Compare software

PDF-XChange EditorAdobe Acrobat
Freemium

Most features are free. Some tools add a watermark unless you buy a licence.

 Freemium

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

Windows Windows, macOS, Web, Android, iOS
  • Most features work in the free version rather than being blocked
  • Fast rendering and a genuinely capable annotation toolset
  • 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
  • Paid-only features watermark output rather than being hidden
  • Windows only, closed source
  • 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
Downloadable app Downloadable app, Web application, Hosted service
Closed source Closed source
License not stated License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 22, 2026

Checked September 20, 2026

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