Best PDF Readers & PDF Merge/Split Tools (2025)
Looking for a reliable PDF reader or a tool to merge and split PDFs? Below you'll find verified, safe download links and short reviews for popular PDF readers and PDF toolkit utilities for Windows (including older Windows 7 64-bit), mobile and touch devices.
Safety & Google-Trust Checklist
- β Only link to official or trusted sources (FilezHub guidance links provided)
- β Recommend VirusTotal scanning for standalone EXE/APK if you download outside official stores
- β Include DMCA & copyright pages on your site and a disclaimer that you do not host copyrighted files
- β Clean UX: avoid popups, forced redirects and intrusive ads
Top PDF Readers & Editors β Quick Links
- Xodo PDF Reader & Editor (Android, Web) β fast reader with strong annotation tools.
- Sumatra PDF (Windows) β ultra-lightweight reader, great for older PCs and Windows 7/64-bit.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (Android, Windows, iOS) β official, full-featured PDF viewer and editor (free + premium features).
- Drawboard PDF (Windows β pen & touch) β great for inking, markup and architecture/annotation workflows on Surface devices.
- Foxit PDF Editor / Reader β fast, feature-rich alternative to Adobe with small footprint.
PDF Merge & Split Tools (Recommended)
- PDFsam Basic β free, open-source tool for splitting, merging, rotating and extracting pages (Windows/macOS/Linux).
- PDF Arranger β lightweight GUI for reordering, merging and splitting (Linux/Windows builds available).
- Smallpdf / ILovePDF (Web) β browser-based merge/split/compress tools (great if you prefer web apps).
Which PDF Reader Is Best for Windows 7 64-bit?
For older systems like Windows 7 (64-bit), use lightweight readers that donβt require modern runtime frameworks:
- Sumatra PDF β extremely small and fast, ideal for low-spec machines.
- Foxit Reader β lightweight with more features than Sumatra.
- Adobe Reader β compatible but heavier; use if you need advanced Adobe-specific features.
System Requirements β General Guide
| Platform | Windows 7/8/10/11 (check specific app page), Android, iOS, Web |
| RAM | From 256 MB (Sumatra) to 2+ GB (Adobe/Drawboard recommended) |
| Disk Space | Small β typically 50β500 MB depending on app and features |
How to Choose & Install Safely
- Decide if you need a lightweight viewer (Sumatra) or advanced editor (Adobe/Foxit/Drawboard).
- Click the official link above and download from the FilezHub guidance page or the official store (Play Store / App Store / vendor site).
- If you download an EXE or ZIP, optionally scan it on VirusTotal before running.
- Install and accept permissions only if they match the app purpose (e.g., file access for PDF editors).
- Keep the app updated for security and bug fixes.
Pros & Cons β At a Glance
Lightweight readers (Sumatra, Xodo web)
- Pros: Very fast, minimal RAM, portable versions often available.
- Cons: Limited editing/annotation features.
Full-featured editors (Adobe, Foxit, Drawboard)
- Pros: Annotation, sign, convert, form fill, OCR and collaboration features.
- Cons: Larger disk footprint; some advanced features behind paywall.
Privacy & Cloud Notes
If you use web-based merge/split tools, avoid uploading sensitive documents unless the service explicitly promises deletion policies and encryption. For confidential PDFs prefer local desktop apps or offline open-source tools.
FAQ
- Q: Which reader is best for annotating and pen input? A: Drawboard PDF (Windows Surface) or Adobe Acrobat for full features.
- Q: Can I split and merge PDFs offline? A: Yes β use PDFsam Basic, PDF Arranger, or Foxit desktop tools.
- Q: Are these apps safe? A: Yes when downloaded from official sources. Scan unknown installers and avoid cracked versions.
Final Note
Always download PDF readers and toolkit apps from trusted sources. Use VirusTotal when in doubt, show a clear DMCA/copyright policy on your site, and avoid bundled or cracked software to maintain user safety and Google trust.