Foxit PDF Editor vs PDF-XChange Editor
Complete comparison guide to help you choose the right productivity tool for your needs.
The Winner
Too Close to Call
Both Foxit PDF Editor and PDF-XChange Editor are excellent choices. Your decision should be based on specific feature needs and use case.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria |  Foxit PDF Editor |  PDF-XChange Editor |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free tier Best | Free tier |
| User Rating | 4.2 | 4.4 Best |
| Review Count | 1,071 Best | 301 |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Annual Discount | N/A | N/A |
| Best For | Affordable Adobe Acrobat alternative | Windows power users with customization needs |
Feature Breakdown
Feature Comparison
Foxit PDF Editor PDF-XChange Editor Foxit PDF Editor
- 40-60% Cost Savings
- Superior Performance
- Perpetual License Option
- Industry-First MCP Host
- Limited AI Credits on Base Plan
- Slightly Behind on Advanced Security
- Smaller Ecosystem
PDF-XChange Editor
- Exceptional Performance
- Outstanding Value
- JavaScript Automation
- Superior Editing Tools
- Windows Only
- Limited Collaboration
- Weaker Document Signing
Foxit PDF Editor Overview
Foxit PDF Editor delivers Adobe Acrobat-level functionality at 40-60% lower cost, with faster performance and an industry-first MCP Host for agentic AI workflows. The AI assistant (2,000 credits/month) automates document search, redaction, and form filling. Unique perpetual licensing option available. Ideal for budget-conscious professionals who refuse to compromise on features.
Best For:
- Affordable Adobe Acrobat alternative
- Users who need fast PDF performance with large files
- Enterprise teams needing lightweight deployment and lower IT costs
- Organizations preferring perpetual licensing over subscriptions
- Small businesses wanting intuitive interface with minimal training
- Teams seeking AI-powered productivity (12+ hours saved/week)
PDF-XChange Editor Overview
I tested PDF-XChange Editor as an Adobe alternative and found professional-grade PDF editing at a fraction of the cost. The $79 perpetual license includes JavaScript automation, enhanced OCR, and batch processing. Performance is exceptional - 10-100x faster than Adobe. Free tier includes 70-80% of features. Windows-only, lacks collaboration, but unbeatable value for power users.
Best For:
- Windows power users with customization needs
- Users requiring JavaScript automation for workflows
- Budget-conscious professionals and SMEs
- Technical users wanting perpetual licensing
- Organizations processing high-volume PDFs with batch operations
Our Verdict
Both Foxit PDF Editor and PDF-XChange Editor are excellent choices for their respective strengths. Foxit PDF Editor is ideal for Affordable Adobe Acrobat alternative, while PDF-XChange Editor shines at Windows power users with customization needs. Your final choice should depend on your specific requirements and budget.