As web browsers fulfill our basic PDF reading requirements, the need for a free PDF reader software is decreasing. Still, there are some tasks like annotation, digital signature, form filling, etc. that need advanced PDF reader software.
Now, Windows 10 being an ever-popular operating system, there are already tons of PDF readers that exist for it. But what are the ones you should go for? So, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best PDF readers for Windows PCs. This list for 2019 includes the likes of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, SumatraPDF, Foxit Reader, etc.
10 Best PDF Readers for Windows 10, 8.1, 7 (2019)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- SumatraPDF
- Web Browser
- Nitro Reader
- Foxit Reader
- Google Drive
- Slim PDF
- Expert PDF Reader
- Javelin PDF Reader
- PDF-XChange Editor
Choosing the right PDF reader for Windows that suits your needs in the year 2019 isn’t a tough task, but you need to know about the available options. So, let’s tell you about different software for viewing and reading PDF documents and help you decide which one’s best for you:
1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
If you’re looking for a powerful program to read PDF files, I’d like to recommend Adobe Acrobat Reader. It’s not uncommon to come across a PDF file that demands an advanced PDF reader. Here, I’m talking about the fillable forms that you can’t take care of using a basic PDF reader software for Windows. It’s still the recommended PDF solution for all tasks and the most popular of all the ones mentioned on this list.
While you might find this Windows PDF reader somewhat bulky as compared to SumatraPDF, which is ranked #2 on this list, it turns out to be useful when all the other solutions fail. You can use it for reading in different modes, text highlighting, adding notes, filling forms, digital signatures, add stamps, etc. This free PDF reader for Windows also supports a tabbed view, which means that you can open multiple PDF files simultaneously.
So, if your needs aren’t simple, you don’t want to just “read” PDF files, and you need advanced features, downloading Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the right choice. It’s also the best PDF reader for large files that some lightweight programs are unable to process fully.
Note: On the download page of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, the bundled options for McAfee Security Scan Plus and True Key by Intel Security are already selected. Make sure to untick them to avoid installing the software that you don’t need. If you’re downloading the same on your Mac, you won’t face this issue.
Supported Platforms: Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP
2. SumatraPDF
SumatraPDF is an open-source and lightweight PDF reader software that you can install and use on your Windows computer. Licensed under GPLv3 license, SumatraPDF supports formats other than PDF as well, including the likes of EPUB, MOBI, FB2, CHM, XPS, and DjVu.
As I mentioned above, this free and best PDF reader is very light, and its 64-bit installer is just about 5MB in size. So, if you’re looking for a good PDF reader software that can deliver a fantastic reading experience with fast performance and essential features, SumatraPDF is the right PDF reader for you. But, it lacks advanced features like annotations, document signing, and form-filling.
It supports various keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate quickly and improve your reading experience. Sumatra also comes with easy previewing of LaTeX documents, and you can configure different text editors to integrate Sumatra. The free PDF viewer also supports running in restricted mode.
Supported platforms: Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP
3. Your Web Browser
If your main demands are viewing PDF files and you don’t need features that come with advanced PDF reader software for Windows, you don’t need dedicated software. Your web browsers, like Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Opera, come with a free PDF reader built-in.
They are a part of your web browser and updated regularly with new features alongside your browser. As you click on a PDF link, the web browser starts opening the PDF file on its own and provides you a clutter-free reading experience. All browsers allow you to use features like adjustable text size, rotation, download, and printing.
Just in case you want to open locally stored PDF files using your web browser, you need to simply drag it to an open browser window to open the file. You can also right-click on the file to choose your browser using the “Choose Another App” option. If you don’t open or view PDF files regularly, your web browser is the best PDF viewer you can get.
Supported platforms: Windows 10, 8.1, 7
4. Nitro Reader
Nitro Reader is another famous name in the world of office and productivity software. I personally like this free PDF document reader as it tries to strike the perfect balance between usability and features. It doesn’t come loaded with tons of unnecessary features that one never uses. Its slick interface looks like just any other application from Microsoft’s Office suite.
Apart from all the basic features, Nitro Reader also comes with a handy QuickSign feature for digitally signing documents a simple task. You can also secure your documents and make sure that they are opened by the people who’ve received a digital certificate from you. So, Go for Nitro Reader if you wish to use a no-nonsense PDF reader for Windows that also has a beautiful UI.
Supported Platforms: Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP
5. Foxit reader
If you’re looking for a robust and free PDF reader for Windows 10 or older versions of Microsoft Windows, your search might end with Foxit Reader.
Just like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Foxit is a popular name in the world of document readers. However, compared to Adobe’s PDF reading solution, Foxit is comparatively lighter.
Foxit’s website is well designed, and it doesn’t try to ship some extra bloatware to your PC. However, it does try to install Foxit PhantomPDF editor’s 14-day trial during the installation process, so take a look at that.
A while ago, Foxit also introduced its new online ConnectedPDF Document Management System. Its Text Viewer mode removes complex formatting and displays a plain Notepad-like view of the file.
The collaboration features further improve your PDF experience by letting you work online and share it with others. It’s an advanced software for reading PDF files, and it comes will all the necessary features.
Supported platforms: Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP
6. Google Drive
Just like your web browser, Google Drive is another way of opening a PDF file without any external tools. However, what it offers is an online PDF reader instead of other full-blown Windows apps.
Google Drive also acts as a place to store your data, which makes it a great way to store documents, view them, and share with the concerned people.
Apart from opening a PDF in its bare minimum format, you can connect external Chrome apps to this PDF reader to add extra functionality. Moreover, you can simply choose the option to open a PDF via Google Docs and convert that PDF into an editable doc format.
Supported Platforms: Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP
7. Slim PDF
Just like SumatraPDF, Slim PDF is another lightweight and best PDF reader for Windows operating systems. It calls itself the world’s smallest desktop PDF reader.
I don’t know about the validity of this claim, but its download size is just 1.43MB. In my system, it was just about 5MB. So, if you’re looking for an extra small size PDF reader for your old computer, Slim PDF has the potential to end your search.
Just as one would expect, this free PDF software is simply focused on reading, viewing, and printing your PDF files. It loads very quickly and lets you complete your job in less time. Please note that this Windows PDF reader doesn’t support many popular keyboard shortcuts, so don’t get disappointed. Also, it doesn’t let you highlight your text word by word. Anyway, it’s a portable PDF reader software that just works.
Supported Platforms: Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP
8. Expert PDF Reader
Expert PDF Reader is another free PDF reader for Windows for 2019 that you can download and use to view PDF files easily. It comes with a new interface and all the basic features.
You can add notes, highlight the text, create a text box, etc. You also get the facility to create custom stamps and managing them. The signature feature is also included in Expert PDF Reader software.
The latest release of Expert PDF Reader Professional comes with new features to preserve PDF files for a long period of time. There are new options to optimize the file size and OCR function as well to get the most out of your workflow.
Supported Platforms: Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP
9. Javelin PDF Reader
The second-last entry on our top PDF readers list for 2019 is Javelin PDF Reader. It comes with all the basic PDF reading functionality that one needs to complete daily chores. The overall interface is super clean, and you can choose from most of the common reading modes like full screen, continuous, side by side, etc. Compared to the likes of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and Foxit reader, Javelin is pretty lightweight.
If you want to use a lightweight PDF reader software that can also help you with the viewing of DRM-secured PDF files, Javelin reader, with its 2MB download size, could turn out to be the best choice out there.
Supported Platforms: Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP
10. PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange Lite is a free PDF reader for Windows 10 that has been completely revamped and simplified. This software doesn’t take much time to open and provides a lightweight experience for reading, printing, annotating, saving images and text, etc. from a PDF file.
Prior to this, the software was called PDF-XChange Viewer, and it didn’t have the basic editing functions available for free. You also get features like OCR and digital signature as well.
As claimed by the developers, the free version of PDF-XChange Editor provides more than 60% of the features that ship with the paid version.
Supported Platforms: Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP
So, which one is the best PDF reader for Windows 10?
So, which of the best free PDF reader software is your current favorite in 2019? Depending on your usage and needs, your choices might defer, but you’ll surely find a suitable solution on this recommendation list.
In my opinion, you have got full-fledged PDF readers like Acrobat DC, Foxit, and Nitro. The Windows PDF readers pack all the features that you would need in the software of this kind. But if you don’t the hassle of installation you can either go with your web browser or the online PDF reader in Google Drive.
Just in case, you might also want to check PDF Readers for other platforms: