Comparison · PDF editors
Adobe Acrobat vs PDF-XChange Editor: which is better in 2026?
Adobe Acrobat ranks higher in our list of PDF editors (#1 against #2, score 90.5 against 89.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 90.5Editorial score89.5
- 5Platforms1
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Adobe Acrobat if you want
Complete PDF editing with the widest compatibility.
The reference implementation: the most complete editing, conversion, redaction and signing tools, with apps on every platform. It is subscription-only for editing, so it costs more than PDF-XChange or Foxit.
Choose PDF-XChange Editor if you want
Free PDF editing on Windows.
A free Windows PDF editor with annotation and conversion from Word, RTF and Markdown, and a Plus edition with more features. It is built for Windows, so Mac and Linux users need another tool.
The main differences
- Only Adobe Acrobat runs on macOS.
- Only Adobe Acrobat runs on iOS.
- Only Adobe Acrobat runs on Android.
- Only Adobe Acrobat runs on Web.
Side by side
 Adobe Acrobat |  PDF-XChange Editor | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 90.5 | 89.5 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 7 | #2 of 7 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree Acrobat Reader; paid subscriptions add editing, conversion and signatures | Free plan, paid upgradesFree edition; paid Plus edition with perpetual license option |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSiOSAndroidWebWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web | WindowsWindows |
| Made by | Adobe | PDF-XChange Co Ltd |
| Free plan | Free Reader for viewing and commenting | Free edition |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Complete PDF editing with the widest compatibility | Free PDF editing on Windows |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Adobe Acrobat vs PDF-XChange Editor
- Is Adobe Acrobat better than PDF-XChange Editor?
- Adobe Acrobat ranks higher in our list of PDF editors (#1 against #2, score 90.5 against 89.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Adobe Acrobat is best for: complete PDF editing with the widest compatibility. PDF-XChange Editor is best for: free PDF editing on Windows.
- Which is cheaper, Adobe Acrobat or PDF-XChange Editor?
- Adobe Acrobat: Free Acrobat Reader; paid subscriptions add editing, conversion and signatures. PDF-XChange Editor: Free edition; paid Plus edition with perpetual license option.
- Do Adobe Acrobat and PDF-XChange Editor run on the same platforms?
- Adobe Acrobat supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web. PDF-XChange Editor supports Windows.