pdfFiller vs Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat

iLovePDF

Smallpdf

Adobe Acrobat is PDF editing software that can be used to create, convert and share PDF documents. It can convert documents in Microsoft Office formats to PDFs, and vice versa. PDFs can be viewed, annotated, and signed using Adobe Sign and the free Acrobat Reader mobile app.

iLovePDF is an online service that provides comprehensive tools for PDF document management. The platform offers features for organizing, optimizing, converting, editing, and securing PDF files, including merging, splitting, compressing, and converting PDFs to and from various formats. Available as both web and mobile applications, iLovePDF enables users to work with documents across different devices.

Smallpdf is a desktop, mobile & cloud-based PDF document management and conversion tool, providing a suite of 21 tools to create, convert and edit documents.

Manager 

I had found the program for me! If you have any conerns or questions the customer service is top notch and very helpful.

pdfFiller is an online form and document management system for editing, printing, downloading, sending, and converting documents. The cloud-based system offers eSignature capabilities, a PDF editor, form builder, authentication features, and native Android and iOS mobile applications.

Access Controls/Permissions

Activity Dashboard

Activity Tracking

Alerts/Notifications

Annotations

Archiving & Retention

Audit Trail

Authentication

Autofill

Collaboration Tools

Commenting/Notes

Contact Management

Content Library

Contract Drafting

Convert to PDF

Customizable Branding

Customizable Fields

Customizable Forms

Customizable Templates

Data Import/Export

Data Security

Data Storage Management

Data Synchronization

Delete Pages

Digital Signature

Document Automation

Document Conversion

Document Editing

Document Generation

Document Management

Document Review

Document Storage

Document Templates

Drag & Drop

Electronic Signature

Email Management

Encryption

File Conversion

File Sharing

Forms Creation & Design

Forms Management

Full Text Search

HIPAA Compliant

Interaction Tracking

Media Library

Merge/Append Files

Mobile Access

Mobile Signature Capture

Multi-Party Signing

Multiple Output Formats

PDF Conversion

PDF Reader

Process/Workflow Automation

Real-Time Data

Real-Time Notifications

Rearrange Pages

Reminders

Rich Text Editor

Rotate Pages

Search/Filter

Secure Data Storage

Signature Capture

Signature Creation

Single Sign On

SSL Security

Status Tracking

Surveys & Feedback

Team Collaboration

Template Management

Templates

Text Editing

Third-Party Integrations

User Management

Version Control

Watermarking

Web Forms

Workflow Management

Reviews for pdfFiller come from a wide variety of industries, including real estate (9% of reviewers), construction (6%), and education management (4%). The most frequent use case for pdfFiller cited by reviewers is PDF editing (65% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Some users say pdfFiller offers good value for money with flexible subscription options, and reviewers appreciate the competitive pricing for essential PDF tools. However, some users report limited free features, extra charges, and frustration with automatic billing.

Value for money

pdfFiller is a PDF editor solution offering key features such as electronic signature, PDF conversion, customizable fields, authentication, and document storage, among others.

pdfFiller

Web-based

iPhone

iPad

Android

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Docusign

PDF Reader Pro

Lumin PDF

PDFCreator

DocHub

Foxit PDF Reader

Jotform

Basic

Plus

Premium

Limited font customization

Medical Directorship

The templates that it generates sometimes they're not 100% accurate and the blank Fields are not easy to complete with the same font size and type

scholar 

i face a problem to make the ediding in the same font size .

67% of reviewers feel negative about PDFfiller’s text and font options. Reviewers indicate frustration with the lack of font variety and difficulty adjusting font size and alignment when editing documents. They say inconsistent formatting makes it challenging to match original document styles, leading to unprofessional results. Some users report issues with text boxes not staying in place, overlapping text, and problems with non-Latin language support. They find it time-consuming to manually adjust text to fit forms, and mention that font editing limitations restrict their ability to create polished documents.

Sluggish performance on large files

Research market 

What I like the least about it is that it's slow and it has too many bugs you have to keep doing it over and over and over again that's a waste of time

64% of reviewers feel negative about PDFfiller’s performance and speed. Reviewers report the software can be slow or laggy, especially when uploading or editing large documents. They say delays in saving, opening, or processing files disrupt their workflow and waste time. Some users mention the platform occasionally freezes or becomes unresponsive, requiring restarts. They also note that slow loading affects integration with third-party services and can be exacerbated by poor internet connections. Users find these performance issues particularly problematic during time-sensitive tasks or when handling complex documents.

