Categories: Guides

The Top 5 PDF Viewers in 2025: Which One Should You Use?

PDF files are everywhere-from work reports to eBooks, invoices, resumes, and forms. But not all PDF viewers are created equal. Whether you’re looking for speed, annotation tools, form filling, or security, the right app can make a huge difference. Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 PDF viewers in 2025, with pros, cons, and what makes each one stand out.

📄 1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC – Best for Power Users & Professionals

Why it’s great: Adobe invented the PDF, and their Reader remains the gold standard. Acrobat Reader DC supports everything from form filling and digital signing to cloud syncing and advanced accessibility features.

Industry-leading annotation and form tools
Integration with Adobe Document Cloud
E-signature support
Excellent performance on large documents

Drawbacks:

Can be resource-heavy
Some advanced features require a paid subscription

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web

🦊 2. Foxit PDF Reader – Best Lightweight Alternative to Adobe

Why it’s great: Foxit is fast, intuitive, and ideal for anyone who wants solid PDF editing and collaboration tools without the bloat.

Lightweight and fast
Strong annotation tools
Collaboration features (shared reviews, comments)
Good compatibility with fillable forms

Drawbacks:

Free version lacks some editing options
Interface can be a bit crowded

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

⚡ 3. SumatraPDF – Best for Speed & Simplicity

Why it’s great: SumatraPDF is known for its blazing-fast speed and ultra-lightweight design. No frills-just fast, reliable viewing.

Super lightweight (~5MB)
Lightning-fast startup
Supports multiple formats (PDF, ePub, MOBI, CHM, XPS, etc.)

Drawbacks:

No editing or annotation tools
No form filling or signing

Platforms: Windows

🛠️ 4. PDF-XChange Editor – Best for Power Features on a Budget

Why it’s great: PDF-XChange Editor balances functionality with affordability. It includes OCR, annotation, markup, and even editing capabilities for free.

Built-in OCR (optical character recognition)
Form editing and signing
Robust annotation tools
Tabbed interface for managing multiple PDFs

Drawbacks:

UI can be overwhelming for beginners
Free version watermarks some edited documents

Platforms: Windows

🍏 5. Preview (macOS) – Best Built-In Viewer for Mac Users

Why it’s great: If you’re on a Mac, Preview is already installed and surprisingly powerful. It supports annotation, signing, and basic editing right out of the box.