11 Best Convert PDF to Excel Tools (2024) [FREE DOWNLOAD]

1. Introduction

1.1 Importance of Convert PDF To Excel tool

Portable Document Format (PDF) and Microsoft Excel are two of the most common formats used in today’s business, educational, and service sectors. However, transferring data from the unmodifiable PDF format to Excel’s dynamic spreadsheet often becomes a necessity for data processing, analytics and record-keeping.

PDF to Excel conversion tools are essential in these scenarios. They help in transforming the static data held within a PDF into a format where it can be manipulated, analysed, and utilized optimally for various uses. The demand for accuracy, speed, and data integrity has led the market to provide a variety of such tools.

1.2 Repair PDF Files

As a PDF user, you also need a perfect tool to repair PDF files. DataNumen PDF Repair is such a good one:

1.3 Objectives of this Comparison

This article aims to explore the capabilities of various PDF to Excel conversion tools. Our objective is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of different tools, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. It will help individuals and businesses make an informed decision while choosing a conversion tool that suits their specific requirements and budgetary constraints.

Through this comparison, we aspire to demonstrate each tool’s functionalities, ease of use, accuracy and reliability. By analyzing these aspects, our readers can effectively choose a tool that offers functional capabilities that align with their needs.

2. iLovePDF

iLovePDF is a user-friendly web-based tool designed to convert PDFs to various editable formats, including Microsoft Excel. It offers both free and premium functionalities, and it is known for its simplicity and efficient conversion.

2.1 Pros

• Simple Interface: iLovePDF offers a clean and intuitive interface that simplifies the conversion process, even for novice users.
• Quality Conversion: Despite being a free tool, iLovePDF manages to maintain the formatting and data integrity in the conversion process quite effectively.
• Cloud connectivity: This tool has built-in cloud platform connections, allowing users to save and import documents directly from Google Drive and Dropbox.

2.2 Cons

• Ad-supported: The free version of iLovePDF is ad-supported which could potentially interfere with the user experience.
• Limited Free Capabilities: Batch processing and larger file size conversions are limited to the premium version.
• Internet Dependence: As a web-based tool, iLovePDF requires a stable internet connection for the conversion process. This might pose a challenge in areas with unreliable connectivity.

3. SmallPDF

SmallPDF is a versatile online utility that excels not only in PDF to Excel conversion but also in numerous other PDF-related tasks. It’s designed to handle PDFs with minimum hassle, making it a great choice for users interested in easy conversions.

3.1 Pros

• Multi-functionality: In addition to converting PDFs to Excel, SmallPDF also allows for various other PDF manipulations like merging, splitting, compressing, and more.
• Secure: SmallPDF takes data security seriously. It uses secure connections for file transfers and deletes files from their servers after an hour.
• OCR Technology: The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology in SmallPDF makes it capable of converting scanned PDFs efficiently.

3.2 Cons

• Limited Free Version: The free version of SmallPDF restricts users to a certain number of tasks per hour.
• Dependency on Internet: Being an online tool, SmallPDF’s performance is heavily dependent on the strength of the user’s internet connection.
• Subscription Required for Full Access: Full access to all features and unlimited usage requires a paid subscription.

4. Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is a famous name when it comes to PDF handling. Known for its robust toolkit, it provides highly accurate and reliable conversions from PDF to Excel. It allows both online and offline conversions via its desktop application.

4.1 Pros

• Highly Accurate: Adobe Acrobat ensures the layout and formatting remain consistent during the conversion, leading to highly accurate conversions.
• Both Online and Offline Conversions: It provides an online service, or users can download the full software for offline conversions, catering to a diverse range of user needs.
• Feature-rich: Adobe’s comprehensive suite of editing tools and features make it a versatile tool for all your PDF-related needs.

4.2 Cons

• Cost: Adobe Acrobat’s features and accuracy come at a substantial cost, making it a less attractive choice for users with a tight budget.
• Complexity: Adobe Acrobat’s extensive feature set can lead to a learning curve, particularly for novice users who want simple conversions.
• Large Software: The offline Acrobat software is quite large and can slow down systems with lower specifications.

5. PDF2Go

PDF2Go is an online-based tool designed for easy and effective transformation of PDFs into various file formats, including Excel. Its claim to fame lies in the utility’s simplicity, accessibility, and ease of use.

5.1 Pros

• User-friendly Interface: PDF2Go offers a simplistic and straightforward interface. This directly translates into ease of use, even for beginners.
• Free: PDF2Go is completely free to use, offering a viable solution for users looking to convert files without incurring costs.
• Good Conversion: Despite being free, PDF2Go does a commendable job at preserving formatting and data integrity during conversions.

5.2 Cons

• Internet Dependent: Being a web-based solution, PDF2Go needs a reliable internet connection to function, which can limit the tool’s usage in places or situations with uncertain network stability.
• Lack of Advanced Features: While it does a good job of basic conversion, PDF2Go lacks the advanced options and features offered by more comprehensive PDF suites.
• Ads: PDF2Go’s free service comes bundled with ads, which can be distracting and impact the overall user experience.

