PDF-XChange Editor alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave PDF-XChange Editor: windows only, and dense interface with a learning curve. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces PDF-XChange Editor, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Foxit PDF Editor currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#	App	Pricing	Open source	Platforms	Verified facts	Score
1	PDF24 Tools	Free	No	Web, Windows	4 of 4	55.3

1. PDF24 ToolsTop pick
Best for: Anyone who wants free PDF tools without accounts, including offline use on Windows
FreeWeb, Windows
55.3
score / 100
Why switch from PDF-XChange Editor
Free Windows toolkit for converting and merging.
Pros
All tools free, with no account or upgrade tier
Offline Windows app with a virtual PDF printer
MSI installer for company-wide deployment
Cons
Desktop app is Windows only
Website shows ads
Basic editing of existing text
Visit PDF24 Tools 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 PDF24 Tools a good PDF-XChange Editor alternative?
Verified facts
4 of 4 verified
Desktop app
Free for private and business use
Checked Oct 25, 2026tools.pdf24.org(opens source in a new tab)
Offline use
Yes, Creator works offline
Checked Oct 25, 2026tools.pdf24.org(opens source in a new tab)
Desktop platforms
Windows only
Checked Oct 25, 2026tools.pdf24.org(opens source in a new tab)
Online tools
All current systems and browsers
Checked Oct 25, 2026tools.pdf24.org(opens source in a new tab)

The best PDF-XChange Editor alternative for…

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

Best PDF-XChange Editor alternative for most people

Foxit PDF Editor

A comparable business editor that also runs on Mac and the web.

Best PDF-XChange Editor alternative for a free option

Sumatra PDF

Free and even lighter if you only need to read.

Best PDF-XChange Editor alternative for open source

Sumatra PDF

Free and even lighter if you only need to read.

Best PDF-XChange Editor alternative for Mac

Adobe Acrobat

The standard, with cloud services and mobile apps included.

Best PDF-XChange Editor alternative for Windows

Tungsten Power PDF

Pay-once editor with a simpler Office-style interface.

Best PDF-XChange Editor alternative for iPhone and Android

Foxit PDF Editor

A comparable business editor that also runs on Mac and the web.

Best PDF-XChange Editor alternative for working in the browser

PDF24 Tools

Free Windows toolkit for converting and merging.

PDF-XChange Editor alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to PDF-XChange Editor?

Foxit PDF Editor ranks first right now. A comparable business editor that also runs on Mac and the web. Adobe Acrobat and Tungsten Power PDF follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to PDF-XChange Editor?

Yes. Sumatra PDF (open source) and PDF24 Tools (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to PDF-XChange Editor?

Yes: Sumatra PDF.

Why do people switch from PDF-XChange Editor?

The complaints we hear most: windows only; dense interface with a learning curve; licensed features watermark output if unpaid.

How is this list ranked?

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