Free and open first

Best PDF password protectors in 2026

PDF password protectors are tools for adding password protection to PDF files. This selection helps people look for an option that fits their budget.

14 apps
Research read 22 Oct 2026
How the order is worked out

1

iLovePDF
by iLovePDF
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

iLovePDF covers common PDF tasks alongside form creation, AI tools, and an offline desktop app.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
2

Master PDF Editor
by Master PDF Editor
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose Master PDF Editor if you want PDF editing, OCR, conversion, annotations, and form creation across Linux, macOS, or Windows, with a free plan available.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $79.95 Visit site
3

Smallpdf
by Smallpdf
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1

Smallpdf brings a broad set of PDF tasks together, including OCR, annotations, document signing and file sharing across devices.

7.1 Free plan · paid from $7/user/mo (annual) · 7-day trial Visit site
4

PDFescape
by PDFescape
Free plan WebWindows

PDFescape provides common PDF editing and form tools across web and Windows, with plan limits that scale by file size, storage, and history.

7.0 Free plan · paid from $2.99/mo (annual) · 7-day trial Visit site
5

Soda PDF

Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

Soda PDF covers common PDF production, editing, signing, and conversion tasks on many platforms.

7.0 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
6

UPDF
by UPDF
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

7.0 Free plan Visit site
7

PDFsam Enhanced
by PDFsam Enhanced
Free plan Windows

PDFsam Enhanced brings editing, annotation, OCR, conversion, and form tools to Windows. Its free plan offers an entry point, while paid tiers add different capability levels at annual prices.

6.8 Free plan · paid from $69/user/yr Visit site
8

Foxit PDF Editor
by Foxit PDF Editor
Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2

Foxit PDF Editor covers document editing, conversion, OCR, forms and collaboration, with multiple platform options. Compare the subscription and perpetual-license inclusions before choosing a plan.

6.5 From $10.99/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Visit site
9

PDF24 Creator

Free plan Windows

6.3 Free plan Visit site
10

Ashampoo PDF Pro 5
by Ashampoo PDF Pro 5
Free trial Windows

Ashampoo PDF Pro 5 combines broad PDF editing, conversion, OCR, form, comparison, and protection tools in a Windows desktop application.

6.1 Visit site
11

Sejda PDF Desktop
by Sejda
Free plan WindowsLinux

6.0 Visit site
12

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Paid AndroidiPhoneMac+2

Pick Adobe Acrobat Pro for cross-platform PDF editing and signing with accessibility, OCR, batch, and API capabilities.

5.4 Visit site
13

Wondershare PDFelement
by Wondershare PDFelement
Paid AndroidiPhoneMac+2

PDFelement covers several PDF tasks across five platform types and offers recurring or perpetual plans. Consider the trial period and unlisted plan pricing when evaluating it.

5.3 14-day trial Visit site
14

Kofax Power PDF
by Tungsten Automation
Paid Windows

4.6 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Look at each product’s pricing approach, free access or trial terms, and compatible platforms before deciding. If you need to read or change source code, check the licence terms.

Questions

Can I find a free PDF password protector?

Yes. PDF24 Creator is shown as free, while Sejda PDF Desktop and Soda PDF provide free plans.

Are paid PDF password protectors available?

Yes. Adobe Acrobat Pro and Kofax Power PDF use paid pricing and show no free plans.

Do any tools offer a trial?

Soda PDF advertises a seven-day trial. Trial terms can differ, so review the offer before starting.

Which platforms are covered?

Products in this selection cover Windows, web, macOS, iOS and Android. Sejda PDF Desktop also lists Linux.

What should I compare before choosing?

Review pricing, free-plan or trial availability, supported platforms and licence terms when code access is important.

Questions

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