Nitro PDF vs PDF-XChange

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.

A robust, user-friendly Adobe Acrobat alternative. Offers seamless PDF creation, editing, collaboration, and secure workflows. AI-powered tools enhance productivity with features like summarization and data extraction. A cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses.

Convert to PDF

Merge/Append Files

Annotations

Watermarking

Encryption

Digital Signature

Reviews for Nitro PDF come from a wide variety of industries, including construction (6% of reviewers), higher education (6%), and information technology and services (5%). The most frequent use case for Nitro PDF cited by reviewers is working with PDFs (87% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Most users consider Nitro PDF to offer strong value for money due to its affordable one-time license and comprehensive features. However, some users report that upgrades and advanced features can be costly, and they find free version limitations restrictive.

Value for money

The Nitro PDF integration most frequently cited by reviewers is Microsoft Word, a document generation product rated 4.8 out of 5 for its integration with Nitro PDF.

Integrations

Nitro PDF is a PDF program with key features that include converting files to PDF, PDF reading, text editing, and more.

Nitro PDF

Web-based

Windows

Linux

iPhone

iPad

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Docusign

Foxit PDF Reader

ABBYY FineReader PDF

Soda PDF

PDFelement

Foxit eSign

Nitro PDF Standard

Nitro PDF Plus 

Nitro PDF Classic

Unresponsive customer service

Network Admin

Software Customer Support is very difficult to reach, we havent had an issue for over 2 years but when we did have an issue, no phone number was available, just an online case ticketing system.

66% of reviewers feel negative about Customer Support. Reviewers frequently express frustration with slow or unhelpful responses from Nitro’s support team. Users say it is difficult to reach customer service, often facing long wait times or receiving no reply at all. Some reviewers mention the lack of direct contact options, such as phone support, and reliance on online ticketing systems. They indicate that unresolved technical issues and poor communication lead to dissatisfaction, with some users feeling abandoned when problems arise. The perceived lack of adequate support is a recurring concern among reviewers.

Slow performance with large files

prepress printing manager

When handling a big file size or after using the software for a time shows a bug hanging and crashes the durability of the software in the pro version.

Researcher's 

Some users have reported slow performance, mainly when working with large or complex PDF files.

86% of reviewers feel negative about Performance and Speed. Reviewers indicate Nitro can be slow to load, especially when opening large or multiple PDF documents. Users report lagging, freezing, and occasional crashes during intensive tasks like OCR or when handling complex files. Some reviewers say these slowdowns impact productivity, requiring them to wait or restart the application. They find that performance issues are more pronounced with bigger files, and sometimes the software becomes unresponsive, causing delays in their work. These recurring speed problems are a significant drawback for users managing large volumes of documents.

Frequent crashes and glitches

Associate Technical Lead

Sometimes screen (including the operating system) gets stuck and unresponsive while loading the application.

60% of reviewers feel negative about Bugs and Issues. Reviewers report experiencing unexpected crashes, freezing, and unresponsiveness, particularly when working with large or complex PDF files. Users say these disruptions can interrupt workflow and require restarting the program or killing processes. Some reviewers mention issues with merging files, splitting documents, or using advanced features, which sometimes lead to the application hanging or closing unexpectedly. They indicate that these bugs are a recurring annoyance and can cause frustration, especially when deadlines are tight or when handling important documents.

Efficient electronic signatures

GMP Quality Assurance Lead

I couldn't do my day to day work tasks without Nitro pro - its so easy to edit and combine documents and with the signing we have been able to cancel our costly signing program subscription too .

Attorney

It allows me to save time by having clients sign documents electronically rather than having to meet in person.

92% of reviewers feel positive about Document Signing. Reviewers indicate Nitro streamlines the process of adding electronic signatures to documents, saving time and reducing the need for printing and scanning. Users say they can quickly apply saved signatures, create fillable fields, and send documents for review and signing directly from the software. Some reviewers find the e-signature capabilities essential for modern business workflows, noting that it meets customer expectations for digital transactions. They appreciate the convenience and security of digital signatures, which help simplify archiving and documentation processes for contracts and official papers.

Flexible document merging features

Senior Procurement Engineer - Facilities Management

Nitro is a valuable and indispensable tool when preparing contracts, copying bids, and merging reports in PDF format, so that we can easily share and attach them via email.

