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Microsoft Reader vs SumatraPDF

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Microsoft Reader icon
Microsoft Reader
SumatraPDF icon
SumatraPDF

Microsoft Reader vs SumatraPDF: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Microsoft Reader: Microsoft Reader is an e-book reader software developed by Microsoft. It allowed users to read e-books in .lit format which supported highlighting and taking notes. It was discontinued in 2012.

SumatraPDF: SumatraPDF is a free and open-source PDF, eBook, XPS, DjVu, CHM, Comic Book (CBZ and CBR) reader for Windows. It is lightweight, customizable, and supports many advanced PDF features.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Microsoft Reader SumatraPDF
Sugggest Score — —
Category News & Books Office & Productivity
Pricing — Open Source

Product Overview

Microsoft Reader
Microsoft Reader

Description: Microsoft Reader is an e-book reader software developed by Microsoft. It allowed users to read e-books in .lit format which supported highlighting and taking notes. It was discontinued in 2012.

Type: software

SumatraPDF
SumatraPDF

Description: SumatraPDF is a free and open-source PDF, eBook, XPS, DjVu, CHM, Comic Book (CBZ and CBR) reader for Windows. It is lightweight, customizable, and supports many advanced PDF features.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

Microsoft Reader
Microsoft Reader Features
  • Text-to-speech
  • Annotation and highlighting
  • Dictionary lookup
  • Adjustable text size and fonts
  • Compatibility with .lit ebook format
SumatraPDF
SumatraPDF Features
  • Lightweight and fast PDF reader
  • Supports many document formats like PDF, ePub, MOBI, XPS, DjVu, CHM, CBZ, CBR
  • Customizable with themes, keyboard shortcuts
  • Tabbed document interface
  • Supports annotations and highlighting
  • Continuous scrolling
  • Supports reflowable text
  • Supports digital signatures
  • Supports comics book formats
  • Supports eBooks
  • Supports syncing open documents across devices

Pros & Cons Analysis

Microsoft Reader
Microsoft Reader

Pros

  • Good text-to-speech
  • Easy annotation and highlighting
  • Built-in dictionary
  • Flexible text formatting

Cons

  • Only supported .lit format
  • Discontinued in 2012
  • Limited adoption and usage
SumatraPDF
SumatraPDF

Pros

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Supports many document formats
  • Free and open source
  • Customizable
  • Good support for comics and eBooks

Cons

  • Limited annotation features compared to advanced PDF editors
  • Lacks OCR capabilities
  • No cloud storage integration
  • No mobile apps

Pricing Comparison

Microsoft Reader
Microsoft Reader
  • Not listed
SumatraPDF
SumatraPDF
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

Microsoft Reader
Microsoft Reader
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
SumatraPDF
SumatraPDF
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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