Nitro PDF has earned a reputation as a strong, Office-style PDF editor, offering reliable editing, signing, and document management tools for businesses across industries. But as workflows become more mobile, collaborative, and cloud-driven, many teams and individuals are looking for alternatives that better fit their evolving needs—or are simply easier to learn and use.
Some want real-time teamwork and pen-friendly markup. Others seek better AI integration, budget-friendly one-time licenses, or apps tailored to Apple ecosystems. This article breaks down six of the best alternatives to Nitro PDF in 2025—each with unique strengths—so you can choose the right fit for your work.
Drawboard PDF is perfect for anyone who wants a flexible, intuitive PDF editor—whether you’re marking up construction drawings, annotating lecture notes, sketching ideas, or reviewing documents on the go. Its live, shared canvas syncs across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web, letting you seamlessly pick up your work across devices without missing a beat.
While Drawboard is widely praised for its best-in-class inking experience that delivers a natural, pen-on-paper feel, it’s equally powerful for non-ink workflows. Users can easily navigate text edits, shape tools, audio notes, hyperlinks, measurement, OCR, redaction, multi-window viewing, and version history, all with or without a stylus. It’s a standout choice not only for design and technical users but also for teams and individuals who simply need a smart, responsive PDF editor.
Compared to Nitro PDF’s Windows-only perpetual license, higher price point, and sequential review process, Drawboard offers real-time collaboration, cross-platform flexibility, and a lower price point (starting at $4.19 per user/month). Plus, it works on Android—something Nitro can’t say.
Whether for personal projects or team workflows, Drawboard PDF keeps things simple, intuitive, and ready for wherever inspiration strikes.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 38 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5) – Based on 8 reviews
“I definitely save three hours per day, since the majority of reviews are now done on Drawboard PDF.”
— Simos Simou, Manager at EY Cyprus
“Drawboard PDF helps us keep our workflows simple, transparent and efficient when we’re working from different locations.”
— Petar Petrov, Director & Architect at Petroff Architecture
“Drawboard PDF offers a smooth and professional experience in annotating and editing PDF documents; it's very versatile and easy to take notes, draw free-form shapes, underline and even write directly and accurately on my PDFs with the stylus on my tablet's touch screen.”
— G2 User
Adobe Acrobat is by far the most well-known name in the PDF world. As the original creator of the PDF format, Adobe offers a deep toolkit for editing, signing, securing, and archiving documents. It’s especially popular with large organizations and industries where compliance matters, like law firms, government agencies, and financial institutions, thanks to advanced features in Acrobat Pro like a leading OCR, redaction, certified signatures, and archival standards.
That said, if you’re just looking for straightforward markups or lightweight edits, Acrobat may be overkill. It’s built around a traditional, mouse-and-keyboard interface that complicates quick markup and can confuse newer users. The costs also climb quickly once you start layering on subscriptions for Pro, Adobe Sign, or the AI Assistant, and you may pay for features you don’t need due to inflexible plans.
Compared to Nitro, Acrobat offers even stronger compliance features, but they share similar challenges when it comes to pricing and everyday usability. If you’re after a lighter, more collaborative or pen-friendly experience, it’s worth checking out some of the newer alternatives on this list.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – Based on 4,015 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – Based on 3,997 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 2,505 reviews
“I use Adobe Acrobat XI pro, and it is definitely my most favorite application since I can convert pretty much any document to PDF format and also edit any PDFs with ease. Since PDF files are the most utilized file format in an industry, it comes in quite handy. The only downside is that the pro version is quite pricey.”
— Gaurav A., G2
“Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader is the first app that users turn to for viewing, annotating, and engaging with PDF files. [But] Adobe Acrobat can be slow and clunky, particularly on older machines. Useful features such as editing or converting PDFs are restricted behind a paywall, and the nag to upgrade can get tiresome. The powerful interface can be overwhelming for everyday tasks, and the app itself is larger than comparable lightweight options.”
— G2 User
“My favorite feature is the one stop shop nature of Adobe Acrobat for all things PDF. No matter the specific need, Acrobat is the way to do it and get everything done in one place. [However], Acrobat is sometimes a bit too complicated. More than it needs to be.”
— Sal G., G2
Foxit PDF Editor is a popular pick for users who want strong editing and signing tools without paying the top-tier prices of Adobe Acrobat Pro. In fact, they refer to themselves as “cheaper Adobe Acrobat” due to their versatile features and lower price point.
