# Adobe Acrobat Reader vs Adobe Acrobat: Features and Cost Comparison 2026 | Capterra

> Adobe Acrobat Reader vs Adobe Acrobat: Which pdf tool is right for you? Dive into our detailed comparison of their features, costs, and user experience to make your decision.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/compare/170833-251329/Acrobat-Reader-DC-vs-Adobe-Acrobat-DC

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# Adobe Acrobat Reader vs Adobe Acrobat Features and Cost Comparison

Last updated March 27th, 2026

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews  
moderated by our Reviews Verification team.[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/)

Your comparison:

Adobe AcrobatAdobe Acrobat Reader2/4 selected

[Adobe Acrobat Reader](https://www.capterra.com/p/170833/Acrobat-Reader-DC/)[4.6 (10525)](https://www.capterra.com/p/170833/Acrobat-Reader-DC/reviews/)

[Adobe Acrobat](https://www.capterra.com/p/251329/Adobe-Acrobat-DC/)[4.7 (4165)](https://www.capterra.com/p/251329/Adobe-Acrobat-DC/reviews/)

[## Adobe Acrobat Reader](https://www.capterra.com/p/170833/Acrobat-Reader-DC/)[4.6 (10525)](https://www.capterra.com/p/170833/Acrobat-Reader-DC/reviews/)

[## Adobe Acrobat](https://www.capterra.com/p/251329/Adobe-Acrobat-DC/)[4.7 (4165)](https://www.capterra.com/p/251329/Adobe-Acrobat-DC/reviews/)

Starting Price

$1.95/month

Starting Price

$1.95/month

Value-for-Money

4.4

Functionality

4.4

Ease of Use

4.5

Customer Service

4.3

Starting Price

$19.99/month

Starting Price

$19.99/month

Value-for-Money

4.3

Functionality

4.6

Ease of Use

4.6

Customer Service

4.3

Reviews Sentiment

Based on [10,525 reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/170833/Acrobat-Reader-DC/reviews/)

Positive

10,012

Neutral

449

Negative

64

Positive

10,012

Neutral

449

Negative

64

Reviews Sentiment

Based on [4,165 reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/251329/Adobe-Acrobat-DC/reviews/)

Positive

3,993

Neutral

141

Negative

31

Positive

3,993

Neutral

141

Negative

31

Best for (according to reviews)

-   **Business size**: Small businesses account for 6343 reviews, representing 60% of feedback, showing widespread use among smaller organizations.
-   **Industry**: Information technology, education management, and computer software together contribute 17% of reviews, indicating adoption across tech and education sectors.
-   **Use cases**: PDF handling dominates with 96% of reviews, while OCR is mentioned in 1%, highlighting a focus on document viewing and management.

Best for (according to reviews)

-   **Business size**: Small businesses account for 67% of reviews (2,728), demonstrating broad uptake among this segment compared to enterprises and midsize businesses.
-   **Industry**: Information technology, education management, and computer software collectively represent 14% of reviews, indicating diverse adoption across professional and academic sectors.
-   **Use cases**: PDF handling (47%), digital signatures (47%), and document management (34%) are frequently cited, highlighting strengths in secure document workflows.

## Reviewer verdict

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Reviewers find Adobe Acrobat Reader best for reliable and efficient PDF viewing, basic annotation, and simple document conversions, especially when using the free version. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, cross-platform compatibility, and integration with Google Drive, saying it covers essential PDF tasks for both personal and professional use. However, they note that advanced editing and conversion features require a paid upgrade, which some consider expensive for occasional needs.

Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat users value it for comprehensive PDF editing, advanced conversion capabilities, and robust document management, citing its usefulness for frequent or professional workflows. Reviewers highlight its seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Google Drive, which they say streamlines collaboration and document handling. While they find the suite of tools justifies the cost for power users, some mention the subscription model and device compatibility as drawbacks for those with simpler requirements.

## Features comparison

In the pdf market, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Acrobat both offer a range of features, and comparing them goes beyond just looking at price. Understanding which functionalities align with your specific requirements can help maximize value and eliminate unnecessary spending. Below is a breakdown of the most critical aspects to consider. \[[1](#source-item-1)\]

Key features rated by users

Features selected based on 23,860 reviews from PDF users.  
about the Fit Score methodology.

