Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Acrobat - Provides comprehensive PDF security including encryption, digital signatures, redaction, and permission controls to prevent unauthorized access and tampering.
- 2#2: Locklizard - Delivers specialized PDF DRM that blocks printing, copying, editing, and screen grabbing while allowing secure viewing on any device.
- 3#3: Seclore - Offers enterprise rights management with persistent encryption, dynamic watermarks, and granular access policies for all file types.
- 4#4: FileOpen - Enables secure document delivery through plugin-based protection that prevents extraction, printing, and unauthorized sharing.
- 5#5: Digify - Facilitates secure file sharing with features like self-destruct timers, dynamic watermarks, and real-time activity tracking.
- 6#6: Vitrium Security - Provides cross-platform DRM for PDFs and Office files with encryption, access revocation, and usage analytics.
- 7#7: Foxit PDF Editor - Offers robust PDF security tools such as 256-bit encryption, digital signing, redaction, and removal of hidden data.
- 8#8: Nitro Pro - PDF editor with strong security features including password protection, permissions, encryption, and metadata sanitization.
- 9#9: Microsoft Purview Information Protection - Cloud service for automatic sensitivity labeling, encryption, and rights management across Office documents and emails.
- 10#10: Wondershare PDFelement - All-in-one PDF solution with security capabilities like password encryption, digital signatures, and redaction tools.
These tools were chosen for their advanced feature sets—including encryption, access controls, and tamper prevention—paired with reliability, ease of use, and value, ensuring each entry stands out in a competitive market.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top document security software tools such as Adobe Acrobat, Locklizard, Seclore, FileOpen, and Digify, highlighting key features and capabilities to help readers find the right solution for securing their documents.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Acrobat Provides comprehensive PDF security including encryption, digital signatures, redaction, and permission controls to prevent unauthorized access and tampering. | creative_suite | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Locklizard Delivers specialized PDF DRM that blocks printing, copying, editing, and screen grabbing while allowing secure viewing on any device. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Seclore Offers enterprise rights management with persistent encryption, dynamic watermarks, and granular access policies for all file types. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | FileOpen Enables secure document delivery through plugin-based protection that prevents extraction, printing, and unauthorized sharing. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Digify Facilitates secure file sharing with features like self-destruct timers, dynamic watermarks, and real-time activity tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Vitrium Security Provides cross-platform DRM for PDFs and Office files with encryption, access revocation, and usage analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Foxit PDF Editor Offers robust PDF security tools such as 256-bit encryption, digital signing, redaction, and removal of hidden data. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Nitro Pro PDF editor with strong security features including password protection, permissions, encryption, and metadata sanitization. | creative_suite | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Microsoft Purview Information Protection Cloud service for automatic sensitivity labeling, encryption, and rights management across Office documents and emails. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Wondershare PDFelement All-in-one PDF solution with security capabilities like password encryption, digital signatures, and redaction tools. | creative_suite | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
Provides comprehensive PDF security including encryption, digital signatures, redaction, and permission controls to prevent unauthorized access and tampering.
Delivers specialized PDF DRM that blocks printing, copying, editing, and screen grabbing while allowing secure viewing on any device.
Offers enterprise rights management with persistent encryption, dynamic watermarks, and granular access policies for all file types.
Enables secure document delivery through plugin-based protection that prevents extraction, printing, and unauthorized sharing.
Facilitates secure file sharing with features like self-destruct timers, dynamic watermarks, and real-time activity tracking.
Provides cross-platform DRM for PDFs and Office files with encryption, access revocation, and usage analytics.
Offers robust PDF security tools such as 256-bit encryption, digital signing, redaction, and removal of hidden data.
PDF editor with strong security features including password protection, permissions, encryption, and metadata sanitization.
Cloud service for automatic sensitivity labeling, encryption, and rights management across Office documents and emails.
All-in-one PDF solution with security capabilities like password encryption, digital signatures, and redaction tools.
