Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Acrobat DC - Comprehensive professional PDF editor for creating, editing, signing, converting, and collaborating on PDF documents with advanced AI features.
- 2#2: Foxit PDF Editor - High-performance PDF editor offering robust editing tools, redaction, e-signing, and security at a fraction of Adobe's cost.
- 3#3: Nitro PDF Pro - Full-featured Windows PDF editor for editing text, images, forms, and batch processing with strong conversion capabilities.
- 4#4: Wondershare PDFelement - User-friendly PDF editor with OCR, Bates numbering, form creation, and multi-platform support for efficient document workflows.
- 5#5: PDF-XChange Editor - Powerful PDF editor with extensive annotation, editing, and OCR tools available in a highly capable free version.
- 6#6: PDF Expert - Intuitive PDF editor optimized for macOS and iOS with seamless editing, annotation, and organization features.
- 7#7: Bluebeam Revu - Enterprise-grade PDF editor tailored for construction and AEC with advanced markup, measurement, and collaboration tools.
- 8#8: Kofax Power PDF - Business-focused PDF editor emphasizing security, compliance, redaction, and integration with Microsoft Office.
- 9#9: Soda PDF - Versatile desktop and online PDF editor for merging, splitting, editing, and converting documents with cloud sync.
- 10#10: Sejda PDF - Reliable online and desktop PDF editor for quick text edits, form filling, and page management without watermarks on paid plans.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors: robust feature sets (editing, collaboration, OCR), consistent performance, user-friendly interfaces, and strong value, ensuring they cater to both beginners and advanced users.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading PDF editing software, including Adobe Acrobat DC, Foxit PDF Editor, Nitro PDF Pro, Wondershare PDFelement, PDF-XChange Editor, and more, to highlight key features, strengths, and ideal use cases. Readers will learn how each tool stacks up in areas like editing capabilities, user interface, cost, and additional functions, enabling them to find the best fit for their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Acrobat DC Comprehensive professional PDF editor for creating, editing, signing, converting, and collaborating on PDF documents with advanced AI features. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | Foxit PDF Editor High-performance PDF editor offering robust editing tools, redaction, e-signing, and security at a fraction of Adobe's cost. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Nitro PDF Pro Full-featured Windows PDF editor for editing text, images, forms, and batch processing with strong conversion capabilities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | Wondershare PDFelement User-friendly PDF editor with OCR, Bates numbering, form creation, and multi-platform support for efficient document workflows. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | PDF-XChange Editor Powerful PDF editor with extensive annotation, editing, and OCR tools available in a highly capable free version. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | PDF Expert Intuitive PDF editor optimized for macOS and iOS with seamless editing, annotation, and organization features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Bluebeam Revu Enterprise-grade PDF editor tailored for construction and AEC with advanced markup, measurement, and collaboration tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Kofax Power PDF Business-focused PDF editor emphasizing security, compliance, redaction, and integration with Microsoft Office. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Soda PDF Versatile desktop and online PDF editor for merging, splitting, editing, and converting documents with cloud sync. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Sejda PDF Reliable online and desktop PDF editor for quick text edits, form filling, and page management without watermarks on paid plans. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive professional PDF editor for creating, editing, signing, converting, and collaborating on PDF documents with advanced AI features.
High-performance PDF editor offering robust editing tools, redaction, e-signing, and security at a fraction of Adobe's cost.
Full-featured Windows PDF editor for editing text, images, forms, and batch processing with strong conversion capabilities.
User-friendly PDF editor with OCR, Bates numbering, form creation, and multi-platform support for efficient document workflows.
Powerful PDF editor with extensive annotation, editing, and OCR tools available in a highly capable free version.
Intuitive PDF editor optimized for macOS and iOS with seamless editing, annotation, and organization features.
Enterprise-grade PDF editor tailored for construction and AEC with advanced markup, measurement, and collaboration tools.
Business-focused PDF editor emphasizing security, compliance, redaction, and integration with Microsoft Office.
Versatile desktop and online PDF editor for merging, splitting, editing, and converting documents with cloud sync.
Reliable online and desktop PDF editor for quick text edits, form filling, and page management without watermarks on paid plans.
Adobe Acrobat DC
enterpriseComprehensive professional PDF editor for creating, editing, signing, converting, and collaborating on PDF documents with advanced AI features.
Liquid Mode for intelligent reflow and accessibility of complex PDFs on any device
Adobe Acrobat DC is the industry-leading PDF editor, enabling users to create, edit, convert, sign, and secure PDF documents with professional-grade precision. It supports advanced editing of text, images, forms, and pages, along with OCR for scanned documents and robust collaboration tools via Adobe Document Cloud. Available across desktop, web, and mobile, it streamlines complex workflows for individuals and teams.
Pros
- Unmatched depth of editing tools including text reflow and object manipulation
- Seamless cross-platform sync and collaboration features
- Enterprise-grade security, redaction, and compliance tools
Cons
- High subscription cost may deter casual users
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Resource-heavy on lower-end hardware
Best For
Professionals, businesses, and teams needing comprehensive PDF editing, signing, and secure document management.
Pricing
Individual Pro plan at $19.99/month or $239.88/year; Teams at $24.99/user/month (annual); free Reader version available.
Foxit PDF Editor
enterpriseHigh-performance PDF editor offering robust editing tools, redaction, e-signing, and security at a fraction of Adobe's cost.
ConnectedPDF technology for secure, real-time cloud collaboration and version tracking
Foxit PDF Editor is a robust PDF editing software that enables users to create, edit, convert, and secure PDF documents with professional-grade tools. It supports direct text and image manipulation, form creation, digital signing, redaction, and OCR for scanned documents. As a lightweight alternative to Adobe Acrobat, it emphasizes speed, security, and collaboration features like ConnectedPDF for real-time sharing.
Pros
- Lightning-fast performance and low resource usage compared to competitors
- Comprehensive editing tools including AI-assisted redaction and OCR
- Strong security features like encryption, passwords, and compliance tools
Cons
- Interface can feel less polished than Adobe Acrobat for beginners
- Some advanced features require additional modules or subscriptions
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Business professionals and teams needing a cost-effective, high-performance PDF editor for daily document workflows.
Pricing
Subscription from $159/user/year; perpetual license ~$259 one-time with optional maintenance.
Nitro PDF Pro
enterpriseFull-featured Windows PDF editor for editing text, images, forms, and batch processing with strong conversion capabilities.
Direct PDF editing interface that mimics Microsoft Word for seamless text reflow and layout adjustments
Nitro PDF Pro is a comprehensive PDF editing solution that allows users to create, edit, convert, sign, and secure PDF files with professional-grade tools. It offers direct text and image editing similar to word processors, batch processing, OCR for scanned documents, and form filling capabilities. Designed primarily for Windows with some Mac support, it's a strong alternative to Adobe Acrobat for everyday PDF workflows.
Pros
- Robust PDF editing tools including direct text/image manipulation and OCR
- Perpetual license option avoids ongoing subscriptions
- Excellent conversion accuracy to/from Word, Excel, and other formats
Cons
- Interface feels slightly dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited mobile app functionality
- Performance can lag with very large files
Best For
Small businesses and professionals seeking a powerful, one-time purchase PDF editor as an Adobe Acrobat alternative.
Pricing
Perpetual license at $179.99 one-time per user; subscription option at $9.99/month or $99.99/year.
Wondershare PDFelement
specializedUser-friendly PDF editor with OCR, Bates numbering, form creation, and multi-platform support for efficient document workflows.
AI Assistant for summarizing, rewriting, translating, and chatting with PDF content
Wondershare PDFelement is a comprehensive PDF editor that enables direct editing of text, images, links, and pages within PDFs, mimicking word processor functionality. It supports OCR for scanned documents, form creation and filling, digital signatures, batch processing, and conversion to/from Word, Excel, and other formats. Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, it serves as a robust alternative to pricier tools like Adobe Acrobat.
Pros
- Intuitive, Office-like interface for easy editing
- Strong OCR and batch processing capabilities
- Cross-platform support with mobile apps
Cons
- Subscription model pushes for recurring payments
- Limited advanced collaboration tools
- Performance lags on very large files
Best For
Professionals and small businesses needing affordable, feature-rich PDF editing without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at $79.99; perpetual license $129.99 (one-time).
PDF-XChange Editor
specializedPowerful PDF editor with extensive annotation, editing, and OCR tools available in a highly capable free version.
Integrated, high-accuracy OCR that converts scanned PDFs to editable text with support for over 30 languages
PDF-XChange Editor is a versatile PDF editing software developed by Tracker Software, offering comprehensive tools for viewing, editing, annotating, and manipulating PDF documents. It supports direct text and image editing, form creation and filling, OCR for scanned documents, digital signatures, and batch processing operations. The free version provides robust functionality, while the Plus edition unlocks advanced features like dynamic stamps and enhanced security options, making it a strong alternative to pricier competitors like Adobe Acrobat.
Pros
- Extensive editing tools including text reflow, image handling, and OCR support
- Free version with most core features available
- Lightweight and fast performance with low resource usage
Cons
- Interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming for beginners
- Some advanced features like Bates numbering require the paid Plus version
- Primarily optimized for Windows, with limited cross-platform support
Best For
Windows users and professionals needing advanced PDF editing and annotation without Adobe Acrobat's high cost.
Pricing
Free version available; Editor Plus perpetual license ~$65 one-time, or subscriptions from ~$10/month.
PDF Expert
specializedIntuitive PDF editor optimized for macOS and iOS with seamless editing, annotation, and organization features.
Advanced text reflow and real-time editing that maintains PDF layout integrity
PDF Expert is a robust PDF editing app optimized for Apple devices, enabling users to edit text, images, and pages directly within PDFs with high precision. It supports annotations, digital signatures, form filling, merging, splitting, and OCR for scanned documents, all with a sleek, native interface. The app excels in cross-device sync via iCloud, making it ideal for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive, native Apple interface with gesture support
- Fast performance and smooth editing tools
- Seamless iCloud sync across Mac, iPad, and iPhone
Cons
- Limited to Apple ecosystem, no Windows/Android support
- Full features require premium subscription
- Lacks some advanced enterprise-level security options
Best For
Apple users seeking a polished, device-native PDF editor for everyday editing and annotation tasks.
