PDF-XChange Editor stands out for its robust desktop toolset and affordable licensing, especially for users who want advanced editing features on Windows. However, many users eventually find its strengths can also become limitations.
Being restricted to Windows desktops, lacking true cross-device sync, and offering only basic collaboration tools often leave teams searching for more flexibility. The interface, while powerful, can feel overwhelming for those who don’t need every option, and the limited perpetual license model means missing out on new features unless you repurchase with each major release.
Fortunately, there are alternatives available that offer similar toolsets, better long-term value and support, more intuitive usability, and multi-platform, real-time collaboration across users, files, and devices.
If PDF-XChange doesn’t sound right for you, consider these top alternatives.
Drawboard PDF is built for anyone who prefers working directly on documents, whether you're marking up essays, signing contracts, reviewing architectural plans, or giving design feedback. Unlike traditional desktop tools that focus on static edits, Drawboard PDF makes edits and markup feel fluid and real, with best-in-class digital inking, smooth annotation tools, and instant cloud sync that lets you work across devices without missing a beat.
It combines a clean, user-friendly interface with powerful features like calibrated measurement tools, OCR text recognition, redaction, and a unique Store + Share function that brings real-time collaboration into your workflow. You can open a file on your iPad, annotate with precision, and watch your changes appear live on a colleague’s screen. There are no emails, uploads, or file merges required.
Where PDF-XChange Editor is limited to Windows desktops and manual file handling, Drawboard PDF offers a cloud-first, cross-platform experience. There’s also no need to worry about outdated perpetual licenses or syncing work between devices. Everything stays connected and up to date, making it a smarter fit for students, professionals, and teams who rely on fast, accurate feedback and modern tools to drive their workflows.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 38 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.8/5) – Based on 8 reviews
“Drawboard PDF has allowed me to transition from working with pen and paper to going all digital—total life-changer.” — Alan Pierson, Conductor
“I can measure every element in my architect’s blueprint, add neat annotations, and everything syncs instantly.” — Microsoft Store review
“The possibility of creating, sharing and downloading files in real time is really innovative. Bullclip is available to anyone, developing on all devices.” — Luis A., Capterra User
pdfFiller is built for speed and simplicity, especially when it comes to filling out and sending documents like contracts, applications, or HR forms. Compared to PDF-XChange, which leans toward desktop editing and markup, pdfFiller focuses on cloud-based workflows, making it easier to turn static PDFs into fillable forms and send them out for completion. It’s ideal for users who want to handle paperwork online without dealing with desktop software or steep learning curves.
It supports drag-and-drop form creation, e-signature collection, cloud storage integration, and bulk document distribution. For teams that send the same forms to dozens of people, it offers automation and template tools that save time. However, it lacks more robust markup or editing features like precise layout control, measurement tools, or a reliable OCR, which are functions that PDF-XChange and more advanced editors offer.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 744 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 987 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – Based on 11 reviews
Nitro PDF fits teams that already spend their days in Word and Excel and want a familiar ribbon interface when they switch to PDFs. Legal departments, finance offices, and healthcare providers use it for tasks such as redacting contracts, converting batches of scanned invoices, or comparing draft agreements side by side. Subscription tiers cover Windows, macOS, and iOS, while their perpetual license remains Windows-only. However, like PDF-XChange, perpetuals only apply to the current version of the app, with no update support.
Beyond basic editing, Nitro layers on enterprise features: ABBYY-powered batch OCR, Azure Information Protection, and connection to Nitro Sign for template-driven e-signature workflows and identity verification. These tools help regulated industries keep documents both searchable and compliant without leaving the desktop ribbon.
Trade-offs centre on mobility and collaboration. There is still no Android app, real-time co-editing is absent, and signature tools require a separate Nitro Sign subscription, raising total cost for teams that need both editing and signing. Users also report occasional sluggish performance and multi-day support response times, which can slow urgent projects.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 3160 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 944 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 35 reviews
Adobe Acrobat DC has long been synonymous with PDFs, favored by legal, government, and financial organizations for its comprehensive editing, security, and compliance tools. It’s highly versatile, offering more features than PDF-XChange and supporting all platforms. But you’ll pay for all those features, and then some, with their less-than-flexible, high-cost subscriptions.
