Apps to open and read PDFs on Android have always been a pain in the neck. Generally speaking, there are two main use cases for PDF files. The first is for companies, with which they can create forms in PDF format and ask people to fill them out. The second is for e-book reading. PDF is an easily accessible file that works well for reading.
Usually, PDF reading apps only satisfy one of these two use cases, and in this list we have compiled a selection of the best free PDF readers on Android for both. You can also check out the best apps to open and read PDF on PC by clicking here!
The best apps to open Android PDFs
There are two dominant types of Android PDF apps. The first is for business and professional use. They allow you to do things like open PDF with Android, fill it out if it's a form, sign your name, annotate, and other similar features.
They are very useful for professionals, students or anyone who fills out forms and sends them back via email or otherwise online. Some typical examples of this include Adobe Acrobat Reader and DocuSign. Some Android PDF apps, such as CamScanner, add elements like document scanning and fax capabilities for additional functionality and usability.
The other type of PDF reader is for recreational use. Many people format ebooks in PDF format. An Android PDF reader for books includes features such as support for chapters, a reading mode, various scrolling modes, and other similar functions.
Apps on this list include EBookDroid, Google Play Books, and Moon + Reader. These apps almost always support other types of ebooks as well. This list contains PDF reading apps for both types.
There is also a third type. The all-in-one style apps include PDF support along with other features. For example, CamScanner and Fast Scanner are actually document scanning apps with built-in Android PDF reader functionality.
These apps are perfect for killing two birds with one stone and are also excellent for people who don't want a ton of apps but want all the features bundled into one.
1.Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader is the default choice for many people. Most of the time it works. Acrobat Reader for Android also has other features, including the ability to annotate and take notes on PDFs, fill out forms, support for cloud storage, and signing.
Support for 18: 9 displays along with other aspect ratios. This is obviously more for business or professional use than for reading PDF books or something, so we only recommend it for that use case.
2 CamScanner
CamScanner is one of the most powerful PDF readers and creators. Can import PDF. This is just the tip of the iceberg. It can also scan physical documents into PDF files on your phone. It has a variety of features to enhance the scanning process which helps make some documents clean and crisp.
You can annotate PDFs, share them with anyone, or even fax them for a nominal fee. The paid route offers additional features like 10GB of cloud space, some editing features, and more. The free version does the simplest things very well.
3. Google PDF Reader Android
Google PDF Reader is a plug-in for Google Drive. The plugin offers native PDF support for Google Drive users. This isn't the most powerful PDF reading app. However, you can open and view PDFs as needed. You can also print, search and copy from PDF files.
It also works as a standalone free Android PDF application for those who need something very basic but don't exclusively use Google Drive. There is honestly not much else. It opens and lets you read Android PDFs and that's it. The app works perfectly for simple things.
4.Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is one of the most powerful word processors on mobile or desktop. The app also supports PDF files. You can create PDF files and save them as that type of file or you can open Android PDF files and view them via the app.
Of course, Word does a host of other things including word processing, things like resume building, and more. Besides, it also has features for reading ebooks and other PDF use cases. It's a decent all-in-one solution for anyone who needs a free Android PDF reader and word processor.
5. Moon + Reader
Moon + Reader is one of the most popular e-book readers. It has a ton of features like theme support, tons of visual options, auto scrolling, smart paragraphs, double page mode (for panorama), and more. The app also supports a lot of formats like EPUB, EPUB3 and of course PDF. It is among the best options for those who read books in PDF format.
6. PDF Viewer Pro
PDF Viewer Android is a simple free PDF reading app for Android with basic functions. It offers all the basic features, including annotations, cloud support, zoom, bookmarks, and more. The pro version adds themes, multiple customization options and merging documents into a single PDF.
You also get Material Design and a somewhat simple user interface. We didn't have any problems during our tests. However, some have reported occasional performance bugs.
Thankfully, the free version is free, of course, so you can try it for free. It's above average, but more powerful options are available.
7. Xodo PDF Reader
Xodo is probably the best completely free Android PDF reader. It boasts fast loading and smooth navigation. You can also fill out PDF forms, sign them and save your signature for future use. It also offers support for taking notes, adding bookmarks, cloud storage, file management, and more.
You can also take notes on blank PDFs if you really want to. It has a surprisingly good number of features considering it's free with no in-app purchases. We also like that it works for both business and recreational use.
There doesn't seem to be any advertising either. Honestly, it's not too bad. However, you can find more features for reading ebooks or business with a dedicated app.
8. OfficeSuite + PDF Editor
OfficeSuite is one of the most popular office apps on mobile devices. It can do many things. There is support for documents (including Microsoft Office), spreadsheets, presentations, and even PDF files.
PDF functionality is pretty much just for business. You can fill in forms, sign them and add / access security features. This is a good option for those who need a traditional office app with PDF support. The premium version is quite expensive, though.
9. Librera - reads all books, PDF Reader
Librera is one of the coolest PDF reader apps. It seems to change dramatically every time we update this list. These days, the app bills itself as an all-in-one e-book reader.
It supports over a dozen formats, including PDF, EPUB, EPUB3, MOBI, DJVU, ZIP, TXT, and others. It also features a modern design, a day and night mode for easier reading at night, and more.
You can also listen to books using text-to-speech if you really want to. The app is a little darker than most of the others on this list, but it's also completely free (with ads). They also have another PDF reader in Google Play. It goes by the boring name PDF Reader and works quite well too.
Read also: How to convert PDF to any format online
