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Sumatra PDF alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

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.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Okular logoOkularOpen sourceYesLinux, Windows4 of 462.6
  1. Okular logo

    1. OkularTop pick

    Best for: Linux users and anyone wanting a free viewer with strong annotation and signing

    Open sourceLinux, Windows

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Sumatra PDF

    Free and open source too, with much stronger annotation tools.

    Pros

    • Excellent annotation tools saved into the PDF
    • Opens many formats besides PDF
    • Can verify and add digital signatures

    Cons

    • Cannot edit existing text or convert files
    • macOS only through untested nightly builds
    • KDE-style interface feels out of place on Windows
    Visit Okular Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    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 Okular a good Sumatra PDF alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    GPLv2+
    Checked Oct 25, 2026okular.kde.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Digital signatures
    Verify and sign
    Checked Oct 25, 2026okular.kde.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Windows
    Microsoft Store
    Checked Oct 25, 2026okular.kde.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Linux
    Packaged by distributions
    Checked Oct 25, 2026okular.kde.org(opens source in a new tab)

The best Sumatra PDF alternative for…

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

Adobe Acrobat Reader logo

Best Sumatra PDF alternative for most people

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Heavier but handles complex forms and signatures more reliably.

Okular logo

Best Sumatra PDF alternative for a free option

Okular

Free and open source too, with much stronger annotation tools.

PDF-XChange Editor logo

Best Sumatra PDF alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

PDF-XChange Editor

Still fast on Windows, with far more annotation and editing options.

Okular logo

Best Sumatra PDF alternative for open source

Okular

Free and open source too, with much stronger annotation tools.

PDFgear logo

Best Sumatra PDF alternative for Mac

PDFgear

Free Windows app that adds editing, conversion and signing.

PDF24 Tools logo

Best Sumatra PDF alternative for Windows

PDF24 Tools

Free Windows toolkit for the merging and converting Sumatra does not do.

Okular logo

Best Sumatra PDF alternative for Linux

Okular

Free and open source too, with much stronger annotation tools.

Adobe Acrobat Reader logo

Best Sumatra PDF alternative for iPhone and Android

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Heavier but handles complex forms and signatures more reliably.

Adobe Acrobat Reader logo

Best Sumatra PDF alternative for working in the browser

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Heavier 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.