🚀 Partnership inquiries: fahim@fahimai.com | Trusted by 250,000+ monthly readers across 17 languages 🔥

🚀 Partnership inquiries: fahim@fahimai.com

Nitro PDF in 2026: Still a Smart Adobe Alternative?

deur | Last updated Feb 18, 2026

Is Nitro PDF Worth It?

★★★★ 3.8/5

Quick Verdict: Nitro PDF Pro is a solid PDF editor for people who want an Adobe Acrobat alternative. It handles editing, converting, and signing PDF documents well. But recent licensing changes and customer support issues hold it back. Best for kleine bedrijven and teams on a budget.

Nitro pdf

Best For:

Small businesses and teams who need a budget-friendly PDF editor with eSignatures and OCR

Skip If:

You’re a casual user who only edits PDFs once in a while — the price isn’t worth it

📊 Users67% of Fortune 500🎯 Best ForBedrijf PDF editing
💰 Price$15 per gebruiker per maand✅ Top FeaturePDF conversion + eSign
🎁 Free Trial14 days, no card needed⚠️ LimitationNee Android app

How I Tested Nitro PDF

🧪 TESTING METHODOLOGY

  • ✓ Paid with my own credit card (no free review account)
  • ✓ Used on 4 real client projects over 60 days
  • ✓ Converted 200+ documents between PDF and Office formats
  • ✓ Compared against 5 alternatives including Adobe Acrobat
  • ✓ Contacted support 3 times to test response quality
Nitro PDF dashboard screenshot

Tired of paying a fortune for Adobe Acrobat?

Je bent niet alleen.

Millions of people need to edit PDF documents every day.

But most PDF software is either too expensive or too basic.

Enter Nitro PDF Pro.

I used this tool for 60 days on real work projects. Here’s my honest take on whether it’s worth your money in 2026.

Nitro PDF

Edit, convert, and sign PDF files without the Adobe price tag. Nitro PDF Pro gives you a powerful PDF editor with OCR, eSignatures, and Office conversion. Try it free for 14 days — no credit card needed.

Nitro Pro: Editing Text

Wat is Nitro PDF?

Nitro PDF Pro is a Portable Document Format (PDF) editing application and electronic signature software.

Think of it like Microsoft Word — but for PDF files.

You can open any existing PDF and make changes right away.

It lets you edit tekst, add images, convert files, and sign documents.

Nitro Pro is a complete suite for PDF files. It handles everything from creating documents from scratch to converting PDFs into Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.

The tool also includes optical character recognition (OCR).

That means it can read scanned pages and turn them into text you can edit.

Unlike Adobe Acrobat, Nitro PDF is positioned as a budget-friendly alternative. You get similar tools at a much lower price.

Nitro PDF Pro is available for Windows and Mac, as well as iPad and iPhone.

It also includes collaboration tools. You can leave comments on any page and share notes with your team.

In October 2020, the company had a gegevens inbreuk.

They fixed the problem, but it’s worth knowing about your rights as a user.

Nitro PDF homepage

Wie heeft Nitro PDF gemaakt?

A small team started Nitro Software in Melbourne, Australië in 2005.

They built it as a direct alternative to Adobe Acrobat. The goal was simple. Make PDF editing easier and cheaper for everyone.

Today, Nitro PDF serves over 67% of the Fortune 500.

The company has sold over 1 million licenses worldwide.

They now have offices in San Francisco, Dublin, Toronto, and other cities.

In 2021, Nitro acquired PDFPen to expand to Mac, iPad, and iPhone users.

You can check their website for the full company story. They also launch regular updates, letting users access new features and services each year.

📌 Opmerking: Nitro PDF Pro was developed as an alternative to Adobe Acrobat from day one. That’s still its main selling point in 2026.