95% of reviewers feel positive about Document Combination. Reviewers appreciate how Nitro enables them to easily combine multiple files into a single PDF, saving significant time and effort. Users say the merging function is intuitive, allowing them to organize, extract, and rearrange pages as needed. Some reviewers find this feature especially helpful for preparing reports, contracts, and presentations, as it eliminates the need for multiple applications. They indicate that being able to split documents or merge various file types into one seamless PDF enhances productivity and simplifies document management for both personal and professional use.

Intuitive and simple experience

Project Coordinator

Nitro has made working with PDFs daily very fast and easy!

91% of reviewers feel positive about Ease of Use. Reviewers appreciate that Nitro is straightforward to learn and operate, with many saying it requires minimal training to become productive. Users think the interface is clean and navigation is logical, allowing them to complete tasks quickly. Some reviewers find the software’s simplicity reduces frustration and increases efficiency, especially when compared to other PDF tools. They indicate that both new and experienced users can easily create, edit, and manage documents. Many users mention that Nitro’s ease of use is a key reason they continue to rely on it for their document needs.

Versatile PDF management tools

89% of reviewers feel positive about PDF Document Management. Reviewers indicate Nitro provides a comprehensive set of tools for editing, converting, and managing PDFs, making daily document tasks more efficient. They appreciate being able to convert files between formats like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, edit text and images, and annotate documents without needing additional software. Users say the software’s intuitive interface simplifies tasks such as merging, splitting, and securing PDFs. Some reviewers find these features particularly valuable for office workflows, legal documentation, and collaboration, highlighting the time savings and flexibility Nitro offers for handling various document types.

Civil Engineering

Nitro Pro’s user-friendly interface, powerful PDF editing tools, and effective document collaboration features make it a solid choice for managing and annotating PDFs.

editor

It works well and fulfilled all my needs for many years., but when I needed to transfer the licence from one laptop to another things fell apart.

Paralegal

I really enjoy the comprehensive features that assist with work efficiency and integration with Microsoft programs.

Quality Intervention Specialist

Honestly the bulk file conversion feature cannot be stated how great that is being able to turn 50 word docs into 50 PDFs is magical.

Incorrect information from support, quick to take money for a licence impossible to get it back when they fail to provide the software.

Senior Program Manager

It offers multiple ways to convert your document and even allows you to sign it.

Director of IT

It is not always a 100% match for what Adobe can do depending on what features you need, so there are some times when we need to reach outside of the product to find a solution.

I love the digital signature and document modification features the most.

Executive Assistant

Only thing that is annoying is that it tends to default to the app for all PDFs which is not necessary - not really due to Nitro!

Product Owner

Lacks the advanced features of Adobe Acrobat Pro.

I’d like the “printer ID” to be much more visible (to avoid clicking on Adobe PDF)

Administrator

It can't open some pdf files (says they're corrupted - but they're not since Adobe Acrobat Reader can open them).

Senior immigration Advisor

Nitro Pro provides 14 trials fro you to installing, setup and exploit all features before final purchase

Project Manager

I have been Nitro on a daily basis alomst 5 years now and found it an amazing software to convert, edit and merge files together.

Admin

Sometimes editing text from another person's document takes some extra formatting. But I still feel the product is worthy.

Legal Counsel

From editing PDFs, OCR documents, electronically signing and converting to another document form from PDF, Nitro is able to do this with ease.

Billing

Love Nitro - if you need PDF or editing or signatures this is the program for you

Systems and network technician

Comprehensive editing, reviewing, and security features.

Strong cloud integration which makes multi device use much easier.

Systems Administrator

It does everything you would need for a PDF file for less cost

System Adminstrator

It's user-friendly and provides strong integration with cloud storage services.

Cultural Immersion Manager

I love its editing and notes and highlight in every color.

Owner

Nitro helped me combine PDF documents from different sources and create comprehensive reports for my clients.

assistant operator

Nitro has enabled me to identify levels of  document interaction and access along different workflows

IT Infrastructure Engineer

Not all packages have the e sign feature.

Finance

It has been a good alternative to a subscription with Adobe Acrobat.

Electromechanical engineer

I really like Nitro for its ease of use and its interface, which means that when creating documents for our clients we do it professionally and in a short time, it really helps us a lot, especially in saving time and money , as it offers many features that make it easy to use.

No way to contact the company unless I want to purchase more

Technical Representative

The digital signature i never was able to figure out easily and have it work for me so that is why I use the 'Insert Image' functionality tool.

property manager

Editing and altering existing pdf files is something I do quite often and I am always on the lookout for a product that can meet my expectations.

