15 Best Free PDF Reader Apps For Android In 2024 [Without Ads & Safe]

Hey PDF fans! Feeling lost in a sea of confusing apps for reading those important documents? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll navigate the exciting world of free, ad-free, and most importantly, safe PDF reader apps for Android in 2024. 

Think of it as your personalized roadmap to finding the perfect app that fits your needs, whether you're a casual reader or a homework whiz.

List of 15 Best Free PDF Reader Apps for Android in 2024

1. Google PDF Viewer

Google PDF Viewer stands as a trusted and convenient option for viewing PDFs on your Android device. Its simplicity and seamless integration with Google Drive make it a popular choice for both casual and frequent readers.

Key Features Of Google PDF Viewer:

• Simple and Clean Interface: Enjoy a clean and uncluttered interface that focuses on the essentials of reading your PDFs. Navigate pages easily and access basic functionalities without any distractions.
• Fast and Reliable Performance: Backed by Google's infrastructure, the viewer delivers fast loading times and smooth performance. Read your documents without lagging or interruptions.
• Seamless Integration with Google Drive: Access your PDFs stored directly in your Google Drive without the need to download them to your device. This saves storage space and keeps your documents readily available across all your devices.
• Essential Viewing Features: Quickly zoom in and out, jump to specific pages, and search within your documents using the built-in search function.
• Offline Access: Download your PDFs for offline reading when internet access is unavailable. Perfect for traveling or situations where connectivity is limited.

Benefits Of Google PDF Viewer:

• Reliability: Count on Google's proven track record for a stable and secure experience.
• Convenience: Effortlessly access your PDFs from your Google Drive, eliminating the need for separate downloads or management.
• Lightweight: Enjoy a small app size that won't burden your device's storage.
• Free: Access all the core features of Google PDF Viewer completely free.

Note: It is by default available on your Android Phones.

2. Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader is the most recognized and trusted PDF reader globally, used by millions for its reliability and stability. Adobe's long history in PDF technology ensures high-quality rendering and accurate document handling.

Powerful Features for Viewing and Editing:

• Comprehensive viewing tools: Zoom, pan, rotate, and search PDFs effortlessly. 
• Annotation capabilities: Highlight, underline, add sticky notes, and draw directly on PDFs. 
• Advanced editing (paid version): Edit text and images, add or delete pages, and reorganize documents. 
• Accessibility features: Text-to-speech, reflow view, and color adjustments for visually impaired users.

Document Cloud Integration and Cross-Platform Capabilities:

• Seamless cloud integration: Store and access your PDFs across devices with Adobe Document Cloud (paid subscription).
• Cross-platform compatibility: Available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web browsers. Offline functionality: Read and annotate PDFs even without an internet connection.

3. WPS Office-PDF, Word, Sheet, PPT

WPS Office stands out as a versatile suite combining PDF reading with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation functionalities. This gives you a centralized hub for managing various document types, simplifying your workflow.

Features for WPS Office Are:

While not as comprehensive as dedicated PDF editors, WPS Office offers robust PDF management capabilities:

• Basic editing: Annotate, highlight, and add text to PDFs for marking up and commenting. Conv
• Conversion: Convert PDFs to editable Word, Excel, or PPT formats for further editing or repurposing.
• Compression: Reduce PDF file size for easier sharing and storage.
• Password protection: Secure your PDFs with password encryption.
• Digital signature: Sign documents electronically for enhanced security and validation.  

4. PDF Extra PDF Editor & Scanner

PDF Extra is your all-in-one solution for advanced PDF editing, scanning, and annotation, offering a user-friendly interface with powerful features for efficient PDF management.

PDF Extra PDF Editor & Scanner Features:

• Advanced Editing Tools: PDF Extra provides comprehensive editing capabilities, allowing users to modify text, images, layouts, and forms within PDF documents.
• Efficient Scanning: The app offers a powerful scanning feature, enabling users to easily convert physical documents into digital PDFs, facilitating efficient document management.
• Annotation and Collaboration: PDF Extra supports annotation features, allowing users to add comments, highlights, and drawings to enhance collaboration and communication within PDF files.
• Multi-Format Conversion: Users can convert PDFs into various editable formats, such as Word or Excel, providing flexibility for further editing or repurposing of content.
• User-Friendly Interface: With an intuitive design, PDF Extra ensures a seamless user experience, making it accessible and easy for users to navigate through the app's features.