Belangrijkste voordelen van Nitro (PDF)

Here’s what you actually get when you use Nitro PDF Pro:

  • Save Money vs Adobe: Nitro PDF is generally 30% to 60% more affordable than Adobe Acrobat. You keep more cash in your pocket for the same core tools.
  • Work Faster with a Familiar Layout: Nitro PDF features an intuitive Microsoft Office-like interface. If you know Word, you know Nitro. No learning curve needed.
  • Convert Files in Seconds: Turn Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files into PDFs. Or go the other way. The conversion process keeps your layout and line spacing intact.
  • Sign Documents Without Printing: The built-in e-signature tool lets you apply a legally binding signature. No printer needed. No scanning. Just click and sign.
  • Find Text in Scanned Pages: The OCR tool turns scanned images into searchable text. You can finally find what you need in old documents.
  • Keep Files Safe: Documents in Nitro PDF can be protected with 256-bit encryption and password restrictions. Your content stays private.
  • Track Team Productivity: Nitro PDF provides unique usage analytics for enterprise users. You can see how your team uses the software and track document ROI.
Nitro PDF top benefits

Best Nitro PDF Features

Let’s look at what Nitro PDF actually offers under the hood.

1. Word naar PDF

Nitro PDF Pro allows users to convert documents from Word into PDFs with one click.

Your text, images, and layout stay the same. No more broken formatting.

This is great for people who create reports or contracts in Word. You can turn them into a polished PDF in seconds.

The English language support is strong. Colors, fonts, and page structure carry over cleanly.

Nitro PDF Word to PDF

2. PDF naar Word

Need to edit a PDF in Word? Nitro makes it easy.

It converts PDF documents back into Word files you can change.

The tool keeps your original format. Tables, images, and text boxes stay where they should.

This saves a lot of time for people who work with contracts or legal files.

Nitro PDF PDF to Word

3. PowerPoint naar PDF

Turn your slide decks into PDF files that anyone can open.

Nitro PDF Pro can convert PowerPoint presentaties while keeping slides looking sharp.

This is handy when you need to share slides with people who don’t have PowerPoint on their device.

The conversion is fast and reliable.

Nitro PDF PowerPoint to PDF

4. PDF naar PowerPoint

Got a PDF you need to present? Convert it into a PowerPoint file.

Nitro pulls text and images from your PDF. Then it builds editable slides for you.

This feature helps when clients send you presentations as PDFs. You can make changes without starting over.

💡 Pro-tip: Check your slides after conversion. Some complex layouts may need small fixes.

Nitro PDF PDF to PowerPoint

5. Excel naar PDF converteren

Spreadsheets can be hard to share. Not everyone has Excel.

Nitro lets you convert Excel files into clean PDF documents.

Your columns, rows, and formatting come through clearly. This makes it easy to share financial data with anyone.

Nitro PDF Excel to PDF

6. PDF naar Excel

Need to pull data from a PDF into a spreadsheet? Nitro handles that.

It reads tables in your PDF and turns them into editable Excel files.

This saves hours of manual data entry. It’s a big productivity boost for people in finance or boekhouding.

Nitro PDF PDF to Excel

7. Afbeelding naar PDF converteren

Nitro PDF Pro is compatible with a wide variety of file formats, including images.

You can turn JPG, PNG, and other image files into PDF pages.

This is useful for making portfolios. Or for combining scanned receipts into one document.

Nitro PDF Image to PDF

8. PDF naar afbeelding

Sometimes you need a PDF page as a picture.

Nitro lets you convert any PDF page into an image file. Great for sociale media posts or presentations.

You choose the format and quality. The tool keeps the color and details sharp.

Nitro PDF to Image feature

9. eSignatures

Nitro PDF Pro’s built-in e-signature feature is one of its best tools.

You can sign any document right inside the app. No need to print, sign, and scan.

You can also send documents for others to sign. It’s legally binding and saves a lot of time.

This tool is a big deal for people who handle contracts or agreements.

Nitro PDF eSignatures

Nitro PDF Pricing

As of 2026, Nitro PDF offers flexible pricing, including one-time purchase options and subscription plans.

PlanPrijsHet beste voor
Standaard$15 per gebruiker per maandTeams who need full PDF + cloud tools
PlusPrijs op maatLarge companies with advanced security needs
Klassiek$270 one-timeUsers who want a one-time buy (3-year license)

Gratis proefperiode: Yes — 14 days with full access. No credit card needed.

Geld-terug-garantie: Contact support for refund policies.

📌 Opmerking: The Classic plan is a 3-year license for Windows only. It’s not a lifetime purchase. After 3 years, you need to pay again.

