Good morning, I did an intense search but I couldn’t find anything related to PDF Readers. I thought this question deserved its own thread because more and more books and documents are ONLY being made in an electronic format such as .PDF. Physical books are definitely on the way out and even when …

No one mentioned Only Office which has a great PDF editor / reader. Just block internet connections in your firewall after downloading it, as you’ve mentioned. The problem with Okular on Windows is you need the Windows Store.

I got so used to SumatraPDF on windows that I tried to use it in Linux via wine (crossover), but it’s not good that way. It’s a pity it’s windows only, but it’s a great piece of software, just like it should be

I take it that, even after Foxit PDF Reader fixed all of their vulnerabilities, that it is a no go? What about PDF XChange Editor?

@jonah I think you should merge this thread with that other thread for pdf editor recommendations

[image] win11.shading291: The problem with Okular on Windows is you need the Windows Store. I appreciate your reply! How is this a problem? I believe the Okular website recommends downloading from the Microsoft Store… :astonished_face:

All platforms support PDF.js in the web browser. Alternatively: On Linux, use either Atril, Evince, Okular, or Zathura. On Windows, use either Okular or SumatraPDF. On macOS, just use Preview. On iOS, use either Quick Look (built-in) or MuPDF. On Android, use GrapheneOS PDF Reader.

Evince is indeed very basic but works quite well! I discovered sioyek recently too, quite powerful and nice if you learn how to use it. :+1:t2: Agreed for the rest too but I have no clue for Windows. :speak_no_evil_monkey:

[image] kissu: I discovered sioyek recently too, quite powerful and nice if you learn how to use it. :+1:t2: I appreciate your reply! I’m just not sure how sioyek is a better PDF reader in terms of user privacy and user security over the others like MuPDF and SumatraPDF???

[image] crossroads: I got so used to SumatraPDF on windows that I tried to use it in Linux via wine (crossover), but it’s not good that way. It’s a pity it’s windows only, but it’s a great piece of software, just like it should be I appreciate your reply! I didn’t realise SumatraPDF was held…

More Microsoft telemetry. I removed the Windows Store on my device.

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PDF Reader That Is The Best For User Privacy?

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thetourist November 18, 2025, 4:47pm 57

All platforms support PDF.js in the web browser. Alternatively:

On Linux, use either Atril, Evince, Okular, or Zathura.
On Windows, use either Okular or SumatraPDF.
On macOS, just use Preview.
On iOS, use either Quick Look (built-in) or MuPDF.
On Android, use GrapheneOS PDF Reader.

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