Occasional bugs and glitches

Senior Marketing Specialist

graphics

Not many cons yet, it has bugged a few times where i need to get out and start over but that has been my only issue.

38% of reviewers feel negative about PDFfiller’s bugs and issues. Reviewers report encountering occasional crashes, glitches, and login problems that interrupt their work. They say the software sometimes becomes unresponsive or requires restarting, leading to lost progress. Some users mention issues with the mobile version, particularly on Android or iPad, and note that troubleshooting can be time-consuming. They find these technical problems frustrating, especially when they occur during important tasks. Users express a desire for more reliable performance and quicker resolution of recurring bugs.

High and opaque pricing

Clinical Sex Therapist

I went from paying $47.88 a year for a subscription to them wanting to charge me hundreds of dollars for the same features.

40% of reviewers feel negative about PDFfiller’s pricing. Reviewers indicate dissatisfaction with the subscription model, describing it as expensive, especially for infrequent users. They say the free trial is limited and often leads to unexpected charges or automatic renewals. Some users report frustration with being required to enter credit card information upfront and encountering hidden fees for advanced features. They mention price increases without clear notification and express concern over being billed for annual plans without explicit consent. Users feel the cost is not always justified compared to similar products.

Seamless cloud integrations

Lecturer 

PDF forms can also be filled with data from spreadsheets and is integrated with google, dropbox and Microsoft cloud storages, which makes it easy to export and import data.  

88% of reviewers feel positive about PDFfiller’s integrations. Reviewers appreciate the ability to connect with major cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box. They say these integrations make it easy to import, export, and manage documents across different services. Users highlight that integration with workflow tools and APIs streamlines their processes, allowing for efficient document sharing and storage. Some users report that integrating PDFfiller into their daily operations was quick and straightforward, enhancing productivity and centralizing document management. They value the flexibility to work with files from multiple sources.

Convenient document sharing

Online Tutor

Using pdfFiller makes my life less hassle,  I can easily put my signature in different papers as fast it can be, and immediately send via email to my boss. Since I have students, I need something that are very convenient and all topics in different PDF, I'll make it in one PDF so that my students will understand better and not using too many tabs, they can focus on one PDF only and make the student more convenient in studying.

Office Manager

I was able to send our documents to our patients by e-mailing them which was very convenient for them because it saved them time.

83% of reviewers feel positive about PDFfiller’s document email features. Reviewers indicate the platform simplifies sending documents via email, making it easy to share completed forms, contracts, and other files directly from the application. They appreciate the ability to quickly upload, edit, and email documents without extra steps. Users say the feature saves time, especially when sending paperwork to clients or colleagues. Some users report that confirmation notifications and read receipts are helpful for tracking document delivery. They find the email integration particularly useful for remote work and timely communication.

Efficient diGital signing

Financial agent

This software have helped us a lot of time in our company and we used it more to apply many electronic signature on contracts , and  we also used to convert word documents into pdf form and it is fast.

Graphic Designer

I love to use this software because it's free and it allows me to sign digital documents from anyone in my company without having to print everything, sign it all, and then scan it, and e-mail it to the recipients.

92% of reviewers feel positive about PDFfiller’s document signing capabilities. Reviewers appreciate the ability to quickly add legally binding digital signatures without printing or scanning. They say the platform streamlines workflows by allowing electronic signatures on contracts, forms, and other documents, saving significant time. Users highlight the convenience of signing on the go and the flexibility to send documents for signatures to multiple parties. Some users report the feature is secure and easy to use, making it valuable for both individual and business needs. They find digital signing particularly beneficial for remote collaboration.

Streamlined user experience

Owner

It's easy to use and I'm always able to make the changes I need to the PDfs I work with.

93% of reviewers feel positive about PDFfiller’s ease of use. Reviewers indicate the platform is intuitive and simplifies their workflow, with many appreciating how quickly they can learn its functions. They say the software makes document management more efficient, reducing stress and saving time. Some users report that, after a brief learning curve, navigation and feature access become straightforward. They find the interface user-friendly, allowing both basic and advanced tasks to be completed with minimal effort. Users appreciate being able to manage documents from various devices, highlighting its convenience for both simple and complex tasks.