Nitro PDF pricing

Is Nitro PDF Worth the Price?

Nitro Pro is not a free tool, but you can avail of a free 14-day trial to test it.

At $15/month per user, it’s much cheaper than Adobe Acrobat. You get most of the same features for less money.

The $270 Classic option seems good. But it only lasts 3 years and works on Windows only. That’s a problem for Mac users.

You’ll save money if: You’re switching from Adobe Acrobat. Nitro gives you similar PDF editing power at a lower price.

You might overpay if: You only need basic PDF reading or simple edits. Free apps like a basic PDF reader may be enough.

💡 Pro-tip: The annual subscription for Nitro PDF Pro costs about $135 per user. That’s cheaper than paying month by month. Choose the yearly plan to save.

Nitro PDF Pros and Cons

✅ What I Liked

Gebruiksvriendelijk: Nitro Pro provides a user-friendly interface that has everything at the click of a button. The Microsoft Office-like layout means zero learning curve.

Great File Conversion: Nitro PDF Pro can convert PDFs into other formats and vice versa, including Microsoft Office files. The quality stays high.

Sterke beveiliging: Password protection and 256-bit encryption keep your files safe. You can set permissions to restrict printing or editing of documents.

Built-in eSignatures: Sign documents right inside the app. No need for a separate tool. It saves time and money.

Cheaper Than Adobe: You get most of the same features as Acrobat. But you pay a lot less. That’s a big win for small teams.

❌ What Could Be Better

Licensing Controversy: Nitro Software sent a letter to owners of perpetual licenses older than version 13. It told them their licenses would be shut off unless they paid for a subscription. That upset a lot of people.

Customer Support Issues: Nitro Software was graded F by the Better Business Bureau for failing to respond to customer complaints. As of June 2025, Nitro Software is no longer rated by the Better Business Bureau.

No Android App: Nitro PDF is compatible with Windows, Mac, and iOS. But there’s no Android version. If you use an Android device, you’re out of luck.

🎯 Quick Win: Start with the 14-day free trial. Test every feature before you buy. That way you know if Nitro fits your workflow.

Is Nitro PDF Right for You?

✅ Nitro PDF is PERFECT for you if:

  • You need a powerful PDF editor that costs less than Adobe Acrobat
  • You convert a lot of files between PDF and Office formats
  • You want built-in eSignatures for contracts and forms
  • You work on Windows or Mac and want a clean, familiar interface

❌ Skip Nitro PDF if:

  • You only need basic PDF reading — free apps will do
  • You need an Android app for mobile editing
  • You want a true lifetime license with no expiration

My recommendation:

Nitro Pro is a tool that will help you versnellen your entire documentation workflow. If you edit PDFs daily and want to save money vs Adobe, it’s a smart pick. Just watch out for the licensing terms.

Nitro PDF vs Alternatives

Hoe werkt dat? Nitro PDF stack up? Here’s the competitive landscape:

HulpmiddelHet beste voorPrijsRating
Nitro PDFOffice-style PDF editing$15/mo⭐ 3.8
PDF-expertMac and iOS users$80/year⭐ 4.5
FoxitFast, budget-friendly editing$12/maand⭐ 4.4
pdfFillerOnline form filling$8/maand⭐ 4.3
TenorshareSimple PDF tasks$50/jaar⭐ 4.0
PDF-elementBudget AI-powered editing$80/year⭐ 4.4
DocHubQuick online editingFree/$14/mo⭐ 4.5
UPDFCross-platform + AI-tools$70 lifetime⭐ 4.5

Quick picks:

  • Best overall: Foxit — Fast, affordable, works on all platforms including Android
  • Best budget option: UPDF — One-time $70 payment with AI-tools and lifetime updates
  • Best for Mac users: PDF Expert — Built for Apple apparaten with a clean interface
  • Best for online editing: DocHub — Free plan available, works right in your browser

🎯 Nitro PDF Alternatives

Looking for Nitro PDF alternatives? Here are the top options:

  • 🎨 PDF-expert: Best for Mac and iOS users who want a native, polished PDF editing experience with easy annotations.
  • Foxit: Fast PDF editor with strong collaboration tools. Works on all platforms including Android.
  • 👶 pdfFiller: Great for beginners who need to fill forms and make quick edits online. No software to install.
  • 🔧 Tenorshare: Simple desktop tool for basic PDF editing and conversion tasks.
  • 🧠 PDF-element: AI-powered PDF editor with OCR, form creation, and budget-friendly pricing.
  • 💰 DocHub: Free online PDF editor that works in any browser. Good for quick tasks and teamwork.
  • 🌟 UPDF: Cross-platform PDF editor with AI-assistent and a true lifetime license for under $70.

