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PDF Pro vs Adobe Acrobat: Comparison Guide (2024)
Here's what you need to know when comparing PDF Pro to Adobe Acrobat DC.
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In this comparison guide, we'll take a look at two leading PDF editors: Adobe Acrobat and PDF Pro.
Adobe Acrobat is one of the most well-known PDF editors around.
Adobe (who invented the PDF format) boasts innovative features and advanced tools, but not without their drawbacks.
Adobe Acrobat users are no stranger to the high price tag, sluggish performance, and steep learning curve.
If you're looking for an affordable alternative to Adobe Acrobat, PDF Pro may be just what you need.
PDF Pro is an all-in-one PDF solution that makes it easy to view, edit, convert, create, secure, and perform OCR on PDF files at an affordable price.
Choosing the right PDF editor is subjective; what's best for one person may not be ideal for another.
We'll focus on being objective, and unbiased with our comparison, so you can make best decision for your needs (even if it isn't us!).
Key Takeaways
- PDF Pro gives you the most bang for your buck, and is more affordable than every version of Adobe Acrobat. Try PDF Pro for free today
- Adobe Acrobat has two versions: Standard and Pro.
- PDF Pro offers you a better price and more functions that Acrobat Standard. But not as many functions as Acrobat Pro.
- PDF Pro is great for those that need a powerful, easy to use PDF editor, with some useful advanced functions.
- If you need the most advanced editing and security features for your PDFs, Adobe Acrobat Pro may be better for you.
Adobe Acrobat Standard vs Pro
Before comparing PDF Pro to Adobe Acrobat, we should discuss the versions of Adobe Acrobat that you can choose from.
Adobe Acrobat has two different versions: Adobe Acrobat Standard DC & Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
There are a variety of differences, but the most important are:
- Acrobat Pro is more expensive.
- Acrobat Pro has advanced features, while Standard only has basic editing.
- Acrobat Pro is available on Windows & Mac (Standard is Windows only).
Similarities & Differences
Adobe Acrobat Standard is the basic version of their PDF editor. It lets you perform basic functions with a PDF (view, create, convert, edit, add images to PDF, combine documents, fill forms, etc.).
Adobe Acrobat Pro includes everything in Standard, as well as advanced features like:
- Redact sensitive information.
- Add audio, video, and interactive objects to PDFs.
- Bates numbering (for legal documents and legal compliance).
- PDF comparison (side by side)
- Convert text from scanned documents and images into searchable and editable text (OCR).
- Send bulk e-signature requests.
- Adobe Acrobat Mac version.
Other than functions, there are two important differences between Adobe Acrobat Standard and Pro: price and operating system.
Price:
Adobe Acrobat operates on a subscription model. This means you'll be paying a monthly subscription (with discounts available if you sign-up and/or prepay annually).
- Adobe Acrobat Standard — US$12.99 month
- Adobe Acrobat Pro — US$19.99 month
Operating System:
Adobe Acrobat Standard is only available on Windows. Mac users will need to use the Pro version if they want to use Acrobat.
- Adobe Acrobat Standard — Windows
- Adobe Acrobat Pro — Windows & Mac
PDF Pro vs PDF Pro 10
Before we discuss PDF Pro, you may have heard of "PDF Pro 10" and been confused.
Long story short: PDF Pro 10 is now PDF Pro!
The same great company, now with an updated look, new and improved PDF editor, and a new name that matches our commitment and vision to be the best, affordable Adobe Acrobat alternative.
What's PDF Pro?
PDF Pro is a no nonsense, all-in-one PDF editor that was made to be easy to use, intuitive, powerful, and affordable. With PDF Pro, you can easily and instantly create, edit, convert, merge, OCR, batch process, and more.
What does "no nonsense" mean?
It means that we wanted to make an affordable PDF editor that you can use right out of the box, at a price that is more affordable than Adobe's steep subscription price.
Anyone that's used Microsoft Office or Google suite will feel right at home with PDF Pro's layout. The tools and buttons are neatly organized and clearly labeled, so you can quickly and instantly find the tool you're looking for.
How is PDF Pro different than PDF Pro 10?
PDF Pro now offers Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to instantly recognize text within images, scanned documents, downloaded PDF files, and more. So, you can edit, search, and interact with any PDF or document!
