Top 10 Best Pdf Encryption Software of 2026

PDF.co PDF Encryption stands out by adding strong PDF security controls through API-first encryption and certificate-based protection. It supports common workflows like password protection and cryptographic signing so documents can be secured during automated processing. It also integrates cleanly into document pipelines where encryption needs to happen reliably at scale without manual handling.

PDF24 Tools PDF Encryption stands out by combining password protection and certificate-based encryption in a web-based workflow. It supports encrypting existing PDF files and applying restrictions through user and owner passwords. The tool also offers optional digital certificate use for stronger, identity-based protection and safer sharing of controlled documents.

iLovePDF Encrypt PDF adds password protection and encryption settings to PDF files through a simple web workflow. The tool focuses on restricting access by applying user or owner passwords and controlling what recipients can do with the document. It fits teams that need quick, browser-based PDF security without installing local software. The main limitation is that it provides fewer enterprise-grade document governance controls than specialized security platforms.

Soda PDF Encrypt PDF focuses on document protection through password-based encryption and controlled access. It supports encrypting PDF files and applying security settings that restrict opening, editing, or copying content. The tool is designed to fit into a typical PDF workflow without requiring specialized security knowledge. Output remains a standard encrypted PDF that can be shared with other parties who have the needed credentials.

Sejda PDF Encrypt focuses on locking down PDF files with practical encryption controls for protecting shared documents. It supports password-based access control and lets teams restrict printing, copying, and other actions depending on the selected protection mode. The tool is designed for direct file handling workflows where encrypted output replaces the original document flow.

PDF Compressor Encrypt and Secure distinguishes itself by combining PDF compression with encryption-focused export controls. The tool supports password-based protection for opening and restricting document actions like copying or editing, which targets common data leakage scenarios. It also includes a practical workflow for handling multiple PDFs, with output that preserves usability after security is applied.

DocuSeal PDF Encryption and Signing focuses on securing PDFs with encryption plus digital signing in one workflow. It supports applying access protections and applying signatures to authenticate documents and deter tampering. The tool targets document sharing scenarios where both confidentiality and integrity matter for recipients and auditors. It is best evaluated on how effectively it handles common PDF security tasks and signature generation without breaking document layouts.

PDF XChange Editor PDF Security focuses on securing PDFs through password and permission controls that govern document opening, editing, and printing. The editor integrates encryption workflows directly into a PDF authoring and viewing environment, so security changes can be applied during normal document handling. It also supports certificate-based protection paths for organizations that manage trust through public key infrastructure. For teams needing practical encryption rather than enterprise key management automation, it offers a straightforward security toolset inside one PDF application.

Foxit PDF Editor Security focuses on document protection around encryption and policy enforcement for PDF files. It supports password-based encryption for opening and editing, plus permission controls that restrict actions like printing, copying, and form interactions. The product also includes security management features used to standardize protection across documents created in Foxit editors. Overall, it targets organizations that need consistent PDF encryption and access control within a PDF editing workflow.

Nitro PDF Pro Security stands out for combining PDF encryption controls with the broader Nitro PDF Pro document workflow. It supports password-based PDF protection and can restrict actions like printing and editing to reduce accidental disclosure. The security tooling is integrated into the PDF authoring and editing experience, which helps maintain protection through common file operations.