With apps for desktop, web, and mobile, it gives you the flexibility to work on PDFs wherever you are—whether that’s drafting a document at your desk or reviewing it on a tablet. You’ll have access to viewing, editing, basic markup, and other PDF management tools, alongside extras like Smart Redact, cloud storage integrations, and in-document signature tools. The PDF Editor+ plan also adds their basic eSign plan without a separate subscription—unlike Nitro whose plan doubles your costs.
For teams, Foxit’s admin features and volume discounts help keep costs lower compared to Adobe and even Nitro. It also works with more than 40 “Connectors” to extend its capabilities. However, important features like expanded AI require an add-on and you’ll need the premium Editor+ or a separate eSign plan for signature workflows, increasing how much it costs to get the most out of Foxit’s feature set.
Like Nitro PDF, Foxit’s collaborative tools are asynchronous and comment-based, so it’s not the best for real-time collaboration. But, it’s still a solid choice for anyone who wants flexible and full-featured editing without paying top dollar.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 3160 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 944 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 35 reviews
“I love it because it offers features for completing PDF formats and allowing you to edit and modify them seamlessly in real time. Plus, its compatibility is incredibly, allowing us to transfer PDF files via email without having to save them. I also love that it offers multiple ways to insert and extract pages. I would like to see improvements in the electronic signature and login process.”
— Aurelien S., G2 User
“We tried a trial of this product as an alternative to Adobe. Ultimately we decided that while it worked alright but long term it doesn't have all the features that Adobe offers in a paid version.”
— Ami M., Capterra
“Using the software was fine. It does have fewer features compared to Adobe but overall satisfactory if not using e-sign features. Customer service on the other hand is missing. Can't contact anyone, basically if everything you want is online then you are good otherwise look somewhere else.”
— Deepak G., Capterra
PDF‑XChange Editor is a smart pick for individual users or small teams who want a powerful, desktop-based PDF editor with a low upfront cost. It’s popular among technical professionals, engineers, and document-heavy roles thanks to its lightweight build, fast performance, wide toolset, and freemium model.
However, while its “perpetual” license is attractive, it’s important to note that this applies only to the current version of the app (plus a year of maintenance). Once a new version releases outside of your maintenance period, you’re stuck with the older build until you buy the new version, which can affect compatibility, usability, and security over time.
The software offers a packed feature set, including text and image editing, OCR powered by ABBYY, document comparison, redaction, form design, JavaScript automation, and PDF/A compliance. The free version provides access to about 70% of these tools (with watermarks on premium outputs), while the paid Editor and Editor Plus tiers unlock the full professional suite. But with all these features comes some clunkiness and usability issues that can make it hard for new users to find what they’re looking for.
Unfortunately, PDF‑XChange is Windows-only, with no native mobile, Mac, or web versions. Its interface can also feel busy for casual users, and it relies on file-based collaboration rather than real-time teamwork, making it less team-focused than Nitro. Also, if you want major upgrades between versions, you’ll have to buy the newer version at full price after a year of updates.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 142 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 256 reviews
“Great program to navigate and edit PDFs. It is a major part of my job and a competent program makes it a breeze. The interface is super dated and looks convoluted. It could use a visual overhaul”
— Leander L., Capterra
“Working on a digitizer originally, this was far superior by allowing measurement information to be stored on the plans digitally but it's missing the mark when it comes to compiling total takeoff data. I still use it to measure 1 pagers but there are better software programs out there for larger, more complex jobs for sure.”
— Anon Y., Capterra
“Fast, does not require a lot of resources. Very affordable. Interface could be more modern and intuitive.”
— Boris T., G2
Wondershare PDFelement bills itself as a sleek, modern PDF editor designed for users who want power without the usual complexity. Its Word-style layout feels instantly familiar, making it easy to jump into tasks like editing, converting, or annotating on desktop, mobile, or web—if you’re familiar with the Office ecosystem.
With its built-in AI Sidebar, you can quickly summarize, translate, or rewrite documents—handy for speeding through contracts, reports, or dense PDFs without getting bogged down. Beyond AI, PDFelement packs in useful tools like OCR, form creation, page management, and 20 GB of cloud storage to keep files in sync. You can choose an annual plan, multi-year, or even a one-time lifetime license. However, it’s worth noting that the lifetime option applies only to the current version of the app—major new releases may require an additional purchase. If you’re happy with your current version, though, it can be a short-term, cost-conscious alternative to Adobe or Nitro.
