PDF is one of the most used and familiar file formats. Whether it is for your office work or study purposes, you will always need to use PDF files to check documents and other files. An e-book sounds good in this case. But most of the e-books we find on the internet are in PDF format. So you need to know about using a PDF reader. And if you're looking for such a program, you're in the right place as the press is about the best free PDF readers.

The Best Free PDF Readers 2023

Overall, a PDF reader is very lightweight and includes a lot of customization features. While choosing the best free PDF readers for PC, we prioritize various factors such as the basic features, software size, customization, and the like. We also check user reviews and then find the following 5 best free PDF readers. So, you can just dig through the details to find the best one for you, although most of the programs are the same in terms of functionality.

1. SwifDoo PDF

If you want a separate PDF reader, we recommend SwifDoo PDF. The reading experience is quite smooth and responsive, the layout is nice and tidy. It doesn't sync over a cloud, but that won't prove to be a fatal flaw. Its PDF reader feature is free to use.

Moreover, it also gives you the ability to convert PDF format to another so that you have extended access anywhere. So it is undoubtedly the one stop solution for all your PDF reading and processing needs.

SwifDoo PDF Highlighted Pros:

• It has a full screen mode for a better viewing experience
• Provides support for drawing tools and adding signatures
• You can open multiple PDF files, each in separate tabs
• Settings such as character capitalization, bookmarks, and comments
• PDF audio reader

SwifDoo PDF is unnecessarily heavy compared to lightweight online PDF reader alternatives, but it'll be able to handle all the obscure PDF functions you're likely to encounter. If you find yourself regularly opening PDF files that frequently require advanced features, you probably need to stick with SwifDoo PDF as your primary PDF reader.

With this application you can view PDF documents in a very practical way. Its professional interface makes this work and study tool perfect for everyday use, thanks to all the functionalities it has to offer.

2. Adobe Acrobat DC

Given Adobe's prevalence among PDF users, it's no wonder its PDF reader offering is the default choice for many people. Adobe Acrobat DC is lightweight and very capable in reading PDFs.

You can launch any PDF file in full screen with Adobe PDF reader to enhance your reading experience and use the search functionality to locate specific keywords and phrases without any hiccups.

The most important features:

• A free PDF reader
• Powerful while being small and portable
• Start fast
• Simple interface
• Preview

Adobe Acrobat DC is a very basic free PDF reader that lacks tools for editing and converting PDFs. So if you need additional features like exporting to different file types, you need to purchase a subscription-based premium plan.

3. Slim PDF Reader

We have more options for reading PDF files with free tools. SlimPDF Reader is another lightweight tool that is fully compatible with PDF files, making it a practical PDF reader solution.

The main functions of Slim PDF Reader are taken into account:

• View files created in PDF format, adding comments and annotations to them
• Instant access to recently viewed files, regardless of temporary or permanent storage location
• Quick conversion of files from PDF format to Word format and back

Using the free version of Slim guarantees the complete security of your documents and allows you to regularly update the program.

4. Expert PDF Reader

If you are looking for an agile PDF reader with a practical and easy-to-use interface, and most importantly, if you want to use it on your Apple macOS device, next up for today's collection is Expert PDF Reader. It is an expert in signing, scanning, editing and sharing documents of various files. You can use this PDF reader on any type of smart devices like a MacBook, iPad and iPhone.

The Expert PDF Reader Pro allows us to:

• Add text to a PDF document
• Add arrows, boxes and circles
• Scan PDF document
• Insert blank pages into a PDF file

Being a file manager, the number of options the free version provided is quite limited, although for many users they may be more than enough.

5. Sumatra PDF Reader

People who need the ability to view PDFs in a variety of ways should consider Sumatra PDF Reader. The utility allows users to access and read documents in a single window, in book format or even as a presentation.

Highlighted features:

• The best open-source PDF reader software
• The user interface of the program is simple and straightforward
• It supports "drag and drop" method to open PDFs

Not only that, using the fastest PDF Reader for Windows, you can open and manage files like EPUB and MOBI, etc. It does not consume a lot of system resources, it lacks some useful functionality, such as adding signatures, annotations, and so on.

Final Verdict

Whereas if you just want to open and read a PDF document, the first thing that comes to mind is web browsers. They usually have a built-in PDF reader these days! However, if you need features to add digital signatures or protect them, you need these advanced PDF reader software.

If you encounter a PDF that does not work properly in a typical free PDF reader and editor, we recommend the SwifDoo PDF software.