Best free PDF reader of 2025

Here are the top 5 free PDF readers for Windows and Mac, rated out of 5 stars:

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

   • Best for professionals, feature-rich, and widely used.

2. Foxit PDF Reader ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)

   • Lightweight, fast, and great for annotations.

3. Sumatra PDF ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

   • Minimalistic, super-fast, and ideal for basic reading.

4. PDF-XChange Editor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)

   • Offers advanced features like OCR and annotations.

5. Skim (Mac only) / Javelin PDF Reader (Windows & Mac) ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

   • Skim is great for research on Mac; Javelin is secure and supports DRM-protected files.

Each of these PDF readers is free and offers unique benefits for different users!

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the most popular and widely used free PDF reader developed by Adobe Inc. It allows users to view, print, sign, annotate, and share PDFs easily. As part of the Adobe ecosystem, it seamlessly integrates with Adobe's cloud services, making it a preferred choice for professionals and casual users alike.

• Windows: Windows 10/11
• Mac: macOS 10.15 or later
• Mobile: Android 8.0+, iOS 13+

Features of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC: The Ultimate Free PDF Reader

• View & Print PDFs – Open and read PDFs with multiple viewing modes and print them easily.
• Annotation Tools – Highlight text, add comments, and draw on PDFs.
• Fill & Sign – Digitally fill out forms and sign documents with a signature tool.
• Text & Image Copying – Extract text and images from PDFs (if allowed).
• Adobe Cloud Integration – Save and access files across devices via Adobe Document Cloud.
• Security Features – Protect PDFs with passwords and encryption.
• Cross-Platform Support – Available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

✔ADVANTAGE

+ Trusted and widely used software.
+ Advanced annotation and signing features.
+ Seamless cloud integration.
+ Free to use with essential PDF tools.

🗙 DISADVANTAGE

- Slightly heavier than other PDF readers.
- Advanced features (editing, conversion) require a paid upgrade.

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the best choice if you need a reliable, feature-rich, and secure PDF reader. While it lacks free editing tools, it remains the gold standard for viewing and annotating PDFs in 2025.

Also read: Adobe Creative Cloud (2025) pricing and reviews 

2. Foxit PDF Reader

If you’re looking for a powerful, lightweight, and feature-packed PDF editor, PDF-XChange Editor is one of the best free alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Unlike basic PDF readers, this software allows you to view PDFs and edit, annotate, and modify them—all without a heavy system load.

With advanced tools, fast performance, and a user-friendly interface, PDF-XChange Editor is an excellent choice for professionals, students, and anyone who needs more than just a simple PDF viewer.

Features of PDF-XChange Editor

• Fast & Lightweight – Opens and processes PDFs quickly without slowing down your computer.
• Free PDF Editing – Modify text, images, and links within PDF files (limited features in the free version).
• Annotation & Markup Tools – Highlight, underline, and add comments to PDFs.
• OCR (Optical Character Recognition) – Convert scanned documents into searchable and editable text.
• Form Filling & Digital Signatures – Fill out interactive forms and sign PDFs securely.
• Advanced Security Features – Password protection, encryption, and document redaction.
• Tabbed Interface for Multitasking – Open and manage multiple PDFs at once.
• Cloud Integration – Save and sync PDFs with Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox.
• Customizable User Interface – Tailor the toolbar and layout to suit your workflow.

ADVANTAGE

DISADVANTAGE

❌ Some advanced editing tools require a paid version (e.g., watermark-free saving).
❌ Free version adds watermarks when saving edited PDFs.
❌ Interface can be overwhelming for beginners due to many features.

System Requirements

• Windows: Windows 10/11 (32-bit & 64-bit)
• Mac & Linux: ❌ (Not officially supported)

Skim (Mac-Only) – Best for Researchers & Students

Skim is a free, open-source PDF reader designed specifically for Mac users. It’s perfect for annotating, highlighting, and reviewing academic papers, research articles, and presentations.

Features of Skim

• Fast & Lightweight – Runs smoothly without using too many system resources.
• Powerful Annotations – Highlight text, add notes, and create bookmarks.
• Built-in PDF Search – Quickly find keywords or phrases in large documents.
• AppleScript Support – Automate tasks with scripting.
• Sync with BibDesk – Great for researchers managing references.
• Presentation Mode – Ideal for lectures or academic presentations.

ADVANTAGE

DISADVANTAGE

Javelin PDF Reader is a free, lightweight PDF reader that focuses on security and simplicity. It supports DRM-protected PDFs, making it an excellent choice for reading encrypted or protected documents.