Wondershare falls short in terms of limited mobile features without a separate premium plan, and their AI-focused use cases mean you’ll likely have to purchase an additional AI credit add-on. You also won’t find real-time collaboration in any of the tools, relying instead on version history and commenting.
Wondershare PDFelement offers a watermarked free trial with limited features and credits for its AI tools. Both single-platform and multi-platform subscriptions are available in subscriptions or one-time purchases, but perpetual licenses only apply to the current version of the app (currently version 11).
Single Platform:
Cross-Platform:
You can also purchase additional AI credits starting at $3.99 per month.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 823 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Based on 438 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 7 reviews
“PDFelement is a user-friendly PDF editing software designed to help users create, edit, convert, and manage PDF documents efficiently. It allows to edit text, images, and links directly within a PDF. [But] PDFelement has performance issue with large files and it can consume a significant amount memory when working with multiple or large files.”
— Naveen C., Capterra
“I love PDFelement it is the best PDF editor software, and I like that it does not consume device resources. Also, PDFelement contains all PDF editing tools. The OCR tool of this software PDFelement is somehow bad and do not give accurate results and do not support a lot of languages.”
— Zaid S., Capterra
“Very helpful in filling in PDF documents. Easy adding text. When it tries to identify text to manipulate or edit it does not do a very good job. A lot of text and information was either missed or added together and thus could not change or edit certain items which gets very frustrating.”
— Dez L., G2
PDF Expert is a polished, Apple‑exclusive PDF editor designed for Mac, iPad, and iPhone users who want fast, reliable tools in a familiar interface. Its clean design, smooth Apple Pencil support, and offline performance make it especially appealing to solo professionals, students, and small teams working entirely in the Apple ecosystem.
The platform offers strong core features: text and image editing, OCR in over 20 languages, file conversion, form filling, basic eSignatures, and an AI Copilot for document summaries and translations. One subscription covers all Apple devices, letting users annotate on iPad and finalize edits on Mac without juggling accounts.
However, PDF Expert lacks cross‑platform access. There’s no Windows, Android, or web version, and collaboration is limited to file sharing rather than real‑time teamwork. It also does not support advanced digital signing or compliance‑grade eSignature workflows.
While its $139.99 perpetual license appeals to Mac‑only users, it excludes mobile apps and future major updates, making the $79.99/year (1st year only; increases after) subscription the more complete option. Compared to Nitro PDF, PDF Expert trades enterprise features and multi‑platform reach for a lightweight, Apple‑focused experience that leans more towards touch features.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – Based on 29 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 59 reviews
“I like the simplicity in its interface and how quickly I can create documents from scratch, the application is super fast and compact, it has special help tools for creating tables and specific formats. It is a bit expensive, the setup is somewhat tedious for very large documents and formats somewhat difficult to achieve with margins.” - Felicia, G2
“I've been a loyal user of PDF Expert for several years now, and have found the functionality good for Mac. Unfortunately, my recent experiences with their customer support have left me deeply disappointed.” - Julie, Capterra
“If you need an app or service that makes dealing with PDFs easy, this is the service for you…If you want pro features, converting documents to PDFs and signing documents, then you're looking at a very expensive upgrade. More than it's worth, in my opinion.” - Gabrielle, Capterra
Drawboard PDF stands out as the top Nitro PDF alternative for users who want natural, pen‑first markup combined with real‑time collaboration. Where Nitro focuses on traditional, sequential review processes and structured business workflows, Drawboard delivers a shared live canvas across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and the web—making it easy for teams to annotate together in the moment.
In addition to its smooth inking and precise measurement tools, Drawboard offers a full suite of editing features, from text and image management to page organization and redaction, making it more than just a markup tool. With cloud sync, flexible pricing, and intuitive design, it’s a strong choice for architects, engineers, designers, educators, and anyone looking for a versatile, cross‑platform solution that keeps work moving forward, no matter where you are.
Ready to upgrade your workflow? Explore Drawboard PDF today and see how quick & easy PDF management can be.
Nitro PDF has earned a reputation as a strong, Office-style PDF editor, offering reliable editing, signing, and document management tools for businesses across industries. But as workflows become more mobile, collaborative, and cloud-driven, many teams and individuals are looking for alternatives that better fit their evolving needs—or are simply easier to learn and use.