The biggest differences are:
- PDF Pro offers both subscription and lifetime (perpetual) licenses, PDF Pro 10 only has a lifetime license.
- PDF Pro offers OCR functionality (PDF Pro 10 does not).
This means that there are now more tools and advanced features for all your PDF needs, and new pricing options so you can find a plan that works best for your needs.
PDF Pro vs Adobe Acrobat
Let's take a closer look at how PDF Pro and Adobe Acrobat compare to one another. Or, you can jump to the comparison table below.
There are a few key differences between them, the most important being:
- PDF Pro is more affordable than all versions of Adobe Acrobat.
- PDF Pro has more features that Acrobat Standard, but not as many as Acrobat Pro.
- PDF Pro offers both basic and advanced editing functions (OCR, Bates numbering, etc.).
- PDF Pro is available as either a subscription or lifetime license (one-time payment).
Similarities & Differences
Adobe Acrobat was created by Adobe (who invented the PDF format), so their PDF editor tends to have the newest and most powerful editing features. But it has a steep price, steep learning curve, and slow, bloated software program as a result.
Adobe Acrobat Standard is their basic PDF editor, while Acrobat Pro has more advanced features such as redaction, OCR, Bates numbering, etc.
PDF Pro, one the other hand, is our no-nonsense PDF editor that was designed specifically to be an affordable Adobe Acrobat alternative.
In terms of PDF editing functions, PDF Pro sits between Acrobat Standard and Acrobat Pro. PDF Pro has more editing tools than Acrobat Standard, but not as many as Acrobat Pro.
PDF Pro has all the basic editing functions that are available in Acrobat Standard. But it also offers several advanced editing options such as OCR, Bates numbering, adding custom stamps, creating interactive PDFs and fillable forms, and measurement tools.
However, PDF Pro is missing some advanced features that are available in Acrobat Pro, like being able to send bulk e-sign requests.
- PDF Pro — Basic PDF editing, some advanced PDF editing.
- Adobe Standard — Basic PDF editing.
- Adobe Pro — Basic & advanced PDF editing.
Price
PDF Pro is more affordable than both versions of Adobe Acrobat. PDF Pro is available as a monthly subscription, or you can pay one lump sum cost and have it for life!
- PDF Pro — US$5 month, or one-time payment of US$192 (for life)
- Adobe Standard — US12.99 month
- Adobe Pro — US$19.99 month
Operating System
PDF Pro is currently only available on Windows. If you're a Mac user, Adobe Acrobat Pro or a reputable competitor may be the better option.
- PDF Pro — Windows
- Adobe Acrobat Standard — Windows
- Adobe Acrobat Pro — Windows & Mac
Comparison Chart
Here's a helpful table to quickly compare PDF Pro vs Adobe Acrobat.
Which One is Right For Me?
The right one for you depends on your needs!
If you need basic (and several advanced) PDF editing features, then PDF Pro makes the most sense.
It's powerful, easy to use, has more editing tools, and better priced than Adobe Acrobat Standard. Literally, more bang for your buck.
If you need the most advanced tools for editing, security, and signing PDFs (or you're a Mac user), then you'll probably want to use Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
Summary
In this comprehensive guide, we've covered PDF Pro, Adobe Acrobat Standard, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and how the three compare to one another.
Adobe Acrobat is known for innovative tools and advanced features, but at the cost of sluggish performance, steep learning curve, and high price tag.
Meanwhile PDF Pro gives you more editing tools than Acrobat Standard, at a price that's more affordable than both versions of Adobe Acrobat. Truly more bang for your buck.
In terms of editing tools, PDF Pro is between Acrobat Standard and Acrobat Pro.
PDF Pro has more tools (including OCR and Bates numbering) than Acrobat Standard, but not as many as Acrobat Pro.
The option to subscribe, or buy a lifetime license for a single payment really makes it one of the best adobe alternatives around.
However, if you need the most innovative PDF tools (or you're a Mac user) than Adobe Acrobat Pro may best for you.
But, for the average person, PDF Pro's powerful editing tools, advanced features, different license options and affordable price have everything they need and more, while keeping things simple.
But don't just take our word for it, take a look at the other things PDF Pro can help you with.
PDF Pro can help you:
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