Alternatives · PDF Editors
PDF Annotator alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded PDF Annotator alternative is Skim (2.8 GPA). It's also the best free one.
PDF Annotator compared with 6 alternatives: PDF-XChange Editor, Xodo, Xodo PDF Studio, Drawboard PDF, Bluebeam Revu and 1 more.
PDF Annotator is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $79.95 one-time per user (version 10). 4 of the 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 2 more offer a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a PDF Annotator sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDF AnnotatorThis tool | Free trial · from $79.95 one-time | Trial only | Windows |
| PDF-XChange Editor | Free plan · from $62 one-time | Yes | Windows |
| Xodo | Free plan · from $7.99/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Xodo PDF Studio | Free trial · from $9.99/mo | Trial only | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Drawboard PDF | Free plan · from $83.92/yr | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Bluebeam Revu | Free trial · from $260/yr | Trial only | Web, Windows, iOS |
| Skim | Free | Free | macOS |
How each one differs from PDF Annotator
PDF-XChange Editor
Windows PDF editor with a free edition and perpetual licenses
- PDF-XChange Editor starts at $62 per user, one-time purchase.
- PDF-XChange Editor has a free plan, which PDF Annotator lacks.
Suits: Windows users who want to pay once rather than subscribe
Xodo
PDF tools on web, desktop and mobile, sold separately or as a suite
- Xodo starts at $7.99 per month, billed annually ($10.99 billed monthly).
- Xodo has a free plan, which PDF Annotator lacks.
- Xodo also lists a web app and macOS, Linux, iOS and Android apps.
Suits: Linux users who need a full desktop PDF editor
Xodo PDF Studio
Offline PDF editor for Windows, Mac and Linux, formerly Qoppa
- Xodo PDF Studio starts at $9.99 per month, billed annually ($19.99 billed monthly).
- Xodo PDF Studio also lists macOS and Linux apps.
- Xodo PDF Studio also covers workflow automation.
Suits: Linux users who need a full desktop PDF editor
Drawboard PDF
PDF markup app with pressure-sensitive ink and measurement tools
- Drawboard PDF starts at $83.92 per year (Pro Plus).
- Drawboard PDF has a free plan, which PDF Annotator lacks.
- Drawboard PDF also lists a web app and macOS, iOS and Android apps.
- Drawboard PDF also covers documents and file sharing.
Suits: Architects, engineers and builders marking up drawings
Bluebeam Revu
PDF markup, takeoff and drawing review software for construction
- Bluebeam Revu starts at $260 per user / year, billed annually (Basics).
- Bluebeam Revu also lists a web app and an iOS app.
- Bluebeam Revu also covers reports.
Suits: Contractors and estimators doing takeoffs on PDF drawings
Skim
Free PDF reader and note-taker for Mac, built for papers
- Skim is free.
- Skim has a free plan, which PDF Annotator lacks.
- Skim also lists a macOS app.
- Skim lists no Windows app, which PDF Annotator has.
- Skim is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Researchers reading and annotating papers on a Mac
Limits worth knowing in PDF Annotator
- It runs on Windows only; there is no Mac, mobile or browser version.
- The license covers version 10; a later major version needs an upgrade purchase or Upgrade Assurance.
- Prices exclude VAT, and volume pricing needs a quote for purchase orders.
- It is built for marking up and organizing pages, and the pages read do not list editing of existing text.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to PDF Annotator?
The alternatives to PDF Annotator in this directory are PDF-XChange Editor, Xodo, Xodo PDF Studio, Drawboard PDF, Bluebeam Revu and Skim. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with PDF Annotator.
Is there a free alternative to PDF Annotator?
Yes. Skim is free to use. PDF-XChange Editor, Xodo and Drawboard PDF have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which PDF Annotator alternatives work on macOS?
The PDF Annotator listing does not include a macOS app. Xodo, Xodo PDF Studio, Drawboard PDF and Skim list one.
Which PDF Annotator alternatives work on Linux?
The PDF Annotator listing does not include a Linux app. Xodo and Xodo PDF Studio list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to PDF Annotator?
Skim is described as open source on its own site.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 18, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.