Great product to use that offers great features in the PDF world

Quality Engineer

That it has gone the way of subscription-based software.  

User Interface is laid out in simple, easy to navigate fashion.

Nitro makes it easy to edit PDFs and combine or arrange PDF pages from different documents.

Team Lead

the payment team is sometimes messy to work with.

Engineer

My main use of Nitro when I used it was to create PDF files from scanned physical documents, I mean hundreds of pages, even a thousand or two thousand pages in a single document, so the size of the files was really big.

Business Development Manager

The app has made people's lives easier and the best part is being able to refer back to what has been done on the app in previous years.

Director of Software Engineering

it is a software with many tools i can create PDF convert APDF files edit documents, make forms, compile files and then convert to PDF.

Chief Information Technology

I have used nitro in my own work, is a great alternative to the expensive Adobe Acrobat professional version and offers most of the same features, including the ability to edit PDFs and to add signatures and watermarks.

Lead Administrative Assistant

I especially like having the ability to create, combine and revise documents with ease.  

Associate Professor

Nitro PDF is a document management tool that offers a wide range of features and capabilities for users who need to create, edit, and manage PDF documents.

University intern

Its text selection is very useful if you want to make a quote in another document.

Financial Adviser

I've had my licence to it for many years and it still works really well.

I enjoyed using it for the time I spent on it, with little improvements it might be the NO.1 in the PDF managing applications.

Lawyer

PDF Document Management

Document Signing

Licensing

Features

Installation

Pricing

Ease of Use

Subscription

Small Business

Mid-size Business

Freelancers

Large Enterprises

Nitro Software

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a cloud-based software designed to help businesses view, sign, and annotate PDF documents from desktops, browsers, or mobile devices. Users can create customizable forms by adding various tools such as drop-down lists, barcodes, signature fields, list boxes, and more.

PDF-XChange is a fast and lightweight PDF software that allows users to view, convert, and edit PDF documents. The product offers unparalleled support and service, and was voted the Best PDF Reader by Lifehacker readers.

Most reviewers indicate that PDF-XChange offers strong value for money, with many appreciating its affordability, one-time purchase option, and discounts. However, some users report the price can still feel high and mention issues with refund policies.

Reviews for PDF-XChange come from a wide variety of industries, including construction (9% of reviewers), civil engineering (8%), and information technology and services (6%). The most frequent use case for PDF-XChange cited by reviewers is working with PDFs (96% of reviewers).

PDF-XChange

Tungsten Power PDF

PDFCreator

Foxit PDF Editor

PDF-XChange Editor

PDF-XChange Editor Plus

PDF-XChange Standard Printer

PDF-Tools

PDF-XChange Pro

Creator-Director

I've found PDF-XChange to be a robust and efficient means of editing PDFs and for converting to and from PDF format.

There are so many features that it's sometimes hard to figure out where things are in the menu and how to access them.

Editor

I use it mainly to annotate documents, and PDF-XChange has all the features I need.

HR Assistant

Can create anything from work documents to birthday cards.

Sales and Estimating Manager

Working on a digitizer originally, this was far superior by allowing measurement information to be stored on the plans digitally but it's missing the mark when it comes to compiling total takeoff data.

Senior Estimator

It has many features useful for engineers including measurement with calibration

You can also copy the text found in a PDF, which is not always easy to do with this type of program.

Client rep

I like that PDF Change is quite similar to adobe yet has more options to work with documents.

Coming from using a digitizer or the measuring pen, it made a significant difference in gathering and storing takeoff information.

Estimator

The measuring, layering & take off software.

Revit Modeller

I'm really glad that the keyboard shortcuts are programmable and that we can navigate the pdf with a click of the middle mouse button

Very good experience, i find most helpful the editing, commenting and layering.

There's no way to find the totals of what I measured without an excel sheet full of formulas.

Computerised Systems Validation SME

The software does not do automatic processing, where you just do the setup, and have it monitor and process all new files added in a specific folder.

It's ok for small jobs but the more complex the sheet, the longer it takes to gather all that information.

PDF-XChange is one of the best pdf  viewers I have used.  

No other software app out there is customizable as this one - this software lets you customize even the User Interface colors.

PDF-XChange provides a wide range of features that work well and can be used instead of Adobe Acrobat. Since switching to PDF-XChange, I have had no need to use Adobe Acrobat.

IT Manager

Range of tools to enhance a pdf document, stamp function is a very handy also.

Nitro PDF vs PDF-XChange Comparison (2026)

Nitro PDF

PDF-XChange

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives