Managing PDFs across devices is more important than ever. Whether you’re signing documents on your phone, editing on your laptop, or saving important reports to the cloud, cross-platform PDF apps are a necessity. But with so many options out there, which ones do people actually rely on?
We dove into Reddit threads and tech communities to find the 7 best PDF apps that real users actually stick with—apps that strike the right balance between functionality, usability, and cloud consistency across platforms.
TL;DR
Finding a reliable PDF app that works seamlessly across all platforms is tough, but Reddit users consistently recommend a few favorites. Top picks include Adobe Acrobat for its deep features, Xodo for its excellent free tools, and Pdfer for Linux users. Integration with cloud storage and intuitive UI are common themes. Don’t miss apps like PDF Expert and Foxit if you want serious editing power.
1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC — The Trusted Industry Standard
This is the heavyweight champion, and it’s not going anywhere. Reddit users—especially professionals in design, law, and engineering—praise Adobe Acrobat Reader DC for its rich feature set. It’s available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, meaning your work is accessible just about anywhere.
- Best for: Power users and professionals
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Key features: Commenting, filling & signing, converting PDFs, cloud integration
While it’s free for basic tasks, unlocking full editing and export features requires a subscription. Still, many Reddit users say the monthly cost is worth it for those who use PDF tools daily.
2. Foxit PDF Reader — Lightweight Yet Powerful
Foxit is often mentioned in Reddit threads as a faster, less bloated alternative to Adobe. It offers a slick interface, solid performance, and just enough advanced features to make it valuable for everyday users.
- Best for: Users who want speed without sacrificing functionality
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
- Key features: Annotating, filling forms, merging pages, sharing documents
Redditors appreciate Foxit’s customizable toolbar and strong privacy stance—something increasingly important in our always-online world.
3. Xodo PDF Reader & Editor — The Fan-Favorite Freebie
This one comes up again and again on Reddit as the best FREE option. Xodo is a dream for students and casual users. It may not offer deep editing features, but it shines in usability and availability across all major platforms.
- Best for: Students, casual users, and everyday markup needs
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Web
- Key features: Highlighting, annotating, syncing with Google Drive, real-time collaboration
Redditors love how smooth and stable the app feels, especially for a free service. The fact that it works in your browser means you can use it even on a borrowed machine.
Image not found in postmeta4. PDF Expert — The Mac & iOS Power Pick
For Apple ecosystem enthusiasts, PDF Expert is often called a “must-have” on Reddit. Developed by Readdle, it offers a sleek UI and advanced editing tools tailored to macOS and iOS users.
- Best for: Apple users seeking top-tier editing features
- Platforms: macOS, iOS
- Key features: Editing text/images, annotating, merging, file compression
Though not cross-platform in the strictest sense, Reddit users stick with it because it’s so well optimized for Apple devices. Plus, it pairs well with Apple Pencil for annotations on iPads.
5. Drawboard PDF — The Stylus-Friendly Editor for Windows
Well-loved by Surface and Windows tablet users, this app is designed with stylus input in mind. Reddit users in architecture and engineering circles recommend Drawboard PDF for its responsiveness and markup tools.
- Best for: Stylus users, especially on Windows tablets
- Platforms: Windows
- Key features: Handwritten annotations, CAD markups, project collaboration tools
It’s not available on mobile or macOS, but in its niche, it rules. For heavy markup with a pen, nothing else comes close according to Reddit feedback.
6. Pdfer / Okular — The Linux Champion
Cross-platform doesn’t always mean “mobile and desktop”—sometimes it’s about supporting lesser-used platforms too. Reddit users on Linux often recommend Okular or Pdfer for their polished interfaces and surprising depth.
- Best for: Linux users and open-source enthusiasts
- Platforms: Linux, Windows (limited), macOS (via workarounds)
- Key features: Highlighting, note-taking, eBook support, metadata editing
If you’re working in a Linux-centered environment, these are tools you can count on. And thanks to open-source communities, updates are regular and reliable.
Image not found in postmeta7. Smallpdf — Online Convenience Done Right
While it’s technically a cloud app with mobile support, Smallpdf earns a place on this list because of its versatility and ease of use. It’s often mentioned in Reddit threads for quick tasks, and its clean interface hides a surprising number of tools.
- Best for: Quick edits, file conversions, compressing PDFs on the go
- Platforms: Web, Android, iOS
- Key features: Merge/split PDFs, compressing, converting to/from Word/Excel/PPT
While free for limited daily use, a subscription unlocks bulk editing, unlimited access, and offline compatibility. For users who want PDF utility without a learning curve, Reddit users say this is a hidden gem.
Bonus Mention: Google Drive’s Built-in PDF Viewer
While not a dedicated PDF app, Google Drive’s internal viewer allows users to annotate, comment, organize, and share PDFs efficiently. Especially in collaborative environments, the integration with Google Workspace shines.
Redditors say it’s handy for group projects and office tasks where everyone’s already using Gmail and Google Docs. Though light on advanced features, it’s solid for quick access and teamwork.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of PDF apps can be overwhelming. But if you’re focused on cross-platform functionality, then these apps represent the cream of the crop according to users who rely on them every day. Whether you value speed, free access, or in-depth editing, there’s an option here tailor-made for your workflow.
Each app has its niche. Some shine on tablets, others on desktops; some thrive in the cloud, others in local storage. Your best pick will come down to what you need most: annotation, syncing, editing, or just rock-solid rendering. At the end of the day, all of these apps offer a core promise Reddit users love—they actually work, everywhere you need them.