The Top 10 Free Android Apps for PDF Editors in 2025
PDFs are everywhere—whether it’s a work document, a school assignment, or an eBook you’re trying to annotate, having the right tools on your Android device can make all the difference. With so many apps claiming to be the best free PDF editors, it’s tough to know which ones actually deliver. That’s why I’ve spent hours digging through the Google Play Store, testing apps, and reading user reviews to bring you this list of the top 10 free Android apps for PDF editing in 2025. These picks are based on functionality, ease of use, and—most importantly—keeping things free without sneaky paywalls for basic features. Let’s dive in and find the perfect app for your PDF needs!
Why You Need a Free PDF Editor for Android
Before we get into the list, let’s talk about why a good PDF editor matters. Android phones are powerful little machines, but they don’t come with a built-in PDF editor like some desktop operating systems. Whether you’re signing a contract on the go, highlighting a study guide, or merging multiple files into one, a free PDF editor can save you time and hassle. Plus, who wants to pay for a subscription when there are solid free options out there? These apps are designed to handle everything from basic annotations to more advanced edits, all without costing you a dime.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Free PDF Editors
To make this list, each app had to meet a few key standards:
- Totally Free Features: No hidden paywalls for basic editing tasks like adding text or signing documents.
- User-Friendly Interface: It has to be easy to navigate, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
- Core Editing Tools: Think text editing, annotations, form-filling, and maybe even file merging or splitting.
- Performance: No laggy load times or crashing mid-edit.
- Recent Updates: Apps need to be current as of February 25, 2025, to ensure compatibility with the latest Android versions.
With that in mind, here’s the countdown of the top 10 free Android apps for PDF editing.
1. PDFgear – The All-in-One Free Champion
Let’s kick things off with my personal favorite: PDFgear. This app is a powerhouse that rivals some paid editors. It’s 100% free—no ads, no subscriptions, no nonsense. You can edit text, add annotations, sign documents, merge PDFs, and even use its built-in OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to make scanned documents editable. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it a breeze to jump in and start tweaking your files.
What really sets PDFgear apart is its AI integration. Need a quick summary of a long PDF? The ChatGPT-powered assistant can do it for you. It’s also lightweight, so it won’t bog down your phone. I tested it on a scanned receipt, and the OCR worked flawlessly, turning blurry text into something I could edit. If you only download one app from this list, make it PDFgear.
Pros: Free OCR, AI features, no ads, full editing suite.
Cons: Slightly newer app, so it’s still building a massive user base.
2. Adobe Acrobat Reader – The Classic with Free Perks
You can’t talk about PDFs without mentioning Adobe Acrobat Reader. Adobe invented the PDF format, so it’s no surprise their app is a heavy hitter. The free version lets you view, annotate, highlight, and sign PDFs with ease. The “Fill & Sign” feature is a standout—perfect for adding your signature to forms without needing a premium upgrade.
While some advanced features (like text editing or file conversion) require a subscription, the free tools are robust enough for most casual users. I signed a mock lease agreement in under a minute, and the Material Design interface felt smooth on my Android device. It’s a reliable choice if you’re already in the Adobe ecosystem.
Pros: Trusted brand, great for signing, seamless cloud integration.
Cons: Advanced edits locked behind a paywall.
3. Foxit PDF Editor – Lightweight and Feature-Packed
Foxit PDF Editor has been a favorite for years, and its free version still shines in 2025. It’s lightweight, fast, and packed with tools like annotations, text highlighting, and form-filling. You can also search within PDFs and bookmark pages, which is great for long documents. The app supports multiple languages, making it a solid pick for global users.
I found the editing screen a bit cluttered at first, but once I got the hang of it, I could tweak images and text without a hitch. Some features—like file conversion—require a subscription, but the free tier is more than enough for basic edits. It’s ideal if you want a balance of power and simplicity.
Pros: Fast performance, multilingual support, free annotations.
Cons: Cluttered UI, premium features cost extra.
4. Xodo PDF Reader & Editor – The Speedy Multitasker
Next up is Xodo PDF Reader & Editor, a gem for anyone who needs a fast, free PDF solution. Xodo lets you annotate, highlight, and sign PDFs, plus it has a unique feature: you can write directly on the document with your finger or stylus. It’s perfect for sketching quick notes or marking up diagrams. The app also syncs with Google Drive and Dropbox, so your files are always accessible.
I tested Xodo by annotating a 50-page eBook, and it didn’t slow down once. The OCR feature is a bonus for scanned files, though it’s not as polished as PDFgear’s. If you’re after speed and flexibility, Xodo’s a winner.
Pros: Super fast, stylus support, cloud syncing.
Cons: OCR could be better.
5. iLovePDF – Simple and Straightforward
iLovePDF is a no-frills app that gets the job done. Known for its online tools, the Android version brings free features like merging, splitting, and compressing PDFs, alongside basic editing like adding signatures and filling forms. The interface is minimalist, which makes it easy to use even if you’re new to PDF editing.
I merged two PDFs in seconds, and the result was clean and professional. Some features require an internet connection, which might be a downside if you’re offline a lot. Still, for quick edits, iLovePDF is hard to beat.
Pros: Easy to use, great for merging/splitting, clean design.
Cons: Some tools need internet access.
