17 Best Free PDF to Word Converters in 2024

By Eva Williams 14 days ago, Software Reviews

PDF to Word converters allow “transforming” PDF documents into Word format without long and complicated operations. Such software also keeps the original file intact. For this reason, many people, who regularly work with the above-mentioned file formats, are looking for a free program to convert PDF to Word.

Best Free PDF to Word Converters

  1. Adobe PDF Converter - Great functionality
  2. CleverPDF - Drag and drop functionality
  3. Wondershare PDFElement - Document protection
  4. LightPDF - Supports all Word versions
  5. Jinapdf - Supports all Word versions
  6. EasePDF - Excellent file security
  7. StarzSoft PDF WIZ - Basic editing tools
  8. FileStar - Great software for working with PDF files
  9. Nitro PDF to Word Converter - Quick conversion process
  10. Solid Converter - Multiple format conversions
  11. WPS PDF to Word - Batch conversion
  12. Hello PDF - Open source
  13. PDFMate PDF - With operating instructions
  14. Small PDF - Cross-platform service
  15. Free Online OCR - OCR function
  16. PDF Hero - Compression function
  17. PDF2Go - Text recognizing function

If you don’t want to waste time looking through numerous PDF > Word converters, you’ll definitely find this post very helpful.

1. Adobe PDF Converter - Our Choice

Great functionality
  • Max support and resources available
  • Reliable and efficient
  • Has a huge user base
  • Understandable UI
  • High price for an average user

Verdict: Adobe PDF Converter is frequently referred to as the pioneer software designed for creating and converting PDF files. The efforts of the Adobe team have proven to be successful and their product is one of the best PDF to Word converters available on the modern market. It comes with a rich toolset, meant to provide users with smooth and quick converting experience.

Another advantage is the default subscription to the cloud. These features make it a serious competitor to a huge range of similar programs. The cloud option is highly praised by all categories of users, especially those working in a team. In such a way, they can easily cooperate on one project remotely and transfer, modify and create files whenever needed.

The interface of this convert PDF to Word free software corresponds to modern standards, which is an indisputable plus. It is clean and smooth, well-structured and understandable to all-level users. You can download both PC and mobile versions of Adobe PDF converter and enjoy fast synchronization between your devices. The backup option is nicely optimized.

adobe pdf converter interface

2. CleverPDF

Drag and drop functionality
  • Safe and accurate conversion
  • Completely free tools
  • Easy to navigate
  • No ads
  • File upload servers of the web version are slow

Verdict: CleverPDF is a must-have tool for PDF to Word conversions. It's extremely easy to use, and the file will be converted and ready for download instantly. Regardless of the complexity of the original file, this service can keep the original formatting as accurate as possible.

The platform cares about your privacy and that’s why the files are always uploaded via an encrypted and safe Internet connection. After conversion, your files will be removed automatically after half an hour.

There are no distracting and annoying ads on the site, making the experience very fast and smooth. More than that, it doesn't require membership, all the online tools are forever free.

cleverpdf to word converter interface

3. Wondershare PDFElement

Document protection
  • Helpful for converting PDFs with many images
  • Supports lots of file types
  • Documents are protected
  • Awesome functionality
  • 5-page conversion limit

Verdict: This is the best free PDF to Word converter if you are interested in the program capable of performing subsidiary tasks, such as creating, editing, and signing PDFs.

It is compatible with both Mac and Windows platforms and boasts a powerful word processor resembling MS Word. The latter allows controlling each element (text, images, etc.) of a convertible file. It is possible to add comments to any part of your document, let someone else review and sign it, and share the project with your team members.

The program also has some pro-level settings. This includes protecting certain parts of your document, so that only defined users can access and see them, and downloading the PDF to Word converter app for Android and iOS to work with files on the move.

wondershare pdfelement interface

4. LightPDF

Quick conversion process
  • Universal compatibility
  • Accurate output
  • 100% safe and secure
  • Helpful customer support
  • Excellent user experience
  • Only 1 file below 5MB for free users

Verdict: LightPDF provides a straightforward interface and upload process, so even first-time users will have no problem converting the files. The main advantage is that unlike other converters, where you have to worry about the result, this tool ensures that you’ll get a Word file that looks almost identical to the original PDF doc. I also like that it works on all devices, since it’s web-based, but I recommend to install it to access batch processing, and unlimited uploads.

Those worried about the security, will be glad to find out that your files are deleted from the servers right after the conversion. The LightPDF site also features a helpful PDF conversion blog, where you can learn how to convert Pages to PDF, and other helpful tips.

lightPDF free pdf to word converter interface

5. Jinapdf

Supports all Word versions
  • You can choose document format
  • Preserves the original quality of a PDF file
  • Quick conversion
  • File is automatically deleted after conversion
  • No offline version

Verdict: Jinapdf allows you to convert PDF to Word in a matter of minutes, and you can choose the format of the finished document. All you have to do is add your PDF file to the appropriate field, and it will be automatically converted to an editable Word version.

The processed file has the same quality as the original PDF. The converter works lag-free in any browser. Moreover, you can use it for converting Word to PDF, PDF to JPG, Image to Text, and for compressing, joining and splitting PDF files.

jinapdf free pdf to word converter interface

6. EasePDF

Excellent file security
  • User-friendly and intuitive
  • Doesn’t require registration
  • Well-designed
  • Maximum document size of 50 pages
  • 10 MB max file size
  • Free edition doesn’t offer batch processing

Verdict: EasePDF is an extremely convenient PDF to Word converter. You can use this platform without having to create an account and share your private information. Additionally, it can be accessed from any device and location as long as you have internet access. EasePDF lets you upload documents from URLs, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox.

This service highly values the privacy of its users. All imported documents and their content are deleted 24 hours after you’ve converted and downloaded them from the server, ensuring there is no trace of your data.

The document quality offered by various file converters can be very inconsistent. Thankfully, EasePDF makes use of the services provided by Solid Documents to ensure converted Word files are as accurate as possible.

easepdf to word converter interface

7. StarzSoft PDF WIZ

Basic editing tools
  • No size restrictions
  • Bulk processing
  • Contains tools for splitting and combining PDF
  • Password management
  • A limited trial version

Verdict: StarzSoft PDF WIZ allows you to perform various editing tasks to the format and transform it into a whole range of others. This computer program does not use the Internet so your files are safe from hacking and viruses. The program has a bulk conversion option that swiftly goes through a whole load of documents in one task.

In addition, the program allows you to split or merge papers, compress the document, carve out a page or its portion, and even manage your passwords. You can reformat any documents, regardless of their size. Another plus of the software is that it preserves the original formatting duly in the documents.

starzsoft pdf to word converter interface

8. FileStar

Great software for working with PDF files
  • Easy to navigate
  • Useful batch conversion options
  • Convoluted interface

Verdict: FileStar allows you to convert, resize and rotate PDF files and images. FileStar Document Manager runs under Windows. This online platform supports a set of helpful features, such as OCR, document indexing, file conversion, archiving and document control.

You can work on hundreds of documents at once and quickly cope with repetitive tasks. With it, you can change the size of your files or rotate your photos. Besides, it allows enhancing your images with the help of filters and color adjustment tools. This software supports over 30,000 file conversion options.

filestar interface

9. Nitro PDF to Word Converter

Quick conversion process
  • Broad range of features
  • You can review and annotate documents
  • Fast conversion
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Indexing features is absent
  • OCR crashes during batch conversion

Verdict: Nitro PDF to Word Converter has been rated as one of the best programs for the task. Using it, you can work with a pack of files simultaneously, which speeds up the entire converting process. You receive the finished files on email, so you need to fill in the email address to get your document back.

You can use the program’s capabilities free of charge only for 2 weeks (a trial period) and the number of conversions per month is limited to 5 operations. This is the limitation that scares away many users and the compatibility with Windows computers only makes the situation even worse.

nitro pdf interface

10. Solid Converter PDF

Multiple format conversions
  • Converts to numerous formats
  • Straight forward UI
  • Excellent for hand-written notes
  • Fast speed with large files
  • Lacks batch conversion feature
  • Adds watermarks
  • Many functions are limited in a trial version
solid logo
Solid Converter PDF

Verdict: Solid PDF to Word converter online can come in handy not only when you need to work with these files, but also with a long list of other formats. During testing, this program showed great results comparable to those of Nitro PDF converter. Though many similar software can precisely extract either text or layout, Solid converter demonstrated remarkable results with both.

Concerning images, I can’t confidently evaluate the capabilities of this program. I performed five conversions (PDFs with texts, graphs, lines and images), out of which 2 were successful and pictures looked detailed, while the rest possessed a sort of alterations.

Developers decided to create the software with a simple, easy-to-navigate interface, which appeals to many users. This is definitely better than a chaotic, cluttered workspace.

solid converter interface

11. WPS PDF to Word Converter

Batch conversion
  • Splits and merges documents
  • Batch conversion
  • Saves original layout
  • Excellent conversion results
  • Expensive premium subscription
wps pdf logo
WPS PDF to Word Converter

Verdict: WPS PDF to Word converter online free is a real finding for users in need of an effective tool to convert batches of PDFs to Word in a quick way. This software is also popular because it keeps initial formatting. It is compatible with Win OS; you can also install an app for Android or use the converter online.

