Wondershare PDFelement has become a popular PDF solution thanks to its approachable design, focus on cutting-edge AI tools, and flexible pricing options. It covers the basics well, from editing and form filling to conversion and AI tools, and appeals to individuals and small businesses who need a solid all-rounder.
But as workflows become more specialized, mobile, or collaborative, PDFelement’s limitations can start to show. Some users want more value than their limited perpetual plan can offer, or greater control over real-time reviews. Others need better team licensing, richer integrations, or cross-device parity that scales with their work.
In this guide, we’ll break down six of the best PDFelement alternatives to consider in 2025.
Drawboard PDF sets itself apart by delivering a natural, pen-like experience across all your devices. But it’s far more than just a stylus app. Whether you're a contractor redlining drawings on-site, a teacher grading on a tablet, or a corporate reviewer consolidating feedback from multiple shareholders, Drawboard PDF makes markups feel intuitive and instant.
Drawboard PDF enables real-time syncing through Google Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud storage services, as well as its own Store + Share mode that lets you see collaborators’ annotations live on the same document. Where Wondershare PDFelement relies on sequential edits and cloud-sync workarounds, Drawboard PDF enables truly parallel collaboration. Multiple reviewers can mark up the same file simultaneously with full visibility into who changed what, and when, so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Beyond annotation, Drawboard PDF includes powerful tools for text review, form filling, page reordering, file exporting, and even full-document redaction. You can manage documents, mark up pages, convert files, and much more, all in one place.
Drawboard PDF also keeps things simple when it comes to plan structure. All paid tiers include regular updates, full feature access across platforms, and no version-lock limitations. And with multiple tiers to choose from, you never overpay for features you don’t need.
Overall, Drawboard PDF is a reliable, scalable alternative for any user or team who values collaboration, ease of use, and a seamless markup experience across every device.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 38 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.8/5) – Based on 8 reviews
“One of the best writing/drawing programs for writing and saving PDFs. Loaded with a ton of features in a quick access menu and bigger menu if needed.” — Sarah H., SourceForge review
“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
“App keeps getting better and better. So easy to use for reviewing my PDF documents and measuring up my floorplans.” — SourceForge user
Adobe Acrobat DC remains the industry’s go-to for secure, standards-compliant PDF workflows. It’s widely used in legal, government, and finance settings where redaction logs, certified signatures, and ISO PDF/A exports are non-negotiable. Built-in integrations with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and federated ID systems make it IT-friendly for enterprise deployment.
Adobe’s flagship PDF editor stands out for its depth: class-leading OCR, file comparison, Bates numbering, and advanced form scripting are all built in. It has a vast feature set, integrates flawlessly with Adobe Sign (at an additional cost), and provides exceptional security and compliance features you won’t find in most PDF editors, including PDFelement.
That said, Acrobat’s expansive capabilities come with an equally extravagant cost. Subscriptions to Acrobat Standard, the base-level plan, rival most other tools’ premium plans, and advanced eSign functionality with Adobe Sign can easily double the price. There’s no perpetual plan, and many common functions like redaction, measurement, and scanning documents into editable PDFs require the Pro plan. The app can also feel slow, dated, and dense, relying on a menu-based interface that’s most practical on desktop and ill-suited for mobile workflows.
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
Foxit PDF Editor is a capable all-in-one solution for teams that need powerful editing, signing, and security tools without the overhead of enterprise suites. Billed as “cheaper Adobe Acrobat,” it too offers comprehensive features, including full PDF editing, OCR, Smart Redact, form creation, and versatile platform support across desktop, web, and mobile (Editor+). Plus, admin features like license control, volume discounts, and 40+ integrations (OneDrive, SharePoint, Salesforce) make it a strong fit for regulated industries and mid-size IT teams.
Compared to Wondershare PDFelement, Foxit offers similar editing capabilities and mobile access, but stands out with more advanced admin tools and built-in eSign envelopes in its Editor+ tier. Both tools use sequential, comment-based collaboration rather than real-time editing, and while each includes AI tools, Foxit’s AI Assistant requires a paid add-on for full use instead of including credits within its standard plans.
Negatively, Foxit’s Office-based interface can feel dated, and it may struggle with larger files, especially on Mac, where it’s not a native app. It can also get expensive, with AI or advanced eSign needs requiring another subscription, and mobile support only being offered on the more expensive Editor+ plan.