Some want real-time teamwork and pen-friendly markup. Others seek better AI integration, budget-friendly one-time licenses, or apps tailored to Apple ecosystems. This article breaks down six of the best alternatives to Nitro PDF in 2025—each with unique strengths—so you can choose the right fit for your work.
Drawboard PDF is perfect for anyone who wants a flexible, intuitive PDF editor—whether you’re marking up construction drawings, annotating lecture notes, sketching ideas, or reviewing documents on the go. Its live, shared canvas syncs across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web, letting you seamlessly pick up your work across devices without missing a beat.
While Drawboard is widely praised for its best-in-class inking experience that delivers a natural, pen-on-paper feel, it’s equally powerful for non-ink workflows. Users can easily navigate text edits, shape tools, audio notes, hyperlinks, measurement, OCR, redaction, multi-window viewing, and version history, all with or without a stylus. It’s a standout choice not only for design and technical users but also for teams and individuals who simply need a smart, responsive PDF editor.
Compared to Nitro PDF’s Windows-only perpetual license, higher price point, and sequential review process, Drawboard offers real-time collaboration, cross-platform flexibility, and a lower price point (starting at $4.19 per user/month). Plus, it works on Android—something Nitro can’t say.
Whether for personal projects or team workflows, Drawboard PDF keeps things simple, intuitive, and ready for wherever inspiration strikes.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 38 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5) – Based on 8 reviews
“I definitely save three hours per day, since the majority of reviews are now done on Drawboard PDF.”
— Simos Simou, Manager at EY Cyprus
“Drawboard PDF helps us keep our workflows simple, transparent and efficient when we’re working from different locations.”
— Petar Petrov, Director & Architect at Petroff Architecture
“Drawboard PDF offers a smooth and professional experience in annotating and editing PDF documents; it's very versatile and easy to take notes, draw free-form shapes, underline and even write directly and accurately on my PDFs with the stylus on my tablet's touch screen.”
— G2 User
Adobe Acrobat is by far the most well-known name in the PDF world. As the original creator of the PDF format, Adobe offers a deep toolkit for editing, signing, securing, and archiving documents. It’s especially popular with large organizations and industries where compliance matters, like law firms, government agencies, and financial institutions, thanks to advanced features in Acrobat Pro like a leading OCR, redaction, certified signatures, and archival standards.
That said, if you’re just looking for straightforward markups or lightweight edits, Acrobat may be overkill. It’s built around a traditional, mouse-and-keyboard interface that complicates quick markup and can confuse newer users. The costs also climb quickly once you start layering on subscriptions for Pro, Adobe Sign, or the AI Assistant, and you may pay for features you don’t need due to inflexible plans.
Compared to Nitro, Acrobat offers even stronger compliance features, but they share similar challenges when it comes to pricing and everyday usability. If you’re after a lighter, more collaborative or pen-friendly experience, it’s worth checking out some of the newer alternatives on this list.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – Based on 4,015 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – Based on 3,997 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 2,505 reviews
“I use Adobe Acrobat XI pro, and it is definitely my most favorite application since I can convert pretty much any document to PDF format and also edit any PDFs with ease. Since PDF files are the most utilized file format in an industry, it comes in quite handy. The only downside is that the pro version is quite pricey.”
— Gaurav A., G2
“Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader is the first app that users turn to for viewing, annotating, and engaging with PDF files. [But] Adobe Acrobat can be slow and clunky, particularly on older machines. Useful features such as editing or converting PDFs are restricted behind a paywall, and the nag to upgrade can get tiresome. The powerful interface can be overwhelming for everyday tasks, and the app itself is larger than comparable lightweight options.”
— G2 User
“My favorite feature is the one stop shop nature of Adobe Acrobat for all things PDF. No matter the specific need, Acrobat is the way to do it and get everything done in one place. [However], Acrobat is sometimes a bit too complicated. More than it needs to be.”
— Sal G., G2
Foxit PDF Editor is a popular pick for users who want strong editing and signing tools without paying the top-tier prices of Adobe Acrobat Pro. In fact, they refer to themselves as “cheaper Adobe Acrobat” due to their versatile features and lower price point.
With apps for desktop, web, and mobile, it gives you the flexibility to work on PDFs wherever you are—whether that’s drafting a document at your desk or reviewing it on a tablet. You’ll have access to viewing, editing, basic markup, and other PDF management tools, alongside extras like Smart Redact, cloud storage integrations, and in-document signature tools. The PDF Editor+ plan also adds their basic eSign plan without a separate subscription—unlike Nitro whose plan doubles your costs.
