Comparison · PDF editors
Foxit PDF Editor vs Okular: which is better in 2026?
Foxit PDF Editor ranks higher in our list of PDF editors (#3 against #9, score 88.5 against 79.5).
- 88.5Editorial score79.5
- 2Platforms4
- NoFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Foxit PDF Editor if you want
Paid desktop PDF editing on Windows and Mac.
A paid desktop editor for Windows and macOS that edits text and pages in existing PDFs and handles signatures. Editing needs a paid license after the trial, unlike the free edition of PDF-XChange Editor.
Choose Okular if you want
Free annotation and signing on Linux.
A free, open-source viewer with annotation and signature checks on Linux, Windows, macOS and Android. It is mainly a viewer, so text and page editing are limited compared with the editors above.
The main differences
- Only Okular runs on Linux.
- Only Okular runs on Android.
- Okular is open source; Foxit PDF Editor is not.
- Okular can be used for free; Foxit PDF Editor requires payment.
Side by side
 Foxit PDF Editor |  Okular | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.5 | 79.5 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 11 | #9 of 11 |
| Price | PaidPaid, priced from $10.99 a month, with a free trial | Free and open sourceFree software under GPLv2 or later |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSWindows, macOS | LinuxWindowsmacOSAndroidLinux, Windows, macOS, Android |
| Made by | Foxit | KDE |
| Free plan | Free trial only | Free |
| Pricing model | Paid | Open source |
| Best for | Paid desktop PDF editing on Windows and Mac | Free annotation and signing on Linux |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Foxit PDF Editor vs Okular
- Is Foxit PDF Editor better than Okular?
- Foxit PDF Editor ranks higher in our list of PDF editors (#3 against #9, score 88.5 against 79.5). Foxit PDF Editor is best for: paid desktop PDF editing on Windows and Mac. Okular is best for: free annotation and signing on Linux.
- Which is cheaper, Foxit PDF Editor or Okular?
- Foxit PDF Editor: Paid, priced from $10.99 a month, with a free trial. Okular: Free software under GPLv2 or later.
- Do Foxit PDF Editor and Okular run on the same platforms?
- Foxit PDF Editor supports Windows, macOS. Okular supports Linux, Windows, macOS, Android.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.Read more about Foxit PDF Editor and Okular
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