Documents & Writing·Standings

Compare PDF OCR Tools

PDF OCR tools turn scanned pages into searchable text, and the right choice depends on where you need to use the software and what it costs.

Compare supported platforms and pricing, then check the board’s signal score out of 10 and its marks for a public API, open-source code and a free tier. These details can help narrow your options.

  • 16 platforms
  • 9 with a free tier
  • Checked 22 Oct 2026
  1. 1
    N
    NAPS2naps2.com

    NAPS2 scans paper documents and saves them as PDF, TIFF, JPEG or PNG files.

    7.6 APIOpenFree Free tier
  2. 2
    P
    PDFgearpdfgear.com

    Free PDF text editor for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web and browser extensions.

    6.7 APIOpenFree Free tier
  3. 3
    O
    OCRmyPDFocrmypdf.readthedocs.io

    Free software that adds searchable text to PDF files on desktop platforms; handwriting OCR is not supported.

    6.5 APIOpenFree Free tier
  4. 4
    SP
    Soda PDFsodapdf.com

    PDF software for desktop, mobile and web with text editing, annotations, OCR and conversion; a free plan is available.

    6.4 APIOpenFree Free tier
  5. 5
    P
    Prizmocreaceed.com

    Scanning app for Apple devices that turns pages into searchable PDFs or Word documents.

    6.4 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $0.99/mo (lower tiers unpriced)
  6. 6
    FP
    Foxit PDF Editorfoxit.com

    PDF editor for desktop, mobile and web, from $10.99 per user monthly with annual billing and a 14-day trial.

    6.3 APIOpenFree —
  7. 7
    TO
    Tungsten OmniPagetungstenautomation.com

    Paid OCR software for documents and images that exports searchable PDFs or Word files; a free trial is available.

    6.2 APIOpenFree €99 one-time
  8. 8
    U
    UPDFupdf.com
    6.0 APIOpenFree Free tier
  9. 9
    SF
    SoftMaker FlexiPDFsoftmaker.com

    FlexiPDF is a Windows PDF editor designed to edit PDF text, images and drawings in a word processor-like way.

    5.9 APIOpenFree From 170 PLN/yr
  10. 10
    PX
    PDF-XChange Editorpdf-xchange.com

    Windows PDF editor with text editing, annotations and OCR; a free plan is available.

    5.5 APIOpenFree Free tier · $62 one-time
  11. 11
    PC
    PDF24 Creatortools.pdf24.org

    Free Windows desktop app that turns documents, scans and images into PDFs and forms you can fill in.

    5.2 APIOpenFree Free tier
  12. 12
    WP
    Wondershare PDFelementpdf.wondershare.com

    PDF editor for desktop, mobile and web with text editing and annotations; a 14-day trial is available.

    4.9 APIOpenFree —
  13. 13
    SP
    4.9 APIOpenFree Free tier · from €71/yr
  14. 14
    AF
    ABBYY FineReader PDFpdf.abbyy.com

    PDF software that reads scanned pages and lets you revise and mark up files on Apple devices or Windows.

    4.8 APIOpenFree —
  15. 15
    AA
    Adobe Acrobat Proadobe.com

    PDF software for five platforms with OCR and tools for tags, reading order, alternative text and PDF/UA.

    4.5 APIOpenFree —
  16. 16
    KP
    Kofax Power PDFTungsten Automation

    Windows PDF software for changing text, marking pages, recognizing scans, converting files and building forms.

    4.1 APIOpenFree —

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How to choose

Which platforms does it need to run on?

Start with the device or operating system where you plan to work. The board lists platform support, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web and Linux.

If you move between devices, confirm that the tool supports the platforms you use before choosing it.

Can I try a PDF OCR tool for free?

Check whether a tool has a free plan or a free trial, and read its pricing details before you rely on it.

NAPS2, OCRmyPDF and PDF24 Creator are listed as free, while Sejda PDF Desktop is marked freemium. Soda PDF is listed with a free plan and a 7-day trial.

Do I need a public API or open-source code?

If you need a tool to connect to another service, check whether it offers a public API; the board’s API mark is a useful starting point.

If you need to inspect or change the software’s code, check its open-source mark and licence. The score reflects these factors, but the mark and the tool’s own details are more specific.

Questions

What does PDF OCR software do?

It recognizes text in scanned PDF pages so the document can be searched as text.

Which platforms should I check before choosing a PDF OCR tool?

Check the platform list for the operating systems and devices you use, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web or Linux.

Are there free PDF OCR tools?

The board includes tools marked with a free plan, as well as freemium tools and tools with a free trial. Check the pricing details for the terms.

How does the PDF OCR signal score work?

It is a score out of 10 based on maker-published information about use, public API, documentation depth, open-source code and a free tier.

What does the API mark mean for a PDF OCR tool?

It indicates whether the tool has a public API, which can help if you need it to connect with another service. Confirm details with the tool maker.

Some top positions on this board can be paid placements, standing where they were sold. The facts on each platform are not for sale. How we rank · Disclosure