Fit Score methodology

To calculate the Fit Score, our proprietary methodology factors in the following:

  

-   The importance level for each feature. By default, this is determined by user reviews. They can rate a feature Critical, High, Low, or Not Used.
-   Feedback from real users on how the product performs for each key feature, derived from verified user reviews and ratings.

  

Please note:

  

-   To calculate the Fit Score, the number of reviews for those features and the actual rating carry the same weight. You might see that, in some cases, even though the ratings are the same, we still determine a winner because it had more reviews.
-   If the Fit Score is not shown for a specific product, that only means there are currently not enough relevant data points to develop a meaningful score. It does not indicate that the product should be excluded from further evaluation.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

91%Fit

Feature ratings

PDF Reader

4.7

Convert to PDF

4.6

PDF Conversion

4.4

Text Editing

4.3

Adobe Acrobat

100%Fit

High performer

Feature ratings

PDF Reader

4.8

Convert to PDF

4.7

PDF Conversion

4.6

Text Editing

4.4

PDF Reader

4.7 (838)

4.8 (1052)

Reviewers appreciate Adobe Acrobat Reader for its reliable and fast performance in opening and viewing PDF files. They value its user-friendly interface, the ability to zoom, search, and annotate documents, and its compatibility with various devices. Users highlight its essential role in daily tasks, especially in professional settings. However, some users mention occasional issues with launching PDFs and limited editing options. Meanwhile, Adobe Acrobat users also find the PDF reader feature crucial, noting its robust annotation tools and the ability to handle large files. They appreciate its smooth rendering and the option to convert PDFs to other formats. Some users, however, report occasional slowdowns with large files. Overall, users find Adobe Acrobat Reader efficient for basic PDF viewing, while they value Adobe Acrobat for its advanced annotation and conversion capabilities.

Convert to PDF

4.6 (856)

4.7 (1681)

Users find Adobe Acrobat Reader's 'Convert to PDF' feature useful for transforming various file formats into PDFs, ensuring compatibility and professional formatting. They appreciate its ease of use and the ability to convert documents quickly. However, some users mention that this feature is limited in the free version and requires the paid version for full functionality. On the other hand, Adobe Acrobat users highly value the 'Convert to PDF' feature for its efficiency and accuracy. They highlight its ability to preserve formatting and security, and its integration with other workflows. Users also appreciate the quick conversion process and the ability to convert a wide range of file types. Overall, users find Adobe Acrobat Reader's conversion feature helpful but limited, while they appreciate Adobe Acrobat's comprehensive and efficient conversion capabilities.

PDF Conversion

4.4 (698)

4.6 (798)

Reviewers find Adobe Acrobat Reader's PDF conversion feature essential for converting various file formats into PDFs and vice versa. They appreciate its ease of use and the ability to handle multiple files at once. However, some users mention that this feature is limited to the paid version. Adobe Acrobat users, on the other hand, value the flexibility of converting PDFs to other formats and vice versa. They highlight its ability to preserve formatting and the convenience of converting documents quickly. Users also appreciate the wide range of supported file types and the integration with other applications. Overall, users find Adobe Acrobat Reader's PDF conversion feature useful but limited, while they value Adobe Acrobat's comprehensive and flexible conversion capabilities.

Text Editing

4.3 (776)

4.4 (1313)

Users appreciate Adobe Acrobat Reader's text editing feature for making quick adjustments to PDF documents. They find it useful for correcting typos and updating information without needing the original file. However, some users mention that this feature is limited in the free version and requires the paid version for full functionality. Adobe Acrobat users, on the other hand, highly value the text editing feature for its versatility and precision. They appreciate the ability to edit, format, and manipulate text seamlessly. Users also highlight the intuitive interface and the ability to handle complex documents. Overall, users find Adobe Acrobat Reader's text editing feature helpful for basic adjustments, while they value Adobe Acrobat's comprehensive and precise text editing capabilities.