Individuals, power users, and businesses use Adobe Acrobat DC for its advanced OCR, legal-grade redaction, form creation with JavaScript, and tight integration with Adobe Sign for certified e-signatures. The optional AI Assistant also provides quick contract summaries and insights, enhancing productivity on complex documents.
While Acrobat Pro delivers unmatched depth and cross-platform access on desktop, web, and mobile, the interface can feel overwhelming for users who need only basic markup or collaboration. Features are often buried behind menus, and the modular pricing structure means additional costs for Adobe Sign and AI tools. It also lacks optimized touch or pen support for fieldwork, making it less suited for fast, ink-based annotation compared to newer alternatives.
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
Wondershare PDFelement aims to deliver “pro-level power without Acrobat’s learning curve.” Its Word-style ribbon makes everyday jobs like editing text, converting to Word or Excel, or building forms feel familiar on Windows, macOS, and the web. The standout feature is an AI Sidebar that can summarise long contracts, translate passages, or rewrite wording in a click, helping solo professionals and small teams move through dense PDFs faster.
Beyond AI, PDFelement adds OCR, batch processing, page organisation, and 20 GB of cloud storage so files stay in sync across devices. Business tiers layer in SSO, role-based permissions, and volume discounts, giving IT teams a manageable deployment path without paying for an enterprise-wide Adobe stack.
Flexible licensing (annual, two-year, or lifetime desktop licences) keep upfront costs predictable, something subscription-only tools like Adobe or Nitro can’t match. However, like PDF-XChange, you’ll only get the current version of PDFelement with perpetual plans. If you want future versions, you’ll need a subscription or to re-purchase newer versions.
Trade-offs reflect its focus on single-user productivity rather than real-time teamwork. Mobile apps offer only basic annotation unless you buy a separate mobile licence, there is no live co-editing, and AI usage is capped by tokens. And, of course, extra credits cost extra. Users also note occasional lag on very large files.
Compared with PDF-XChange’s desktop precision or Drawboard PDF’s pen-accurate collaboration, PDFelement is strongest as a quick, AI-enhanced editor for individual workflows and analyzing robust PDFs quickly.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 823 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Based on 438 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 7 reviews
Tungsten (formerly Kofax) Power PDF is aimed at organisations that want to buy their editor outright and keep everything behind the firewall. Legal teams, finance departments, and public-sector IT groups value its one-time licences, Office-style ribbon interface, and on-prem deployment options that tick compliance boxes without monthly fees. A LAN-based “Collaborate” mode lets colleagues mark up the same file on a shared drive, and optional SignDoc blocks cover envelope-style e-signature needs without charging by user.
The Advanced and Business tiers add redaction, Bates numbering, PDF/A archiving, compare, and connections to Box, OneDrive, and SharePoint. A BYO-key AI Copilot in the Business edition lets companies run GPT-powered summarise/translate/Q-A inside Power PDF while keeping prompts in their own Azure or OpenAI tenant. Admins also get licence-server deployment, SSO, and SCIM provisioning for large roll-outs.
Power PDF’s limitations mirror PDF-XChange and other Windows-first desktop tools: real-time collaboration is LAN-only, mobile apps are view/annotate-only, and Mac users are stuck with the feature-lighter Standard edition. Updates and support are not included in the perpetual fee, and advanced OCR or full e-signature workflows require separate OmniPage or SignDoc purchases, similar to Adobe Acrobat. Plus, stylus input is basic, so pen-heavy reviews may feel clunky compared with Drawboard PDF.
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.3/5) – Based on 59 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 242 reviews
While every alternative has its pros and cons, Drawboard PDF stands out for users who value real-time sync, full device support, and a clean, intuitive interface without menu overload. With Drawboard PDF, you always have access to the latest features, never have to juggle file versions between devices, and can move effortlessly from Windows to Mac, iPad, Android, or web. For anyone tired of perpetual license hurdles, sync headaches, or confusing menus, Drawboard PDF makes PDF work feel easier and more up-to-date.
Experience an easier, more connected way to handle PDFs. Try Drawboard PDF’s free Basic plan today.