I tested the program on Windows 10 and was quite impressed with what I got. The original PDF file contained color images, tables and non-standard fonts, which were accurately transferred to the Word document. The layout and spacing didn’t suffer either.

wps pdf interface

12. Hello PDF

Open source
  • Completely free
  • High conversion speed
  • Simple to use
  • You can convert even scanned documents
  • Lacks batch editing feature
  • Limited tools
  • Distorted images
hello pdf logo
Hello PDF

Verdict: This software allows you to convert and edit PDF files without spending a dime. With this free PDF to Word converter, you can extract images and texts from PDF to Word and still save the overall layout of the original document.

It can convert a single file at a fairly high speed. This is a standalone program that allows you to convert PDF to Word formats without additional installation of Microsoft Word or any program for reading PDF.

Hello PDF converts text with upmost precisions, but images are sometimes distorted in the output file. Other potential problems include random spaces or unexpected line breaks appearing in a final document.

hello pdf interface

13. PDFMate PDF Converter

With operating instructions
  • Convert scanned PDF files
  • Add passwords
  • Batch conversion
  • Beginner-oriented
  • Confusing additional options
  • You cannot cancel the conversion
pdfmate logo
PDFMate PDF Converter

Verdict: This is simple and free software designed to convert PDF files to other formats. PDFMate Converter comes with clear operating instructions, so it won’t take you long to learn how to convert PDF to editable Word. The program also supports batch file conversion, thereby saving a lot of time.

As for the other important features, I’d like to note the possibility to convert a PDF file to Word, Text, EPUB, image, HTML, SWF files, create passwords to protect your documents, restrict the number of people, who can view your files, edit and copy your PDF documents, use optical text recognition (OCR), which makes it possible to convert the viewed PDF file into an editable and searchable document.

pdfmate converter interface

14. Small PDF

Cross-platform service
  • High-quality and fast conversion
  • Simple and convenient interface
  • Available on all platforms
  • Cloud storage
  • Image recognition does not work
small pdf logo
Small PDF

Verdict: This software to convert PDF to Word has a simple and understandable interface. Just drag and drop the XLS, DOC, PPT, JPEG, PNG, BMP, TIFF or GIF file in the download window and it will be automatically converted to PDF. In addition, you can turn PDF into other formats. Converted files are saved in Dropbox or Google Drive.

In a free version, you can only do two operations per hour. For $6 a month, you can use the service without ads, and also convert multiple PDFs at once.

small pdf interface

15. Free Online OCR

OCR function
  • Great for hand-written notes
  • Can convert big files
  • Cross-platform
  • Excellent functionality
  • Poor results with colored backgrounds
  • Lacks batch conversion feature
free online ocr logo
Free Online OCR

Verdict: This PDF to Word converter app supports 2-cycle conversion. At first, it extracts text from a PDF file and then converts it to a Word document. Once the operation is finished, you receive the link, clicking on which, you can download a new file. Since this is an online PDR to Word converter, numerous people can use it simultaneously.

However, there is a weak side of the service you need to be aware of. Free Online OCR can’t boast maximum precision when extracting text placed on a color background. Sometimes, there appear empty spaces instead of text or you may end up with line breaks and unsightly page in the output file. Besides, online nature presupposes long uploading time, but it isn’t always the case.

free online ocr interface

16. PDF Hero

Compression function
  • Extracts pages from PDF files
  • Fastonlineservice
  • Great functionality
  • Available on all platforms
  • Too simple web-based interface
pdf hero logo
PDF Hero

Verdict: PDF Hero is the best PDF to Word online converter if you are looking for the program with a huge variety of conversions features. Choosing this converter, you can use either an app or a web-based service provider, both accessible from the official site.

PDF Hero allows converting practically any type of file to PDF. The list of supported formats is rather long - Word, Excel, PPT, TXT. RTF, Open Office ODT, ODS, ODP, WPD, CDR, PostScript, HTML, PSD and more. Frankly speaking, this is a very thought-provoking argument in favor of this program, which leaves many competitors far behind.

pdf hero interface

17. PDF2Go

Text recognizing function
  • Adaptable and preciseconversion
  • Fast and simple operation
  • Understandable UI
  • Free and efficient
  • Limited tools
pdf2go logo
PDF2Go

Verdict: Universal tool for editing and converting PDF. It converts PDF to DOCX, ODT, TXT, RTF, EPUB, JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, GIF, SVG and PPT and ODP presentations. The built-in text recognition can convert even PDF from merged images into an editable file.

Other functions include sorting and deleting pages, resizing a sheet and repairing damaged PDF. In a free version, the size of the downloaded files and access to some functions are limited. Besides, there are many ads. Subscribing removes these inconveniences.

pdf2go interface
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