18.0
Kiosk is a free, open-source PDF reader for web, desktop, mobile, and browser extensions.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
Best PDF Readers in 2026
PDF readers open PDF files and can help with tasks such as annotation, form filling, OCR, and text-to-speech. The choice depends on the features you need and whether the reader supports Android or your other devices. Check the platform list for the specific app, along with its offline access and free-plan details. The chart compares annotation tools, OCR support, form filling, text-to-speech, and platform support.
27.8
Android, Windows, Mac and iPhone/iPad apps can edit PDF text and add annotations.
Free planAndroidiOSmacOS
37.7
Android app plus web, desktop and self-hosted tools for viewing, editing, signing, converting and annotating PDFs.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
- 4
Foxit PDF Reader
Android app plus web, Windows, Mac and iPhone/iPad support, with annotations, forms and offline access.
Free planAndroidiOSWebmacOS7.3Free plan - 5
Launchpad
Launchpad is a free collaboration platform for open-source projects and community contributors, with tools to build and publish software.
Free planWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted7.0Free plan - 6
StarForce Reader
Free readers for Android and desktop open standard and protected documents; mobile apps also play protected video.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.0Free plan - 7
Okular
Free Windows, Mac and Linux software reads PDFs aloud and supports forms and markups.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.9Free plan - 8
Highlights
iPhone, iPad and Mac PDF reader for research, with annotations, notes, metadata editing and Handoff.
Free planiOSmacOS6.8Free plan - 9
Javelin PDF Reader
Javelin PDF Reader is a free reader for standard PDFs and documents encrypted with Drumlin DRM.
Free planAndroidiOSmacOSWindows6.6Free plan - 106.5Free plan
- 116.4$5.99 one-time
- 12
Mozilla PDF.js
A free web platform parses and renders PDFs, with annotation and form tools.
Free planWebAPIExtensionLinux6.4Free plan - 13
SumatraPDF
Free Windows software reads PDFs offline, supports forms and annotations, and can read text aloud.
Free planWindows6.3Free plan - 14
Komodo PDF
This free Windows, Mac and Linux reader answers document questions with clickable page references.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.1Free plan - 15
XpdfReader
XpdfReader is a free, open-source desktop PDF viewer and toolkit for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.1Free plan - 16
Zathura
A free Linux and Mac document reader with annotations, offline access and cross-platform support.
Free planLinuxmacOS6.1Free plan - 17
Aiseesoft Free PDF Viewer
A Windows PDF viewer with single- or multi-page modes, bookmarks, rotation and fit controls.
Free planWindows5.9Free plan - 18
Skim
Skim is a free, open-source PDF reader and note-taking application for macOS, designed around scientific papers while also opening other PDF files.
Free planmacOS5.9Free plan - 195.7Free plan
- 20
LiquidText
No Android app; Windows and Mac software for reviewing and annotating documents, with offline access.
macOSWindows5.6 - 21
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Android app for reading PDFs, filling forms, adding notes, and listening to text; also on web and desktop.
AndroidiOSWebmacOS5.5 - 22
Papers
No Android app; free Linux PDF reader with annotation and form-filling tools and offline access.
Linux4.7 - 23
Preview
No Android app; free Mac PDF app with annotation and form-filling tools that work offline.
macOS4.7 - 244.5
Choosing well
Does it support Android?
Check the app's platform support to confirm it runs on Android before choosing it for a Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO phone or tablet.
Platform availability can differ by app, so confirm support for the device you plan to use.
Which PDF features do I need?
Choose based on the tasks you need: compare annotation tools, OCR support, form filling, and text-to-speech.
If you mainly need to read files without a connection, check offline access.
Does it have a free plan or trial?
Check whether the plan covers the features you need, and review the paid price if you may upgrade.
For example, MuPDF lists a free plan, a 14-day trial, and paid access from $299 per month. Highlights lists a free plan and paid access from $4.99 per month.
Can I use or change the reader's code?
Check the app's licence if you need to use or modify its code; the chart distinguishes open-source apps from other options.
Questions people ask
Which PDF reader works on Android?
Check the platform support for the specific reader. Android availability varies by app.
Can I read PDFs offline on my phone?
Offline access is one of the comparison points. Check the specific reader's details before choosing it.
What should I look for in a PDF reader?
Compare the features you need, such as annotation, OCR, form filling, text-to-speech, and offline access, along with platform support and plan details.
Are there free PDF readers?
Several listed examples, including Foxit PDF Reader, Okular, and Evince, have a free plan.
Which PDF readers support OCR or forms?
OCR support and form filling are comparison points. Check the feature details for the reader you are considering.