PDF-XChange Editor vs PDF24 Creator
Complete comparison guide to help you choose the right productivity tool for your needs.
The Winner
Too Close to Call
Both PDF-XChange Editor and PDF24 Creator are excellent choices. Your decision should be based on specific feature needs and use case.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria |  PDF-XChange Editor |  PDF24 Creator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free tier Best | Free tier |
| User Rating | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Review Count | 301 | 342 |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Annual Discount | N/A | N/A |
| Best For | Windows power users with customization needs | Windows users wanting free PDF tools |
Feature Breakdown
Feature Comparison
PDF-XChange Editor PDF24 Creator PDF-XChange Editor
- Exceptional Performance
- Outstanding Value
- JavaScript Automation
- Superior Editing Tools
- Windows Only
- Limited Collaboration
- Weaker Document Signing
PDF24 Creator
- Completely Free for All Features
- Virtual Printer Integration
- Offline Processing for Privacy
- Comprehensive Toolset
- Windows-Centric Desktop Features
- Dated Interface Design
- Limited Advanced Editing
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
PDF24 Creator Overview
PDF24 Creator is a completely free PDF suite offering virtual printer, merge/split/compress tools, OCR, and digital signatures with no watermarks or restrictions. Best for Windows users and SMBs wanting professional PDF capabilities without $15-30/month subscription costs. The offline processing keeps files on your PC for GDPR compliance. However, Mac/Linux users only get web tools, and advanced editing features lag behind paid alternatives like Adobe Acrobat.
Best For:
- Windows users wanting free PDF tools
- Small businesses and organizations wanting to save on software costs
- Users who prefer offline/local processing for privacy (GDPR compliance)
- Batch PDF processing and routine document management
- Organizations needing virtual printer functionality across applications
Our Verdict
Both PDF-XChange Editor and PDF24 Creator are excellent choices for their respective strengths. PDF-XChange Editor is ideal for Windows power users with customization needs, while PDF24 Creator shines at Windows users wanting free PDF tools. Your final choice should depend on your specific requirements and budget.