5. Foxit PDF Editor

Foxit PDF Editor is your efficient companion for seamless PDF management. With its intuitive design and robust features, it simplifies tasks like editing, annotating, and collaborating on PDF documents. 

Foxit strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality, making it an ideal choice for both casual users and professionals.

Features Of Foxit PDF Editor are:-

• Packed with features: Edit text, images, pages, and forms. Annotate, sign and collaborate with ease.
• Teamwork made simple: Share documents and work together in real time. Connect with cloud storage for seamless access.
• Security first: Password-protect PDFs, redact sensitive information and enjoy an ad-free experience.
• Mobile editing redefined: Foxit PDF Editor empowers you to manage and optimize your PDFs on the go. Note: Free version with limitations, paid version unlocks advanced features.

6. PDF Editor – Edit Everything!

PDF Editor - Edit Everything is tailored for comprehensive control of PDF, it allows direct alterations to text, images, and document structure. With features for annotation, form-filling, and seamless collaboration, this editor meets diverse PDF needs. Enjoy an intuitive interface and powerful functionalities for effortless PDF editing.

Features Of PDF Editor are:

• Comprehensive Editing: Edit text, add images, modify layouts, redact info, and more.
• Tailored Reading: Adjust font, and colors, use text-to-speech, and personalize for diverse needs.
• Intuitive Interface: Enjoy a clean, user-friendly design across devices.
• Accessibility Features: Supports different abilities with screen readers and customizable options.
• Customization: Optimize your reading experience with bookmarks, annotations, and viewing modes.

Bonus: Consider platform support, cloud integration, and specific features for your needs (personal, professional, basic, advanced).

7. PDF Viewer - PDF Reader

PDF Viewer is a basic tool that allows you to open and read PDF files. It may have some basic features, such as the ability to zoom in and out, search for text, and print the document. However, it is unlikely to have features for editing PDFs, adding annotations, or filling out forms. 

Essential Features PDF Viewer are:

• Platform: Are you looking for a viewer for your computer, mobile device, or web browser? Different options are available for each platform.
• Specific Needs: Do you need any specific features beyond basic viewing, like bookmarking, signing, or converting PDFs?
• Budget: Some paid viewers offer additional features, but many free options are excellent for basic needs.

User-Friendly PDF Viewer with Essential Features:

• Pros: Easy to use, even for those not familiar with PDFs. Offers key features like basic navigation, search, and annotation.
• Cons: Might have a slightly cluttered interface or fewer customization options compared to other choices.
• Examples: Adobe Acrobat Reader (free version), Foxit Reader, MuPDF (mobile app)

8. PDF Reader App: Read All PDF

Choosing the right PDF reader app can be overwhelming with the vast options available. Let's break it down to understand what makes a good PDF Reader App, focusing on essential functions for casual users:

Seamless Reading Experience:

• Effortless Opening: Open any PDF quickly and without delays.
• Intuitive Navigation: Easily flip through pages, zoom in and out, and jump to specific sections.
• Customizable View: Adjust brightness, font size, and text orientation for comfortable reading. Consider night mode for low-light environments.

Additional Features for Convenience:

• Bookmarking: Quickly revisit frequently used pages or sections.
• Offline Reading: Access PDFs without an internet connection.
• Cloud Storage Integration: Sync your PDFs across devices for seamless access.
• File Sharing: Share PDFs with others easily via email, messaging, or social media.

9. Fill & Sign PDF Form Signature

Gone are the days of printing, signing, and scanning PDFs! Today, we have convenient and secure tools to fill out and electronically sign forms directly in digital format with Fill & Sign PDF Form Signature. This streamlined process saves time, eliminates paper waste, and ensures smooth document processing.

