Comprehensive Review of Six Best Sumatra PDF Alternative

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Sumatra PDF is a popular lightweight open-source PDF reader with various features. It includes bookmarking, tabbed browsing, and more. The software offers simplicity, speed, and compatibility across Windows computers. However, there are situations where you may need to look for a Sumatra PDF alternative. If you require more advanced features like annotation, editing, or form-filling, Sumatra PDF is not your best option. In addition, if you encounter compatibility issues with certain PDF files, you may need to find a more powerful PDF reader. In this post, we'll explore some great Sumatra PDF alternative software. These software offer extra features to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Why Consider an Alternative to Sumatra PDF?

Looking at the features offered by Sumatra PDF, it becomes evident that it is primarily designed as a lightweight and fast PDF reader. While Sumatra PDF excels in its simplicity and speed, there are certain situations where users may need to consider an alternative PDF reader. These options will offer more advanced features.

Limited Features: Some readers are interested in Sumatra PDF vs alternative because they find the features of the software to be limited. Sumatra PDF is a lightweight PDF reader that has a simple interface. Still, it lacks advanced features such as highlighting, note-taking, and form-filling. Readers who need these features might want to switch to a more feature-rich alternative.

Incompatibility Issues: Another reason why readers might be interested in alternatives to Sumatra PDF is because they encounter incompatibility issues with their operating system or PDF files. Sumatra PDF only supports Windows operating systems, which limits its usability for users on other operating systems. Additionally, some PDF files might not be compatible with Sumatra PDF, which can cause frustration for users.

User Interface Preferences: Some readers might prefer a different user interface than what Sumatra PDF offers. While some users appreciate the simplicity of Sumatra PDF's interface, others might prefer a more modern or customizable interface. The best free PDF viewer can provide various interface options to cater to different preferences.

Security Concerns: Software like Sumatra PDF might appeal more to readers who prioritize security. While Sumatra PDF is generally considered safe and reliable, it is not updated frequently, which can leave it vulnerable to security threats. Alternative PDF readers often have more frequent updates and security patches. These can provide readers with added peace of mind.

why consider an alternative to sumatra pdf

Three Best Sumatra PDF Alternative for Readers

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader

Distinctive Feature: It has advanced highlighting, note-taking, and form-filling features.

Pricing Plan: The premium version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC costs $14.99 per month.

When it comes to PDF readers, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is one of the best PDF reader alternatives available. It has many useful features, like the ability to view, annotate, and sign PDF files. Acrobat Reader DC works well on desktop, mobile, and web platforms. This tool makes it easy to access and share your PDF files. It also has advanced security features like encryption, password protection, and digital signatures. You can be sure your sensitive documents are safe. Acrobat Reader DC can integrate with other Adobe products and has many features. While Sumatra PDF is best for those who prefer a simple and lightweight PDF reader, Acrobat Reader DC provides a wider range of features and functionalities.

adobe acrobat reader dc user interface

PROs

  • It has many features, such as viewing, annotating, and signing PDF files.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader DC strongly emphasizes security with features. It includes encryption, password protection, and digital signatures.
CONs

  • Its large file size and the fact that it can be resource-intensive, which may slow down older computers.

2. AcePDF

Distinctive Feature: AcePDF has two OCR modes: "Standard" for easily converting scanned PDFs and "Enhanced" for higher accuracy.

Pricing Plan: You can obtain a lifetime license for $59.95, a one-year license for $39.95, or a monthly fee of $19.95.

If you need dependable PDF software as a Windows or Mac user, AcePDF is an excellent alternative to Sumatra PDF. This software has all the tools you need in one application, including viewing, editing, and converting PDF files. With its advanced PDF OCR converter, AcePDF can accurately recognize text from scanned documents. This tool can make editing and searching for information easier. Additionally, it offers features like password encryption, merging, and page arrangement to make your editing experience more efficient. Users can convert their files to formats such as Word, HTML, Excel, PPT, PNG, and JPEG, making it a versatile tool for various document needs. With its all-in-one approach, AcePDF is known as one of the best PDF reader software for efficient PDF management.

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acepdf main interface

PROs

  • It supports batch PDF file conversion with multiple language support, such as French, German, Spanish, and more.
  • This tool can remove password restrictions from PDF files
  • It doesn't have any limitations on the size and number of PDF files that can be processed.
CONs

  • The Android version of the software is only available as a PDF viewer. It does not have all the editing features available on desktop versions.

3. Foxit Reader

Distinctive Feature: The software features a tabbed interface that enables users to open and switch between multiple PDF files.

Pricing Plan: Foxit Reader offers both a free and paid version called Foxit PhantomPDF, with prices ranging from $129 to $159 per year.

Foxit Reader is a feature-rich and powerful Sumatra PDF substitute. With its intuitive interface, Foxit Reader allows users to view, annotate, and collaborate on PDF documents easily. Its advanced features, including text selection, bookmarking, and thumbnail navigation. It is an ideal choice for professionals and casual users. Foxit Reader also offers multi-tab browsing. It lets users open multiple PDF files simultaneously, saving time and increasing productivity. One of the main benefits of Foxit Reader over Sumatra PDF is its ability to handle large PDF files without slowing down or crashing. Additionally, Foxit Reader offers a range of security features. It includes password protection, digital signature verification, and secure printing.

foxit reader interface

PROs

  • The tool is a highly customizable PDF reader with options for choosing different layouts and view modes.
  • It can easily be used due to its intuitive navigation, suitable for beginner and pro users.
CONs

  • Form filling and digital signature are only available in the paid version of the software
To explore the best PDF reader alternatives and understand why users must consider an alternative to Sumatra PDF or the Google PDF reader itself, extend your reading here.

4. SwifDoo PDF

Distinctive Feature: It offers a cloud-based platform for seamless collaboration and easy sharing of PDF documents.

Pricing Plan: It has a quarterly subscription plan starting at $16 per user.

SwifDoo PDF is a reliable software similar to Sumatra PDF. It boasts an intuitive interface that makes it easy to access and use all of its features seamlessly. Its key features include the capability to view, print, and annotate PDF documents easily. SwifDoo also offers advanced search and navigation tools. It lets users quickly find and access the information they need. Additionally, SwifDoo PDF provides a sleek and modern design that is easy on the eyes. Compared to the Sumatra PDF, which is known for its simplicity and minimalist design, SwifDoo PDF presents a more visually appealing and user-friendly interface. It means that users can navigate the software more easily and efficiently.

swifdoo pdf reader interface

PROs

  • It supports various file formats for conversion, including Word, HTML, Excel, PPT, PNG, and JPEG.
  • It comes equipped with valuable functions such as bookmarking and annotation.
CONs

  • It can affect the performance of the user's computer when handling large PDF files

5. PDFescape

Distinctive Feature: It is a web-based PDF reader and editor with built-in form-filling capabilities.

Pricing Plan: It offers a free version with limited functions and paid plans starting at $2.

PDFescape is a web-based PDF editor that allows users to view, edit, and annotate PDF documents online easily. With its PDF annotator, users can create and fill out PDF forms, add comments and annotations, and even password-protect their documents. Unlike Sumatra PDF, which is primarily a lightweight PDF viewer, PDFescape offers a wide range of editing and collaboration tools. It is a better alternative for users who need to work with PDFs regularly. Some of the key benefits of using PDFescape include its ease of use, compatibility with all major web browsers. It has robust security features that keep sensitive documents safe from prying eyes. Additionally, PDFescape offers a free PDF reader that includes many of its most popular features. This too is an affordable alternative for budget-conscious users.

pdfescape interface

PROs

  • PDFescape offers a wide range of editing and collaboration tools, making it easy to work with PDFs regularly.
  • The program is web-based, so users can access it from any PC with internet availability, making it a convenient option for those who work remotely.
CONs

  • While PDFescape offers a free version, some more leverage features are only available in the paid version, which may make it less accessible for some users.

6. PDFsam Basic

Distinctive Feature: It is an open-source PDF editor for merging, splitting, and editing PDF documents.

Pricing Plan: Free

PDFsam Basic is a comprehensive and user-friendly PDF editor that extends a range of features and benefits. With PDFsam Basic, users can easily split, merge, and extract pages from PDF files and rotate and mix them. In addition, PDFsam Basic supports a variety of languages and platforms, making it a versatile and accessible option for users around the world. Compared to Sumatra PDF, PDFsam Basic offers a more robust set of editing tools and features. While Sumatra PDF is one of the lightweight PDF reader options, PDFsam Basic is a full-featured PDF editor that can control various tasks. Additionally, PDFsam Basic offers a more modern and intuitive interface. It makes it easier for users to navigate and access its features.

pdfsam basic interface

PROs

  • PDFsam Basic offers a wide range of editing tools and features, making it a versatile and comprehensive PDF editor.
  • It also has a modern and intuitive interface that is easy to use.
CONs

  • One potential downside of PDFsam Basic is that it may be too feature-rich for some users who only need a simple PDF viewer or editor. Additionally, some users may find the premium version's cost prohibitive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Sumatra PDF alternatives handle different file types, such as eBooks, comics, and magazines?

Yes, Sumatra PDF alternatives, including eBooks, comics, and magazines, can handle different file types. Many of these alternatives offer a wide range of supported file formats. The following tools ike Sumatra PDF can be a versatile choice for users who need to view and manage various types of documents.

What are the most popular Sumatra PDF alternatives available in the market?

Some of the most popular tools that can replace Sumatra PDF in the market include Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Foxit Reader, Nitro PDF Reader, and AcePDF. Each of these alternatives offers unique features and benefits, such as advanced editing capabilities, annotation tools, and cloud-based storage options. Users can select the alternative that aligns with their requirements and personal preferences.


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