- Abi Djanogly
- Jan 28
- 7 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Changing a file format shouldn't require a degree in computer science. A great PDF converter allows you to transform documents into editable formats and back again within seconds, keeping your workflow moving.
You don't need to spend hours retyping data or struggling with messy formatting. We've rounded up the top tools that make handling digital paperwork simple, fast and stress-free.
Ready to merge your PDFs in seconds? Start with Wixel and see how easy it can be.
TL;DR: best PDF converters for busy professionals
If you're in a rush, here is a quick snapshot of the top tools available.
Name | Best for | Free plan | Editor included | Converts to word | Online |
01. Wixel | User-friendly interface, robust editing | Free / Premium | Yes | Yes | Online |
02. Foxit | Fast processing, secure | Free trial / Paid | Yes | Yes | Online + Offline |
03. PDF Expert | Smooth Mac integration, intuitive | Free / Paid | Yes | Yes | Offline |
04. Sejda | No installation needed, simple | Free / Paid | Yes | Yes | Online |
05. PDFelement | Affordable, feature-rich | Free trial / Paid | Yes | Yes | Online + Offline |
06. Soda PDF | Cloud & desktop versions | Free trial | Yes | Yes | Online + Offline |
07. PDFescape | Completely free online | Free | Limited | Not in free version | Online |
Looking to explore other PDF tools? Check out these best PDF editors and best PDF combiners.
What is a PDF converter?
A PDF converter is a software tool that changes a Portable Document Format (PDF) file into another type of file, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or an image format like JPG. It also works in reverse, allowing you to turn other file types into PDFs.
These tools are essential because PDFs are designed to preserve layout, making them hard to edit directly. A converter unlocks the content, letting you make changes without messing up the original design. Whether you need to fix a typo in a contract or pull data from a table, these tools bridge the gap between static documents and editable content.
Learn more: how to make a PDF.
7 best PDF converters for effortless editing
We've rounded up the top platforms to help you manage your documents with a PDF converter:
01. Wixel
Wixel makes managing documents incredibly straightforward. It is designed for anyone who needs to convert, edit and organize files without navigating a steep learning curve. The interface is clean, meaning you can find what you need immediately.
The Wixel PDF converter balances power with simplicity. With both the JPG to PDF converter and PNG to PDF converter you get high-quality conversions that keep your original formatting intact, which is often the biggest headache with other tools.
What makes Wixel a best PDF converter:
Extremely intuitive and easy to navigate.
High accuracy in maintaining document layout.
Fast conversion speeds for standard files.
Pricing: Wixel pricing ranges from a free plan to paid plans starting at $9/month (billed annually).
Learn more: how to combine a PDF easily.
02. Foxit
Foxit is a heavy hitter in the PDF world, known for its speed and security features. It is a favorite among businesses that need to handle sensitive documents and require reliable protection.
It offers ConnectedPDF technology, which allows you to track who opens your document and what they do with it.
What makes this a best PDF converter:
Fast and lightweight software that doesn't slow down your PC.
Strong security options for sensitive data.
Robust editing capabilities similar to a word processor.
Pricing: Free Foxit PDF editor and advance features with Foxit PDF Editor+ ($159.99 per year).
Learn more: how to make a PDF editable.
03. PDF Expert
If you use a Mac, iPhone or iPad, PDF Expert is a good choice for you. It is built specifically for the Apple ecosystem, meaning it looks and feels just like a native app.
It provides a smooth document experience, so scrolling through a 1000-page report feels effortless, and the annotation tools are a joy to use with an Apple Pencil.
What makes this a best PDF converter:
Beautiful, clean design that fits right into macOS.
Lightning-fast reading and scrolling experience.
Excellent annotation and note-taking tools.
Pricing: Paid yearly plan ($79.99) or Lifetime plan ($139.99 one-time payment).
Learn more: how to compress a PDF without losing quality.
04. Sejda
Sejda is the go-to tool for quick, on-the-fly tasks. It is web-based, so you don't need to download anything to merge a file or convert a page.
You can access it from any browser. If you are on a borrowed computer or just need to do one thing quickly, Sejda is perfect.