For teams, Foxit’s admin features and volume discounts help keep costs lower compared to Adobe and even Nitro. It also works with more than 40 “Connectors” to extend its capabilities. However, important features like expanded AI require an add-on and you’ll need the premium Editor+ or a separate eSign plan for signature workflows, increasing how much it costs to get the most out of Foxit’s feature set.
Like Nitro PDF, Foxit’s collaborative tools are asynchronous and comment-based, so it’s not the best for real-time collaboration. But, it’s still a solid choice for anyone who wants flexible and full-featured editing without paying top dollar.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 3160 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 944 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 35 reviews
“I love it because it offers features for completing PDF formats and allowing you to edit and modify them seamlessly in real time. Plus, its compatibility is incredibly, allowing us to transfer PDF files via email without having to save them. I also love that it offers multiple ways to insert and extract pages. I would like to see improvements in the electronic signature and login process.”
— Aurelien S., G2 User
“We tried a trial of this product as an alternative to Adobe. Ultimately we decided that while it worked alright but long term it doesn't have all the features that Adobe offers in a paid version.”
— Ami M., Capterra
“Using the software was fine. It does have fewer features compared to Adobe but overall satisfactory if not using e-sign features. Customer service on the other hand is missing. Can't contact anyone, basically if everything you want is online then you are good otherwise look somewhere else.”
— Deepak G., Capterra
PDF‑XChange Editor is a smart pick for individual users or small teams who want a powerful, desktop-based PDF editor with a low upfront cost. It’s popular among technical professionals, engineers, and document-heavy roles thanks to its lightweight build, fast performance, wide toolset, and freemium model.
However, while its “perpetual” license is attractive, it’s important to note that this applies only to the current version of the app (plus a year of maintenance). Once a new version releases outside of your maintenance period, you’re stuck with the older build until you buy the new version, which can affect compatibility, usability, and security over time.
The software offers a packed feature set, including text and image editing, OCR powered by ABBYY, document comparison, redaction, form design, JavaScript automation, and PDF/A compliance. The free version provides access to about 70% of these tools (with watermarks on premium outputs), while the paid Editor and Editor Plus tiers unlock the full professional suite. But with all these features comes some clunkiness and usability issues that can make it hard for new users to find what they’re looking for.
Unfortunately, PDF‑XChange is Windows-only, with no native mobile, Mac, or web versions. Its interface can also feel busy for casual users, and it relies on file-based collaboration rather than real-time teamwork, making it less team-focused than Nitro. Also, if you want major upgrades between versions, you’ll have to buy the newer version at full price after a year of updates.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 142 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 256 reviews
“Great program to navigate and edit PDFs. It is a major part of my job and a competent program makes it a breeze. The interface is super dated and looks convoluted. It could use a visual overhaul”
— Leander L., Capterra
“Working on a digitizer originally, this was far superior by allowing measurement information to be stored on the plans digitally but it's missing the mark when it comes to compiling total takeoff data. I still use it to measure 1 pagers but there are better software programs out there for larger, more complex jobs for sure.”
— Anon Y., Capterra
“Fast, does not require a lot of resources. Very affordable. Interface could be more modern and intuitive.”
— Boris T., G2
Wondershare PDFelement bills itself as a sleek, modern PDF editor designed for users who want power without the usual complexity. Its Word-style layout feels instantly familiar, making it easy to jump into tasks like editing, converting, or annotating on desktop, mobile, or web—if you’re familiar with the Office ecosystem.
With its built-in AI Sidebar, you can quickly summarize, translate, or rewrite documents—handy for speeding through contracts, reports, or dense PDFs without getting bogged down. Beyond AI, PDFelement packs in useful tools like OCR, form creation, page management, and 20 GB of cloud storage to keep files in sync. You can choose an annual plan, multi-year, or even a one-time lifetime license. However, it’s worth noting that the lifetime option applies only to the current version of the app—major new releases may require an additional purchase. If you’re happy with your current version, though, it can be a short-term, cost-conscious alternative to Adobe or Nitro.
Wondershare falls short in terms of limited mobile features without a separate premium plan, and their AI-focused use cases mean you’ll likely have to purchase an additional AI credit add-on. You also won’t find real-time collaboration in any of the tools, relying instead on version history and commenting.