PDF-XChange Editor stands out for its robust desktop toolset and affordable licensing, especially for users who want advanced editing features on Windows. However, many users eventually find its strengths can also become limitations.
Being restricted to Windows desktops, lacking true cross-device sync, and offering only basic collaboration tools often leave teams searching for more flexibility. The interface, while powerful, can feel overwhelming for those who don’t need every option, and the limited perpetual license model means missing out on new features unless you repurchase with each major release.
Fortunately, there are alternatives available that offer similar toolsets, better long-term value and support, more intuitive usability, and multi-platform, real-time collaboration across users, files, and devices.
If PDF-XChange doesn’t sound right for you, consider these top alternatives.
Drawboard PDF is built for anyone who prefers working directly on documents, whether you're marking up essays, signing contracts, reviewing architectural plans, or giving design feedback. Unlike traditional desktop tools that focus on static edits, Drawboard PDF makes edits and markup feel fluid and real, with best-in-class digital inking, smooth annotation tools, and instant cloud sync that lets you work across devices without missing a beat.
It combines a clean, user-friendly interface with powerful features like calibrated measurement tools, OCR text recognition, redaction, and a unique Store + Share function that brings real-time collaboration into your workflow. You can open a file on your iPad, annotate with precision, and watch your changes appear live on a colleague’s screen. There are no emails, uploads, or file merges required.
Where PDF-XChange Editor is limited to Windows desktops and manual file handling, Drawboard PDF offers a cloud-first, cross-platform experience. There’s also no need to worry about outdated perpetual licenses or syncing work between devices. Everything stays connected and up to date, making it a smarter fit for students, professionals, and teams who rely on fast, accurate feedback and modern tools to drive their workflows.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 38 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.8/5) – Based on 8 reviews
“Drawboard PDF has allowed me to transition from working with pen and paper to going all digital—total life-changer.” — Alan Pierson, Conductor
“I can measure every element in my architect’s blueprint, add neat annotations, and everything syncs instantly.” — Microsoft Store review
“The possibility of creating, sharing and downloading files in real time is really innovative. Bullclip is available to anyone, developing on all devices.” — Luis A., Capterra User
pdfFiller is built for speed and simplicity, especially when it comes to filling out and sending documents like contracts, applications, or HR forms. Compared to PDF-XChange, which leans toward desktop editing and markup, pdfFiller focuses on cloud-based workflows, making it easier to turn static PDFs into fillable forms and send them out for completion. It’s ideal for users who want to handle paperwork online without dealing with desktop software or steep learning curves.
It supports drag-and-drop form creation, e-signature collection, cloud storage integration, and bulk document distribution. For teams that send the same forms to dozens of people, it offers automation and template tools that save time. However, it lacks more robust markup or editing features like precise layout control, measurement tools, or a reliable OCR, which are functions that PDF-XChange and more advanced editors offer.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 744 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 987 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – Based on 11 reviews
Nitro PDF fits teams that already spend their days in Word and Excel and want a familiar ribbon interface when they switch to PDFs. Legal departments, finance offices, and healthcare providers use it for tasks such as redacting contracts, converting batches of scanned invoices, or comparing draft agreements side by side. Subscription tiers cover Windows, macOS, and iOS, while their perpetual license remains Windows-only. However, like PDF-XChange, perpetuals only apply to the current version of the app, with no update support.
Beyond basic editing, Nitro layers on enterprise features: ABBYY-powered batch OCR, Azure Information Protection, and connection to Nitro Sign for template-driven e-signature workflows and identity verification. These tools help regulated industries keep documents both searchable and compliant without leaving the desktop ribbon.
Trade-offs centre on mobility and collaboration. There is still no Android app, real-time co-editing is absent, and signature tools require a separate Nitro Sign subscription, raising total cost for teams that need both editing and signing. Users also report occasional sluggish performance and multi-day support response times, which can slow urgent projects.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 3160 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 944 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 35 reviews
Adobe Acrobat DC has long been synonymous with PDFs, favored by legal, government, and financial organizations for its comprehensive editing, security, and compliance tools. It’s highly versatile, offering more features than PDF-XChange and supporting all platforms. But you’ll pay for all those features, and then some, with their less-than-flexible, high-cost subscriptions.