Versatile PDF editing tools

88% of reviewers feel positive about PDFfiller’s PDF document editing features. Reviewers indicate the software offers a comprehensive set of editing tools, allowing them to add text, images, watermarks, and annotations directly to PDFs. They appreciate the ability to modify documents without converting file formats, which saves time and effort. Users say the platform supports merging, splitting, and organizing pages, as well as creating fillable forms. Some users report that integration with cloud storage services further enhances their document management. They find these editing capabilities essential for going paperless and improving business efficiency.

It is useful for creating PDF documents, but mostly to help me edit the ebooks I create.  

CPA, Sole Proprietor

I can use it as a fax, a secure email, document signature, and form filler as well as editing pdf documents.

Senior Customer Support Specialist

PDFfiller is a versatile online tool for creating electronic forms, featuring a robust PDF editor and a large library of fillable documents.

Consultation

It has great document management, helps me organize my files conveniently.

President

The platform offers a wide range of innovative features such as text editing, form filling, digital signatures, and cloud storage integration, making it an indispensable tool for streamlining workflow efficiency.

Loan Officer

It works O.K. but the functionality for the money could be found in a lot of other online signature programs.

For people who don't use it on a regular basis, they will have to pay for a subscription they sometimes don't use.

Senior sales associate

The least I like about pdfFiller would only be the access the signer has in editing capabilities.

General Manager

We found it to be difficult to acheive the final document we desired and had to figure out several work-arounds to get what we were looking for (which wasn't very complex).

It could be that we needed to pay for premium features, but there was much to be desired in the way of available tools and in the functionality of the tools offered.

Director

The flexibility of the site, the customer service, the many options to do what I need to do with files, inexpensive yearly fee

Assessor

Could have more ranges with photo options.

Merging files is annoying I wish it could be easiesy.

Managing Director

Me and my team use this pdfFiller for all of our PDF editing, and digital signing needs.

I also use the docusign of the software from building my own template contracts.

I found it easy to merge documents and highlight areas for signatures without starting from scratch, as well as password-protect and watermark sensitive information.

I started used PDF filler during that Pandemic (when working from home) and it has essentially replaced the systems I was using before.  

When utilizing pdfFiller, users may find it challenging to tag, label, and place documents in their desired folders.

Engineer

Some advanced features, like precise formatting or complex edits, can feel limited compared to desktop PDF software

Sales Agent

I have used it for forms and contracts, but also for critiquing and marking up college papers for friends' children.

I use PDF filler to modify documents that need to be notarized by my clients.

Sometimes is not easy to navigate the website to figure out how to built your own template. But once you have it's easier.

Co-Founder

handles getting e-signatures well and provides a good document repository for those documents.  

Lawyer

It is a good application to be able to modified, sign documents, as well to split several documents.

Real estate consultant

It's always regrettable to have to delay what you're working on to use a separate program like pdfFiller, but ultimately I've found it to be a timesaver and a more reliable method to edit docs.

Facebook Ads Strategist

PDF Filler is a very useful tool for editing and filling PDF files fast and accurately

To my knowledge there are no issues or bugs detected.

HR Director

Sometimes I don't like to have to scan a document to my computer but that doesn't really have to do with the PDFiller program at all.

Customer service was adequate but I could have found a better subscription cheaper.

The subscription pricing feels a bit steep if you don’t use it often. Plus, I’ve noticed it can sometimes lag when working with larger files

Project Manager

Any shape submitted for signature and adjustment can be included as a pdf record which is priceless, pdfFiller permits me to fill out shapes for clients that I have not been able to within the past, permitting for a much clearer and more clear record for all parties .

This is a game-changer for remote work. Whether it's adding annotations, merging files, or converting formats, PDF Filler covers all my document needs in one convenient platform.

I especially appreciate the wide range of editing options, from adding text and images to creating fillable forms and adding digital signatures.

Real estate salesperson 

Excellent platform for electronic signatures, the best thing is that i can also use it on my cell phone when there’s a document to sign that requires quick reading and not a lot of detail.

pdfFiller vs Adobe Acrobat Reader Comparison (2026)

pdfFiller

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives