The Ultimate List of Top 20 Best Free PDF Converters for 2023

Top 20 Best Free PDF Converters for 2023: In this digital age, PDFs have become a staple for sharing and preserving documents across different platforms. However, sometimes you may need to convert PDF files to other formats to meet specific requirements. The good news is that there are numerous free PDF converters available that can help you accomplish this task effortlessly. In this article, we’ll explore the top 20 best free PDF converters to use in 2023, ranging from online tools to standalone software, all designed to make your conversion journey a breeze. So, let’s dive in and unleash the power of PDF conversion!

Table of Contents

List Of 20 Best Free PDF Converters In 2023

Apologies for the confusion. In the above table, <br> was inadvertently included. It is an HTML tag used for line breaks in web content but is not relevant in a plain text format. Please find the corrected table below:

S.No. Name Features Pricing Rating (out of 5) Available Platforms
1 Smallpdf – PDF to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG conversion – Additional PDF editing features – E-signatures – PDF compression – Merge and split PDFs Free with limitations 4.9 Web-based
2 PDFelement – PDF to Word, Excel, PowerPoint conversion – PDF editing and annotation – OCR feature – Batch processing Free with limitations 4.8 Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
3 Zamzar – Wide range of supported formats – Simple three-step conversion – Cloud storage integration – Priority support available Freemium 4.7 Web-based
4 Adobe Acrobat Reader DC – PDF to Word, Excel, image conversion – Basic PDF editing capabilities Free with limitations 4.5 Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
5 Nitro PDF to Word Converter – Efficient PDF to Word conversion – Simple and user-friendly interface Free 4.5 Web-based
6 CloudConvert – Batch conversion of multiple file types – Cloud storage integration – Wide format support Freemium 4.5 Web-based
7 PDF24 Creator – PDF to multiple formats conversion – Merge and split PDFs – Print-to-PDF functionality Free 4.4 Windows
8 WPS PDF to Word Converter – Dedicated PDF to Word conversion – Part of WPS Office suite Free 4.3 Windows
9 UniPDF – PDF to Word, images, HTML conversion – Retains original formatting Free 4.2 Windows
10 Online2PDF – PDF conversion to various formats – PDF merging, compression, and editing features Free 4.2 Web-based
11 PDFMate PDF Converter – PDF to EPUB, Text, Image, HTML conversion – Batch conversion – Customizable output settings Free 4.1 Windows
12 Convertio – Supports over 300 formats – Simple and intuitive interface Freemium 4.0 Web-based
13 doPDF – Converts various formats to high-quality PDFs – Integration with Windows applications Free 4.0 Windows
14 Icecream PDF Converter – PDF to various formats conversion – Merge and split PDFs – User-friendly interface Free 3.9 Windows
15 PDF2Go – PDF conversion to multiple formats – PDF editing and compression – Merge and split PDFs Freemium 3.9 Web-based
16 FreePDFConvert – PDF to multiple formats conversion – Straightforward conversion process Free 3.8 Web-based
17 Hipdf – PDF conversion to various formats – PDF merging and compression – Focus on security and privacy Free 3.7 Web-based
18 OnlineConvertFree – Supports various file types conversion – Emphasis on security and privacy Freemium 3.6 Web-based
19 PDFChef – PDF to various formats conversion – Simple drag-and-drop functionality Free 3.5 Windows
20 PDF to DOC – Specialized PDF to Word conversion Free 3.4 Web-based

Smallpdf

Smallpdf is an all-in-one online PDF converter that takes the lead with its impressive features and ease of use. Whether you want to convert PDF to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG, or vice versa, Smallpdf has got you covered. Its user-friendly interface allows even beginners to navigate the platform effortlessly. All you need to do is upload your PDF, choose the desired output format, and let Smallpdf work its magic. The conversion process is quick and accurate, ensuring that your documents retain their original formatting and layout.

Moreover, Smallpdf goes beyond just converting PDFs. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including PDF compression, merging, splitting, and editing. You can also add e-signatures to your PDFs, making it a one-stop-shop for all your PDF needs. With a free version available, Smallpdf provides an impressive set of features without any cost, but if you require additional functionalities, their premium plans come with advanced options for power users.

Official Link : https://smallpdf.com/

PDFelement

PDFelement is not just your average PDF converter; it’s a powerful and feature-rich PDF editor as well. The free version allows you to convert PDFs to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other formats, making it an excellent choice for both personal and professional use. The software is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, ensuring you can access and edit your documents on the go.

PDFelement stands out for its intuitive interface and robust editing capabilities. Besides converting PDFs, you can also annotate, highlight, and add comments to your documents. The OCR (Optical Character Recognition) feature is particularly useful for converting scanned documents into editable and searchable text. While the free version offers substantial features, upgrading to the Pro version unlocks even more advanced functionalities.

Official Link : https://pdf.wondershare.com/

Zamzar

Zamzar is a versatile online file converter that supports an extensive list of formats, including PDF conversion. Its simple three-step process ensures a hassle-free experience. Just upload your PDF, choose the output format, and enter your email address to receive the converted file. Zamzar supports document, image, audio, and video conversions, making it a comprehensive tool for various file types.

While Zamzar offers a free version with limitations on file size and daily conversions, their premium plans provide unlimited conversions, faster processing times, and priority support. If you find yourself converting files frequently, their premium options may be worth considering.

Official Link : https://www.zamzar.com/

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is one of the most popular PDF readers worldwide. While it is well-known for its excellent PDF viewing capabilities, it also offers basic PDF conversion features. The free version allows you to convert PDFs to Word, Excel, or image formats, but keep in mind that the options are limited compared to other dedicated converters.

For more advanced features like converting to PowerPoint or merging multiple PDFs, you may need to upgrade to a paid version. Despite this, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC remains a reliable choice for occasional and straightforward PDF conversions.

Official Link : https://get.adobe.com/reader/

Nitro PDF to Word Converter

If you’re primarily looking to convert PDFs to Word documents, Nitro PDF to Word Converter is an excellent choice. Its straightforward and efficient conversion process ensures accurate results every time. While the free version offers basic PDF to Word conversion, Nitro Pro, their premium software, opens up a world of possibilities with its comprehensive PDF editing and collaboration tools.

Official Link : https://www.gonitro.com/pdf-to-word

CloudConvert

CloudConvert stands out for its extensive range of supported file types. This online converter allows you to convert PDFs to various formats, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, images, and more. Its batch conversion feature makes it time-efficient, allowing you to convert multiple PDFs simultaneously.

The platform also offers cloud storage integration, which means you can connect your cloud storage accounts to access and save your converted files directly. While the free version comes with limitations on the number of conversions per day, their subscription plans offer unlimited access and additional features.

Official Link : https://cloudconvert.com/

PDF24 Creator

PDF24 Creator is not just a PDF converter but also a PDF printer, allowing you to convert over 20 file types to high-quality PDFs. The software is available for Windows and offers a range of features, including merging, splitting, and signing PDFs.

PDF24 Creator’s virtual PDF printer enables you to convert any printable document to PDF by simply selecting the PDF printer as your print option. This makes it incredibly convenient for converting various file types to PDF format.

Official Link : https://tools.pdf24.org/en/creator

WPS PDF to Word Converter

WPS PDF to Word Converter is a dedicated tool for converting PDFs to Word documents. Its user-friendly interface and reliable conversion process make it a top choice for this specific task. The software is part of the larger WPS Office suite, which includes a word processor, spreadsheet software, and presentation tool.

While the free version focuses on PDF to Word conversion, WPS Office offers a premium version with additional features for power users who require comprehensive office software.

Official Link : https://pdf.wps.com/convert-pdf-to-word/

UniPDF

UniPDF offers a straightforward approach to converting PDFs to various formats, including Word, images, HTML, and more. Its primary focus is on retaining the original formatting, ensuring your converted files look just as good as the original.

The software is available for Windows and provides a simple drag-and-drop interface for quick and easy conversions. Whether you need to extract text, images, or tables from a PDF, UniPDF delivers reliable results.

Official Link : https://unipdf.com/

Online2PDF

Online2PDF shines as an online PDF converter that offers an impressive array of features, making it more than just a conversion tool. In addition to converting PDFs to various formats, you can also merge, compress, and edit PDFs online without any hassle.

