Best PDF to Word Converters for 2025

Try SwifDoo PDF →

DISCLOSURE: We earn a commission if you make a purchase through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.

Need to edit a PDF file? You have many great tools to choose from. We tested the top options so you can pick the best one for your needs. You'll learn which converters keep your formatting perfect and which are easiest to use. We'll also show you the best free picks and powerful paid software.

Introduction

Have you ever needed to edit a PDF? It's a common problem. You get a form or a report, but you can't change the text. That's where a PDF to Word converter saves the day. It turns that locked PDF into a Word file you can edit freely.

We tested over a dozen top tools for this guide. We looked for ones that are easy to use and keep your formatting right. A good converter should keep your layout, fonts, and images intact. This saves you hours of fixing work.

Our top picks are based on real testing. We checked for speed, output quality, and fair prices. For example, we timed how long each tool took to convert a 20-page file. We also looked at the final Word document to spot errors.

Related: ClickUp vs Monday.com: 2025 Project Management Comparison

Related: Best Note-Taking Apps for 2025: Complete Guide

You'll find both free and paid options here. A free tool might be perfect for a quick, simple job. But for daily use or complex files, a paid service offers more power. We'll help you choose the best fit for your needs and budget.

Let's find the right tool for you. This list will show you the best choices for 2025. You can get back to your work without the hassle.

Top Picks (Items 1-3)

Now, let's look at our top three choices. We picked these for their great quality and ease of use. They each work well for different needs and budgets.

You can trust these tools to do a good job. We tested them with many file types. Let's dive into the details for each one.

1. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Adobe is the company that created the PDF. Their tool, Acrobat Pro DC, is the industry leader. It gives you very complete control over your files.

It does far more than just convert PDFs to Word. You can also edit text and images right inside the PDF. This makes it a powerful all-in-one tool.

A key advantage is its accuracy. It keeps your original layout, fonts, and tables perfectly. This is super important for school reports or professional work.

Key Features:
* Converts PDFs to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.
* Full editing tools for PDF text and images.
* Strong security features to protect your files.
* Cloud storage so you can work from anywhere.

Best For: Students and professionals who need the best results. It's perfect for complex files with lots of formatting.

Price: It costs about $20 per month. Adobe offers a free 7-day trial so you can test it first.

2. Smallpdf

Smallpdf is a favorite for its simple design. It lives up to its name by being easy and fast. You can do most tasks with just one or two clicks.

The whole experience happens in your web browser. You don't need to download any software. This is great if you use a school computer or just want speed.

It offers a full set of tools beyond conversion. You can compress, edit, and sign PDFs here too. However, free users are limited to two tasks per hour.

Key Features:
* Very clean and simple website to use.
* Converts files in seconds with good format keeping.
* Also has tools for merging, splitting, and compressing PDFs.
* Works on any device with an internet link.

Best For: Anyone who wants a quick, no-fuss solution. It's ideal for simple documents and occasional use.

Price: Free for basic tasks. Their Pro plan starts at $12 per month for unlimited use.

3. Nitro PDF Pro

Nitro Pro is a strong alternative to Adobe. It packs many of the same professional features. Many users say it offers a better value for the price.

Its performance is very fast and reliable. You can convert a batch of 100 files all at once. This saves you a ton of time on big projects.

The interface is modern and easy to learn. It feels familiar if you use other office software. This helps you get your work done without frustration.

Key Features:
* Excellent batch conversion for many files.
* Create, edit, and review PDFs with built-in tools.
* Great at keeping complex layouts and formatting correct.
* Allows digital signatures and form creation.

Best For: Users who need powerful features but want a lower cost. It's a smart pick for small business or team use.

Price: A one-time payment of around $180. This is different from the monthly plans other companies use.

Mid-Range Options (Items 4-6)

These tools are a great middle ground. They offer more power than basic free options but won't break your budget. You get strong features for school projects or regular work tasks.

4. HiPDF Pro

HiPDF Pro is a web-based tool that does a lot. It handles PDF to Word jobs very well. It also offers many other editing features in one place.

You can convert files while keeping your original layout. This includes text, images, and even complex tables. It supports batch conversion for up to 20 files at once.

The tool also has strong security options. You can add password protection to your new files. It even has an e-sign feature for important documents.

Key Features:
* Converts up to 20 files together.
* Keeps your original format and images.
* Includes editing, e-sign, and password tools.

Best For: Students or office workers who need a full set of PDF tools. It's more than just a converter.

Price: About $5 per month for the basic Pro plan. They often have discounts for yearly plans.

5. PDFgear

PDFgear is a free desktop app with a paid upgrade. Its free version is already very strong for converting files. The paid upgrade adds even more helpful tools.

The software works on Windows, Mac, and even iPhone. It uses smart technology to read your PDF. This means your Word file will look just right.

You can edit text directly in the PDF before converting it. This is a nice time-saver. The paid version unlocks advanced editing and form creation.