Pricing
Premium subscription at $79.99/year or $139.99 lifetime per platform; free version with basic features.
Bluebeam Revu
enterpriseEnterprise-grade PDF editor tailored for construction and AEC with advanced markup, measurement, and collaboration tools.
Advanced measurement and quantity takeoff tools with dynamic calibration for accurate blueprint analysis
Bluebeam Revu is a specialized PDF editor tailored for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, offering advanced markup, annotation, and measurement tools for technical documents and blueprints. It enables precise editing of vector-based PDFs, batch processing, OCR capabilities, and seamless collaboration through the integrated Studio platform. While powerful for professional workflows, it's optimized for Windows environments and large-scale project management rather than general consumer PDF editing.
Pros
- Industry-leading markup, annotation, and precise measurement tools for scaled drawings
- Robust Studio collaboration for real-time team access and version control
- Excellent performance with large, complex PDF files and batch operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for non-AEC users
- High pricing may not justify value for basic PDF editing needs
- Primarily Windows-focused with limited macOS support
Best For
AEC professionals like architects, engineers, and contractors who need advanced PDF markup, measurements, and team collaboration for construction documents.
Pricing
Subscriptions from $240/user/year (Revu Standard) to $349/user/year (Revu Extreme); perpetual licenses start at ~$360.
Kofax Power PDF
enterpriseBusiness-focused PDF editor emphasizing security, compliance, redaction, and integration with Microsoft Office.
Advanced redaction and Bates stamping for secure document handling in regulated industries
Kofax Power PDF is a robust desktop PDF editor designed for creating, editing, converting, and securing PDF documents with advanced tools rivaling Adobe Acrobat. It excels in features like precise text and image editing, OCR for scanned files, digital signatures, redaction, and batch processing. Suitable for professional and enterprise use, it emphasizes compliance, security, and workflow automation without requiring a subscription.
Pros
- Comprehensive editing tools including text reflow and image manipulation
- Strong OCR accuracy and compliance features like redaction and Bates numbering
- Perpetual licensing option with solid performance on large files
Cons
- Steeper learning curve compared to simpler alternatives
- Primarily desktop-focused with limited cloud/mobile integration
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier editions
Best For
Business professionals and legal teams needing advanced PDF editing, security, and compliance tools.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses: Standard $129, Advanced $249; subscription from $79/year.
Soda PDF
specializedVersatile desktop and online PDF editor for merging, splitting, editing, and converting documents with cloud sync.
Powerful built-in OCR that converts scanned PDFs into fully editable and searchable documents
Soda PDF is a versatile PDF editor available as both desktop software and an online platform, offering tools for editing text and images, merging/splitting documents, converting files, and applying OCR to scanned PDFs. It supports secure e-signatures, form creation, and compression, making it suitable for personal and professional use. The software emphasizes ease of access across devices with cloud integration for storage and sharing.
Pros
- Intuitive interface suitable for beginners
- Comprehensive toolkit including OCR and e-signatures
- Cross-platform support with online and desktop options
Cons
- Free version has significant limitations
- Subscription required for full features and can add up
- Occasional performance lags with large files
Best For
Small businesses and individuals needing an affordable, user-friendly PDF editor for everyday tasks without Adobe Acrobat's complexity.
Pricing
Free online plan with limits; Pro plans from $9.99/month or $71.88/year; Desktop lifetime license around $50 one-time.
Sejda PDF
otherReliable online and desktop PDF editor for quick text edits, form filling, and page management without watermarks on paid plans.
Browser-based direct text and image editing with real-time previews
Sejda PDF is a web-based and desktop PDF editor that enables users to edit text and images directly, fill forms, annotate, merge, split, compress, and convert PDFs. It provides a suite of over 20 PDF tools accessible online without installation, making it convenient for quick edits. While powerful for everyday tasks, it balances free access with paid upgrades for heavier use.
Pros
- Intuitive web interface for instant access
- Comprehensive set of PDF editing and manipulation tools
- Generous free tier for light users
Cons
- Free plan limits (200 pages/50MB, 3 tasks/hour)
- Online processing raises privacy concerns for sensitive files
- Less robust for complex edits than full desktop suites like Acrobat
Best For
Casual users or small teams needing quick, no-install PDF edits without advanced professional features.
Pricing
Free with limits; Pro from $5/week, $24/month, or $63/year for unlimited tasks and larger files.
Conclusion
The top 10 PDF editing tools offer diverse strengths, with Adobe Acrobat DC leading as the comprehensive choice, blending professional features and AI capabilities. Foxit PDF Editor and Nitro PDF Pro stand out as strong alternatives, appealing to different priorities like cost-effectiveness and Windows optimization. Together, they showcase the range of options available for various user needs, ensuring the best tool is within reach for nearly everyone.
Don’t miss out—Adobe Acrobat DC’s robust features make it the perfect starting point for mastering PDF workflows. Try it today to experience seamless editing, collaboration, and more.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison