10 Best Adobe Acrobat Alternatives for 2024

When you ask people about programs you can use to work on PDF files, Adobe Acrobat will probably be the top-of-mind product. After all, the company developed the PDF file in the first place. It’s indeed one of the leading document management software in the market, but it’s certainly not for everyone. Complex functionalities and annual subscription costs can be a bit too pricey for users or businesses who need a practical solution that won’t break the bank.

If you’re looking for some of the best Adobe Acrobat alternatives, we have them listed below. We’re going to discuss 10 products that are not only user-friendly but are also kind to your wallet. Furthermore, these alternatives have received numerous positive reviews for their features and performance, so you can be confident that you’re selecting from alternatives that are also reliable.

How important is it to implement digital tools for your business’ document management? Perhaps, the most convincing answers will come from the numbers: investing in document management software can help your business save up to 40% in document-related costs. That’s because having a comprehensive system that allows employees to create, organize, and share documents can make processes more integrated. This saves time, improves efficiency, and gets things done much faster.

Moreover, cloud file and document management statistics reveal that features such as e-signature can improve getting approvals by up to 83%. It can also reduce turn around time by up to 80%. If you’re looking to boost your customer renewal rate, using e-signature can also help as reported by 72% of companies who took advantage of the feature.

These are just a few of the compelling reasons why it pays to digitize document management and use tools like PDF editing software when dealing with document creation and sharing. To better understand your options, let’s take a brief look at the best features of Adobe Acrobat and compare those with our listed alternatives.

What is Adobe Acrobat?

Adobe Acrobat is a comprehensive document management system that allows users to create and edit PDF files on any device. Using the annotation tools, you can edit information on scanned documents, add comments on areas that need to be revised, or fill out and sign fields on a form or document.

You can also convert files into popular Microsoft Office formats. These include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. All these without losing formatting and styles created on the original file. Depending on the version you have—Standard works on Windows, while Pro is for both Windows and Mac devices—you can conveniently work on your PDF documents and have clients review or your team collaborate on the same file.

Benefits of Adobe Acrobat

1. It offers a plethora of tools for working with PDF files at an enterprise level.
2. You can create PDFs from a wide range of file types, including Microsoft Office files, scanned images, and HTML.
3. With a tool that asks you who needs to sign the document, it’s easier to send out forms for e-signature.
4. You can merge several PDF files into one.
5. Protect your document using tools like password, encryption, or text redaction.
6. Allows you to use your mobile phone camera as a scanner. Scanned files are automatically converted to PDF.

For many years, customers were able to purchase Adobe Acrobat for a one-time fee via their Creative Suite product. However, the company shifted to a SaaS business model back in 2013 and only offers a subscription program for all its products. If you think the current plans do not meet your budget, here are the best Adobe Acrobat alternatives you can use. They can match the most wanted features found in Acrobat with price tags that suit users without an enterprise budget.

Top 10 Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat

1. PandaDoc

PandaDoc also offers the same control when creating, editing, and sharing PDF documents, but it’s designed with salespeople in mind. The app streamlines creating business proposals and contracts by using templates and data already available and approved in your CRM. After sending a proposal, PandaDoc also has tracking features so you know what’s happening with your document in real-time.

Moreover, PandaDoc integrates with many popular business applications, so your sales team can continue using its work tools without shifting from different applications. You can even set up automatic payment collections once your proposal or quote has been signed. You can embed payment options, such as Paypal, bank transfer, or credit card.

PandaDoc

Try out PandaDoc with their free trial

VISIT WEBSITE GET DEMO

PandaDoc is also built for collaboration and can help increase employee and work productivity at your office. Its in-activity logging and commenting features allow your team to work on proposals together. Clients can also provide feedback and negotiate terms and pricing using the same file. This can mean shorter approval and closing of deals for your company.

You can also explore these PandaDoc alternatives to see how it fares against other similar software products.

Why use PandaDoc instead of Adobe Acrobat

1. PandDoc does an excellent job of creating PDF docs using your organization’s approved templates.
2. Integration with many other business apps is seamless, so your team can work efficiently.
3. PandaDoc also has powerful automation features that can simplify your business processes like approvals and negotiations.
4. It has the tools salespeople need to create professional documents with an easy-to-use interface.

Why use Adobe Acrobat instead of PandaDoc

1. Unlike PandaDoc, Acrobat integrates with Microsoft Office apps like Word and Excel.
2. In Acrobat, you can compare two files, edit data on scanned tables, and convert PDFs into Office formats.
3. Acrobat also lets you copy existing fields into a new document and bulk send documents for signature.

