers the most common basic PDF uses and needs.<\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>Ashampoo\u2019s free PDF reader is a convenient, free option for anyone needing to make simple adjustments.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n MuPDF is a standard PDF reader for viewing and editing PDF files.<\/p>\n You can fill out text forms, annotate documents, and use it to convert PDF files into other file types like HTML, SVG, and CBZ. You can also write scripts in Javascript to alter your documents.<\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>If you want a low-memory PDF reader that you can easily edit and view files on, MuPDF is your best option.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Even though SumatraPDF lacks some advanced features like annotation, document signing, and form-filling, Sumatra PDF provides an intuitive and fast reading experience; its other key features make it an excellent reader. <\/p>\n It has multiple viewing modes like a single page, book, and presentation and shortcuts that help you navigate any PDF file. If you just need to read PDFs for work, consider using SumatraPDF.<\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>The variety of Sumatra PDF\u2018s viewing modes makes it easy for users to access and read the information they\u2019re looking for quickly.<\/p>\n Core Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Slim PDF is one of the smallest PDF readers in the world, taking up just 15 MB of space on your computer.<\/p>\n Despite its tiny size, this free PDF reader has many advanced features that complement core functionalities, allowing you to print, search, zoom, and rotate PDF files.<\/p>\n It\u2019s available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.<\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>Slim PDF is small but mighty. Slim PDF is an excellent choice if you want a solution that strikes the perfect balance between being lightweight and powerful.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n CoolPDF is a small download of less than 4MB, and it\u2019s fast. Some users say there\u2019s a learning curve to the interface, and they experience lots of pop-up ads, but the trade-off is a minimal file size \u2014 which is great for users looking for speed.<\/p>\n Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>Any easily accessible PDF reader of small file size can greatly benefit Windows users who want something fast.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Touted as the PDF reader for research, Highlights goes far beyond reading or viewing PDFs. It\u2019s packed with easy-to-use features that make taking notes on PDFs easy.<\/p>\n You can open any PDF file, highlight text, snag valuable images, and add comments. That information is pulled into a separate screen so you don\u2019t miss critical information.<\/p>\n What we like: <\/strong>Highlights is one of the best options for taking notes on existing documents, whether for your research or sending messages to a graphic designer to share specific feedback.<\/p>\n The paid version is even more versatile, but the basic free version is sufficiently robust for most users.<\/p>\n Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\u2192](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe 20 Best Free PDF Readers<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The 11 Best Free PDF Readers for Windows and Mac<\/strong><\/h3>\n
1.<\/strong> Foxit Reader<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-1.jpg\")
<\/strong>Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n
2.<\/strong> Adobe Acrobat Reader DC<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-2.jpg\")
<\/strong>Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n
3.<\/strong> Javelin PDF Reader<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-3.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
4.<\/strong> Google Drive<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-4.jpg\")
<\/strong>Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n
5. Your Web Browser<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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6. <\/strong>Canva<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-1.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
7. Kindle<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-2.png\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-3.png\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-4.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
8. <\/strong>DocFly<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-5.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
9. LightPDF<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-6.png\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-7.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
10.<\/strong>PDF Escape <\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-8.png\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-9.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
11.<\/strong>Sejda Online PDF Editor<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-10.png\")
<\/p>\n <\/h2>\n
<\/h2>\n
\n
The 5 Best Free PDF Readers for Windows<\/strong><\/h3>\n
1.<\/strong>Ashampoo PDF Free <\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-11.png\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-12.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
2. <\/strong>MuPDF<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-5.jpg\")
<\/strong>Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n
3.<\/strong> SumatraPDF<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-6.jpg\")
<\/strong>Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n
4.<\/strong> Slim PDF<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-7.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
5.<\/strong>CoolPDF<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-13.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
The 5 Best Free PDF Readers for Mac<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1.<\/strong>Highlights PDF Reader<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-14.png\")
<\/strong>Image Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n
2.<\/strong> Preview<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/wordpress-1016567-4521551.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-20-best-free-pdf-readers-of-2023-15.png\")
<\/strong><\/p>\n