Top 10 Best Pdf Encryption Software of 2026

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is the industry-leading PDF editor and security solution, excelling in PDF encryption with robust 256-bit AES protection, password safeguards, and granular permission controls to restrict printing, editing, copying, and more. It supports certificate-based encryption, digital signatures, and redaction tools for compliance with standards like HIPAA and GDPR. As the original PDF creator, it ensures maximum compatibility and security for professional workflows.

Foxit PDF Editor is a comprehensive PDF management tool that includes powerful encryption capabilities for securing sensitive documents. It supports 128-bit and 256-bit AES encryption, password protection, permission controls (e.g., preventing printing, copying, or editing), and certificate-based security. Users can apply these features seamlessly within its editing workflow, making it suitable for businesses handling confidential PDFs.

Nitro Pro is a comprehensive PDF editor and viewer from GoNitro that includes robust PDF encryption capabilities, allowing users to secure documents with password protection, user/open passwords, and permissions controls. It supports strong 256-bit AES encryption standards to prevent unauthorized access, editing, printing, or copying. As part of a full-featured PDF suite, it enables batch encryption and integrates security seamlessly with editing, signing, and conversion tools for professional workflows.

Wondershare PDFelement is a comprehensive PDF editor that excels in document security through its encryption tools, allowing users to apply strong password protection and set detailed permissions for printing, editing, and copying. It supports industry-standard AES-256 encryption alongside older RC4 options, making it suitable for securing sensitive PDFs. In addition to encryption, it offers editing, conversion, annotation, and batch processing features, positioning it as an all-in-one solution rather than a dedicated encryption tool.

Kofax Power PDF is a full-featured PDF editor and management tool from Kofax that excels in document security, including PDF encryption with password protection and granular permissions. It supports strong 256-bit AES encryption, RC4 options, and certificate-based security to prevent unauthorized access, editing, printing, or copying. The software also integrates redaction and digital signatures for comprehensive protection of sensitive PDFs. While versatile for broader PDF workflows, its encryption capabilities make it suitable for professional secure document handling.

PDF Architect from pdfforge.org is a modular PDF editing suite with dedicated encryption tools via its Secure module, enabling users to apply strong password protection and restrictions on PDFs. It supports industry-standard 256-bit AES and 128-bit RC4 encryption, along with customizable permissions for printing, copying, editing, and accessibility features. While the free version offers basic security, advanced encryption requires purchasing the Secure module, making it suitable for individual and small business users focused on Windows platforms.

PDF Expert is a comprehensive PDF management app for macOS and iOS, offering password-based encryption to secure documents against unauthorized access. Users can apply owner and user passwords with customizable permissions to restrict printing, copying, editing, or viewing. While it excels in an all-in-one PDF workflow, its encryption capabilities provide reliable 256-bit AES protection suitable for everyday security needs.

Smallpdf is a popular online PDF platform that offers robust encryption tools to password-protect documents using 256-bit AES encryption, securing them against unauthorized access and editing. Users can set owner passwords to restrict printing, copying, or modifying PDFs, with support for both open and permission passwords. As part of a broader PDF suite, it enables quick drag-and-drop encryption alongside conversion, editing, and signing features, making it accessible without software installation.

iLovePDF is a web-based PDF toolkit that includes PDF encryption functionality, allowing users to secure documents with owner and user passwords to restrict access and editing permissions. It processes files quickly via drag-and-drop uploads without requiring software installation. While versatile for various PDF tasks, its encryption features are straightforward and suitable for basic protection needs.

PDF24 Creator is a free Windows desktop application offering a suite of PDF tools, with strong emphasis on encryption capabilities to secure documents. It enables users to add owner and user passwords, configure detailed permissions for printing, copying, editing, and more, using 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption. The software is portable, ad-free, and integrates encryption seamlessly with other functions like merging, splitting, and compressing PDFs.