2. Xodo

Xodo is quickly becoming a favorite in the lineup of top Adobe Acrobat alternatives for 2023, offering a user-friendly and efficient PDF management solution. For those who find Acrobat’s complexity overwhelming, its user-friendly interface offers a straightforward route to PDF editing and management without the difficult learning curve.

Collaboration is where Xodo truly shines. Its real-time collaboration feature allows team members to edit and comment on documents together in the moment, allowing increased employee and work productivity. This capability is invaluable for projects that require collective input, making the process of integration and revision both seamless and immediate.

Xodo

Try out Xodo with their free trial

Beyond its collaborative efforts, Xodo is a comprehensive PDF editor. Whether you’re on a desktop or using a mobile device, Xodo equips you with the tools to annotate, sign, and share PDFs with ease. Its annotation suite is particularly impressive, offering a variety of ways to mark up and comment on documents, from text highlights to sticky notes.

Xodo also excels in cloud integration, connecting effortlessly with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. This feature not only facilitates easy access and storage but also ensures that your documents are secure and current. Coupled with its free service, Xodo positions itself as an accessible and reliable tool for managing PDFs without incurring additional costs.

Remember to consider Xodo alternatives, too, if you want to get the best-fitting solution.

Why use Xodo instead of Adobe Acrobat

1. Xodo offers a more accessible and user-friendly interface, making it easier for beginners to navigate.
2. The real-time collaboration feature is ideal for teams looking to work together on documents without the back-and-forth of sharing multiple versions.
3. It’s a cost-effective solution with robust features that are available for free.
4. Cloud integration with major services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive facilitates easy access and storage of documents.

Why use Adobe Acrobat instead of Xodo

1. Adobe Acrobat is the industry standard with advanced features that may be necessary for professional-grade PDF management.
2. Acrobat provides more comprehensive form creation and conversion features for those who need to regularly convert complex documents.
3. It offers a more extensive range of editing tools for in-depth manipulation of PDF content.

3. Wondershare PDFelement

Wondershare PDFelement is our top pick for the best Adobe Acrobat alternative for many reasons. First of all, it can rival Acrobat when it comes to the level of control you can have over your PDFs. You can create, edit, comment, and distribute files with ease and secure them with passwords and permissions.

Secondly, converting Microsoft Office files into fillable PDFs and vice versa is also effortless with one-click form creation tools. You’ll be able to transform any PDF into an Excel, Word, or PowerPoint file without severely altering their original layouts and formats. If you want to further customize forms, you can simply drag and drop items from the main tool menu bar and select the item you want to add on your form like a checkbox or a drop-down list.

Finally, Wondershare PDFelement implements robust Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. This makes it possible to convert typed, handwritten, or printed text into editable text. Plus, you can select the final output from more than 20 languages and enjoy the benefit of a spellcheck function to check minor errors in your text.

If you want more options, check for more solutions below or check these Wondershare PDFelement alternatives.

Why use Wondershare PDFelement instead of Adobe Acrobat

1. It provides the same powerful features as Acrobat with an interface that’s easier to use.
2. You can quickly create fillable forms with just a click of a button and drag-and-drop tools.
3. You can protect a document or several files easily using the batch encrypt feature.
4. It has OCR embedded in its platform, so you can easily extract data or text from images or scanned forms.

Why use Adobe Acrobat instead of Wondershare PDFelement

1. If you’re a power user and need more advanced features for customizing PDFs, Acrobat won’t disappoint.
2. Acrobat works smoothly when performing tasks or opening several documents at one go.
3. It is compatible with a wide range of file types/document sources.

4. ContractWorks

ContractWorks, as the name suggests, is focused on helping businesses simplify contract management. It does this via a single, searchable repository for all your documents. This can eliminate manual, time-consuming searches through traditional filing cabinets.

Another key feature in ContractWorks is e-signature, which allows for quick online contract signing. If you’re a business in the US, you’ll be happy to know that this feature complies with the ESIGN Act and individual state regulations. This goes beyond sending regular PDF contracts since you will also get real-time status updates on the contracts you send out for signature.

ContractWorks comes with artificial intelligence (AI). Once you upload a contract to ContractWorks, the AI will automatically tag information like agreement type, effectivity date, renewal, termination, etc. so you can run reports and quickly see the contents of your contracts.

If you’re not specifically after a contract lifecycle management software, try these ContractWorks alternatives.

Why use ContractWorks instead of Adobe Acrobat

1. ContractWorks is specially designed to address contract management problems.
2. It helps you better organize your contracts with its searchable, online contract repository.
3. It is a specialized software that uses AI and automation features to make contract management more efficient.