Adobe Acrobat
creative_suiteProvides comprehensive PDF security including encryption, digital signatures, redaction, and permission controls to prevent unauthorized access and tampering.
Permanent redaction that sanitizes documents by overwriting and removing hidden data irretrievably
Adobe Acrobat is the gold standard in PDF document management, offering unparalleled security features for protecting sensitive information. It excels in encryption with 256-bit AES standards, permanent redaction, password protection, and digital signatures to prevent unauthorized access and tampering. As a comprehensive solution, it supports compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PDF/A for archival security, making it essential for secure document workflows.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade 256-bit AES encryption and permission controls
- Permanent redaction tool that irreversibly removes sensitive data
- Digital signatures with certificate validation and audit trails
Cons
- Subscription model can be expensive for individuals
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
- Some advanced features require online activation
Best For
Enterprises and professionals handling sensitive documents requiring strict compliance and robust security.
Pricing
Acrobat Pro DC starts at $19.99/month or $239.88/year (billed annually); free Reader version available with basic security.
Locklizard
specializedDelivers specialized PDF DRM that blocks printing, copying, editing, and screen grabbing while allowing secure viewing on any device.
Remote access revocation, allowing instant disabling of document viewing on end-user devices even offline
Locklizard is a robust PDF security platform specializing in Digital Rights Management (DRM) to protect sensitive documents from unauthorized copying, printing, editing, and screen capture. It enables secure distribution through email, websites, or desktop apps with features like dynamic watermarks, access revocation, and expiration controls. Ideal for enterprises, it uses a proprietary secure viewer to ensure compliance and prevent piracy without relying on vulnerable PDF readers like Adobe Acrobat.
Pros
- Advanced DRM with screenshot prevention and dynamic watermarking
- Remote revocation of access even on offline devices
- Granular controls for user permissions and compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA)
Cons
- Limited to PDF documents only
- Initial setup requires technical expertise and IT involvement
- Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for small businesses
Best For
Enterprises and organizations distributing sensitive PDFs to external partners or customers requiring ironclad protection against leaks.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $2,000/year for basic plans, scaling to enterprise levels with volume discounts.
Seclore
enterpriseOffers enterprise rights management with persistent encryption, dynamic watermarks, and granular access policies for all file types.
Policy Studio for creating dynamic, attribute-based policies that adapt to user context, device, and location in real-time
Seclore is an Enterprise Digital Rights Management (EDRM) platform that delivers persistent security for sensitive documents across their lifecycle. It encrypts files with granular controls like view-only access, print restrictions, copy protection, and remote revocation, even after sharing outside the organization. The solution includes dynamic watermarking, usage tracking, and policy automation to ensure compliance with standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2.
Pros
- Persistent protection follows documents anywhere, preventing unauthorized access post-sharing
- Advanced policy engine with attribute-based and contextual controls
- Comprehensive tracking, forensics, and dynamic watermarking for leak prevention
Cons
- Complex initial setup and policy configuration requires expertise
- Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for SMBs
- Limited native support for some niche file formats
Best For
Large enterprises in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government handling highly sensitive shared documents.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing (quote-based); typically starts at $50/user/month for cloud deployments, scales with volume and features.
FileOpen
enterpriseEnables secure document delivery through plugin-based protection that prevents extraction, printing, and unauthorized sharing.
Patented plug-in technology that embeds unbreakable security directly into PDFs, enforcing controls without full client software installation
FileOpen is a specialized document security platform focused on protecting PDF files through enterprise-grade encryption, access controls, and digital rights management. It enables secure sharing, viewing, and tracking of sensitive documents while preventing unauthorized printing, copying, editing, or extraction. The solution integrates with standard PDF workflows via lightweight plug-ins for major viewers like Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Edge, ensuring protections persist across devices and platforms.
