How to pick a PDF reader for study
Think of a PDF reader like a backpack for your notes. You want something light, with pockets for highlighters, and easy to unzip between classes. In a previous post about Top Free PDF Viewers for Windows in 2026: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Free PDF Readers, I explained this in more detail.
Prioritize annotation tools if you like highlighting and margin notes.
Look for search and bookmarks so you can jump to key sections fast.
Choose cross-platform sync if you switch between phone, tablet, and laptop.
Consider performance - some apps feel sluggish with big textbooks.
Top free PDF readers for desktop
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC - reliable and full-featured
Adobe Reader is the household name for PDFs.
It has solid annotation tools, form filling, and basic commenting features.
Search works well and it supports most PDF standards.
It can feel a bit heavy on older laptops, and some advanced features require paid upgrades.
Foxit Reader - fast and feature-rich
Foxit gives you quick performance and lots of annotation choices.
It supports collaboration, shared reviews, and multiple document tabs.
Foxit is a good middle ground if you want more than Adobe without the size hit.
PDF-XChange Editor - power tools for annotators
PDF-XChange Editor packs a lot into the free version.
It has advanced markup, OCR on images, and a compact installer.
Some exported items may add a small watermark unless you pay, so watch for that.
SumatraPDF - the minimal speed demon
SumatraPDF is extremely lightweight and opens files instantly.
It focuses on reading, so annotation and editing features are minimal.
Perfect if you want something fast for reading long PDFs without distractions.
Microsoft Edge - built-in and surprisingly useful
If you use Windows, Edge already opens PDFs with solid basics.
It has highlighting, ink annotations, and reading view on several devices.
No advanced editing, but great for quick reading and lightweight annotation.
Okular and Evince - good free options on Linux
Linux users have strong native choices in Okular and Evince.
Both offer annotations, bookmarks, and decent performance.
Okular adds more features like review and annotations that stick to files.
Top free PDF readers for mobile and tablets
Xodo - excellent on phones and tablets
Xodo combines fast performance with powerful annotation and syncing.
It supports real-time collaboration, pen input, and integrates with cloud drives.
Xodo works great for tablets if you use a stylus to take handwritten notes.
Adobe Acrobat Reader mobile - dependable and familiar
The mobile Adobe app mirrors many desktop features.
It handles annotations, fills forms, and syncs with Adobe Document Cloud.
It can be heavier than simpler mobile readers, but it is widely supported.
Foxit MobilePDF - full-featured on mobile
Foxit’s mobile app keeps annotation tools and multi-tab browsing.
It also supports connected cloud accounts and security features.
Good choice for students who need desktop-style tools on a phone or tablet.
Google Drive PDF viewer and Google PDF Viewer
Google Drive opens PDFs easily and lets you annotate with Drive comments.
The viewer is simple and fast, and great if your class materials live in Drive.
For basic reading and saving back to cloud, it does the job with zero setup.
Apple Books and Apple Files
On iPhone and iPad, Apple Books can store and read PDFs in a simple library view.
Apple Files includes basic annotation tools that work well with Apple Pencil.
These apps are useful if you stay inside the Apple ecosystem.
Quick comparison table
| App | Platform | Annotations | Cloud Sync | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Acrobat Reader | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes - highlights, comments, ink | Yes - Adobe Cloud and others | Reliable compatibility |
| Foxit Reader / MobilePDF | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Yes - advanced markup | Yes - multiple cloud drives | Feature-rich, fast |
| PDF-XChange Editor | Windows | Yes - advanced tools, OCR | Limited built-in | Power users and annotators |
| SumatraPDF | Windows | Minimal | No | Speed and simplicity |
| Xodo | iOS, Android, Web | Yes - ink, text, collaboration | Yes - Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive | Tablet note-taking and collaboration |
| Microsoft Edge | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Basic - highlights, ink | Yes - OneDrive | Quick reading and basic annotation |
How to use a PDF reader for studying
Highlight strategically - mark only the most important sentences.
Use different colors for themes, such as definitions, examples, and formulas.
Create bookmarks for chapters or frequently referenced pages.
Make a table of contents or use the reader's built-in outline feature.
Extract or print only key pages to make quick study packets.
Use text-to-speech when you want to review while doing chores.
On a tablet, try handwriting notes directly on the PDF with a stylus.
Sync annotated files to cloud storage to keep versions safe across devices.
Study workflows that actually save time
Weekly review - save highlights and comments from all readings into one summary document.
Flashcard flow - copy definitions into a flashcard app after you highlight them.
Group-sharing - use Xodo or Drive to share annotated PDFs for group study.
Split readings into chunks, and mark completion with a bookmark or tag.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Don’t let annotations pile up without organizing them - use folders or tags.
Watch file size when you add lots of ink or images - large files slow some apps.
Cloud sync can cause conflicts if multiple people edit the same file at once.
Some free apps add watermarks for premium features, so check exports before turning in work.
Which reader should you pick?
Best for heavy annotation and collaboration - Xodo on tablet or Foxit on desktop.
Best for compatibility and forms - Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Best for speed and minimalism - SumatraPDF or the built-in Edge viewer.
Best for advanced editing on Windows - PDF-XChange Editor.
Best if you live in Google or Apple ecosystems - Google Drive viewer or Apple Books.
Final tips and next steps
Try two apps - one lightweight for reading and one powerful for annotating.
Test a sample textbook and try exporting an annotated copy to see how it holds up.
Keep a backup of original files before you start heavy editing.
If you want, tell me what device you use and how you study, and I will suggest the exact setup and shortcuts to save you time. If you're interested, I also wrote a guide on Unlocking Knowledge: How to Read Scribd Books Using a Free Trial - Tips and Tricks.