Compare software

Adobe AcrobatPDFgear
Freemium

Acrobat Reader is free to download and use without a subscription; text and image editing…

 Free

Free to use on desktop, mobile and the web without an account.

Windows, macOS, Web, Android, iOS Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web
  • Free Reader for Windows 10/11, macOS 10.15+, iOS 16+ and Android 8+, plus an Acrobat web app in…
  • Reader includes commenting, highlights, sticky notes, form filling and Fill & Sign at no cost
  • Editing, conversion, merging and signing at no cost
  • No sign-up required
  • Editing text and images, creating and converting PDFs need an Acrobat Standard or Pro subscription
  • Proprietary; Adobe logos may not be used without a license
  • Closed source
  • AI features send document content to an online service
Downloadable app, Web application, Hosted service Downloadable app, Web application
Closed source Closed source
License not stated License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 20, 2026

Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.