The best PDF editing apps in 2025 offer AI tools, OCR, and smooth cross-platform use.
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC remains the top pick for professionals with advanced needs.
Free options like PDFgear and Sejda now match paid tools in features and performance.
PDF files play a huge role in work, study, and everyday tasks. From contracts to forms and eBooks, they’ve become the go-to file type. Editing these files used to feel like a struggle. That problem can be solved through the use of PDF editing apps.
The best PDF editing apps come with smart features, faster tools, and cleaner designs. Some of these applications also feature built-in AI support.
This article will give you an idea of the top PDF editing apps this year. Whether the goal is professional use, budget editing, AI tools, or simply a file tweak, there’s an editing tool for every user’s needs.
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC leads the pack. Its tools work for editing, comparing documents, scanning with OCR, and managing forms. It now features an AI-powered assistant that streamlines daily tasks. Acrobat remains the top choice for professionals and businesses needing security and detailed control.
Available across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and web, it’s designed for portability and seamless work. The subscription pricing starts at $12.99 per month on an annual billing, making it a solid value for heavy users.
UPDF balances price and performance well. It’s ideal for personal or light professional use. Editing tools include text, images, comments, and e-signatures. Users also get AI-powered helpers and page organization features.
The app is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and web platforms. While the free version has limits, it still offers impressive value.
PDFgear stands out as one of the best free PDF editing apps available. It covers everything: editing, conversion, and even AI document processing. It’s completely free, with cross-platform support on Windows, Mac, and online.
AI tools support summarizing and translating content inside the document. There is also an AI chatbot assistant available. It's a strong pick for students, freelancers, or anyone needing powerful features without a price tag.
PDFelement brings AI directly into the PDF workflow. It can summarize, translate, detect forms, and clean edit content. With a user-friendly layout, it’s perfect for users seeking smart tools without complex steps.
It runs on both Windows and Mac, and the pricing is more affordable than Adobe’s. Features like document proofreading and automatic form filling bring real-time help for busy users.
PDF24 Creator is a top free choice for Windows users. Although it lacks AI, it handles tasks such as merging, compressing, and annotating PDFs with ease. It offers both a desktop version and online tools for broader access. The layout is clean, making it easy for beginners or casual users.
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Sejda works straight from a browser. It’s perfect for fast edits and minor text changes. It's available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, with a clean layout that’s easy to learn.
The free version limits the number of tasks per day, but for occasional use, it works well. Ideal for light edits without needing a download.
Foxit offers a smart and fast interface, built specifically for business users. It focuses on speed, signatures, form creation, and secure editing. The tool utilizes fewer system resources, making it suitable for older or less powerful machines.
It supports both Windows and Mac, and the pricing remains competitive for those who want fast results with strong privacy options.
PDF Candy is another free, web-based editor that covers basic tasks like editing, converting, signing, and securing PDFs. It runs smoothly on both the web and Windows. The design is designed for easy use, allowing even beginners to complete tasks in minutes. It’s a good fit for users who only need to edit PDFs occasionally.
Now, AI-assisted features aid with proofreading, filling forms, summarizing content, and language translation. PDFelement IT, PDFgear IT, and Acrobat IT come with AI chat tools built into them. This enables contracting, drafting, or researching contracts to proceed at lightning speed with additional support from the AI tool.
Most of the top apps run simultaneously across multiple platforms. UPDF, Adobe Acrobat, and PDFgear allow users to seamlessly transition between desktop and mobile environments without losing their progress. The user will have no less time at home, in the office, or on the road.
The best PDF editor deserves a specific application and, thus, a budget. Adobe Acrobat is for complex editing and heavy workloads. PDFelement works well for AI-related tasks at a better price. PDFgear, PDF24, and Sejda offer excellent free features for lighter usages.
For quick edits on a browser, Sejda and PDF Candy are strong. For long-term professional use, Adobe and Foxit shine with reliable tools and advanced features.
Also Read – Why I Always Convert Word to PDF Now
Easy, smart, and flexible, PDF editing in 2025 delivers on all user expectations. There are now free apps competing with paid ones in terms of performance. AI tools can complete daily tasks efficiently. Cross-platform capability ensures that no work is tied to a single device.
What the best PDF editing apps do today is take difficult problems and approach them with practical solutions. From students to professionals, there is a tool that is suited for everyone. Digital documents are here to stay, and the right file editor makes a world of difference.
Q.1) Which is the easiest PDF editor to use?
Ans. Adobe Acrobat Reader and Smallpdf are known for their simple, clean interface. They’re easy to use for both beginners and professionals.
Q.2) Can I edit PDFs on my phone?
Ans. Yes, many apps like Adobe Acrobat and Foxit offer mobile PDF editing. You can edit text, sign, and share directly from your phone.
Q.3) What's the best free PDF editing app in 2025?
Ans. PDFgear, iLovePDF, and Sejda offer strong free editing tools with options to upgrade. They’re perfect for light to moderate PDF editing needs.
Q.4) How to remove pages from a PDF?
Ans. Most editors let you delete pages easily. Open the PDF, go to page thumbnails, select unwanted pages, and remove them before saving.
Q.5) What PDF editing app works offline in 2025?
Ans. PDFelement and Foxit PDF work well offline. They allow you to edit, save, and convert files without requiring internet access.