6. PDF Extra – A One-Stop PDF Shop
PDF Extra is another strong contender, offering a free tier with editing, scanning, and signing capabilities. You can extract text with OCR, fill out forms, and even convert PDFs to other formats (though conversion is limited in the free version). The app doubles as a scanner, letting you turn paper documents into PDFs with your phone’s camera.
I scanned a handwritten note, and the OCR picked up most of the text accurately. The interface is modern and responsive, but a few features—like advanced editing—push you toward a subscription. For free users, though, it’s a solid all-rounder.
Pros: Built-in scanner, decent OCR, modern UI.
Cons: Limited conversions without paying.
7. Kdan PDF Reader – Markup Master
Kdan PDF Reader is a free app tailored for annotations and markups. You can highlight, underline, and add handwritten notes with ease, making it a go-to for students or professionals reviewing documents. It also supports file sharing via email or cloud storage like Google Drive.
I used it to mark up a research paper, and the handwriting tool felt natural with my stylus. Editing options are basic compared to others on this list, but if annotations are your main focus, Kdan delivers.
Pros: Great for markups, stylus-friendly, simple sharing.
Cons: Limited editing beyond annotations.
8. WPS Office + PDF – The Office Suite Bonus
WPS Office is best known as a free office suite, but its PDF editing tools are surprisingly robust. You can read, annotate, and convert PDFs to Word or other formats—all for free. The app also lets you create PDFs from scratch, which is handy for quick notes or reports.
I converted a PDF to Word and back, and the formatting held up well. The downside? It’s a bit bloated with extra office features you might not need. Still, it’s a great pick if you want a multi-purpose app.
Pros: Free conversions, all-in-one suite, reliable performance.
Cons: Overkill for PDF-only users.
9. PDFelement – Free with a Catch
Wondershare PDFelement offers a free version that’s packed with features: annotations, text editing, form-filling, and even a basic OCR tool. The catch? Saving edited files without a watermark requires a subscription. For light use—like reading and annotating—it’s fantastic, but heavy editors might hit that paywall.
I edited a contract and loved the thumbnail view for navigating pages. If you don’t mind watermarks or only need occasional edits, PDFelement is worth a look.
Pros: Rich features, easy navigation, free OCR.
Cons: Watermarks on saved edits.
10. OfficeSuite – The Versatile Hybrid
Rounding out the list is OfficeSuite, another office suite with strong PDF editing chops. The free version lets you view, annotate, and fill out PDF forms, plus it supports basic edits like adding text or signatures. It’s cross-platform, so you can pick up where you left off on a PC or tablet.
I filled out a tax form, and the process was smooth, though the app pushes premium upgrades for things like conversions. It’s a good choice if you already use OfficeSuite for other tasks.
Pros: Cross-platform, form-filling ease, decent free tools.
Cons: Upsells can be annoying.
Comparison Table: Quick Glance at the Top 10
| App | Best For | Key Free Features | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDFgear | All-in-one editing | OCR, AI, full edits, no ads | Newer app, less known |
| Adobe Acrobat | Signing & annotations | Signing, highlighting, cloud | Premium for advanced edits |
| Foxit PDF | Lightweight power | Annotations, search, bookmarks | Cluttered UI |
| Xodo PDF | Speed & stylus use | Annotations, syncing, OCR | OCR not top-tier |
| iLovePDF | Merging/splitting | Merging, signing, compression | Needs internet for some tools |
| PDF Extra | Scanning & OCR | Scanning, OCR, form-filling | Limited free conversions |
| Kdan PDF | Markups & notes | Highlighting, handwriting | Basic editing only |
| WPS Office | Office suite users | Conversions, annotations | Bloated with extra features |
| PDFelement | Feature-rich editing | OCR, text edits, annotations | Watermarks on saves |
| OfficeSuite | Cross-platform use | Form-filling, basic edits | Frequent premium prompts |
How to Choose the Right App for You
Picking the best app depends on what you need:
- For Signing Documents: Adobe Acrobat Reader or iLovePDF.
- For Annotations: Kdan PDF Reader or Xodo.
- For OCR and Scanning: PDFgear or PDF Extra.
- For All-in-One Editing: PDFgear or PDFelement (if you’re okay with watermarks).
- For Office Suite Fans: WPS Office or OfficeSuite.
Think about how often you’ll use it and whether you need offline access—some apps, like iLovePDF, rely on the internet for certain features.
Tips for Using Free PDF Editors on Android
- Check Storage Permissions: Most apps need access to your files—make sure they’re reputable (all these are!).
- Use Cloud Syncing: Apps like Xodo and Adobe make it easy to back up your edits.
- Test OCR with Scans: If you work with scanned docs, try PDFgear or PDF Extra for the best results.
- Avoid Overcomplicated Apps: If you just need basics, skip the office suites and go for something like iLovePDF.
The Future of Free PDF Editing on Android
As of February 25, 2025, free PDF editors are getting smarter and more powerful. AI features (like PDFgear’s) are becoming standard, and competition is pushing developers to offer more without charging. Expect even better OCR, smoother interfaces, and maybe even full text editing in free tiers as the year progresses.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the top 10 free Android apps for PDF editing in 2025. Whether you’re a student scribbling notes, a professional signing contracts, or just someone who needs to tweak a file now and then, there’s an app here for you. My top pick, PDFgear, stands out for its no-cost, no-compromise approach, but each app brings something unique to the table.
Which one’s your favorite? Have you tried any of these, or is there another gem I missed? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts! For now, download one of these apps and take control of your PDFs without spending a cent.