10 Best PDF Merging Software in 2026
Dealing with contracts, reports, invoices, and marketing materials in PDF format can quickly become overwhelming due to their volume. If only there were a simpler process where you could easily combine multiple PDFs, reorganize pages, and create polished, professional documents with just a few clicks. A powerful PDF combiner online can save time, merge PDF files quickly, and help avoid the hassle of searching for files, copying and pasting content, or fixing formatting issues. Now, let's explore the top 10 PDF merging software options for 2026, making your workflow more effective.
I. Evaluation criteria
Here are the key criteria we'll use to evaluate each PDF merger, ensuring you make an informed decision:
A. Ease of use and user interface
A user-friendly interface is essential for any PDF tool. Can you intuitively navigate the software, or does it require a degree in rocket science? How quickly can you figure out how to merge PDFs without resorting to lengthy tutorials or calling tech support? The ideal PDF merger should be simple and intuitive, allowing you to focus on getting work done, not deciphering complex menus.
B. Features and functionality
While the primary function of a PDF merger is to merge files into one PDF, the best solutions offer a range of additional features that enhance productivity and simplify workflows. Do you need to rearrange pages within the merged document? Perhaps you want to password-protect the final file for added security. Or maybe you need to combine PDFs with other file types like Word or Excel documents. The ideal PDF combiner online tool will go beyond basic merging to offer these additional functionalities, catering to a broader range of needs.
C. Compatibility and integration with other tools
Smooth integration with your existing software ecosystem is a must. Does the software work smoothly on your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux)? Can you access and merge PDFs online without downloading additional software? Can you easily pull files from cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive? The ideal PDF merger should integrate easily with your existing tools and workflows, minimizing disruption and maximizing performance.
D. Pricing and Value for Money
PDF merging software comes in various pricing models. Some are free, while others require a subscription or a one-time purchase. Before you commit, consider your budget and the value the software offers. Does the free version meet your needs, or do you require the advanced functionalities of a paid version? Analyzing the cost-benefit ratio ensures your investment aligns with your business's needs and budget.
II. Top PDF Merging Software
Now, let's explore the top contenders for the best PDF merging software in 2024:
1. Lumin
- Overview: Lumin is a powerful, cloud-based PDF editor with robust merging capabilities. It smoothly integrates with Google Workspace and offers a range of features beyond merging.
- Key Features: Combines and splits PDFs, edits text and images, converts PDFs to other formats, adds annotations and comments, and allows you to merge multiple PDF files into one.
- Pros: Intuitive interface, comprehensive features, cloud-based collaboration, excellent Google Workspace integration.
- Cons: Some advanced features require a paid subscription.
2. SmallPDF
- Overview: SmallPDF is a user-friendly online PDF tool with a dedicated merge function. It's great for quick, simple tasks like merging PDFs online.
- Key Features: Merges PDFs, compresses files, and converts to other formats.
- Pros: Easy to use, accessible from any browser, free basic plan.
- Cons: Limited features compared to desktop software.
3. PDFelement
- Overview: PDFelement is a great desktop PDF editor offering many features, including full merging capabilities.
- Key Features: Merges and splits PDFs, edits text and images, adds annotations, converts PDFs to other formats, offers OCR functionality, form creation, and more.
- Pros: Comprehensive features, powerful editing capabilities, user-friendly interface.
- Cons: It can be expensive for individual users.
4. Foxit PhantomPDF
- Overview: Foxit PhantomPDF is a professional-grade PDF editor with advanced features for individuals and businesses looking to merge documents.
- Key Features: Extensive editing tools, PDF merging and splitting, security options, collaboration features, and cloud storage integration.
- Pros: Feature-rich, robust, suitable for complex tasks.
- Cons: The learning curve might be steeper for some users.
5. PDFsam Basic
- Overview: PDFsam Basic is a free open-source desktop application designed for splitting and merging PDFs.
- Key Features: Merges and splits PDFs in various ways, allows for rearranging pages, and can be automated using a command-line interface.
- Pros: Free, open-source, specialized for merging and splitting.
- Cons: Limited editing capabilities compared to full-fledged editors.
6. Nitro Pro
- Overview: Nitro Pro is a comprehensive PDF editor offering plenty of features, including PDF merging.
- Key Features: Merges and splits PDFs, edits text and images, adds annotations, converts PDFs, creates and fills forms, offers security features, integrates with cloud storage.
- Pros: Intuitive interface, powerful features, good value for money.
- Cons: Some features might be overkill for basic users.
7. Sejda PDF
- Overview: Sejda PDF is a versatile online and desktop tool offering a range of PDF editing capabilities, including merging.
- Key Features: Merges and splits PDFs, edits and converts files, adds annotations, protects PDFs with passwords, and more.
- Pros: Both online and desktop versions are easy to use and offer a free plan.
- Cons: Advanced features require a subscription.
8. PDF-XChange Editor
- Overview: PDF-XChange Editor is a feature-rich PDF editor and viewer offering extensive functionality for editing, converting, and merging PDFs.
- Key Features: Merges PDFs, extensive editing tools, annotations, OCR, form filling, security features, and cloud storage integration.
- Pros: Powerful and versatile, offers a free version with basic features.
- Cons: The interface might be overwhelming for beginners.
9. iLovePDF
- Overview: iLovePDF is a popular online platform with various tools for managing PDFs, including a merge function.
- Key Features: Merges PDFs, compresses, converts to other formats, adds watermarks, and protects with passwords.
- Pros: Easy to use, accessible from any browser, offers a free plan.
- Cons: Limited features compared to desktop solutions.
10. PDF Merge Tool
- Overview: PDF Merge Tool is a straightforward online tool for combining PDF files.
- Key Features: Merges PDFs quickly and easily, and supports drag-and-drop.
- Pros: Simple to use, free.
- Cons: Minimal functionality, no additional editing features.
Your business's ideal PDF merging software will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider the factors discussed in this guide to choose the right solution that allows you to merge documents into one PDF and tap into the benefits of proper PDF management.