Individuals, power users, and businesses use Adobe Acrobat DC for its advanced OCR, legal-grade redaction, form creation with JavaScript, and tight integration with Adobe Sign for certified e-signatures. The optional AI Assistant also provides quick contract summaries and insights, enhancing productivity on complex documents.
While Acrobat Pro delivers unmatched depth and cross-platform access on desktop, web, and mobile, the interface can feel overwhelming for users who need only basic markup or collaboration. Features are often buried behind menus, and the modular pricing structure means additional costs for Adobe Sign and AI tools. It also lacks optimized touch or pen support for fieldwork, making it less suited for fast, ink-based annotation compared to newer alternatives.
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
Wondershare PDFelement aims to deliver “pro-level power without Acrobat’s learning curve.” Its Word-style ribbon makes everyday jobs like editing text, converting to Word or Excel, or building forms feel familiar on Windows, macOS, and the web. The standout feature is an AI Sidebar that can summarise long contracts, translate passages, or rewrite wording in a click, helping solo professionals and small teams move through dense PDFs faster.
Beyond AI, PDFelement adds OCR, batch processing, page organisation, and 20 GB of cloud storage so files stay in sync across devices. Business tiers layer in SSO, role-based permissions, and volume discounts, giving IT teams a manageable deployment path without paying for an enterprise-wide Adobe stack.
Flexible licensing (annual, two-year, or lifetime desktop licences) keep upfront costs predictable, something subscription-only tools like Adobe or Nitro can’t match. However, like PDF-XChange, you’ll only get the current version of PDFelement with perpetual plans. If you want future versions, you’ll need a subscription or to re-purchase newer versions.
Trade-offs reflect its focus on single-user productivity rather than real-time teamwork. Mobile apps offer only basic annotation unless you buy a separate mobile licence, there is no live co-editing, and AI usage is capped by tokens. And, of course, extra credits cost extra. Users also note occasional lag on very large files.
Compared with PDF-XChange’s desktop precision or Drawboard PDF’s pen-accurate collaboration, PDFelement is strongest as a quick, AI-enhanced editor for individual workflows and analyzing robust PDFs quickly.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 823 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Based on 438 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 7 reviews
Tungsten (formerly Kofax) Power PDF is aimed at organisations that want to buy their editor outright and keep everything behind the firewall. Legal teams, finance departments, and public-sector IT groups value its one-time licences, Office-style ribbon interface, and on-prem deployment options that tick compliance boxes without monthly fees. A LAN-based “Collaborate” mode lets colleagues mark up the same file on a shared drive, and optional SignDoc blocks cover envelope-style e-signature needs without charging by user.
The Advanced and Business tiers add redaction, Bates numbering, PDF/A archiving, compare, and connections to Box, OneDrive, and SharePoint. A BYO-key AI Copilot in the Business edition lets companies run GPT-powered summarise/translate/Q-A inside Power PDF while keeping prompts in their own Azure or OpenAI tenant. Admins also get licence-server deployment, SSO, and SCIM provisioning for large roll-outs.
Power PDF’s limitations mirror PDF-XChange and other Windows-first desktop tools: real-time collaboration is LAN-only, mobile apps are view/annotate-only, and Mac users are stuck with the feature-lighter Standard edition. Updates and support are not included in the perpetual fee, and advanced OCR or full e-signature workflows require separate OmniPage or SignDoc purchases, similar to Adobe Acrobat. Plus, stylus input is basic, so pen-heavy reviews may feel clunky compared with Drawboard PDF.
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.3/5) – Based on 59 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 242 reviews
While every alternative has its pros and cons, Drawboard PDF stands out for users who value real-time sync, full device support, and a clean, intuitive interface without menu overload. With Drawboard PDF, you always have access to the latest features, never have to juggle file versions between devices, and can move effortlessly from Windows to Mac, iPad, Android, or web. For anyone tired of perpetual license hurdles, sync headaches, or confusing menus, Drawboard PDF makes PDF work feel easier and more up-to-date.
Experience an easier, more connected way to handle PDFs. Try Drawboard PDF’s free Basic plan today.
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.