The platform supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a global user base. With its easy-to-use interface and a wide range of conversion options, Online2PDF is an excellent choice for various PDF-related tasks.

Official Link : https://online2pdf.com/

PDFMate PDF Converter

PDFMate PDF Converter offers a wide range of formats for PDF conversion, including EPUB, Text, Image, and HTML. This standalone software for Windows boasts a user-friendly interface and batch conversion capabilities, allowing you to convert multiple PDFs simultaneously.

Besides its conversion prowess, PDFMate also allows you to customize the output settings, ensuring your converted files meet your exact requirements.

Official Link : https://www.pdfmate.com/pdf-converter-free.html

Convertio

Convertio is an online platform that supports an impressive range of file formats, making it a reliable choice when dealing with unconventional file types. Its intuitive interface and straightforward process allow you to convert PDFs to various formats with ease.

In addition to PDF conversion, Convertio also offers options for image editing and document compression. For regular users who require frequent conversions, their subscription plans provide unlimited access to all features.

Official Link : https://convertio.co/

doPDF

doPDF is a free PDF printer that allows you to convert documents from various formats to high-quality PDFs. It integrates smoothly with Windows applications, making it easy to use. When you install doPDF, it adds itself as a virtual printer in your system, so you can “print” any document and choose doPDF as the printer to convert it to PDF.

The software is straightforward and efficient, making it an excellent choice for converting various file types to PDF format quickly.

Official Link : https://www.dopdf.com/

Icecream PDF Converter

Icecream PDF Converter is an intuitive software that offers a modern and user-friendly interface. This Windows-based tool allows you to convert PDFs to various formats and vice versa effortlessly. The software supports batch conversion, ensuring that you can convert multiple files simultaneously without any hassle.

Besides its conversion capabilities, Icecream PDF Converter provides additional options for merging and splitting PDFs, making it a well-rounded tool for managing your PDFs effectively.

Official Link : https://icecreamapps.com/PDF-Converter/

PDF2Go

PDF2Go is an online PDF converter that offers an impressive array of features, making it a complete solution for your PDF needs. In addition to conversion, the platform also provides PDF editing, compression, and merging functionalities, giving you a complete toolkit for working with PDFs.

PDF2Go’s user-friendly interface allows you to process your PDFs quickly, and it works on all devices without the need for any software installation.

Official Link : https://www.pdf2go.com/

FreePDFConvert

As the name suggests, FreePDFConvert allows you to convert PDFs to various formats at no cost. Its straightforward interface ensures a seamless conversion experience. This online converter supports a range of file types, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and images.

While the free version offers basic PDF conversion, their premium plans provide additional benefits such as unlimited conversions and faster processing times.

Official Link : https://www.freepdfconvert.com/

Hipdf

Hipdf is another online platform that covers a wide range of PDF conversion needs. It offers a simple and intuitive interface, allowing you to convert PDFs to various formats without any complications. Besides conversion, Hipdf also provides options for merging, compressing, and editing PDFs.

The platform values user security and privacy, making it a reliable choice for converting sensitive documents securely.

Official Link : https://www.hipdf.com/

OnlineConvertFree

OnlineConvertFree is a user-friendly and best free pdf converter that emphasizes security and privacy. It supports various file types, including PDF conversion, and offers a simple three-step process for hassle-free conversion.

While the free version provides ample features for occasional use, their subscription plans unlock additional benefits, including faster processing and priority support.

Official Link : https://onlineconvertfree.com/

PDFChef

PDFChef is a user-friendly software that provides an easy way to convert PDFs while maintaining high-quality results. Its simple drag-and-drop functionality streamlines the entire conversion process. The software is available for Windows and offers a variety of output formats, including Word, Excel, and images.

PDFChef also allows you to merge and split PDFs, making it a versatile tool for managing your PDF documents.

Official Link : https://www.pdfchef.com/

PDF to DOC

Rounding off our list is PDF to DOC, a straightforward online converter that specializes in converting PDFs to Word documents with precision and efficiency. Its user-friendly interface makes the conversion process quick and hassle-free.

While the platform focuses on PDF to Word conversion, it is an excellent choice for anyone who frequently requires this specific conversion.

Official Link : https://pdf2doc.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PDF converter, and what does it do?

A PDF converter is a tool or software that allows you to convert files from one format to the PDF format or vice versa. It enables you to convert documents, images, and other file types to PDF or convert PDFs to different formats, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, images, and more.

Why do I need a PDF converter?

PDF converters are essential for various reasons. They enable you to share and preserve documents across different platforms, edit and extract content from PDFs, and convert PDFs to editable formats for further modifications.

What types of files can I convert using a PDF converter?

PDF converters typically support a wide range of file types, including Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, images (JPEG, PNG, etc.), HTML, EPUB, and more.

Are PDF converters available for free?

Yes, many PDF converters offer free versions with basic conversion features. However, some converters may also offer premium or subscription-based plans with additional functionalities.

Is it safe to use online PDF converters?

Reputable online PDF converters that use secure connections (HTTPS) and promise data privacy are generally safe to use. However, exercise caution while sharing sensitive or confidential documents online.

What is OCR, and why is it important in PDF converters?

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is a technology that converts scanned images or PDFs with non-editable text into searchable and editable text. It is essential for converting scanned documents into editable formats like Word.

Can PDF converters handle batch conversion of multiple files at once?

Yes, many PDF converters offer batch conversion features, allowing you to convert multiple files simultaneously, which saves time and effort.

What are the common output formats supported by PDF converters?

The common output formats supported by PDF converters include Word (DOCX), Excel (XLSX), PowerPoint (PPTX), images (JPEG, PNG, etc.), HTML, and TXT (plain text).

Are PDF converters available for mobile devices?

Yes, many PDF converters offer mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to convert and manage PDF files on the go.

How accurate are PDF converters in preserving the formatting of the original document?

The accuracy of preserving formatting may vary depending on the complexity of the document and the PDF converter's capabilities. Some converters excel in maintaining formatting, while others may require manual adjustments.

Can PDF converters handle password-protected PDFs?

Some PDF converters can handle password-protected PDFs, but you may need to provide the correct password for conversion.

Do I need to install software to use PDF converters, or can I use them online?

PDF converters are available in both online and software formats. Online converters don't require installation and work directly from your web browser, while software versions need to be installed on your computer.

Can PDF converters compress large PDF files to reduce their size?

Yes, many PDF converters offer compression features to reduce the file size of PDFs without compromising on quality.

Do PDF converters have limitations on file size or the number of conversions allowed?

Yes, some free versions of PDF converters may have limitations on file size or the number of conversions per day. Premium or paid versions often offer unrestricted access.

Are PDF converters compatible with all operating systems?

Most PDF converters are designed to be compatible with major operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. However, it's essential to check the compatibility of the specific converter you plan to use.

Can I use PDF converters offline, without an internet connection?

Yes, if you opt for a standalone software version, you can use PDF converters offline without needing an internet connection.

Are there any PDF converters specialized in specific tasks, like converting only images to PDFs or vice versa?

Yes, some PDF converters are specialized for specific tasks, such as converting images to PDFs or converting PDFs to images.

Do PDF converters support multiple languages and special characters during conversion?

Yes, reputable PDF converters should support multiple languages and special characters, ensuring accurate conversion across various language scripts.

How can I ensure the security of my documents while using online PDF converters?

To ensure document security, use reputable and well-known PDF converters that offer encrypted connections (HTTPS) and have clear privacy policies. Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential information through online converters.

What should I consider when choosing a PDF converter?

When choosing a PDF converter, consider factors such as conversion accuracy, supported file formats, user-friendliness, batch conversion capabilities, security measures, and whether the tool meets your specific conversion needs.

Conclusion

In 2023, the world of best free PDF converters is thriving, offering a plethora of options to choose from. Whether you prefer online converters or standalone software, there’s a perfect solution to meet your specific needs. With the top 20 best free PDF converters we’ve explored, you can now confidently handle any PDF conversion task that comes your way.

So, go ahead and unlock the true potential of your documents with these remarkable tools, and experience a seamless and efficient PDF conversion process like never before! Whether you need to convert PDFs to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or other file formats, these converters will undoubtedly become your go-to tools for all things PDF-related. Happy converting!