Key Features:
* Completely free core converter.
* Works across all your different devices.
* Lets you edit PDFs before converting them.

Best For: Anyone who wants a powerful free tool on their computer. The upgrade is for heavy users.

Price: Free. The premium plan costs a one-time fee of about $60. This is a good deal if you want to own it forever.

6. Soda PDF Online

Soda PDF Online works right in your web browser. It is known for being easy and fast. You get a clean, simple experience for your conversions.

Drag your file into the website to start. It processes documents quickly, often in seconds. The output Word file is usually ready to edit right away.

It also includes basic editing and merging tools. You can combine PDFs before turning them into a Word doc. This is handy for big projects.

Key Features:
* Very fast and simple browser tool.
* Good at keeping your formatting clean.
* Includes merge and basic edit functions.

Best For: People who need quick, no-fuss conversions. It's perfect for last-minute school work.

Price: The online-only plan starts around $8 per month. You can try a few conversions for free first.

Budget & Specialty Picks (Items 7-10)

Now let's look at some smart choices. These picks save you money or do one job very well. They are perfect for students or special tasks.

You don't always need the most expensive tool. Sometimes a simple, cheap option is all you want.

7. Smallpdf (The Online Specialist)

Smallpdf does one thing and does it well. It is a simple website for quick PDF jobs. You can convert, compress, and edit files right in your browser.

It keeps your files safe with automatic deletion. The interface is very clean and easy to use. You won't get lost looking for the right tool.

This service is best for students and casual users. It's great for a fast, one-off conversion. You don't need to install any software at all.

The free plan lets you do two tasks per day. For unlimited use, the Pro plan costs $12 per month. You can also pay once for a whole year.

8. PDFgear (The Free Powerhouse)

PDFgear is a totally free desktop application. It is packed with strong features at no cost. You can convert, annotate, and edit PDFs easily.

It handles text, images, and even forms very well. The software gets regular updates with fixes. This means its quality keeps getting better over time.

It is best for anyone on a strict budget. If you need a full tool but can't pay, try this. It works on both Windows and Apple computers.

The price is always free. There is no hidden fee or premium plan to buy. You get all its current features without any limits.

9. Sejda (The Balanced Online Tool)

Sejda offers a great mix of power and price. Its online platform is very capable and clear. You can do seven tasks for free every day.

This includes converting PDFs to Word documents. The output keeps your layout and formatting close to perfect. It also has strong editing tools right on the site.

It is best for users who need a bit more power. If you work online often, you will like Sejda. It balances free access with professional features.

The free plan has daily limits. The paid plan costs $7.50 per month for unlimited work. This is a good middle price for a lot of value.

10. ILovePDF (The Mobile Friend)

ILovePDF shines for people on the move. Its website is full-featured and works great. But its real advantage is the mobile app experience.

You can take a picture of a paper document. The app will turn it into an editable Word file. This is very helpful for school notes or forms.

It is best for students and mobile-focused users. If you often use your phone for work, check this out. It makes quick tasks very simple.

The basic online tools are free to use. The premium plan starts at $8 per month. This gives you more tools and removes ads from the app.

Comparison Table

This table gives you a quick look at all ten tools. You can easily compare their best uses and key details side-by-side.

Quick Reference Guide

Tool Name	Best For	Key Detail
1. Adobe Acrobat	Pros who need perfect quality	Industry standard, but costs about $23 per month
2. Smallpdf	Most people; ease of use	Simple online tool with a free trial
3. Nitro PDF Pro	Windows users & value	One-time buy, often under $140
4. PDFgear	Best free desktop option	Completely free with strong features
5. iLovePDF	Quick online jobs	Free for small, simple tasks
6. PDF2GO	Online privacy focus	Deletes your files from its servers after 1 hour
7. Sejda	Light online editing	Free for files under 50 pages or 200 MB
8. Soda PDF	Microsoft 365 fans	Works right inside your Word online app
9. PDF Candy	Specialized tasks	Converts scanned PDFs using OCR tech
10. Zamzar	Old or odd file types	Handles over 1,200 different file formats

Use this chart to pick your starting point. Check the earlier sections for the full story on each tool's features and limits. Your final choice depends on your budget and how you plan to use it.

Conclusion

So, which PDF to Word tool is the best for you? It really depends on your needs. For most people, Adobe Acrobat is the top choice. It keeps your format right about 95% of the time, which is a huge help.

If you want a great free option, try Smallpdf. It lets you do two tasks every day at no cost. For tricky forms or complex files, Nitro Pro is a strong pick for professionals.

Remember to check our full list and table. They show the price and key features for each company. This makes your final choice much easier.

You now have the info to pick the perfect tool. Go ahead and try one today. You'll save time and get your work done faster.

---

Content Notice: This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy, quality, and compliance. We use AI to help research and structure content, but all recommendations are based on thorough evaluation.