PDF Editor: $129.99/year
Editor+: $159.99/year (adds eSign, mobile, cloud)
AI Add-on: $49.99/year (2,000 credits/mo)
eSign Essentials: $120/year (250 envelopes)
eSign Business: $300/year/user (unlimited)
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 3160 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 944 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 35 reviews
Nitro PDF is built for teams who prefer a familiar, Microsoft Office-style interface for managing PDFs. Its ribbon layout makes it easy to edit text, convert files, and add forms to your files and documents without much of a learning curve. With straightforward and repeatable workflows, it’s a comfortable fit for legal, finance, and administrative teams that manage high volumes of forms, contracts, and internal documentation.
Nitro offers both a one-time Pro license for Windows and subscription-based Standard and Plus plans for Windows, macOS, and iOS. The Pro license is perpetual, but, like PDFelement, only applies to the current version and doesn’t include major updates. Pro also lacks core features like self-signing, batch OCR, and integrations, limiting its use for organizations.
Signature workflows require a separate Nitro Sign subscription, which can quickly double the base cost. Compared to Wondershare PDFelement, Nitro provides stronger admin tools, batch automation, and form controls, but lacks real-time collaboration and broader mobile support. PDFelement offers full iOS and Android apps; Nitro is limited to iOS with no web editor.
For teams that prioritize desktop consistency and compliance tools over flexibility or mobility, Nitro delivers solid value. Just be aware of the hidden costs of the perpetual plan and eSign limitations.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 332 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 561 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 7 reviews
PDF Expert is designed for those who live and work inside the Apple ecosystem. It delivers fast performance, a clean layout, and syncing across all your Apple devices under one subscription. It’s especially popular among educators, consultants, and students who prefer local editing and simple pencil-friendly annotation without the overhead of a complex workspace.
Its core feature set covers the basics and then some: OCR in over 20 languages, simple in-document signing, form fill tools, and an AI Copilot that helps summarize and translate documents. You can start edits on your Mac and continue on your iPhone without juggling files, but collaboration is limited to file sharing, with no real-time markups or shared review features.
PDF Expert is also strictly Apple-only. There’s no Android, Windows, or web editor, which may be a dealbreaker for cross-platform teams. The $139.99 lifetime Mac license is appealing but excludes iOS/iPad access and future major updates. The $79.99/year subscription (first-year rate) covers all devices, though renewal costs rise.
For Apple users seeking a minimal, polished editor that just works, PDF Expert nails the essentials, but it’s not built for cross-device teams or formal workflows.
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 29 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 59 reviews
Xodo Pro is a cloud-friendly PDF editor aimed at users who want consistent access across all their devices without overcomplicating the workflow. With apps for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and web, it’s one of the most platform-flexible editors available (as long as you get the full Document Suite plan). This versatility makes it ideal for users and organizations who just want a lightweight, accessible PDF editor without too many bells and whistles.
The platform offers a few plans, each with increasing features and platform support. The Web plan enables basic editing, conversion, and file organization tools, along with basic AI querying within docs on the web app only. PDF Studio adds Windows, macOS, and Linux support, plus 30+ more features, including PDF and form creation, advanced OCR and redaction, and limited self-signing. The Document Suite combines them and adds iOS and Android support, while a separate Xodo Sign subscription through EverSign adds basic to advanced eSigning.
Compared to Wondershare PDFelement, Xodo focuses less on AI features and provides more plan versatility in favor of simplicity and lightweight tools. However, that also means that getting the same features on Xodo Pro as you get on PDFelement can cost you more. At the very least, you’ll want to invest in the full Document Suite to compete.
So while it's not a full enterprise or collaborative solution, anyone seeking reliable, lightweight editing across platforms, especially native Linux, can benefit from choosing Xodo Pro.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Based on 36 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Based on 58 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 7 reviews
If you're looking for a modern PDF editor that prioritizes ease of use, cross-device consistency, and real-time collaboration, Drawboard PDF is hard to beat. It delivers a smooth, pen-friendly experience across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web, making it easy to annotate, review, and share documents from anywhere.
While other tools focus on rigid workflows or layer key features behind expensive upgrades, Drawboard PDF keeps things simple. Its intuitive interface, best-in-class inking, and live collaboration make it especially valuable for teams in design, education, fieldwork, or anyone who works better with visual feedback and fast turnaround.
If you're ready for a PDF tool that feels natural and scales with your workflow, give Drawboard PDF a try. The Basic plan is free to get started.