Why use Adobe Acrobat instead of ContractWorks

1. If you do not deal with multiple and complex business contracts, Acrobat still works as a reliable and affordable solution.
2. Unlike ContractWorks, Acrobat can be readily connected to Microsoft Office apps.
3. Acrobat allows you to create and customize PDF contracts. Unfortunately, ContractWorks has no contract creation feature. It is heavily focused on contract storage, signing, and tracking.

5. PinPoint

Although PinPoint shares a few similar features with Acrobat like forms processing, annotations and digital signatures, and approval workflows, the former is really an online platform to help businesses organize their files in the hope of achieving a fully paperless office. PinPoint uses the concept of “digital filing cabinets” and lets you organize your documents in cabinets, folders, and subdividers. The best part is since the filing system is digital, you can add security access based on individual or group users.

Furthermore, departments don’t need to worry about important work on certain documents slipping through the cracks. PinPoint has automated workflows that you can use to assign tasks to employees. Notifications are also sent to concerned individuals when a task is due.

There’s also a document versioning feature that shows who created a particular version and when. This feature becomes crucial when collaborating on and tracking documents and getting final approval. If you’re on the go, PinPoint lets you access your files on any web browser using desktop computers or mobile devices.

For more options, you can head off to the following PinPoint alternatives, one of which may be a better fit for you.

Why use PinPoint instead of Adobe Acrobat

1. PinPoint’s features are meant to help your business not just manage documents but to go completely paperless.
2. It has a built-in contact management system so you can keep track of contacts, appointments, tasks, campaigns, etc.
3. It is scalable. Store and manage searchable files based on your business size and requirements.
4. PinPoint has a timestamp that shows you which user performed the activity on a particular document.

Why use Adobe Acrobat instead of PinPoint

1. Unlike PinPoint, Acrobat can convert PDF files to Word, Excel, and Powerpoint and vice versa.
2. You can use Acrobat to merge several PDF files when you’re trying to organize your files.
3. You can convert HTML pages into PDF.

6. eFileCabinet

eFileCabinet is also a popular document management system that makes it easy to find your files, thanks to features like full-text search. Other features it shares with Acrobat include e-signature, role-based user permission and security, and the functionality to upload files taken from your camera.

What’s amazing about eFileCabinet is its implementation of Zonal OCR for automatic filing. This technology captures information on your document field-by-field, which ensures that it’s stored and retrievable in your digital filing cabinet. It also leverages document metadata like names, invoice numbers, and so on so digital filing and organization become so much easier.

Meanwhile, if the software seems pricey for your budget, one of these eFileCabinet alternatives may solve your dilemma.

Why use eFileCabinet instead of Adobe Acrobat

1. eFileCabinet can help rid your organization of document clutter.
2. It has powerful search tools, so you can avoid the frustrations of losing and tracking documents.
3. It also has workflow automation features to help you streamline everyday tasks and repetitive manual processes.

Why use Adobe Acrobat instead of eFileCabinet

1. Unlike efileCabinet, Acrobat has the feature to send and track documents online.
2. If you’re mainly looking for a solution to simply create and convert PDF files and don’t need extensive filing features for your documents, Acrobat can do the job.

7. Qoppa PDF Studio

Qoppa PDF Studio is a PDF editor and an affordable alternative to Adobe Acrobat. It lets you create, edit, and review PDF files whether you’re on a Windows, Mac, or Linux system.

There are two versions: Standard and Pro. The Standard version lets you access features like scan to PDF, append/delete pages, and fill and save PDF forms. The Pro version offers advanced features such as OCR, batch processing multiple PDFs, and digital signature. You can also create interactive PDFs and PDF splitting and merging when you get the Pro version.

You can also investigate these Qoppa PDF Studio alternatives to broaden your options.

Why use Qoppa PDF Studio instead of Adobe Acrobat

1. Qoppa offers the essential tools needed in a PDF editor at a fraction of the cost compared to Acrobat.
2. Its user-friendly interface makes document creation, mark up, and editing easier.
3. It is fully compliant with the specifications and standards of the Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF).

Why use Adobe Acrobat instead of Qoppa PDF Studio

1. It has advanced file conversion features including JPG to PDF, PPT, and HTML to PDF.
2. You can send and track documents online and integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Office.

8. Foxit PhantomPDF

Foxit PhantomPDF is a top-rated product and another less expensive alternative to Adobe Acrobat. It offers the same important features in a PDF editor such as creating, managing, and sharing files. Plus, it has security features and advanced object and text editing so you can further customize forms, text, fields, and layout on your document.

Another notable feature of Foxit that other PDF editors don’t offer is the ConnectedPDF functionality. This lets you manage multiple versions of a document and track actions performed on it. For example, you can monitor who opens your PDF. You can also see when and where they accessed the file since these details are all recorded on the document.