## Pricing comparison

### Starting prices

Adobe Acrobat Reader

$1.95

(Per Month)

Free Trial

Free Version

Adobe Acrobat

$19.99

Per User

(Per Month)

Free Trial

Free Version

[View pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/251329/Adobe-Acrobat-DC/pricing/)

### Value-for-money analysis

4.4 (10525)

4.3 (4165)

An exploration of what reviewers say about both Adobe Acrobat Reader's and Adobe Acrobat's value for money finds that Adobe Acrobat Reader reviewers see it as a powerful and polished PDF tool with a good balance of usability, functionality, and security, while Adobe Acrobat reviewers comment on its comprehensive suite of tools and high productivity features. Reviewers find Adobe Acrobat Reader to be a dependable tool for handling PDF documents, with the free version covering basic needs and the Pro version unlocking advanced capabilities. They appreciate the availability of a free version, though some feel the premium features are costly. Users note that the free version is sufficient for basic tasks, but advanced features require a paid subscription, which some find expensive. When it comes to Adobe Acrobat, reviewers appreciate its extensive functionalities and the efficiency it brings to document management. They find the free version useful for basic tasks, while the paid versions offer a comprehensive suite of tools that justify the price for frequent users. However, some users mention that the subscription model can be costly and complex, and the high price may be prohibitive for small businesses or individuals who do not need all the advanced features.

## Integrations

Popular Integrations

Compare available integrations between Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Acrobat.

### Microsoft SharePoint

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat

### OneDrive

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat

### Google Drive

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat

### Dropbox Business

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat

### Microsoft Word

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat

### Box

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat

### Google Chrome

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat

### Microsoft Edge

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat

Total Integrations

6

Google Drive

Reviewers report that they use Google Drive to store, share, and access PDF files from Adobe Acrobat Reader, citing that it ensures easy access and backup of important documents.

Adobe Acrobat Reader Integrations (6)

-   [Box](https://www.capterra.com/p/148766/Box/)
-   [Dropbox Business](https://www.capterra.com/p/143068/Dropbox-Business/)
-   [Google Drive](https://www.capterra.com/p/161425/Drive/)
-   [Microsoft SharePoint](https://www.capterra.com/p/1167/SharePoint/)
-   [Microsoft Word](https://www.capterra.com/p/227146/Microsoft-Word/)
-   [OneDrive](https://www.capterra.com/p/161304/OneDrive/)

Total Integrations

17

Microsoft 365

Reviewers state that Adobe Acrobat integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, which they note allows for easy conversion of documents between formats, digital signing, and efficient document management.

Google Drive

Users mention that Adobe Acrobat and Google Drive integration facilitates efficient storage, sharing, and editing of PDF documents, saying that it enhances document accessibility and collaboration from anywhere.

Adobe Acrobat Integrations (17)

-   [Adobe Acrobat Reader](https://www.capterra.com/p/170833/Acrobat-Reader-DC/)
-   [Adobe Creative Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/48969/Adobe-Creative-Cloud/)
-   [Adobe Illustrator](https://www.capterra.com/p/227125/Adobe-Illustrator/)
-   [Adobe InDesign](https://www.capterra.com/p/233314/Adobe-InDesign/)
-   [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/)
-   [Dropbox Business](https://www.capterra.com/p/143068/Dropbox-Business/)
-   [Google Chrome](https://www.capterra.com/p/228985/Chrome/)
-   [Google Docs](https://www.capterra.com/p/160756/Google-Docs/)
-   [Google Drive](https://www.capterra.com/p/161425/Drive/)
-   [Microsoft 365](https://www.capterra.com/p/227157/Microsoft-365/)
-   [Microsoft Edge](https://www.capterra.com/p/229037/Microsoft-Edge/)
-   [Microsoft Excel](https://www.capterra.com/p/176574/Excel/)
-   [Microsoft Outlook](https://www.capterra.com/p/227138/Microsoft-Outlook/)
-   [Microsoft PowerPoint](https://www.capterra.com/p/141633/PowerPoint/)
-   [Microsoft SharePoint](https://www.capterra.com/p/1167/SharePoint/)
-   [Microsoft Word](https://www.capterra.com/p/227146/Microsoft-Word/)
-   [OneDrive](https://www.capterra.com/p/161304/OneDrive/)

For each product, we show you the most common integrations according to our user reviews and analyze themes in what reviewers say to highlight what you need to know.