6. PDFtoExcel

PDFtoExcel is a dedicated online converter that expedites the process of turning your PDF documents into editable Excel spreadsheets. This free utility is designed for simplicity and effectiveness while maintaining a decent degree of accuracy in conversion.

6.1 Pros

• Dedicated Converter: As a tool solely focused on PDF to Excel conversion, PDFtoExcel manages to deliver a smooth and refined conversion experience.
• Free to Use: PDFtoExcel is completely free, making it a valid choice for users on a strict budget.
• No Sign Up Required: Users can start converting their files promptly as no sign-up or registration is required.

6.2 Cons

• Online Only: PDFtoExcel requires a stable internet connection for functioning, which can be limiting in areas with poor network connectivity.
• Lacks Additional Features: PDFtoExcel does not offer any additional features beyond conversion, making it less versatile compared to other tools.
• Somewhat Slower Conversion: Due to its free service, the conversion process might be slower, especially with larger files.

7. Nitro Free PDF to Excel Converter

Nitro’s Free PDF to Excel Converter is a part of Nitro’s comprehensive suite of PDF handling tools. Known for its speed and accuracy, the Nitro PDF to Excel converter can convert files offline, making it a go-to choice for many professionals.

7.1 Pros

• High Accuracy: Nitro PDF to Excel converter prides itself in delivering highly accurate conversions while retaining the original layout and formatting traits of the document.
• Offline Conversion: Being an installable software, it allows for efficient offline conversions, eliminating the dependency on a stable internet connection.
• Sophisticated Software: As part of Nitro’s comprehensive suite of PDF handling tools, users have access to a broad array of additional features and tools.

7.2 Cons

• Free Trial Limitations: The free trial of Nitro has limitations in terms of the number and size of PDFs that can be converted.
• Costly Full Version: The fully unlocked version of Nitro is quite expensive compared to other tools in the market, making it less affordable for some users.
• Potential Installation Hassle: Being a software, Nitro requires users to download and install the tool, which might not be a preferred choice for users who favour online tools.

8. Xodo

Xodo is an all-in-one PDF reader, annotator, and editor. While it is primarily known for being a comprehensive PDF editor, it also offers PDF to Excel conversion capabilities.

8.1 Pros

• Multiple Usability: In addition to converting PDFs to Excel, Xodo is also a comprehensive PDF reader, making it a handy tool for users working extensively with PDFs.
• Mobile-friendly: Xodo has mobile-friendly versions available, making it possible to convert on the go.
• Free: Xodo offers all its functionalities, including PDF to Excel conversion, for free.

8.2 Cons

• Limited Conversion Capabilities: As Xodo is primarily a PDF reader and marker, its conversion capabilities are not as robust as dedicated conversion tools.
• Complex Interface: The multiple features offered by Xodo could make its interface more complex to navigate for first-time users.
• Inconsistent Formatting: At times, Xodo’s PDF to Excel conversion may lead to inconsistencies in the formatting and layout of the generated Excel files.

9. Nanonets PDF to Excel Converter

Nanonets PDF to Excel Converter is an AI-based tool designed to handle complex conversions with ease and efficiency. It’s ideally suited for converting tabular data from PDF to Excel format.

9.1 Pros

• AI-powered: The AI technology incorporated in Nanonets PDF to Excel Converter enables it to handle complicated conversions effectively, providing a higher degree of accuracy.
• Handles Complex Structures: This tool is especially adept at converting tabular data, even from complex multi-table, multi-page PDFs.
• Automated Workflows: This tool allows the user to automate their workflows, enhancing productivity by reducing manual management.

9.2 Cons

• Cost: The advanced features offered by Nanonets come at a considerable price, potentially making it unaffordable for individual users or small businesses.
• Requires Setup: To benefit from features like automated workflows, users have to set it up initially, which might not be user-friendly for less tech-savvy individuals.
• Limited Free Use: Nanonets offers limited free use, post which users have to upgrade to paid plans for continued usage.

10. Able2Extract PDF to Excel

Able2Extract is a professional-grade tool that offers highly precise and quick PDF to Excel conversions. Part of Investintech’s range of software, Able2Extract is best suited for businesses and professionals requiring high-fidelity conversions.

10.1 Pros

• Excellent Precision: Able2Extract is known for its outstanding conversion accuracy, with the ability to retain the layout and format of even complex PDF documents.
• Batch Processing: This tool provides an option for batch conversion of multiple files at once, saving a significant amount of time for users dealing with bulk conversions.
• Custom Conversion: Able2Extract offers a user the option to specify the part of the document that needs to be converted, providing more control over the conversion process.

10.2 Cons

• Costly: While Able2Extract does offer a free trial, the full version comes with a steep price tag, which can be a major drawback for individuals or small enterprises.
• Download and Installation: To use Able2Extract, users have to download and install the software, which can be less convenient compared to online-based tools.
• No Online Version: Currently, Able2Extract is only available as a desktop application, eliminating the possibility of access from different devices or on the go.