If this software doesn’t cut it for you, there are plenty of Foxit PhantomPDF alternatives to choose from.

Why use Foxit PhantomPDF instead of Adobe Acrobat

1. Foxit PhantomPDF offers both a monthly subscription plan and a one-time purchase for a lifetime license.
2. It has both basic and advanced PDF editing capabilities at a less expensive price.
3. It’s ideal for students, educational institutions, and non-profits looking for an affordable yet full-featured PDF editor.

Why use Adobe Acrobat instead of Foxit PhantomPDF

1. If you’re a strickler for font style and accuracy, Acrobat can attempt to match the font style used on scanned documents you are editing.
2. Acrobat also has a form wizard that can automatically detect single-line and multi-line text fields, radio buttons, checkboxes, and the likes on a form.

9. Soda PDF

Soda PDF boasts of having all the PDF editing tools you’ll ever need. You can edit, create and convert, and split and merge PDFs with just a few clicks. It also implements OCR technology and e-signature, so you have a powerful app at an affordable price.

If you need to edit and manage PDF files on the go, Soda PDF is available online on any browser and is compatible with any mobile device. You can also download the desktop version and request custom pricing for volume licenses, as many of these Soda PDF alternatives allow you to, as well.

Why use Soda PDF Anywhere instead of Adobe Acrobat

1. Soda PDF is simpler to use since the interface is designed based on the Microsoft Word processor.
2. You’ll also have access to a wide range of PDF editing, conversion, and sharing capabilities without the high monthly subscription cost.
3. You can view your document in 3D with the software’s page-flipping technology. This lets you read your document just like a book, animating the flipping of pages.

Why use Adobe Acrobat instead of Soda PDF Anywhere

1. Aside from text comments, Acrobat also lets you leave audio messages on a document.
2. You can add video references as well since it has support for Flash and H.264 encoded video.

10. PDFfiller

PDFfiller is one of the most straightforward solutions you can use when it comes to creating and managing PDF files. Without the need to download any application, you can start filling out forms and adjusting formatting online for free. The cloud-based app provides an impressive number of editing tools, from adding checkmarks to searching and replacing text and eliminating typos using a spellchecker.

In addition to essential tools, PDFfiller also allows users to customize their documents and add their own branding. You can create a document that aligns with your organization’s official colors and add your logo, watermarks, and original messages to clients.

Another benefit of using document management software like PDFfiller is security. You have tools to erase, redact, or draw over portions of your document that you want to hide. Other document security features you can use include four-digit PIN on documents, two-factor authentication, and a unique document ID for each document.

We suggest that you also compare this software with PDFfiller alternatives to make sure you’re getting the best product for your requirements.

Why use PDFfiller instead of Adobe Acrobat

1. PDFfiller is easy to use even for the not-s0-tech-savvy office worker.
2. It does a decent job of editing text (both adding and deleting pre-written text) on a PDF document.
3. PDFfiller also complies with the E-sign ACT (2000) and captures drawn signatures using your mobile device.

Why use Adobe Acrobat instead of PDFfiller

1. Adobe’s Document Cloud service gives you access to built-in PDF signing and routing.
2. Acrobat also makes it easier to work together with an online document synchronization feature that includes chat.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Adobe Acrobat Alternative

Subscription cost is usually the main reason why users look for the best Adobe Acrobat alternatives. As you may have learned from our list, there are several excellent alternatives that you can use for free and are equipped with the essential tools you’ll need to manage PDF documents. We also provided options that go beyond editing documents and can be a total solution for efficient file sharing or a software to support work-from-home employee productivity.

Aside from the price of a software product, we also recommend considering the usability of the app. You can do this by taking advantage of free trials so you can get a feel of how easy or difficult it is for you or your employees to learn how to use a particular software. After all, the software might be affordable, but if it’s cumbersome to use, does not integrate well with your current office tools, or keeps crashing, then you still end up with an ineffective product.

Finally, based on our research, it’s also very important to consider a product’s customer support ratings. You always hope that an app will perform at its best all the time; however, when it doesn’t, knowing that you can get expert and prompt technical support can mean the difference between staying with a current subscription or shifting to the competitor. For starters, you can consider Pandadoc. It’s got the right balance of features, usability and support that’ll see your document management process running smoothly.

By Nestor Gilbert

Nestor Gilbert is a senior B2B and SaaS analyst and a core contributor at FinancesOnline for over 5 years. With his experience in software development and extensive knowledge of SaaS management, he writes mostly about emerging B2B technologies and their impact on the current business landscape. However, he also provides in-depth reviews on a wide range of software solutions to help businesses find suitable options for them. Through his work, he aims to help companies develop a more tech-forward approach to their operations and overcome their SaaS-related challenges.