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Best PDFpen Alternatives

7 pdf tools alternatives to PDFpen, sorted by rating. Find a better fit for your workflow and budget.

Why Switch from PDFpen?

  • Originally Mac/iOS exclusive, Windows users needed workarounds pre-Nitro
  • No free tier, requires purchase or trial for access
  • Separate apps for PDFpen vs. PDFpenPro with different licenses
  • Limited current pricing transparency post-acquisition
  • Primarily for searchable/Acroform PDFs, scanned docs need OCR first

Top Alternatives

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Smallpdf

4.7(1,000)
Free plan

Comprehensive PDF management platform offering 30+ tools for converting, compressing, editing, and e-signing documents. Designed for individuals and teams who need reliable PDF processing without expensive software commitments.

Small businesses needing occasional PDF editingRemote teams collaborating on documentsStudents and educators working with digital documents
PE

PDF Expert

4.6(17,000)
Free plan

Professional PDF editor and reader designed for Apple devices, offering advanced editing, annotation, and AI-powered features. Ideal for business professionals, students, and anyone who works extensively with PDF documents on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Apple device usersBusiness professionalsStudents and educators
Fx

Foxit PDF Editor

4.4(2,500)
$10.99/mo

Professional PDF editing software that serves as a comprehensive alternative to Adobe Acrobat. Designed for businesses and individuals who need to create, edit, convert, and manage PDFs with advanced features like AI-powered tools, e-signature capabilities, and document redaction.

Businesses needing Adobe Acrobat alternativeLegal teams requiring document redactionEducational institutions with PDF workflows
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Nitro PDF

4.3(850)
Free plan

Comprehensive PDF editor and eSignature solution that enables businesses to create, edit, convert, and sign documents with advanced features like AI-powered tools and OCR. Positioned as a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Acrobat with enterprise-grade security and intuitive Microsoft Office-style interface.

Small to medium businesses seeking Adobe alternativesLegal professionals requiring document editing and signingTeams needing collaborative PDF workflows
Ac

Adobe Acrobat

4.2(15,000)
Free plan

Industry-leading PDF editor and e-signature solution that enables users to create, edit, convert, and secure PDF documents across desktop, web, and mobile devices. Trusted by millions of professionals worldwide for comprehensive document workflows and collaboration.

Legal professionalsEnterprise document workflowsTeams requiring advanced collaboration
iL

iLovePDF

4.2(850)
Free plan

iLovePDF is an all-in-one online PDF tool suite founded in 2010, offering over 25 features like merging, splitting, compressing, converting, and eSigning across web, mobile, desktop, and API. It serves millions daily with a robust free tier and affordable premium for advanced needs.

Students and teachers needing quick PDF editingBusiness document workflows and eSigningNon-technical users wanting simple online tools
Sj

Sejda PDF

4.2(850)
Free plan

Sejda PDF is a freemium online and desktop toolset for PDF management, offering editing, merging, splitting, compression, OCR, and form handling with local processing on desktop for privacy. Files process securely with auto-deletion, supporting tasks like text/image addition and metadata edits across platforms.

Quick online PDF edits and merges without software installationOffline editing of sensitive documents via desktop appForm creation and filling for basic workflows

Quick Comparison

ToolRatingStarting PriceFree TierPricing Model
PDFpen4.2/5$79/yrNoone-time
Smallpdf4.7/5Free planYesfreemium
PDF Expert4.6/5Free planYesfreemium
Foxit PDF Editor4.4/5$10.99/moNosubscription
Nitro PDF4.3/5Free planYessubscription
Adobe Acrobat4.2/5Free planYessubscription
iLovePDF4.2/5Free planYesfreemium
Sejda PDF4.2/5Free planYesfreemium