Specialized App for Filling and Signing PDF Forms:

Numerous apps can help you navigate this process, each with its own strengths and features. Here are some key aspects to consider when choosing an app:

• Compatibility: Ensure the app supports the specific file format (e.g., PDF) and signature type (e.g., typed, drawn, uploaded image).
• Features: Consider your needs. Do you require basic form-filling and signature capability, or do you need advanced functionalities like annotation tools, cloud integration, or password protection?
• Security: Choose an app with robust security measures to protect sensitive data within your forms. Look for features like encryption, password protection, and audit trails.
• Ease of Use: The app should be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing you to navigate form fields and sign documents effortlessly.

Popular Apps for Fill & Sign PDF Forms:

• Free Options: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (limited features), Foxit PDF Reader, Smallpdf
• Paid Options: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, Nitro Pro, PDF element

10. PDF Expert - PDF Reader

PDF Expert is a powerful file manager and an essential tool for every user. It provides a more efficient way to open PDF documents and share them with others. You can view PDFs, edit, add content, remove pages, and even rename PDFs. Furthermore, the app offers tools for annotation. You can highlight, underline, and striketh through text.

Features Of Advanced Tools for Advanced Users:

• Extensive Annotation Tools: Go beyond highlighting with text boxes, sticky notes, shapes, and even freehand annotations.
• Advanced Markup Capabilities: Edit, resize, and customize the appearance of your annotations for clarity and organization.
• Collaboration Features: Work on PDFs asynchronously with others, leaving comments and feedback in real time.
• OCR Technology: Extract text from scanned PDFs for easy editing and searching.

Seamless File Synchronization and Organization:

• Cross-Platform Sync: Access and edit your PDFs seamlessly across Mac and iOS devices with iCloud or Readdle's proprietary sync service.
• Annotation Synchronization: Your annotations stay synchronized across devices, maintaining consistency and context.
• Advanced File Management: Create folders, tag documents, and utilize password protection for sensitive files.
• Cloud Storage Integration: Connect with Dropbox, Google Drive, and other cloud services for convenient file access and storage.

11. Xodo PDF Reader & Editor Tool

Xodo provides a secure and synchronized file management solution, supporting storage on Xodo Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. It offers a versatile platform for viewing, editing, converting, signing, redacting, compressing, and merging files, ensuring accessibility and functionality anytime, anywhere. 

Features Of Xodo PDF Reader & Editor Tool are:

• PDF Editing: Xodo's fully-featured PDF editor enables the creation and direct editing of PDFs, with capabilities such as flattening, compressing, merging, rotating, and splitting/extraction.
• Scan & Convert: The app swiftly converts various file formats to PDF, featuring a PDF scanner for image capture and OCR for turning images and PDFs into searchable text files.
• View & Print PDFs: Xodo is a convenient PDF reader with single and double-page viewing modes, Dark Modes, Reflow Reading Mode, multiple tabs, bookmarks, and the ability to print directly from the device.
• Annotate & Draw: Users can leverage Xodo's annotation tools, including markup tools, page arrangement, scrolling mode, and stylus-friendly features for a personalized and efficient annotating experience.
• Fill & Sign PDF Forms: Xodo facilitates the seamless filling, signing, and sharing of PDF forms, with support for e-signatures and synchronization with online storage services.
• Store & Manage Securely: The app includes a built-in file manager for an organization, password protection for PDF files, and a grid view mode for easy access to file details, ensuring secure and streamlined file management.

12. PDF Viewer Lite

PDF Viewer Lite is a free, ad-free, and lightweight app for Android devices. It focuses on providing a basic yet powerful experience for viewing, annotating, and managing PDFs. Despite its "Lite" name, it offers a surprising number of features geared towards casual users and those with limited storage space.