Wondershare PDFelement has become a popular PDF solution thanks to its approachable design, focus on cutting-edge AI tools, and flexible pricing options. It covers the basics well, from editing and form filling to conversion and AI tools, and appeals to individuals and small businesses who need a solid all-rounder.
But as workflows become more specialized, mobile, or collaborative, PDFelement’s limitations can start to show. Some users want more value than their limited perpetual plan can offer, or greater control over real-time reviews. Others need better team licensing, richer integrations, or cross-device parity that scales with their work.
In this guide, we’ll break down six of the best PDFelement alternatives to consider in 2025.
Drawboard PDF sets itself apart by delivering a natural, pen-like experience across all your devices. But it’s far more than just a stylus app. Whether you're a contractor redlining drawings on-site, a teacher grading on a tablet, or a corporate reviewer consolidating feedback from multiple shareholders, Drawboard PDF makes markups feel intuitive and instant.
Drawboard PDF enables real-time syncing through Google Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud storage services, as well as its own Store + Share mode that lets you see collaborators’ annotations live on the same document. Where Wondershare PDFelement relies on sequential edits and cloud-sync workarounds, Drawboard PDF enables truly parallel collaboration. Multiple reviewers can mark up the same file simultaneously with full visibility into who changed what, and when, so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Beyond annotation, Drawboard PDF includes powerful tools for text review, form filling, page reordering, file exporting, and even full-document redaction. You can manage documents, mark up pages, convert files, and much more, all in one place.
Drawboard PDF also keeps things simple when it comes to plan structure. All paid tiers include regular updates, full feature access across platforms, and no version-lock limitations. And with multiple tiers to choose from, you never overpay for features you don’t need.
Overall, Drawboard PDF is a reliable, scalable alternative for any user or team who values collaboration, ease of use, and a seamless markup experience across every device.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 38 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★⯨ (4.8/5) – Based on 8 reviews
“One of the best writing/drawing programs for writing and saving PDFs. Loaded with a ton of features in a quick access menu and bigger menu if needed.” — Sarah H., SourceForge review
“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
“App keeps getting better and better. So easy to use for reviewing my PDF documents and measuring up my floorplans.” — SourceForge user
Adobe Acrobat DC remains the industry’s go-to for secure, standards-compliant PDF workflows. It’s widely used in legal, government, and finance settings where redaction logs, certified signatures, and ISO PDF/A exports are non-negotiable. Built-in integrations with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and federated ID systems make it IT-friendly for enterprise deployment.
Adobe’s flagship PDF editor stands out for its depth: class-leading OCR, file comparison, Bates numbering, and advanced form scripting are all built in. It has a vast feature set, integrates flawlessly with Adobe Sign (at an additional cost), and provides exceptional security and compliance features you won’t find in most PDF editors, including PDFelement.
That said, Acrobat’s expansive capabilities come with an equally extravagant cost. Subscriptions to Acrobat Standard, the base-level plan, rival most other tools’ premium plans, and advanced eSign functionality with Adobe Sign can easily double the price. There’s no perpetual plan, and many common functions like redaction, measurement, and scanning documents into editable PDFs require the Pro plan. The app can also feel slow, dated, and dense, relying on a menu-based interface that’s most practical on desktop and ill-suited for mobile workflows.
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
Foxit PDF Editor is a capable all-in-one solution for teams that need powerful editing, signing, and security tools without the overhead of enterprise suites. Billed as “cheaper Adobe Acrobat,” it too offers comprehensive features, including full PDF editing, OCR, Smart Redact, form creation, and versatile platform support across desktop, web, and mobile (Editor+). Plus, admin features like license control, volume discounts, and 40+ integrations (OneDrive, SharePoint, Salesforce) make it a strong fit for regulated industries and mid-size IT teams.
Compared to Wondershare PDFelement, Foxit offers similar editing capabilities and mobile access, but stands out with more advanced admin tools and built-in eSign envelopes in its Editor+ tier. Both tools use sequential, comment-based collaboration rather than real-time editing, and while each includes AI tools, Foxit’s AI Assistant requires a paid add-on for full use instead of including credits within its standard plans.
Negatively, Foxit’s Office-based interface can feel dated, and it may struggle with larger files, especially on Mac, where it’s not a native app. It can also get expensive, with AI or advanced eSign needs requiring another subscription, and mobile support only being offered on the more expensive Editor+ plan.
