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

1. Introduction

1.1 Importance of Convert PDF to XLS tool

As business professionals, educators, and individuals, we commonly encounter files in PDF formats, whether these are reports, research materials, or invoices. Although PDFs provide excellent readability across different devices, they lack flexibility when it comes to data manipulation, especially when dealing with data-rich files such as financial reports or research statistics.

For effective data analysis and computation, a format like Excel, widely used and appreciated for its comprehensive set of tools for data manipulation, calculation, and analysis, is preferable. A Convert PDF to XLS tool serves the purpose of bridging this gap. It lets users extract and convert data from a PDF format, preserving its original structure, to an editable and more workable Excel format.

There are plenty of tools available in the market, each with its own set of pros and cons. It can be a daunting task to identify the most suitable tool that compliments our specific requirements.

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1.3 Objectives of this Comparison

The objective of this comparison is to provide in-depth insights into some of the top Convert PDF to XLS tools available. We will look into the applications’ features, understand their pros and cons, and seek to identify which circumstances they work best in. This analysis aims to assist the reader in choosing an appropriate Convert PDF To XLS tool based on their specific needs and requirements.

2. TalkHelper PDF Converter

The TalkHelper PDF Converter stands out as a robust utility for converting PDF documents into various file formats, including Excel files. Aside from its conversion function, it also offers a wide array of features, including merging and splitting PDF files, extracting specific pages from a document, and OCR capabilities, which facilitate the conversion of scanned documents.

2.1 Pros

Comprehensive Functionality: In addition to PDF to Excel conversion, TalkHelper offers a wide array of PDF manipulation tools, including the ability to merge, split, and extract pages from documents.
OCR Feature: The OCR functionality enables conversion of scanned PDFs, making it easy to extract data from non-editable documents.
Batch Processing: This utility allows bulk conversions, enabling the simultaneous processing of multiple files, thereby saving time and improving efficiency.

2.2 Cons

Software Download Required: Unlike online tools, TalkHelper requires downloads and installation, which could be prohibitive for those who only need occasional conversions or have constraints on their system storage.
Learning Curve: With its extensive functionality, the user interface may appear complex to first-time users, presenting a steep learning curve.
No Free Version: While TalkHelper offers a free trial, continued usage requires a purchase of its premium version which might not be a suitable option for users seeking completely free solutions.

3. Sejda PDF Desktop

Sejda PDF Desktop is a versatile PDF tool that caters to a plethora of needs, including but not limited to PDF to Excel conversion. Its functions include document conversion, file modification, and PDF protection among others. Sejda offers both an online service and a downloadable desktop application, providing flexibility to its users.

3.1 Pros

Multi-platform: Sejda offers both an online platform and a desktop application, which caters to various user preferences and workflow requirements.
Extensive Functionality: Beyond its conversion capabilities, Sejda provides a comprehensive suite of PDF tools, such as PDF editing, merging, splitting, compression, watermarking, and password protection.
User-friendly Interface: Sejda’s minimalist design makes it extremely straightforward to use. Its functionality is well-defined and self-explanatory, making it a suitable tool, even for novices.

3.2 Cons

Usage Limitations: The free version of Sejda PDF Desktop has strict usage limitations, which include a limited number of tasks per day and restrictions on file size and pages. To unlock unlimited usage, users need to invest in the paid version.
Not Ideal for Large Files: Sejda struggles slightly with large files, both in terms of uploading speed and conversion efficiency.
OCR Limited to Desktop Version: The OCR functionality, crucial for scanned PDF conversion, is only available in the desktop version, limiting its accessibility.

4. PDF Candy

PDF Candy is an online-based tool that specializes in PDF conversions, including PDF to Excel functionality. It offers a simple and user-friendly interface that allows users to convert files quickly and efficiently. Alongside its conversion function, PDF Candy provides a range of other features including PDF splitting, merging, compressing, and cropping among others.

4.1 Pros

Free and Online based: PDF Candy is entirely free and online-based, eliminating the need for software download and installation, thus, making it accessible from any device with internet connectivity.
User-Friendly: The user interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy for users of all levels of expertise to navigate and perform tasks efficiently.
Suffices Basic Needs: For straightforward PDF to Excel conversions and other basic PDF manipulation tasks, PDF Candy does the job effectively.

