Best Okular Alternatives: For Document viewing in 2025
Choosing the right document viewer makes a big difference, whether you’re reading PDFs for work, school, or just for pleasure. Okular has long been a favorite for many, especially on Linux, due to its handy features and open-source nature. However, not everyone’s needs are the same, and sometimes you want to explore other options that might even be better suited to your workflow, preferences, or operating system. If you’re searching for Okular alternatives and best for document viewing, we’ve carefully compiled over ten great picks to help you find your next favorite PDF and document reader in 2025. Dive in below and see which one could be perfect for you!
Top 10+ Okular Alternatives and Best for Document Viewing in 2025
1. SumatraPDF
SumatraPDF is a lightweight, open-source document viewer built for speed and simplicity. Ideal for Windows users, it’s wholly dedicated to minimalism—delivering a fast and distraction-free reading experience.
- Supports PDF, ePub, MOBI, XPS, DjVu, CHM, and Comic Book files
- Extremely fast and responsive
- Portable version available (no installation needed)
- No bloat; it just works
Visit SumatraPDF Official Site
2. Foxit PDF Reader
Foxit PDF Reader is a robust and feature-rich PDF viewer, much-loved for its speed and professional toolset. It’s perfect for both personal and business use.
- Multi-platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Annotation and commenting tools
- Form filling capabilities
- Security features for safe document viewing
Visit Foxit PDF Reader Official Site
3. Evince
Evince is a simple, reliable document viewer for the GNOME desktop, giving Linux users a smooth, no-fuss document experience. It handles not just PDF files, but a variety of formats.
- Opens PDF, PostScript, DjVu, TIFF, DVI, and more
- Tabbed interface for multitasking
- Text search and selection tools
- Accessible and open-source
4. MuPDF
Known for its small size and amazing performance, MuPDF is an ideal Okular alternative if you like things lightweight and fast. It’s best for tech-savvy users who want a snappy reader.
- Supports PDF, XPS, CBZ, EPUB and more
- Minimal user interface
- Runs on Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS
- Open-source and scriptable
5. PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange Editor is a comprehensive and powerful PDF editor and viewer, widely praised for its extensive annotation tools and customization options.
- Rich markup and annotation features
- Supports scanned PDF OCR
- Tab-based viewing
- Free and premium versions available
Visit PDF-XChange Editor Official Site
6. Xodo PDF Reader & Editor
Xodo isn’t just a PDF reader; it’s a full-featured annotator, creator, and editor that works across major platforms, ensuring seamless cloud integration and collaboration.
- Mobile-ready (Android, iOS) and Web version
- Annotate, sign, and fill PDF forms
- Syncs with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive
- Simple user interface
Visit Xodo PDF Reader Official Site
7. Nitro PDF Reader
Nitro PDF Reader is focused on productivity, giving users both essential reading tools and smart PDF editing/creation options. It’s straightforward and suits modern workflow needs.
- Easy PDF creation from almost any document
- Can sign, annotate, and highlight text
- Integrates with cloud storage
- User-friendly interface
Visit Nitro PDF Reader Official Site
8. Zathura
If keyboard navigation is your thing, Zathura provides a highly customizable, minimalistic reading experience, especially suited for power Linux users and fans of vim-style navigation.
- Plugin-based (for PDF, DjVu, and more)
- Keyboard-focused, minimalistic UI
- Highly customizable and scriptable
- Open-source
9. STDU Viewer
STDU Viewer is an all-in-one document and image viewer for Windows, offering support for multiple file formats beyond just PDF. It’s handy for users dealing with varied document types.
- Supports PDF, TIFF, DjVu, XPS, and more
- Tabbed navigation
- Export and text search capabilities
- Free for non-commercial use
Visit STDU Viewer Official Site
10. Mendeley Reference Manager
Geared toward academics and researchers, Mendeley lets you not only view PDFs, but also organize, annotate, and cite your research materials effectively.
- PDF viewing and annotation
- Citation management and bibliography creation
- Cross-device syncing and collaboration
- Cloud storage available
11. SlimPDF Reader
SlimPDF Reader is remarkably tiny in size but packs in all essential PDF viewing functions with a clean, simple interface ideal for those wanting just the basics.
- Super lightweight (under 15 MB download)
- Minimalist design
- Windows, macOS, Linux supported
- Fast launch and quick rendering
Visit SlimPDF Reader Official Site
12. Qoppa PDF Studio Viewer
Qoppa PDF Studio Viewer is a free, cross-platform PDF reader focusing on clean viewing, commenting, and form filling—ideal for users seeking something stable and professional, yet simple.
- PDF markup and annotation tools
- Print, search, and navigate with ease
- Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Clean interface
Visit Qoppa PDF Studio Viewer Official Site
Conclusion
With so many Okular alternatives and best document viewing tools available in 2025, you’re spoilt for choice, whether you want a fast, minimal reader or a feature-packed editor. Each software on this list brings something unique to the table, catering to students, professionals, casual readers, and researchers alike. Test a few, and you’ll surely find one that’s the perfect fit for your day-to-day document needs.
FAQs
1. Are these Okular alternatives free to use?
Many of the document viewers listed offer free versions, while some have premium features or paid editions. Make sure to check the official site for exact details on pricing and licensing.
2