## How does the user experience compare on Adobe Acrobat Reader vs Adobe Acrobat?

### Overall rating

4.6 (10525)

4.7 (4165)

### User interface

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat

### Customer service and support

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Email/Help Desk

FAQs/Forum

Knowledge Base

Phone Support

24/7 (Live rep)

Chat

Adobe Acrobat

Email/Help Desk

FAQs/Forum

Knowledge Base

Phone Support

24/7 (Live rep)

Chat

## What users say about the pros and cons of Adobe Acrobat Reader vs Adobe Acrobat

When it comes to pdf tools, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Acrobat are two options that have been reviewed on Capterra by verified reviewers. Explore the experiences our reviewers have shared about Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Acrobat to see how they stack up against one another and pick the one that would best fit your needs. Users appreciate Adobe Acrobat Reader for its reliable PDF management, noting its ability to handle large files, convert PDFs to other formats, and integrate with other Adobe products. They also value its document editing features, highlighting the intuitive interface and cross-platform synchronization. Additionally, reviewers praise its document signing capabilities, citing the ease of sending and receiving signed documents. Meanwhile, Adobe Acrobat users find its comprehensive PDF editing tools highly useful, mentioning the ability to create, edit, and manage PDFs efficiently. They also commend its document signature and digital signature features, indicating that they save time and enhance workflow. When it comes to cons, Adobe Acrobat Reader users frequently mention the high pricing and limited functionalities in the free version. They also note issues with file management and versioning. On the other hand, Adobe Acrobat users point out the expensive subscription model and device compatibility issues. They also report occasional problems with file management. \[[2](#source-item-2)\]

Pros

Adobe Acrobat Reader

JR

Julie R

Patient Care CoordinatorMedical Devices, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years.

“Adobe acrobat reader helps me keep my medical forms accessible and editable for customizing to our patients.“

November 18, 2025

PS

Parker S

Accounts and Operations SpecialistConstruction, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months.

“The way we can convert files, easily use this program, and share and upload docs with colleagues or friends makes this app so easy to work with and so nice to have to luxury of ease and simplicity with the access to do pretty much about anything within a pdf.“

November 24, 2025

Adobe Acrobat

LH

LACRETIA H

MANAGERAutomotive, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“It’s a powerful tool that supports my business operations, especially when it comes to contracts, invoices, and document organization. While there are minor performance issues and the cost could be more competitive, the value it provides in efficiency and professionalism makes it worth it.“

March 22, 2026

Tom L

Sales and Marketing ManagerFood & Beverages, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“The organize and edit pages feature allows us to quickly add a file in and save it to the full PDF.“

February 6, 2026

Cons

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Ann B

Public Information SupervisorHealth, Wellness and Fitness, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“I currently dislike the feature of opening photos as a PDF, which requires me to use my Adobe subscription to export the created PDF as a jpeg file when it started out as an image file. “

February 23, 2026

YD

Yanatha D

ConsultantEntertainment, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“The only challenge I have with Adobe Reader is that they it's difficult to edit a pdf document unless if you have another application“

November 20, 2025

Adobe Acrobat

TD

Tiffany D

Practice ManagerVeterinary, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years.

“I've literally had one of their managers yell at me. When there was an issue with our account, they duplicated our account and charged for both for several months. When trying to address that and get a refund, their answer was to shut down the account that had ALL of our signed forms in it then refuse to refund anything more than giving the next 3 months at no charge AND we had to set up an entirely new account after being yelled at.“

October 16, 2025

MW

Marissa W

Senior Account ExecutiveComputer Software, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years.

“When editing PDFs for signature, it can sometimes be a little tricky to customize especially drop down menus and personalized data that are different than typical signer information.“

January 30, 2026

* * *

Sources

1.  Our research team identified features from vendor websites based on their analysis of what users find valuable or expect from pdf software. This list is not exhaustive. For additional features, refer to the vendor’s website.
    
2.  Review excerpts are passages extracted from longer reviews written by verified reviewers. We obtain these excerpts by applying an algorithm that considers factors including, but not limited to, length, topic coverage, and thematic relevance. Excerpts are evaluated for positive or negative sentiment and receive a sentiment score. They represent user opinion and do not represent the views of, nor constitute, an endorsement by Capterra or its affiliates. Excerpts are not edited for clarity or grammar.
    

* * *

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