4.2 Cons

Lacks Advanced Features: While PDF Candy covers the basics well, it lacks some of the advanced features found in other tools, such as OCR capability for scanned document conversions.
No Batch Conversion: PDF Candy does not offer a batch conversion option, which could be a limitation for users who need to convert multiple files at once.
Dependent on Internet Connection: Being an online tool, its performance is heavily reliant on the user’s internet connection quality and speed.

5. 11zon PDF to Excel

11zon PDF to Excel is a dedicated online platform that focuses on converting PDF documents to Excel. With its clear purpose, straightforward layout, and simplicity of use, it makes PDF to Excel conversion hassle-free. With no frills and fancies, 11zon keeps things straight to the point, making it an excellent tool for this specific task.

5.1 Pros

Free and Dedicated: As a free resource targeting the specific task of PDF to Excel conversion, it offers specialized service without any costs.
Easy to Use: With a very intuitive and straightforward user interface, it is a handy tool for quickly converting documents, without the need for technical knowledge or experience.
No Software Installation: Being an online tool, no software installations are required, providing flexibility of use from any device with internet access.

5.2 Cons

Single Functionality: 11zon caters to just one function, converting PDF to Excel. Users needing additional PDF manipulation services might need to seek additional tools.
No OCR Capability: It lacks the OCR feature, making it impossible to convert information from scanned or image-based PDFs.
No Batch Conversion: The tool does not support multiple file conversion at the same time, leading to time consumption when multiple files need conversion.

6. Zamzar

Zamzar is a comprehensive online file conversion tool that provides services including, but not limited to, converting PDF files to Excel. Offering an easy-to-use platform, users can convert files to a variety of formats in a few simple steps. Its extensive support of different file formats sets it apart from many conversion tools in the market.

6.1 Pros

Wide Range of Supported Formats: One of the main advantages of Zamzar is its ability to convert to and from a vast array of file formats, making it a versatile tool that caters to a wide range of conversion needs.
Simple and Intuitive: Zamzar has a user-friendly interface, making it an easy-to-use option even for beginners. Converting files is as simple as uploading the file, choosing the output format, and clicking on ‘Convert’.
Email Notification: Zamzar provides an optional feature to receive email notifications once the conversion is complete, hence, you don’t have to wait on the site for the conversion to finish.

6.2 Cons

Free Version Limitations: While Zamzar is free to use, the free version has limitations such as slower conversion speeds, limited file sizes, and a cap on the number of daily conversions.
Conversion Speed: Due to high server demands, conversion times can sometimes be quite long, particularly for larger files.
Dependent on Internet Connection: Being an entirely online service, Zamzar relies heavily on the internet. Files are uploaded and downloaded, which could be a slow process with poor internet connectivity.

7. Free PDF to Excel Converter Online

Free PDF to Excel Converter Online is a dedicated online tool for PDF to Excel conversion. The tool is a part of the PDFConverter suite of tools and is specially designed for efficient and straightforward conversion processes. As the name suggests, the tool is free to use, and being an online application, it can conveniently be used on any device that is connected to the internet.

7.1 Pros

Ease of Use: The tool simplifies the conversion process, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of their technical abilities.
Free: As a freeware service, it offers PDF to Excel conversion without any financial commitment.
No Software Installation: This web-based tool does not necessitate any software installation and is compatible with all operating systems.

7.2 Cons

Limited Features: Beyond the conversion functionality, there are no other document manipulation features available. Hence users requiring additional functionalities might need to look elsewhere.
Dependent on Internet Connection: As an online tool, its efficiency is heavily dependent on the user’s internet connectivity speed.
Lacks OCR Capabilities: This tool does not support OCR functionality, making it less effective when dealing with scanned or image-based PDFs.

8. PDFgear

PDFgear is a versatile tool that offers a broad range of PDF services, including PDF to Excel conversion. With its user-friendly interface and focus on delivering high-quality conversions, it is an excellent choice for those who require frequent and diverse PDF services. This online tool comes with advanced settings that deliver customized results per user preferences.

