PDF annotators are a popular tool for adding notes, highlights, and other annotations to PDF documents. While there are many great PDF annotators on the market, there are also several alternatives and competitors available in 2024 that offer unique features and capabilities. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 best PDF annotator alternatives and competitors.

1. Adobe Acrobat DC

Adobe Acrobat DC is a powerful PDF annotator that offers a range of features, including the ability to add comments, highlights, and other annotations to PDF documents. It also offers the ability to edit PDFs and convert them to other formats. Adobe Acrobat DC's comprehensive feature set makes it a strong alternative to other PDF annotators.

Pros: Comprehensive feature set, ability to edit and convert PDFs.

Reading more:

Cons: Expensive subscription model.

2. Foxit PhantomPDF

Foxit PhantomPDF is a PDF editor and annotator that offers a range of features, including the ability to add comments, highlights, and other annotations to PDF documents. It also offers the ability to create PDFs and convert them to other formats. Foxit PhantomPDF's user-friendly interface and affordable pricing make it a strong competitor to Adobe Acrobat DC.

Pros: User-friendly interface, affordable pricing.

Cons: Limited advanced editing features.

3. Nitro Pro (formerly Nitro PDF)

Nitro Pro is a PDF editor and annotator that offers a range of features, including the ability to add comments, highlights, and other annotations to PDF documents. It also offers the ability to create PDFs and convert them to other formats. Nitro Pro's focus on collaboration and cloud-based storage make it a strong alternative to other PDF annotators.

Pros: Collaboration features, cloud-based storage.

Cons: Customer support could be improved.

4. PDF Expert

PDF Expert is a PDF annotator and editor that offers a range of features, including the ability to add comments, highlights, and other annotations to PDF documents. It also offers the ability to fill out forms and sign documents. PDF Expert's intuitive interface and Mac-specific features make it a strong alternative to other PDF annotators.

Pros: Intuitive interface, Mac-specific features.

Cons: Limited advanced editing features.

Reading more:

5. PDF-XChange Editor

PDF-XChange Editor is a PDF editor and annotator that offers a range of features, including the ability to add comments, highlights, and other annotations to PDF documents. It also offers the ability to edit and convert PDFs. PDF-XChange Editor's focus on customization and advanced editing features make it a strong competitor to other PDF annotators.

Pros: Customization options, advanced editing features.

Cons: Interface can be overwhelming for new users.

6. Sumatra PDF

Sumatra PDF is a lightweight PDF viewer and annotator that offers a range of features, including the ability to add comments and highlights to PDF documents. It also offers the ability to search and navigate PDFs. Sumatra PDF's lightweight design and open-source nature make it a strong alternative to other PDF annotators.

Pros: Lightweight design, open-source nature.

Cons: Limited annotation features.

7. PDFsam Basic

PDFsam Basic is a PDF editor and annotator that offers a range of features, including the ability to merge and split PDFs, as well as add comments and highlights. It also offers the ability to encrypt and decrypt PDFs. PDFsam Basic's focus on simplicity and basic PDF editing features make it a strong alternative to other PDF annotators.

Pros: Simplicity, basic editing features.

Cons: Limited advanced editing features.

8. Inkscape

Inkscape is a vector graphics editor that can be used to annotate PDF documents. It offers a range of features, including the ability to add text, shapes, and other annotations to PDFs. Inkscape's focus on vector graphics and design make it a unique alternative to other PDF annotators.

Reading more:

Pros: Vector graphics features, design capabilities.

Cons: Limited PDF annotation features.

9. LibreOffice

LibreOffice is an open-source office suite that includes a PDF annotator. It offers a range of features, including the ability to add comments, highlights, and other annotations to PDF documents. LibreOffice's open-source nature and free availability make it a strong alternative to other PDF annotators.

Pros: Open-source nature, free availability.

Cons: Limited advanced editing features.

10. Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is a web browser that includes a PDF annotator. It offers a range of features, including the ability to add comments, highlights, and other annotations to PDF documents. Microsoft Edge's integration with Office 365 and other Microsoft services make it a strong competitor to other PDF annotators.

Pros: Integration with Microsoft services, ease of use.

Cons: Limited advanced editing features.

In conclusion, while there are many great PDF annotators available on the market, there are also several alternatives and competitors available in 2024. From Adobe Acrobat DC's comprehensive feature set to Sumatra PDF's lightweight design, these top 10 alternatives offer a range of options for adding notes, highlights, and other annotations to PDF documents. Consider your specific needs and requirements when exploring these alternatives to find the best PDF annotator for your workflow.