As a computer user, you might be familiar with Adobe Reader. It’s the default program for opening PDFs and is a part of the Adobe Acrobat software family. However, it’s not the only option available. There are plenty of light, free PDF readers that don’t eat up tons of system resources like Adobe Reader does.

But why should you switch? Here are some reasons why you don’t need Adobe Reader and what you should use instead.

1. Adobe Reader is slow

One of the biggest downsides to using Adobe Reader is that it’s slow. It takes a while to open up, and even longer to load larger PDF files. If you regularly work with PDF files, you don’t want to waste time waiting for a program to open. There are numerous other free PDF readers that load faster than Adobe Reader does.

2. Adobe Reader is bloated

Another reason why Adobe Reader is slow is because it’s bloated. It’s packed with features that the average user doesn’t need, such as integrated email attachments, online document sharing, or digital signatures. While these features may be useful for some, they’re simply unnecessary and a waste of system resources for most.

3. Adobe Reader is vulnerable

Adobe Reader is notorious for its security flaws. In fact, Adobe Reader was the target of many malware and phishing attacks in the past that exploited those vulnerabilities. It’s no wonder that Adobe had to release numerous security patches and updates over the years. Unfortunately, that means that you need to keep updating Adobe Reader too, which is both time-consuming and a hassle.

4. Other PDF readers provide the same functionality

Lastly, even though Adobe Reader is the default PDF reader, you don’t need it to view or even edit PDF files. WPS Office, SumatraPDF, or Foxit Reader are just a few examples of free, lightweight PDF readers that let you do the same things that Adobe Reader does – view and annotate PDFs, create bookmarks, and search for text.
So, what should you use instead?

If you’re convinced that Adobe Reader isn’t worth the risk, you might want to consider using another PDF reader instead. As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of options, but here are a few of our favorites:

1. SumatraPDF

SumatraPDF is an open-source, lightweight PDF reader that focuses on simplicity and speed. It’s fast, reliable, and supports all PDF file formats, including encrypted PDFs.

2. Foxit Reader

Foxit Reader is another popular PDF reader that offers a range of features, including annotation tools, bookmarking, splitting and merging documents, and more. It’s fast and secure, and you can also use it to fill out and sign PDF forms.

3. WPS Office

WPS Office is a free alternative to Microsoft Office that also comes with a built-in PDF reader. It can open PDF files and let you view and edit them, as well as convert them to Word, Excel, or PowerPoint formats.