Pros
- Robust, persistent PDF security that resists tampering and extraction
- Detailed usage analytics and forensic tracking for compliance
- Broad compatibility with existing PDF ecosystems and viewers
Cons
- Limited support for non-PDF formats
- Complex initial setup for enterprise deployments
- Premium pricing not ideal for small teams
Best For
Large enterprises and organizations managing high volumes of sensitive PDF documents requiring advanced protection and audit trails.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $5,000/year for basic plans, scaling with users, documents, and features; contact sales for quotes.
Digify
specializedFacilitates secure file sharing with features like self-destruct timers, dynamic watermarks, and real-time activity tracking.
Dynamic forensic watermarking that embeds viewer-specific details directly on pages to trace leaks
Digify is a secure document sharing platform designed to protect sensitive files shared externally by enforcing controls like view-only access, print/copy restrictions, link expiration, and dynamic watermarking. It offers real-time analytics to track who views documents, from where, and for how long, helping prevent leaks and monitor engagement. The tool integrates with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, and other cloud services for seamless workflows.
Pros
- Robust security features including dynamic watermarks and self-destruct options
- Detailed real-time analytics on document interactions
- Strong integrations with major cloud storage and productivity tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or high-volume use
- Free plan has significant limitations on features and documents
- Advanced controls may require some initial learning
Best For
Sales, legal, and executive teams sharing confidential documents with external recipients who need post-send control and tracking.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Pro starts at $12/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing with advanced features.
Vitrium Security
enterpriseProvides cross-platform DRM for PDFs and Office files with encryption, access revocation, and usage analytics.
Client-side encryption with dynamic, personalized watermarks visible only to authorized users, even in offline mode
Vitrium Security is a robust document protection platform specializing in Digital Rights Management (DRM) for PDFs and Microsoft Office files, enabling secure sharing and distribution of sensitive documents. It offers client-side encryption, dynamic watermarks, print/copy restrictions, and remote revocation to prevent unauthorized access and leakage. The solution supports offline viewing through a secure viewer app and provides detailed usage analytics for compliance and auditing.
Pros
- Advanced DRM controls including offline protection and screen capture prevention
- Granular access management with expiration, geofencing, and user-specific watermarks
- Seamless integrations with CRM, DMS, and cloud storage systems
Cons
- Primarily optimized for PDFs and Office files, limited support for other formats
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume or enterprise use
- Initial setup and policy configuration can have a learning curve
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises and organizations handling sensitive documents that require strong offline and online protection with detailed tracking.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; basic plans start around €99/month, with enterprise tiers customized based on document volume and features.
Foxit PDF Editor
creative_suiteOffers robust PDF security tools such as 256-bit encryption, digital signing, redaction, and removal of hidden data.
ConnectedPDF for secure, password-protected sharing with real-time tracking and remote revocation controls
Foxit PDF Editor is a comprehensive PDF editing and management solution with robust built-in security features for protecting sensitive documents. It supports AES-256 encryption, password protection, granular permissions to restrict printing, copying, and editing, as well as permanent redaction tools to securely remove confidential data. Additionally, it enables digital signatures with certificate validation and ConnectedPDF for secure, trackable sharing, making it suitable for business document security workflows.
Pros
- AES-256 encryption and detailed permission controls for comprehensive PDF protection
- Permanent redaction tools that irreversibly remove sensitive information
- Digital signature support with certificate management and eSign integration
Cons
- Advanced security features are bundled with the full editor, not standalone
- Interface prioritizes editing over pure security workflows, which can feel cluttered
- Lacks some enterprise-level auditing and compliance reporting found in specialized tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and professionals needing affordable PDF editing combined with strong security features.
Pricing
Perpetual license at $159/user (one-time) or subscription from $9.99/month/user.
Nitro Pro
creative_suitePDF editor with strong security features including password protection, permissions, encryption, and metadata sanitization.
