Looking for the best PDF reader for your iPad? You’re in the right place! We’ve put together a list of the top 5 PDF apps, each offering its own unique features, easy-to-use interfaces, and a range of price points to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Let’s be honest—PDFs are a big part of life. Whether you’re sending, reading, or signing them (yes, you can eSign with Soda PDF—just saying!), it’s hard to get through the day without dealing with at least a few. Having a great PDF reader on your iPad can make a world of difference. The good news? There’s no shortage of options. The challenge? There are so many to choose from, and let’s face it, you don’t have time to try them all.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the hard work for you by testing as many apps as we could find. After narrowing down the best, we’ve created this handy list.
Here’s a breakdown of our top picks:
1. Adobe
- Price: Free
- Best Feature: The trusted Adobe name
Adobe has been the go-to for PDFs since the format was invented in 1993. Their iPad reader is packed with all the tools you might need, backed by the reliability of Adobe’s reputation. From cloud connectivity to multi-language support (20, to be exact), Adobe Reader offers top-tier performance. You can annotate, highlight, and mark up your PDFs effortlessly. Plus, with free access, it’s perfect for anyone needing basic annotation features without spending a dime.
2. PDF Expert 6
- Price: $10
- Best Feature: Powerful organization tools
PDF Expert 6 hits it out of the park in almost every category. Sure, it comes with a price tag, but at $10, it’s worth every penny. Its standout features are its organization and reading tools—two areas where it truly excels. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making it easy to navigate. You can create folders, tag files, and even view documents as thumbnails for quick access. Plus, with reading modes like day, night, and sepia, it offers a tailored reading experience. If you’re after a smooth, well-organized reader, this one’s hard to beat.
Bonus – Soda PDF Anywhere: We couldn’t make a list like this without mentioning Soda PDF Anywhere. Our browser-based reader is ideal for anyone who’s always on the go, with all the tools you need to read and edit PDFs from your web browser. You can even access your files from any device. It’s easy to use and reads just like a book!
3. iAnnotate
- Price: $9.99
- Best Feature: Comprehensive annotation options
If you’re someone who loves to mark up your documents, iAnnotate is for you. The app’s infinite scroll feature makes reading a breeze, while its rich set of annotation tools allows you to highlight, underline, strikethrough, and more. You can also draw on PDFs, add digital signatures, and open multiple documents with tabbed browsing. iAnnotate is a powerful tool for anyone who needs to frequently annotate and share documents.
4. iBooks
- Price: Free
- Best Feature: It’s simple, and you probably already have it
Surprise! The same app you use to read your favorite novels can also handle your PDFs. While iBooks isn’t the most feature-packed PDF reader, it’s a solid option for anyone looking for a simple, no-frills solution. It’s perfect for quick viewing and light reading, with the ability to store PDFs in your library for easy access. If you already have it on your iPad and just need basic functionality, iBooks could be the perfect fit.
5. GoodReader
- Price: $4.99
- Best Feature: Great value
GoodReader offers many of the features you’d expect from a higher-priced app, all at a budget-friendly price. With diverse annotation tools, cloud support, and a robust file manager, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive reader without breaking the bank. The app’s text-to-speech feature is a nice bonus, and it’s constantly being updated with new features. At $5, it’s hard to go wrong.
We’ve combed through countless apps to bring you the 5 best PDF readers for iPad. Why sift through dozens of options when you can stick with the top picks? With any of these apps, your PDF experience will be transformed for the better, making your work (and life) easier.
Soda PDF’s browser-based reader is another fantastic option for anyone who’s always on the move. You can read and annotate documents while waiting for your coffee, and the best part? It’s free! Give it a try today and experience the ease of managing your PDFs from anywhere.