⚔️ Nitro PDF Compared

Here’s how Nitro PDF stacks up against each competitor:

  • Nitro PDF vs PDF Expert: PDF Expert wins for Apple users. Nitro wins for Windows-focused teams.
  • Nitro PDF vs Foxit: Foxit is cheaper and faster. Nitro has better enterprise analytics.
  • Nitro PDF vs pdfFiller: pdfFiller is better for online forms. Nitro wins on desktop power tools.
  • Nitro PDF vs Tenorshare: Nitro offers more features. Tenorshare is simpler and cheaper.
  • Nitro PDF vs PDFelement: PDFelement has better AI tools. Nitro has a more Office-like experience.
  • Nitro PDF vs DocHub: DocHub wins for free online use. Nitro wins for heavy desktop work.
  • Nitro PDF vs UPDF: UPDF offers a true lifetime license. Nitro has better enterprise features.

My Experience with Nitro PDF

Here’s what actually happened when I used Nitro PDF Pro:

Nitro PDF Editor Tutorial | Complete Beginner’s Guide

The project: I used Nitro to manage client contracts and convert proposal documents for 4 active projects.

Tijdlijn: 60 consecutive days of daily use.

Resultaten:

MetricBefore NitroAfter Nitro
Time to convert 10 files25 minutes5 minutes
Signing turnaround2 days (print/scan)10 minuten
Monthly PDF tool cost$23 (Adobe)$15 (Nitro)

What surprised me: The OCR feature worked better than I expected. I scanned old paper contracts and the tool turned them into editable text. Not gonna lie, that saved me hours.

What frustrated me: The software was slow with large files. Opening a 200-page PDF took longer than I’d like. Also, one of my support tickets took 5 days for a reply.

Would I use it again? Yes — for the price, Nitro Pro is a powerful PDF editor that will handle everything you throw at it. But I’d test the free trial first to check speed on your device.

⚠️ Warning: Nitro PDF Pro risks being overkill for casual users or those with simple needs. If you only open PDFs to read them, you don’t need this product.

Slotgedachten

Get Nitro PDF if: You edit, convert, and sign PDF documents daily and want an Adobe alternative that costs less.

Skip Nitro PDF if: You have simple PDF needs or you want a true lifetime license with no strings attached.

My verdict: Nitro Pro is designed to simplify every aspect of working with PDF files. After 60 days, I can say it delivers on that promise — mostly.

The editing and conversion tools are strong. The eSignature feature is a huge time saver.

But the licensing changes and support issues are real problems you should know about.

Nitro PDF Pro is best for small businesses and professionals who need more than a free PDF reader but can’t justify the Adobe price tag.

Rating: 3.8/5

Veelgestelde vragen

Is Nitro PDF free?

Nitro PDF Pro offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. After that, you need to buy a plan. The Standard plan starts at $15/user/month. The Classic one-time buy costs $270 for a 3-year Windows license.

Is Nitro better than Adobe?

Nitro PDF Pro is often compared to other PDF editing software like Foxit PDF Editor and Adobe Acrobat. Nitro PDF’s user interface is often found more intuitive than Adobe Acrobat’s interface. It’s also cheaper. But Adobe has more advanced features and wider platform support.

Is Nitro PDF safe?

Nitro PDF Pro provides a secure environment for handling confidential information. It uses 256-bit encryption and password protection. You can also redact sensitive text to remove it for good. The tool ensures that files remain safe during editing and signing processes.

Is Nitro worth it?

Nitro PDF Pro may not offer value to casual users who only open PDFs once in a while. But for people who work with PDF documents every day, it’s a solid choice. The price is fair compared to Adobe. The conversion and editing tools work well for most tasks.

Gerelateerde artikelen