Adobe Acrobat Reader vs. Adobe Express

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Score 8.6 out of 10
N/A
Acrobat Reader is a PDF viewer and converter, available as a free download from Adobe. Users can view, sign, collaborate on and annotate PDF files, or edit and convert PDFs into file formats like Excel and Word.N/A
Adobe Express
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
Adobe Creative Cloud Express (formerly Adobe Spark) is a task-based, web and mobile product used to create and share rich multimedia content – from social media posts and stories to invitations to marketing materials like logos, flyers and banners.
$0
Pricing
Adobe Acrobat ReaderAdobe Express
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Free
$0.00
Premium
$9.99 / $99.99
per month
Teams
$9.99
per month per user
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Adobe Acrobat ReaderAdobe Express
Free Trial
NoYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoYes
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsContact Adobe directly for Enterprise pricing plan details.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Adobe Acrobat ReaderAdobe Express
Considered Both Products
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
There aren't many tools that seamlessly work with Adobe products like Acrobat, as it's obviously the same company. But I would say Canva makes it much easier to start a design from scratch, and GIMP is a free way to edit or update PDF files (though it doesn't look as good as if …
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
I didn't use Chrome Data Autoplanner
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
The Word app included with Office 365 offers similar collaboration functionality when compared to Adobe reader but with the option to fully change the original document while reviewing. This is both an advantage and disadvantage when compared with the Adobe reader app. …
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
I like Adobe better due to its ease of use and the ability to set it as a default.
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
Microsoft Excel can seem busy and antique compare to Adobe [Acrobat Reader DC]. Adobe [Acrobat Reader DC] is easier to use and has a modern style [for] the visual eye.
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is easier to use, more accessible, and has a stronger functionality than my experience with DocuSign. It's more intuitive for our recipients of the documents.
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
I use mobi format for reading on Amazon devices. Mobi is better on mobile than Adobe Acrobat but Adobe is better on PC and Mac computers.
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
We have reviewed DocuSign in comparison to [Adobe] Acrobat Reader [DC's] e-sign capabilities. We found that DocuSign has more robust options when creating contracts and consent capabilities. DocuSign's online UI is much more suited to this type of task as well. However, we …
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the best PDF writer hands down. It is much better in terms of being able to quickly read/do very light editing of PDF's. It tends to do better at conversion of PDF's too, and it's tools within the program tend to be easier to use and more familiar …
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
I do a lot of work on a second job where I need to create and use forms in PDF format that contain a lot of JavaScript in the backend to make calculations based on values entered into form fields. If I am working on a PC or a MAC computer, these all work great for JavaScript …
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Reader DC feels like the complete package. I actually have the Pro version which gives me even more options, but the reader is very impressive as well. The main benefit is the user interface. It's extremely easy to use at all ages and within cross functional teams.
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
We have not evaluated other products, as we are primarily an organization that uses Adobe products.
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
One of the main appeals of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is that it is part of the Adobe suite of products and works well with all of their other products. Additionally, the support is second to none and given the large backing of Adobe, we can rest assured that the application will …
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader [DC] works well with all the other applications in the Adobe Suite but does not replace Adobe Acrobat Pro, which allows detailed editing of PDF documents. Because it's free, it can be installed company-wide and ensures everyone in the organization can read …
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC offers so many more features in the free version than its competitors and is way easier to use.
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
The Apple Preview app is simplistic and convenient for viewing PDFs, but it lacks the advanced features of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, such as document signing, customizable exporting of individual frames, and document protection. I also chose Acrobat because it comes with my …
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
I have tried many alternatives and while many of them are definitely useable, I ultimately decided that Adobe Reader DC created the PDF file format and they understand best how to make the format work. The biggest difference to Adobe Reader DC versus the alternatives is …
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
Both DocHub and Kami are online apps with features similar to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC but required sign-in, and some of Kami's features are locked in the free version. I am not sure if DocHub is free to non-educational institutions.
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
While Adobe Illustrator and Indesign are great for graphics and layout work, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC it great for more pdf specifics. There are some exporting options and things in Ai and Id but that's about it. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is great for doing things after it's all …
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
I have found Abobe Acrobat [Reader DC] to be a niche product that solves a variety of business needs. It does not replace something like DocuSign, but can serve as a light version. It is more secure for sharing than something like Dropbox, and also has the ability to edit PDFs.
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the most trusted and widely used tool as compared to tools from other competitors. Tools has all the requisite feature needed for an organization such as document storage to the protection of documents using passwords. Pdf files created by the tool …
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
I haven't spent any real time looking into alternatives because there is no need. I've used Apple Preview for basic view, which works fine. But when it comes to doing any sort of creation or modification, this is a must. Working in photoshop works... sorta. For visual things at …
Chose Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the fastest and most accurate representation of files compared to the other programs. The only downside in comparison is that Adobe Illustrator CC has the ability to edit PDFs, where the ability to edit PDFs is not available in Adobe Acrobat Reader …
Adobe Express
Chose Adobe Express
I can input creative content and files I've made in other Adobe programs directly into Adobe Express, which helps me create more authentic, original content.