What makes this a best PDF converter:
No account or installation required for basic use.
Clean, user-friendly website interface.
Delete files automatically after 2 hours for privacy.
Pricing: Weekly ($5 one-time payment), Monthly ($7.50 per month) or Yearly ($63 per year) payment options.
05. PDFelement
Wondershare's PDFelement PDF converter tool is a strong contender for those who want a lot of features without a high price tag. It offers a full suite of editing, converting and signing tools.
This is a good option for budget-conscious pros, like freelancers and small businesses.
What makes this a best PDF converter:
Affordable one-time purchase options available.
Simple interface that mimics Microsoft Word.
Good OCR capabilities for scanning documents.
Pricing: Standard, Pro and Business plans available, all as either monthly or yearly options (check platform for current pricing).
06. Soda PDF
Soda PDF is unique because it offers a fully functional desktop app and a browser-based version that mirror each other. You can start work on your desktop and finish it on a tablet.
The ability to switch between online and offline work is a huge plus for hybrid workers, as you aren't tied to one device.
What makes this a best PDF converter:
Access your features from any device with a browser.
Page-flipping 3D view is a nice visual touch.
Integration with cloud storage like Dropbox and Google Drive.
Pricing: Standard, Pro and Business plans available, all as either monthly or yearly options (check platform for current pricing).
Learn more: how to split a PDF.
07. PDFescape
PDFescape is a classic. It has been around for a long time and remains a popular choice because the online version is completely free for basic editing and form filling.
If you just need to fill out a form that wasn't made fillable, PDFescape is the easiest free way to type text over a PDF.
Why this tool is great for basic forms
Completely free online version.
No account needed to start.
Good for basic annotation and form filling.
Pricing: Free, Premium ($2.99/month) and Ultimate ($5.99/month) plans available.
What to look for when choosing a PDF converter
Picking the right tool depends on your specific needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you download or buy.
Accuracy and formatting
The most important job of a converter is to keep your document looking the same. You don't want paragraphs jumping around or fonts changing when you convert a file. Look for tools known for high fidelity.
OCR (optical character recognition)
If you work with scanned documents or images of text, you need OCR. This technology reads the text in an image and makes it editable. Without it, your converted PDF will just be a picture pasted into a Word doc.
Security and privacy
If you are uploading contracts or personal data to an online converter, check their privacy policy. Reputable tools delete your files from their servers shortly after processing. For highly sensitive data, offline desktop software is usually safer.
Ease of use
You want a tool that saves you time, not one that requires a manual to operate. Look for intuitive interfaces (drag-and-drop is a plus) that let you get the job done in a few clicks.
Explore Wixel's AI image generator →
Why trust Wixel’s experts
Wixel’s team is made up of seasoned specialists in PDF conversion and document management who understand the real challenges people face when working with files every day.
With years of hands-on experience building tools for merging, editing and converting PDFs, they focus on removing friction from common workflows—whether for work, education or personal use.
By combining deep technical expertise with a strong user-first approach, Wixel’s experts design features that are intuitive, secure and dependable. Every tool, from PDF converters to editors and mergers, is built using industry best practices and refined through extensive real-world testing.
Editor’s note: Prices and plan details mentioned in this article are accurate as of January 2026. Pricing and features may change over time, so we recommend checking each platform’s official website for the most up-to-date information.
Best PDF converters for daily use FAQ
Is it safe to use free online PDF converters?
Generally, yes. Reputable online converters like Sejda or Wixel use encryption to protect your file transfers and automatically delete your documents from their servers after a few hours. However, for documents containing sensitive personal info like social security numbers or banking details, using offline desktop software is the safest bet to ensure your data never leaves your computer.
Can I convert a PDF back into a Word document?
Absolutely. This is one of the most common features of these tools. A good converter will turn your PDF back into a DOCX file while keeping your paragraphs, headings, and tables in the right place, so you can edit the text just like you originally wrote it.
Do I need to pay for a PDF converter?
It depends on your needs. For occasional use, like merging two files or converting a single page, free tools are often sufficient. However, if you need to edit text directly, use OCR on scanned documents, or process batches of files daily, a paid version will save you a lot of frustration and offer better results.