11. Soda PDF to Excel

Soda PDF to Excel is a solid tool for those seeking simple and reliable PDF to Excel conversions. Either used online or offline, this service allows users to get the data they need from their PDF directly into an Excel document.

11.1 Pros

• Resourceful: Aside from conversions, Soda PDF also provides a wide array of additional features including merging, splitting, and editing PDFs.
• Both Online and Offline Versions: Soda PDF offers both an online converter and downloadable software, making it more accessible for users with varying requirements.
• OCR Capabilities: Soda PDF’s Optical Character Recognition (OCR) functionality allows it to efficiently convert scanned PDF documents.

11.2 Cons

• Cost for Full Features: Despite offering a free version, accessing Soda PDF’s full features requires a paid subscription.
• Complex Interface: The wealth of features could result in a somewhat complex interface, which can be overwhelming for first-time users.
• Limited Free Use: The free use of Soda PDF comes with some limitations on the number and size of files you can convert.

12. PDF Converter

PDF Converter is an online utility designed to convert PDFs into numerous file formats, including Excel. The service prioritizes simplicity and ease of use, offering a streamlined conversion process directly from your web browser.

12.1 Pros

• User-friendly: PDF Converter sports a clean and intuitive interface that makes the conversion process uncomplicated and fast.
• Free Service: This tool is completely free, reducing costs for users seeking straightforward conversion options.
• No Sign-up: Users can start converting their files immediately without the need for registration or sign-up.

12.2 Cons

• Internet Dependence: As an online tool, PDF Converter is reliant on a stable internet connection for seamless service.
• Limited Features: PDF Converter focuses primarily on the conversion feature, and may lack advanced options or features that other comprehensive tools offer.
• Ads: As a free tool, PDF Converter includes ads, which may affect the user experience slightly.

13. Summary

13.1 Overall Comparison Table

Tool	Features	Ease of Use	Price	Customer Support
iLovePDF	PDF to Excel Conversion, Cloud Connectivity	High – Simple Interface	Free and Premium Versions	Limited Support
SmallPDF	PDF to Excel Conversion, Merging, Splitting, Compressing, OCR	Medium – Varied Features	Free Limited Use, Premium Subscription	Regular Support
Adobe Acrobat	PDF to Excel Conversion, Comprehensive PDF suite	Low – Complex Interface	Premium	Strong Support with Tutorials
PDF2Go	PDF to Excel Conversion	High – Simplified Interface	Free with Ads	Email Support
PDFtoExcel	PDF to Excel Conversion	High – Dedicated Converter	Free	Limited Support
Nitro Free PDF to Excel Converter	PDF to Excel Conversion, Batch Conversion	Medium – Software Navigation	Free Trial, Premium Subscription	Strong Support
Xodo	PDF to Excel Conversion, PDF Reader	Low – Complex Interface	Free	Email Support
Nanonets PDF to Excel Converter	PDF to Excel Conversion, AI-Powered, Batch Conversion	Medium – Advanced Features	Free Limited Use, Premium Subscription	Customer Service Contacts
Able2Extract PDF to Excel	PDF to Excel Conversion, Custom Conversion	Medium – Advanced Features	Free Trial, Premium Subscription	Strong Support
Soda PDF to Excel	PDF to Excel Conversion, PDF Editing	Medium – Varied Features	Free Limited Use, Premium Subscription	Email Support
PDF Converter	PDF to Excel Conversion	High – Simplified Interface	Free	Regular Support

13.2 Recommended Tool Based on Various Needs

Considering different user requirements, some tools can be recommended for specific needs:

• For High Conversion Accuracy: Adobe Acrobat and Able2Extract PDF to Excel could be your go-to tools.
• For Free Conversions: PDFtoExcel and PDF Converter might be most suitable.
• For Batch Conversions: Nitro Free PDF to Excel Converter and Able2Extract PDF to Excel stand out.
• For Ease of Use: iLovePDF and PDF2Go are recommended due to their user-friendly interfaces.

14. Conclusion

14.1 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Choosing a Convert PDF To Excel Tool

From the above comparison of various PDF to Excel conversion tools, it’s clear that each tool offers unique features and capabilities. The choice of the best tool is subjective and depends largely on your specific needs and working circumstances.

If accuracy is your primary requirement, you might want to choose premium tools like Adobe Acrobat and Able2Extract PDF to Excel. However, if you are looking for free basic conversions without any cost considerations, utilities such as PDF2Go, PDFtoExcel, and PDF Converter could be your best bets.

Moreover, other factors such as the need for batch processing, offline capabilities, additional PDF editing features, and the user interface, should also be considered while choosing a conversion tool. In the end, the best tool is the one that can meet your requirements efficiently and within budget.

We hope this comparison aids you in your decision-making process, enabling you to select the most appropriate tool that caters to your conversion needs effectively.

Author Introduction:

Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, which provides a wide range of products, including an MS SQL data recovery tool.