Quick comparison
The products on this list side by side: our score, a highlight and a link to our full review.
| Product | Score | Highlight | Review |
|---|
| 1Pdffiller | 9.8Best Overall | Trusted by over 56 million users worldwide | Read review |
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| 2Soda PDF | 9.5Great | Unbeatable in terms of value for money! | Read review |
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| 3PDF Suite | 9.3Very Good | Best budget PDF Software with great features | Read review |
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Our picks in detail
A closer look at the products on this list, with what we like and what could be better.
Do you often find yourself signing contracts without fully reading them, putting you in awkward positions? Avoid this issue by using pdfFiller, a smart document management tool that puts you in the driver's seat. For only $8 a month, you can edit PDFs, review and sign documents whenever you choose. Work together on projects, distribute papers to various people, and revise them as a group.
What we like
- User-friendly web interface
- Ability to legally notarize any document online
- Fully cloud-based PDF editor — access your files from anywhere!
What could be better
- To get the best value, an annual commitment is required
- Some advanced features have a steep learning curve
If you're searching for a comprehensive PDF management solution that can enhance productivity in your workplace, look no further than Soda PDF. With this software, you can create, edit, convert, split, compress, annotate, and merge PDF files with ease. What's more, you can enjoy advanced features such as OCR, E-Sign, batch conversion, and PDF file protection.
What we like
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- As easy and familiar as your word processor
- Supports batch processing, not just single documents
What could be better
- The trial version requires registration
- Limited features on the trial version
PDF Suite advertises itself as the "Acrobat Alternative", but without the hefty price tag and the steep learning curve. It does exactly what it says on the tin, giving you the ability to view, edit, export, convert, and sign PDFs and other documents.
What we like
- Extensive security features: redaction, whiteout, 256-bit password, and permission levels
- Ability to create interactive forms
- Optimized web and mobile display
What could be better
- Lacks Bates numbering feature
- Limited text editing options
How we rank these products
Our scores are editorial opinions out of 10 and are reviewed regularly. We look at four things:
- Features what the product does and how well it does it.
- Ease of use setup, everyday use and how it works on a phone.
- Value for money prices, free plans or trials, and what each plan includes.
- Security and support how your data is handled and what help is available.
This site earns a commission from some of the providers listed, which can affect the order in which they appear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a PDF?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format, a file format created by Adobe and now an open international standard (ISO 32000). A PDF looks the same on any device, operating system, or app, so fonts, images, and layout stay exactly as the author intended. PDFs can contain text, images, links, form fields, digital signatures, and attachments. That reliability makes PDF the standard format for contracts, invoices, and official documents, but it also makes PDFs harder to edit than a Word file.
How does a PDF editor help?
A PDF editor lets you change a document without going back to the original source file. With a typical editor, you can:
- Edit text and images
- Add comments, highlights, and annotations
- Merge, split, reorder, and delete pages
- Convert PDFs to and from Word, Excel, and image files
- Create fillable forms
- Sign documents and request signatures
- Redact sensitive information
- Turn scanned pages into searchable text with OCR
What advanced features do PDF editors offer?
Beyond basic editing, many PDF editors include tools that save time at work:
1. OCR, which turns scans into searchable, editable text and helps you go paperless.
2. E-signature workflows to send, sign, and track documents.
3. Shared review, so several people can comment on the same file.
4. Interactive forms with fields and checkboxes to collect information.
5. Password protection, permissions, and redaction to secure confidential files.
6. Batch processing, plus AI tools that summarize long documents or answer questions about them.
What should I look for in a PDF editor?
Start with what you need to do and who will use it. If you are going paperless, look for strong OCR. If you send contracts, check the e-signature features and whether signature requests are included. Teams should look at shared review, admin controls, and per-user pricing. Also consider the platforms you use (Windows, Mac, mobile, or web), how easy the editor is to learn, and how well it converts files to Word and Excel. Our ranking compares price, features, and ease of use to help you choose.
Are there any free PDF editors available online?
Yes, but they are limited. Free online tools usually handle simple tasks such as merging pages, compressing files, or adding comments, often with limits on file size or the number of tasks per day, and some add watermarks. Free readers let you view, comment, fill in forms, and sign, but not edit existing text. If you need to fix a typo in a contract, edit scanned documents, or keep confidential files off third-party servers, a full PDF editor is a better fit.
Many editors on our list offer a free trial, so you can test them first.
Disclaimer
The aim of this website is to help you find the perfect software for your needs in an easy-to-view comparison list. You can read more about how we review and about our background in the About Us section of this website. Software.fish does not feature all of the software available in the market, we cherry-pick what we consider to be the leaders in each vertical. We try to keep this site updated and fresh, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as well as the prices featured at all times. All prices quoted on this site are based on USD so there could be slight discrepancies due to currency fluctuations. Although the site is free to use, we do earn commissions from the software companies that we have partnered with. If you click on one of our links and then make a purchase, we will get paid by that company. This has an impact on the ranking, score, and order in which the software is presented in our list and elsewhere throughout the site. Software listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement.