8.1 Pros

Advanced Settings: PDFgear provides options for users to fine-tune their conversions with advanced settings. Users can adjust formatting and layout details to tailor the output to their specific requirements.
High-Quality Conversion: PDFgear prides itself on ensuring that the formatting and layout of the original PDF are respected in the conversion, ensuring high-fidelity results.
No Software Installation: As with most online tools, PDFgear does not require any software download or installation, making it usable on any device with a web browser and internet connection.

8.2 Cons

File Size Limitations: For free users, there might be limitations on the size of the file that can be converted. Large files may require a premium subscription.
Internet Dependent: Being an online tool, the efficiency and speed of conversion heavily depend on the quality of an individual’s internet connectivity.
Ads on Free Version: The free version comes with ads that can be distracting during the conversion process.

9. OCR2EDIT

OCR2EDIT is an online conversion tool that specializes in converting scanned or image-based PDF files to Ecel. Leveraging Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, it extracts text from images or scanned documents and converts them into editable Excel files, making it highly useful for data extraction from non-editable sources.

9.1 Pros

OCR Feature: OCR functionality is the primary feature of OCR2EDIT. It enables the extraction of textual information from scanned documents or images, enlarging the versatility of the tool for different types of PDFs.
Easy to Use: The tool has a simple and intuitive interface, making it straightforward for users of all skill levels to perform their required conversions.
No Installation Required: As an online service, OCR2EDIT does not require any software download or installation and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

9.2 Cons

Limited File Size: The free version of the OCR2EDIT tool may limit the size of files you can convert, which could be a limitation for users dealing with large documents.
Optional Features Require Subscription: Some features of OCR2EDIT, like batch conversions and priority conversion speed, may require a premium subscription.
Internet Dependence: As an online tool, conversion speeds and overall efficiency are heavily reliant on the user’s internet connection.

10. Convertio PDF to XLS (EXCEL) Converter

Convertio PDF to XLS Converter is an online service designed for converting various file formats, including PDF to Excel. As an online tool, it provides the convenience of accessing the service from any device without software installation. It is compatible with a vast array of file formats, making it a versatile choice for different conversion needs.

10.1 Pros

Multitude of Supported Formats: Beyond just PDF to Excel, Convertio supports a broad array of file formats, making it a versatile tool for various conversion needs.
User-Friendly Interface: The conversion process is streamlined and simple, making it easy for users at all levels of proficiency to convert their files effectively.
No Software Download: As an online tool, there’s no requirement for software download or installation. It can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

10.2 Cons

Free Version Limitations: While the basic version of Convertio is free, it comes with limitations, including restrictions on file size, the number of daily conversions, and slower conversion speeds.
Privacy Concerns: As an online tool, users upload their files onto the system, which might raise privacy concerns for documents containing sensitive information.
Dependent on Internet Connection: The efficiency and speed of conversion are dependent on internet connectivity, meaning slow or unstable connections can affect performance.

11. ONEPDF

ONEPDF is an online suite of PDF tools that includes PDF to Excel conversion. It is designed to make PDF manipulations quick, easy, and accessible from anywhere. With a simple and user-friendly interface, ONEPDF gives its users the ability to perform a broad set of functions, including editing and formatting of PDF documents.

11.1 Pros

All-In-One Solution: ONEPDF provides a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for PDF manipulation, making it a convenient one-stop solution for various PDF-related tasks.
User-Friendly Interface: Its interface is quite simplistic and intuitive, making it remarkably easy for users of any expertise level to perform conversions swiftly.
Cloud-Based: Being an online tool, ONEPDF allows access and conversions of files from anywhere, at any time, without the necessity of installing any software.

11.2 Cons

Internet Reliance: As a web-based service, the efficiency and speed of conversions are influenced by the stability and speed of the user’s internet connection.
File Size Limitation: There may be restrictions on the size of the file that can be converted in the free version of ONEPDF.
Data Privacy: Since all conversions are done online, users may have concerns about data privacy, particularly when handling sensitive information.