Wondershare PDFelement offers a watermarked free trial with limited features and credits for its AI tools. Both single-platform and multi-platform subscriptions are available in subscriptions or one-time purchases, but perpetual licenses only apply to the current version of the app (currently version 11).
Single Platform:
Cross-Platform:
You can also purchase additional AI credits starting at $3.99 per month.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 823 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Based on 438 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 7 reviews
“PDFelement is a user-friendly PDF editing software designed to help users create, edit, convert, and manage PDF documents efficiently. It allows to edit text, images, and links directly within a PDF. [But] PDFelement has performance issue with large files and it can consume a significant amount memory when working with multiple or large files.”
— Naveen C., Capterra
“I love PDFelement it is the best PDF editor software, and I like that it does not consume device resources. Also, PDFelement contains all PDF editing tools. The OCR tool of this software PDFelement is somehow bad and do not give accurate results and do not support a lot of languages.”
— Zaid S., Capterra
“Very helpful in filling in PDF documents. Easy adding text. When it tries to identify text to manipulate or edit it does not do a very good job. A lot of text and information was either missed or added together and thus could not change or edit certain items which gets very frustrating.”
— Dez L., G2
PDF Expert is a polished, Apple‑exclusive PDF editor designed for Mac, iPad, and iPhone users who want fast, reliable tools in a familiar interface. Its clean design, smooth Apple Pencil support, and offline performance make it especially appealing to solo professionals, students, and small teams working entirely in the Apple ecosystem.
The platform offers strong core features: text and image editing, OCR in over 20 languages, file conversion, form filling, basic eSignatures, and an AI Copilot for document summaries and translations. One subscription covers all Apple devices, letting users annotate on iPad and finalize edits on Mac without juggling accounts.
However, PDF Expert lacks cross‑platform access. There’s no Windows, Android, or web version, and collaboration is limited to file sharing rather than real‑time teamwork. It also does not support advanced digital signing or compliance‑grade eSignature workflows.
While its $139.99 perpetual license appeals to Mac‑only users, it excludes mobile apps and future major updates, making the $79.99/year (1st year only; increases after) subscription the more complete option. Compared to Nitro PDF, PDF Expert trades enterprise features and multi‑platform reach for a lightweight, Apple‑focused experience that leans more towards touch features.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – Based on 29 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 59 reviews
“I like the simplicity in its interface and how quickly I can create documents from scratch, the application is super fast and compact, it has special help tools for creating tables and specific formats. It is a bit expensive, the setup is somewhat tedious for very large documents and formats somewhat difficult to achieve with margins.” - Felicia, G2
“I've been a loyal user of PDF Expert for several years now, and have found the functionality good for Mac. Unfortunately, my recent experiences with their customer support have left me deeply disappointed.” - Julie, Capterra
“If you need an app or service that makes dealing with PDFs easy, this is the service for you…If you want pro features, converting documents to PDFs and signing documents, then you're looking at a very expensive upgrade. More than it's worth, in my opinion.” - Gabrielle, Capterra
Drawboard PDF stands out as the top Nitro PDF alternative for users who want natural, pen‑first markup combined with real‑time collaboration. Where Nitro focuses on traditional, sequential review processes and structured business workflows, Drawboard delivers a shared live canvas across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and the web—making it easy for teams to annotate together in the moment.
In addition to its smooth inking and precise measurement tools, Drawboard offers a full suite of editing features, from text and image management to page organization and redaction, making it more than just a markup tool. With cloud sync, flexible pricing, and intuitive design, it’s a strong choice for architects, engineers, designers, educators, and anyone looking for a versatile, cross‑platform solution that keeps work moving forward, no matter where you are.
Ready to upgrade your workflow? Explore Drawboard PDF today and see how quick & easy PDF management can be.
We are a PDF and collaboration company. We believe that creating more effective connections between people reduces waste.
Our best work has been overtaken by busywork. That’s why we’ve created ways to help people get back to working wonders without any paper in sight.
Drawboard PDF lets you mark up and share with ease, and Drawboard Projects brings collaborative design review to architecture and engineering teams.
At Drawboard, we work our magic so our customers can get back to working theirs.
We are a PDF and collaboration company. We believe that creating more effective connections between people reduces waste.
Our best work has been overtaken by busywork. That’s why we’ve created ways to help people get back to working wonders without any paper in sight.
Drawboard PDF lets you mark up and share with ease, and Drawboard Projects brings collaborative design review to architecture and engineering teams.
At Drawboard, we work our magic so our customers can get back to working theirs.
