If you’ve ever needed to fill, sign, or manage a PDF form without Adobe Acrobat and found yourself frustrated by poor alternatives, you’re not alone. Adobe might be the industry leader, but it’s not the only game in town—and certainly not always the most cost-effective or user-friendly. Whether you’re managing contracts, applications, or personal tax forms, there’s a world of non-Adobe PDF apps that are efficient, intuitive, and often completely free or cheaper.
TL;DR:
Adobe Acrobat isn’t your only option when it comes to working with PDF forms. There are several powerful apps that let you fill in, sign, and manage PDFs efficiently—and without the heavy subscription fees. Options like PDF-XChange Editor, Smallpdf, and Foxit PDF offer comparable tools, many with free or low-cost versions. These alternatives work across devices and often include cloud storage, e-signatures, and collaboration features.
1. PDF-XChange Editor
Best for: Power users who want a rich set of features on Windows
PDF-XChange Editor has long been a favorite for professionals who want Adobe-level control without the Adobe price. It’s fast, packed with features, and surprisingly lightweight.
- Form Functionality: Fill in both static and dynamic forms with ease
- Signing Options: Includes digital signature support and image-based signing
- File Management: Merge, split, and organize PDFs effortlessly
- Extras: Built-in OCR to convert scanned documents into editable text
There’s a free version that includes most core functions, though advanced features may leave a watermark. It’s especially popular for Windows users looking for a powerful, non-cloud-based alternative.
2. Smallpdf
Best for: Quick, browser-based PDF work
If you just need to fill and sign a form without installing anything, Smallpdf is what you want. It’s a browser-based tool and available as both a web platform and mobile app.
- Form Filling: Drag-and-drop simplicity for text fields and checkboxes
- Signatures: Type, draw, or upload your signature for easy use
- File Management: Convert files to PDF, split pages, compress PDFs
- Cloud Integration: Connects directly with Google Drive and Dropbox
You can complete most tasks for free, though frequent users may want to consider their reasonably priced Pro plan. It also works on any device—great for filling out forms on the go.
3. Foxit PDF Editor
Best for: Enterprise users and collaboration
Foxit PDF Editor is often considered the best business-grade alternative to Adobe Acrobat. It offers many of the same core features but adds a few collaboration-oriented touches.
- Forms: Create and edit interactive forms with full compatibility
- Signing: E-signatures with audit trails for teams
- Commenting: Add sticky notes, highlight text, and draft responses
- Integration: Syncs with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and others
The UI might look a little old-school, but it gets the job done—and very effectively. Foxit comes in Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android versions, making it flexible for teams working across platforms.
4. PDFescape
Best for: Lightweight and occasional PDF editing
PDFescape offers a free online editor along with a downloadable desktop app. The focus here is ease-of-use and quick edits—ideal for users who don’t want to mess with complicated interfaces.
- Form Use: Quickly add or fill out checkboxes, text, and radio buttons
- Signatures: Freehand draw signatures or upload an image
- Extras: Annotate, whiteout content, and add sticky notes
- Support: Works with all browsers, no account needed
The free version is fully functional for most tasks as long as the file size is under 10MB. If you find yourself needing extra storage or advanced features like file encryption, the premium version might be worth exploring.
5. Sejda PDF Editor
Best for: Beautiful UI and easy signing
Sejda has quietly become one of the most loved PDF editors thanks to its clean interface and solid features. It’s available both online and as a desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Form Features: Fill out, edit, and design PDF forms seamlessly
- Signature Process: Create searchable signature libraries
- Safety: All documents auto-delete from servers in 2 hours
- Speed: Optimized for fast performance even on older systems
The free plan has daily usage limits (3 tasks per hour), but for casual users, that’s usually more than enough. Premium packages are available without breaking the bank.
6. PDF Expert (macOS & iOS)
Best for: Apple users seeking premium design
PDF Expert by Readdle is designed for the Apple ecosystem and makes managing PDFs on Macs, iPads, and iPhones incredibly smooth. It blends functionality with the visual polish Apple fans love.
- Form Editing: Elegant and precise form filling tools
- Signing: Multiple ways to apply signatures including Apple Pencil support
- File Sync: iCloud, Dropbox, and other cloud syncs
- Speed: Extremely fast rendering engine
This app is a bit pricier compared to others on this list, but Mac users often consider it worth the investment for the seamless experience it offers. The app makes full use of macOS gestures and iOS shortcuts for fast productivity.
How to Choose the Right PDF App for You
Ultimately, your choice depends on your platform, your PDF needs, and your budget. Here are some quick tips:
- For Power Users: Try PDF-XChange Editor or Foxit PDF Editor
- For Quick Access Anywhere: Go with Smallpdf or Sejda
- On Apple Devices: PDF Expert is unbeatable in design and performance
- For Light Usage: PDFescape offers simple solutions without sign-ups
Wrapping Up
You don’t need to stay locked into Adobe Acrobat to get the job done. These six apps offer everything from simple form filling to enterprise-grade signing and collaboration. Whether you’re looking for a quick signature fix in your browser or detailed form management with OCR and cloud support, there’s an option tailored just for you.
And the best part? Many of them are either free or far more affordable than sticking with the Adobe subscription model. So next time you’re faced with a PDF form, skip the Adobe tab and give one of these smarter alternatives a try.