Chose Adobe Express
Adobe Illustrator CC, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Workfront and Adobe PhotoShop
Chose Adobe Express
Adobe Firefly, Frame.io, Adobe Creative Cloud for Enterprise, Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Illustrator CC, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Stock
Chose Adobe Express
Express is very similar to Canva. I like to express more, except that Canva makes it easier to ensure that text/images are centered and aligned, and that the spacing is correct.
Chose Adobe Express
Express has put all the tools a design agency will need for day-to-day operations, production, and creation. And with the addition of the Calendar, scheduling these posts is a breeze and very important in a designer's tool belt. We used other products before and found ourselves …
Chose Adobe Express
The feature of using the library in Adobe Express helps me to manage my content easily, and the content can be used across all other Adobe apps. Which can be benificial than using Canva.
Chose Adobe Express
Adobe Express integrates very well with other products like Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Firefly. The Images from the other Tools can be integrated in new projects or edited out of Adobe Express into those Adobe Tools. Also the Files can be managed and rearranged in the Creative …
Chose Adobe Express
In addition to Adobe Express, I have also used Canva because both platforms are quite similar. Basically, the application that I use is typically based on the clients needs, however my personal preference is Adobe Express because I find it too intuitive to my creative persona.
Chose Adobe Express
I think they all have a different target audience and a different use for them. I love crafting posts with Figma but i think the "figma look" is a bit cold and super recognizable for my taste. I think creating something with Illustrator still gives me the most options in terms …
Chose Adobe Express
I use Adobe Express for designing social media content, appreciating its ready-made templates which save time and effort. It solves creative blocks by providing design ideas, and I love its voice character feature for making animations. However, the layering feature feels basic …
Chose Adobe Express
I think Adobe Express is a bit behind Canva, but as an Adobe Community Expert, I try to provide as much feedback as I can to help improve Adobe Express. ADobe Express does a better job than InShot and a few other apps, but isn't quite there against Canva, I'm sorry to say!
Chose Adobe Express
In my opinion, Adobe Express blows it away. Canva is great and all and gets the job done. But it lacks the additional value offered by Adobe Express and Adobe. Canva's stock asset library doesn't come close to Adobe's stock asset library, and the Creative Cloud makes using …
Chose Adobe Express
I like them both equally, but Adobe Express is free because I have Creative Cloud, so I prefer it.
Chose Adobe Express
Software like Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects are indispensable for my needs. I used Canva to streamline the process of creating carousels, mainly, and Express effectively replaces Canva. The advantage of having everything under a single subscription was crucial for …
Chose Adobe Express
It's very easy to generate images or graphics and find them on Adobe Express.In the application, in "Your stuff" > Files section, you'll find all the creations you've made with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, and you can use them directly in Adobe Express. No need to …
Chose Adobe Express
Maybe because I use other Adobe products, but I find that Adobe Express is more intuitive than Canva, especially when trying to format text. As for Adobe Express versus other Adobe products, well I think there is a place for them all. There are just certain things that you …
Chose Adobe Express
Adobe Express has better integration with other Adobe product I use, however it is lacking in the templates area.
Chose Adobe Express
I prefer adobe products but Canva for quick purposes seems to be a better UI and UX
Chose Adobe Express
Adobe Express is faster easier and better
Chose Adobe Express
Adobe Express is incredibly similar to Canva. Both tools are something that makes design easy for anyone to do as well as provide templates and pre-made graphics to assist in the design process. However, Express still feels limited compared to Canva and Illustrator. Illustrator …
Chose Adobe Express
In my view, they are essentially the same.
Chose Adobe Express
Adobe Express stands out for me. This product is amazing!
Chose Adobe Express
Overall Adobe Express offers a more polished finished product but does take a little time to learn. But worth the time spent to have more unique content
Features
Adobe Acrobat ReaderAdobe Express
PDF Editors
Comparison of PDF Editors features of Product A and Product B
Adobe Acrobat Reader
9.1
Ratings
4% above category average
Adobe Express
-
Ratings
Edit Text and Images9.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Merge or Split PDFs9.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Add Annotations9.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Text Recognition (OCR)8.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Page Management8.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Form Creation and Editing10.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Secure PDFs10.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Convert to Different Formats9.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Comment and Review Tools9.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Undo and Redo Actions8.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Adobe Acrobat ReaderAdobe Express
Small Businesses
Tungsten Power PDF
Tungsten Power PDF
Score 9.8 out of 10
Pexels
Pexels
Score 8.1 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
pdfFiller
pdfFiller
Score 9.0 out of 10
Pexels
Pexels
Score 8.1 out of 10
Enterprises
Bluebeam
Bluebeam
Score 9.1 out of 10
Pexels
Pexels
Score 8.1 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Adobe Acrobat ReaderAdobe Express
Likelihood to Recommend
9.5
(0 ratings)
8.8
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
7.2
(0 ratings)
9.5
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.5
(0 ratings)
8.2
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
7.0
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
10.0
(0 ratings)
6.4
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Adobe Acrobat ReaderAdobe Express
Likelihood to Recommend
After creating a document, converting it into Adobe Acrobat Reader is usually very easy for storage in my computer, sending/sharing via emails, etc. This also saves a significant amount of unnecessary printing and paper waste, which is great for reducing waste. I don't have to worry about not having the right software/app to view, edit, and share with anyone.
