An Acrobat alternative with no subscription
If you only need to edit, merge, split, sign or fill PDFs, you do not have to rent software forever. Here is the free route, the pay-once route and what each costs.
Free in your browser first
Merge, split, compress, reorder and sign PDFs here, nothing is uploaded and files up to 10 MB are free.
Subscription or pay once
| Adobe Acrobat Pro | PDF Pro Editor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 a month (annual plan billed monthly) | $24.99 once |
| Cost over 3 years | $719.64 | $24.99 |
| Payment | Monthly, until you cancel | One payment, no subscription |
| Edit text and images already in a PDF | Yes | Yes |
| Reorder, merge and split pages | Yes | Yes |
| Highlight and comment | Yes | Yes |
| Sign with your signature or a digital ID | Yes | Yes |
| Works offline, no account | Needs an Adobe account | Yes, no account and no key |
| Cloud storage, shared review, e-signature requests | Yes, through Adobe's services | No. It is a desktop app on your PC |
Adobe Acrobat Pro prices are US list prices read on 2026-10-25 and can change. Source: pricingsaas.com, redresscompliance.com and thewearify.com (third-party price trackers). Prices in your country may differ. Pay-once prices are in US dollars, taxes may be added at checkout.
Get it
One payment, no subscription, no account. Works offline on your PC.
Need more than one? Pro Bundle | $59.99 once gets PDF Pro Editor, Video Pro Editor, Photo Pro Edition, Music Tools and CAD Tools for one payment.
Only need to open a file someone sent you? Anyopen opens documents, spreadsheets, PDF, pictures and archives for $9.99, once.
Questions
What is the best Acrobat alternative with no subscription?
For everyday PDF work on Windows, a one-time desktop editor such as PDF Pro Editor covers editing, merging, splitting, commenting and signing for one payment. Acrobat is bigger, so check the table for what you need.
Can I edit a PDF for free?
You can merge, split, compress, reorder and sign PDFs in your browser on this site for free, up to 10 MB per file. Editing the text inside a PDF needs a desktop editor.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. PDF Pro Editor has a free 7-day trial in the Microsoft Store.
Does it work without internet?
Yes. The app runs on your PC and your files stay on it.
Not affiliated with Adobe. Adobe, Acrobat are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe what this page is compared with.