PDF Editor: $129.99/year
Editor+: $159.99/year (adds eSign, mobile, cloud)
AI Add-on: $49.99/year (2,000 credits/mo)
eSign Essentials: $120/year (250 envelopes)
eSign Business: $300/year/user (unlimited)
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 3160 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 944 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 35 reviews
Nitro PDF is built for teams who prefer a familiar, Microsoft Office-style interface for managing PDFs. Its ribbon layout makes it easy to edit text, convert files, and add forms to your files and documents without much of a learning curve. With straightforward and repeatable workflows, it’s a comfortable fit for legal, finance, and administrative teams that manage high volumes of forms, contracts, and internal documentation.
Nitro offers both a one-time Pro license for Windows and subscription-based Standard and Plus plans for Windows, macOS, and iOS. The Pro license is perpetual, but, like PDFelement, only applies to the current version and doesn’t include major updates. Pro also lacks core features like self-signing, batch OCR, and integrations, limiting its use for organizations.
Signature workflows require a separate Nitro Sign subscription, which can quickly double the base cost. Compared to Wondershare PDFelement, Nitro provides stronger admin tools, batch automation, and form controls, but lacks real-time collaboration and broader mobile support. PDFelement offers full iOS and Android apps; Nitro is limited to iOS with no web editor.
For teams that prioritize desktop consistency and compliance tools over flexibility or mobility, Nitro delivers solid value. Just be aware of the hidden costs of the perpetual plan and eSign limitations.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 332 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – Based on 561 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 7 reviews
PDF Expert is designed for those who live and work inside the Apple ecosystem. It delivers fast performance, a clean layout, and syncing across all your Apple devices under one subscription. It’s especially popular among educators, consultants, and students who prefer local editing and simple pencil-friendly annotation without the overhead of a complex workspace.
Its core feature set covers the basics and then some: OCR in over 20 languages, simple in-document signing, form fill tools, and an AI Copilot that helps summarize and translate documents. You can start edits on your Mac and continue on your iPhone without juggling files, but collaboration is limited to file sharing, with no real-time markups or shared review features.
PDF Expert is also strictly Apple-only. There’s no Android, Windows, or web editor, which may be a dealbreaker for cross-platform teams. The $139.99 lifetime Mac license is appealing but excludes iOS/iPad access and future major updates. The $79.99/year subscription (first-year rate) covers all devices, though renewal costs rise.
For Apple users seeking a minimal, polished editor that just works, PDF Expert nails the essentials, but it’s not built for cross-device teams or formal workflows.
G2: ★★★★⯨ (4.7/5) – Based on 29 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Based on 59 reviews
Xodo Pro is a cloud-friendly PDF editor aimed at users who want consistent access across all their devices without overcomplicating the workflow. With apps for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and web, it’s one of the most platform-flexible editors available (as long as you get the full Document Suite plan). This versatility makes it ideal for users and organizations who just want a lightweight, accessible PDF editor without too many bells and whistles.
The platform offers a few plans, each with increasing features and platform support. The Web plan enables basic editing, conversion, and file organization tools, along with basic AI querying within docs on the web app only. PDF Studio adds Windows, macOS, and Linux support, plus 30+ more features, including PDF and form creation, advanced OCR and redaction, and limited self-signing. The Document Suite combines them and adds iOS and Android support, while a separate Xodo Sign subscription through EverSign adds basic to advanced eSigning.
Compared to Wondershare PDFelement, Xodo focuses less on AI features and provides more plan versatility in favor of simplicity and lightweight tools. However, that also means that getting the same features on Xodo Pro as you get on PDFelement can cost you more. At the very least, you’ll want to invest in the full Document Suite to compete.
So while it's not a full enterprise or collaborative solution, anyone seeking reliable, lightweight editing across platforms, especially native Linux, can benefit from choosing Xodo Pro.
G2: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Based on 36 reviews
Capterra: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Based on 58 reviews
Gartner: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) – Based on 7 reviews
If you're looking for a modern PDF editor that prioritizes ease of use, cross-device consistency, and real-time collaboration, Drawboard PDF is hard to beat. It delivers a smooth, pen-friendly experience across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web, making it easy to annotate, review, and share documents from anywhere.
While other tools focus on rigid workflows or layer key features behind expensive upgrades, Drawboard PDF keeps things simple. Its intuitive interface, best-in-class inking, and live collaboration make it especially valuable for teams in design, education, fieldwork, or anyone who works better with visual feedback and fast turnaround.
If you're ready for a PDF tool that feels natural and scales with your workflow, give Drawboard PDF a try. The Basic plan is free to get started.
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.