12. Wondershare PDFelement

Wondershare PDFelement is a comprehensive PDF tool that offers a broad range of services including PDF to Excel conversion. Beyond this, it includes features for editing, annotating, signing, and encrypting PDF files. Its suite of conversion tools also supports numerous other file formats, making it a useful all-around tool for handling PDF files.

12.1 Pros

Comprehensive Features: PDFelement is a one-stop shop for PDF handling, with an array of services including editing, annotating, signing and encrypting, along with conversion functionalities.
High Quality Conversions: Known for maintaining the quality of the original file during conversion, PDFelement offers high-fidelity conversions.
OCR Support: It supports OCR, enabling the conversion of scanned documents into editable and searchable text.

12.2 Cons

Cost: While PDFelement packs a punch with its range of features, it comes with a cost. There is a free trial, but it comes with limitations. Unlocking the full suite of services requires purchasing the premium version.
Download and Installation Required: Unlike online tools, PDFelement requires you to download and install the software, which can be a limitation if your device has minimal storage space or if you prefer online tools.
Complex Interface: Owing to the abundance of features, it may present a learning curve for first-time users. The user interface can seem slightly complicated until one gets accustomed to it.

13. Summary

13.1 Overall Comparison Table

Tool	Features	Ease of Use	Price	Customer Support
TalkHelper PDF Converter	Batch conversions, PDF editing, OCR	Medium	Paid with free trial	Good
Sejda PDF Desktop	Editing, merging, splitting, OCR (desktop only)	High	Free with limitations, Paid premium version	Good
PDF Candy	PDF to Excel, splitting, merging, cropping	High	Free	Average
11zon PDF to Excel	PDF to Excel conversion	High	Free	Average
Zamzar	Wide format support, email notifications	High	Free with limitations, Paid premium version	Good
Free PDF to Excel Converter Online	PDF to Excel conversion	High	Free	Average
PDFgear	PDF to Excel conversion, Advanced settings	Medium	Free with limitations	Good
OCR2EDIT	OCR, PDF to Excel conversion	High	Free with limitations	Average
Convertio PDF to XLS (EXCEL) Converter	Wide format support	High	Free with limitations, Paid premium version	Good
ONEPDF	PDF Editing, PDF to Excel conversion	High	Free with limitations	Average
Wondershare PDFelement	Editing, annotating, signing, and encrypting, OCR	Medium	Paid with free trial	Good

13.2 Recommended Tool Based on Various Needs

In general, all tools discussed above have their strengths and are ideal for different scenarios. For basic PDF to Excel conversions, PDF Candy and Free PDF to Excel Converter Online are quite sufficient. If you frequently deal with scanned PDFs, consider OCR2EDIT and Wondershare PDFelement for their OCR capabilities. For versatility in the supported file formats, Zamzar and Convertio stand out. Lastly, for a comprehensive suite that can handle various PDF-related tasks, Sejda PDF Desktop, Wondershare PDFelement, and ONEPDF would be excellent choices. It is, however, essential to remember that the right tool will ultimately depend on your specific use case, needs, and preferences.

14. Conclusion

14.1 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Choosing an Convert PDF To XLS Tool

In summary, there’s a broad range of tools available when it comes to converting PDF files to Excel, each offering unique features, conveniences, and drawbacks. Your ideal tool depends primarily on your specific needs, frequency of use, type of files, and budget. If you often handle scanned documents, you’d benefit from a tool with robust OCR capabilities like OCR2EDIT or Wondershare PDFelement. Free and straightforward tools like PDF Candy and 11zon PDF to Excel will suffice for occasional, straightforward conversions.

For more complex PDF manipulations, consider comprehensive tools like Sejda PDF Desktop, ONEPDF, or Wondershare PDFelement. If you juggle different file formats, versatile tools like Zamzar and Convertio would be excellent choices.

Whatever your preferred tool, ensure it aligns with your workflow, maintain your data integrity, and offer good value for your money if you opt for a paid tool. Remember that many of these PDF to XLS conversions tools offer trial versions — take your time, test some out, and see which one fits you best before making a final decision.

Author Introduction:

Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, which provides a wide range of products, including a great Photoshop PSD repair tool.