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Basically, I truly find that Adobe Express is pretty much great for all professional scenarios because it offers many creative options and comes with an extremely robust collection of assets (stock photos, videos, music, and graphics) all of which can be edited and enhanced within Adobe Express if needed. One project that it was quite helpful with utilizing was creating a logo for one of our clients. I was able to create the prototype and then offer several iterations of said logo to help the client quickly decide on its official branding. By having all of my assets neatly stored right on my Adobe Express project folder it was very easy for me to remain organized when creating various outputs.
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Pros
  • Edit PDFs. One of the biggest challenges faced in document heavy workflows is editing a PDF. Adobe Reader DC does a fantastic job of allowing you to edit pdfs on the fly without having to go back to the original form and reconverting it.
  • Sign PDFs. I spend a lot of time signing contracts and approval forms. Adobe Reader DC allows me to do that quickly without having to use my mouse or another third party platform. I can do all I need right in the Adobe Reader DC workflow.
  • Merge PDFs. I find quite often that I need to put two or more documents together in one form. I can do that with just a few clicks in the Adobe Reader DC merge workflow.
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  • Brand Kit: provides quick access to approved fonts, logos, colors, and other assets
  • Libraries: syncs will with other Adobe Tools
  • Animation: provides a decent collection of modifiable motions for objects in the design
  • Social Media-ready Layouts: being able to design graphics of multiple sizes/Layouts within the same document is a GOD-SEND
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Cons
  • Accurately exporting all fields correctly (including UI design) of a PDF into various formats. There tend to be quirks with some exports.
  • Choosing the right encryption type. This can get a little tricky.
  • Getting picky with Acrobat custom fields when you're trying to do something out-of-the-box (during PDF creation).
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  • It could have a search bar which searches through other Adobe products (esp for Stock images, videos, audio) from within Adobe Express.
  • It could make it so switching between Adobe products from within Adobe Express almost like a tab function is smooth.
  • It could partner with other companies to allow for company specific events in exchange for valuable products or programs.
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Likelihood to Renew
To be honest, I do not have any say in the renewal of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. It is managed at an enterprise level, and the decision to renew or not renew is handled well above my pay grade as an external consultant.
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i love express!!! i use it every day and will continue to use it even if my job doesn't pay for it, although i hope i never have to pay for it haha. even though the updates are sometimes frustrating, i think for the most part i get used to/like the updates. it's easy to use and i like the change to projects instead of sharing a brand with collaborators
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Usability
Again, Adobe Creative Suite is widely used and backed by an industry leader, making the experience very familiar and common for anyone who has used a PDF and wants more features to interact with it. It also makes copy text a lot easier than just previewing the file.
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The user interface is pretty straightforward to use. It has easy to navigate navigations, and the canvas UX is also pretty good. One thing i would like to add it to use shortcuts to add elements on canvas. Like if I am on canvas and I press 'T' on my keyboard the text box should be added automatically
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Support Rating
No answers on this topic
Overall, the Adobe Creative Cloud Express is worth a try and may be a good fit for many organizations and businesses. At a monthly rate, the cost is not prohibitive, but the tools are somewhat limited and not necessarily worthwhile when compared to standard applications and software that are often available free or through a package of services commonly found on workplace computers.
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Implementation Rating
The application is pretty much "plug and play"
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No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
The Word app included with Office 365 offers similar collaboration functionality when compared to Adobe reader but with the option to fully change the original document while reviewing. This is both an advantage and disadvantage when compared with the Adobe reader app. Documents left in the Microsoft Word format also have a tendency to appear different depending on screen size and device used and this can be frustrating for some users. Basically, if you need what you have created and formatted to stay put and to appear as you intended and be printed as you intended if needed, use the Adobe PDF format.
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Express has put all the tools a design agency will need for day-to-day operations, production, and creation. And with the addition of the Calendar, scheduling these posts is a breeze and very important in a designer's tool belt. We used other products before and found ourselves importing, exporting, editing and then exporting again a bit tiresome. We only need one app: Adobe Express.
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Return on Investment
  • It has had positive impact in that it has save considerable costs vs. investing in cloud-based/subscription based software.
  • In terms of security, it also has had a positive impact, in that it doesn't really require IT staff to take the time to patch the software or work on issues with the software.
  • It has also had a positive impact in that it has not required formal training for users to be able to use the software.
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  • Positive: Time and working for a nonprofit with minimal staff this is essential.
  • Negative: There are certain features that I need to find in other Adobe products like layer masking.
  • Positive: It makes content creation less intimidating for our newer staff.
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ScreenShots

Adobe Express Screenshots

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