Permanent Redaction tool that irreversibly removes hidden or metadata-embedded sensitive information
Nitro Pro is a versatile PDF editor from GoNitro that excels in document security through features like 256-bit AES encryption, password protection, permanent redaction, and customizable permissions to control printing, copying, and editing. It also supports digital signatures and metadata removal to safeguard sensitive information effectively. While primarily a full-featured PDF suite, its security tools make it suitable for businesses protecting confidential documents without needing specialized enterprise software.
Pros
- Robust 256-bit AES encryption and permission controls for comprehensive PDF protection
- Permanent redaction tool that securely removes sensitive data beyond recovery
- Intuitive interface with one-click security options, faster than competitors like Adobe Acrobat
Cons
- Lacks advanced enterprise features like multi-factor authentication or audit trails
- Desktop-focused with limited native cloud security integrations
- Occasional performance lags with very large secured files
Best For
Small to medium businesses and professionals seeking affordable, user-friendly PDF security for everyday document protection.
Pricing
Starts at $179.99/year for a single-user license; volume discounts available for teams.
Microsoft Purview Information Protection
enterpriseCloud service for automatic sensitivity labeling, encryption, and rights management across Office documents and emails.
AI-driven trainable classifiers for automatic sensitive data detection and labeling
Microsoft Purview Information Protection is a robust data governance solution that automatically discovers, classifies, and labels sensitive information in documents across Microsoft 365, endpoints, and multi-cloud environments. It applies persistent protection through encryption, access restrictions, and rights management to prevent unauthorized sharing or leakage. Designed for enterprise compliance, it integrates AI-driven policies with detailed auditing and remediation workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem for unified protection
- AI-powered automatic classification and labeling for scalability
- Comprehensive compliance reporting and endpoint DLP capabilities
Cons
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for non-expert admins
- Pricing escalates with advanced features and Microsoft licensing tiers
- Less intuitive for organizations outside the Microsoft stack
Best For
Enterprise organizations heavily invested in Microsoft 365 needing advanced, scalable document classification and protection.
Pricing
Bundled in Microsoft 365 E3 ($36/user/mo) or E5 ($57/user/mo); standalone Purview Data Loss Prevention add-ons from $10/user/mo.
Wondershare PDFelement
creative_suiteAll-in-one PDF solution with security capabilities like password encryption, digital signatures, and redaction tools.
Permanent one-click redaction that irreversibly removes sensitive content, ensuring compliance and data protection
Wondershare PDFelement is a comprehensive PDF editor that doubles as a document security solution, offering tools like password protection, 256-bit AES encryption, permanent redaction, and digital signatures to safeguard sensitive files. It allows users to restrict editing, printing, and copying permissions while supporting certificate-based security for enhanced compliance. As an affordable alternative to Adobe Acrobat, it combines everyday PDF editing with reliable security features suitable for professionals handling confidential documents.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for quick security application
- Strong 256-bit encryption and permanent redaction tools
- Cost-effective with perpetual license options
Cons
- Lacks advanced enterprise features like multi-factor audit trails
- Some security tools hidden behind paid upgrades
- Performance can lag with very large or complex PDFs
Best For
Small businesses and individual professionals needing straightforward PDF security without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Free version with limits; Pro annual subscription from $79.99/user, perpetual license $129.99, team plans from $159/user/year.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed document security tools, Adobe Acrobat leads as the top choice, offering a comprehensive range of features like encryption, digital signatures, redaction, and permission controls to address diverse security needs. Locklizard follows closely with specialized PDF DRM that blocks unauthorized actions such as printing and copying, making it an excellent option for PDF-centric security, while Seclore stands out with enterprise rights management, including persistent encryption and granular access policies for various file types. Collectively, these top three solutions highlight the strength of the category, ensuring users can find a fit that aligns with their specific requirements.
Take the first step in securing your documents by exploring Adobe Acrobat—its robust and versatile features make it a reliable, top-ranked choice for effective document protection.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison