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PDF Expert alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave PDF Expert: apple platforms only, and editing and conversion need a subscription. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces PDF Expert, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. PDFelement currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1SkSkimOpen sourceYesmacOS3 of 355.3
  1. Sk

    1. SkimTop pick

    Best for: Mac users, especially academics using LaTeX, who annotate and review papers

    Open sourcemacOS

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from PDF Expert

    Free open-source Mac reader if you mainly read and annotate.

    Pros

    • Strong annotation and notes review panel
    • SyncTeX support for LaTeX writers
    • Free and open source

    Cons

    • Mac only
    • No editing, conversion or signing
    • Dated interface
    Visit Skim Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Skim a good PDF Expert alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Current version
    1.7.17
    Checked Oct 25, 2026skim-app.sourceforge.io(opens source in a new tab)
    System requirement
    macOS 10.13 or higher
    Checked Oct 25, 2026skim-app.sourceforge.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Notes framework
    SkimNotes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026skim-app.sourceforge.io(opens source in a new tab)

The best PDF Expert alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

PDFelement logo

Best PDF Expert alternative for most people

PDFelement

Similar editing on Mac and iPad but also on Windows and Android for mixed teams.

PDFgear logo

Best PDF Expert alternative for a free option

PDFgear

A free Mac and iPad editor covering the basics without a subscription.

Highlights logo

Best PDF Expert alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Highlights

A cheaper Apple app focused on annotating and exporting notes from papers.

Sk

Best PDF Expert alternative for open source

Skim

Free open-source Mac reader if you mainly read and annotate.

Adobe Acrobat logo

Best PDF Expert alternative for Mac

Adobe Acrobat

For complex documents and the broadest compatibility, on every platform.

PDFelement logo

Best PDF Expert alternative for Windows

PDFelement

Similar editing on Mac and iPad but also on Windows and Android for mixed teams.

PDFelement logo

Best PDF Expert alternative for iPhone and Android

PDFelement

Similar editing on Mac and iPad but also on Windows and Android for mixed teams.

PDFelement logo

Best PDF Expert alternative for working in the browser

PDFelement

Similar editing on Mac and iPad but also on Windows and Android for mixed teams.

PDF Expert alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to PDF Expert?

PDFelement ranks first right now. Similar editing on Mac and iPad but also on Windows and Android for mixed teams. Adobe Acrobat and PDFgear follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to PDF Expert?

Yes. PDFgear (free), Highlights (free plan + paid) and Skim (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to PDF Expert?

Yes: Skim.

Why do people switch from PDF Expert?

The complaints we hear most: apple platforms only; editing and conversion need a subscription; fewer advanced prepress tools than Acrobat.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces PDF Expert, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.