Sumatra PDF alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Sumatra PDF: windows only, and basic annotation and limited form support. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Sumatra PDF, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Adobe Acrobat Reader currently ranks first.
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Show all 5 alternativesThe best Sumatra PDF alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Sumatra PDF alternative for most people
Adobe Acrobat ReaderHeavier but handles complex forms and signatures more reliably.
Best Sumatra PDF alternative for a free option
OkularFree and open source too, with much stronger annotation tools.
Best Sumatra PDF alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
PDF-XChange EditorStill fast on Windows, with far more annotation and editing options.
Best Sumatra PDF alternative for open source
OkularFree and open source too, with much stronger annotation tools.
Best Sumatra PDF alternative for Mac
PDFgearFree Windows app that adds editing, conversion and signing.
Best Sumatra PDF alternative for Windows
PDF24 ToolsFree Windows toolkit for the merging and converting Sumatra does not do.
Best Sumatra PDF alternative for Linux
OkularFree and open source too, with much stronger annotation tools.
Best Sumatra PDF alternative for iPhone and Android
Adobe Acrobat ReaderHeavier but handles complex forms and signatures more reliably.
Best Sumatra PDF alternative for working in the browser
Adobe Acrobat ReaderHeavier but handles complex forms and signatures more reliably.
Sumatra PDF alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Sumatra PDF?
Adobe Acrobat Reader ranks first right now. Heavier but handles complex forms and signatures more reliably. Okular and PDF-XChange Editor follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Sumatra PDF?
Yes. Adobe Acrobat Reader (free), Okular (open source), PDF-XChange Editor (free plan + paid) and PDFgear (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Sumatra PDF?
Yes: Okular.
Which Sumatra PDF alternatives work on Linux?
Okular runs on Linux.
Why do people switch from Sumatra PDF?
The complaints we hear most: windows only; basic annotation and limited form support; no editing tools.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Sumatra PDF, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.