Best Features of PDF Viewer Lite:

• Lightweight Champion: With a small app size, it runs smoothly on older devices without consuming excessive memory. Perfect for those with limited storage or older hardware.
• Multi-Format Magic: Beyond PDFs, it opens EPUB, TIFF, and XPS documents, making it a versatile document reader for various file types.
• Annotation Arsenal: Highlight, underline, and add text annotations to key passages for better comprehension and reference. Mark up important information with ease.
• Reading Nirvana: Enjoy smooth scrolling, customizable zoom levels, and different page layouts for a comfortable reading experience. Optimize your viewing preferences for optimal comfort.
• Document Management Dynamo: Organize your PDFs in a dedicated library, access them effortlessly, and even password-protect them for added security. Keep your documents organized and secure.

13. Pdf Reader: Pdf Viewer

This free PDF Reader app by "GameLoX" offers basic features for viewing, managing, and interacting with PDFs on Android devices. It boasts a simple interface and small app size, making it suitable for casual users and those with limited storage space.

Best Features Of PDF Reader are:

1. Seamless Reading Experience: The app prioritizes a smooth reading experience with features like quick opening, smooth scrolling, and customizable zoom levels.
2. Essential Management Tools: Organize your PDFs in a dedicated library, search for specific documents, and access them easily with a simple tap.
3. Basic Annotation Options: Highlight important text, add notes, and draw on PDFs to enhance comprehension and reference key information.
4. Night Mode: Read comfortably in low-light environments with the adjustable night mode feature, protecting your eyes and reducing strain.
5. Offline Access: Read your PDFs even without an internet connection, making it convenient for travel or situations with limited internet access.

14. Simple PDF Reader - 2024

Simple PDF Reader - 2024 is a free PDF reader app that offers a self-proclaimed "simple X Apps" approach to viewing and managing PDFs on Android devices. It prioritizes a minimalistic interface and basic functionalities, making it potentially suitable for users who want a no-frills PDF experience.

Features Of Simple PDF Reader - 2024 are:

1. Effortless Opening: The app claims to open PDFs instantly without delays, ensuring a quick start to your reading experience.
2. Intuitive Navigation: Basic navigation features like scrolling, zooming, and page jumping are mentioned, allowing users to easily move through documents.
3. Essential File Management: The app automatically extracts all PDFs from your device storage, presenting them in a simple list for easy access.
4. Keyword Search: Find specific words or phrases within your PDFs quickly and efficiently using the built-in search function.
5. Night Mode: Read comfortably in low-light environments with the adjustable night mode feature.

15. MuPDF Viewer

MuPDF isn't just your average PDF reader; it's a powerhouse of lightweight efficiency, renowned for its blazing-fast performance and minimal footprint. Ideal for users who prioritize speed and agility, MuPDF stands out in several ways:

Features Of MuPDF are:

• Tiny Footprint: With an incredibly small size, MuPDF is perfect for devices with limited storage, ensuring faster downloads and installations.
• Minimal Resource Consumption: It runs smoothly on older or lower-powered devices, providing a lag-free reading experience.
• Lightning-Fast Rendering: MuPDF renders PDF pages at remarkable speeds, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted reading experience.
• Essential Functionality: MuPDF covers core PDF reading needs, including zooming, panning, bookmarking, and searching.
• Annotation Support: Mark up PDFs with highlights, notes, and annotations for a personalized reading experience.
• Various Formats: Beyond PDFs, MuPDF supports XPS, OpenXPS, CBZ, and ePUB formats, offering versatility.
• Free and Open-Source: MuPDF is entirely free to use and modify, making it valuable for developers and open-source enthusiasts.

Whether you're a student needing a lightning-fast reader for academic PDFs or someone seeking a lightweight option for mobile reading, MuPDF delivers impressive performance without compromising functionality.

Conclusion

In a world flooded with digital documents, finding the perfect PDF reader for your Android is like discovering a treasure chest. From the familiar Google PDF Viewer to the trusted Adobe Acrobat Reader, and the versatile WPS Office, each app offers a unique set of features. Whether you're a note-taking ninja, a late-night reader, or just want a fuss-free experience, there's an app waiting for you.

Remember, it's not just about reading; it's about enjoying a seamless, safe, and ad-free journey through your PDFs. As you explore these top 15 apps, find the one that feels like a perfect fit – your loyal companion in the vast sea of documents. Happy reading!