Features of Javelin PDF Reader

• Fast & Small File Size – Less than 5MB for quick installation.
• Supports DRM-Protected PDFs – Opens secure files that require authorization.
• Basic Annotations – Add bookmarks and notes for easy reference.
• Simple & Clean Interface – No bloatware or unnecessary features.
• Available for Windows & Mac – A great alternative for both platforms.

ADVANTAGE

DISADVANTAGE

👉 Best For: Users who need a lightweight, no-frills PDF reader with DRM protection support.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Skim if you're a Mac user who needs a fast, free, and powerful PDF annotator.
• Choose Javelin PDF Reader if you want a simple, lightweight PDF reader that also supports DRM-protected files on Windows & Mac.

⭐ Skim (Mac Only): 4.5/5 – Best free PDF reader for academic research and annotations.
⭐ Javelin PDF Reader (Windows & Mac): 4/5 – Best for reading DRM-protected PDFs and lightweight viewing.

Best Free PDF Reader: FAQs

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about free PDF readers to help you find the right one.

1. What is a PDF reader?

A PDF reader is a software application that allows you to open, view, and sometimes edit PDF files (Portable Document Format). Some PDF readers also support annotations, digital signatures, and form filling.

2. What is the safest PDF reader?

The safest PDF readers are those who prioritize security and privacy while avoiding unnecessary ads or tracking. Some of the safest options include:

• Sumatra PDF – Lightweight and open-source, no tracking.
• Javelin PDF Reader – Great for secure, DRM-protected files.
• PDF-XChange Editor – Strong privacy controls with encryption features.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader DC – Regular security updates from Adobe.

3. What is the best way to open a PDF file?

You can open a PDF file using a free PDF reader such as:

• Windows & Mac: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Foxit PDF Reader, or Sumatra PDF.
• Mac Only: Preview (built-in) or Skim for research.
• Mobile Devices: Google Drive, Adobe Acrobat Mobile, or Foxit Mobile.
• Web Browsers: Chrome, Edge, and Firefox can open PDFs directly.

For basic viewing, web browsers work well. For advanced editing, use PDF-XChange Editor or Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

4. Which is the best free PDF reader in 2025?

The best free PDF reader depends on your needs:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader DC – Best overall, supports all features.
• Foxit PDF Reader – Lightweight and great for collaboration.
• Sumatra PDF – Fastest and most minimalistic.
• PDF-XChange Editor – Best for free PDF editing & OCR.
• Skim (Mac Only) – Best for researchers and students.

5. Which free PDF reader is the fastest?

Sumatra PDF is the fastest and lightest PDF reader, consuming very little system memory. Javelin PDF Reader is also a good lightweight option for Windows & Mac.

6. Can I edit PDFs with a free PDF reader?

Yes, but options are limited. PDF-XChange Editor allows some basic free editing, like adding text and annotations. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC only allows comments, not full editing.

7. What is the best free PDF reader for Windows?

• Adobe Acrobat Reader DC – Best overall.
• Foxit PDF Reader – Fast and feature-rich.
• PDF-XChange Editor – Best for editing PDFs.
• Sumatra PDF – Best for speed and simplicity.

8. What is the best free PDF reader for Mac?

• Skim – Best for annotation & research.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader DC – Most feature-rich.
• Foxit PDF Reader – Great alternative to Adobe.

9. Which PDF reader supports DRM-protected files?

Javelin PDF Reader is one of the best free options for viewing DRM-protected PDFs, making it ideal for secure documents.

10. Can I use a free PDF reader to sign documents?

Yes, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and PDF-XChange Editor allow you to digitally sign PDFs for free.

11. Which free PDF reader is best for students?

• Skim (Mac) – Best for academic reading and notes.
• Foxit PDF Reader – Great for collaboration and annotations.
• PDF-XChange Editor – Allows limited free PDF editing.

12. Are free PDF readers safe to use?

Yes, as long as you download them from official websites. Avoid third-party downloads to prevent malware. Sumatra PDF and Javelin PDF Reader are among the safest lightweight options.

13. Which free PDF reader has the best annotation tools?

• Adobe Acrobat Reader DC – Full annotation support.
• PDF-XChange Editor – Best free markup tools.
• Foxit PDF Reader – Great for team collaboration.

📖 Also Read:

🔹 Best Online Learning Platforms in 2025
🔹 Top 10 Best Antivirus Software for Windows 2025

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