Readiris PDF review

Readiris PDF 27 is the subscription-free desktop pick. IRIS sells the Essential edition as a perpetual license, which its US store showed at $79 down from $129, with the Elite edition at $149 down from $189. Essential converts paper to searchable PDFs in 138 OCR languages, converts files to and from Word, Excel and PowerPoint in batches, and handles annotations, highlights and interactive form filling. Scanning works without vendor drivers over the eSCL and WIA protocols, with TWAIN for broad scanner support and embedded support for Canon devices. The interface comes in 24 languages, and the software runs on Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit) and macOS 11 up to 26. Elite adds advanced PDF, automation and security tools for offices. The main trade-off is that it is desktop only, and the listed price is a discount from list, so check the store before you buy. We compared documented features and published prices.

Who it is for

desktop users who want OCR software they buy once

Price

Readiris PDF 27 Essential $79 one time (list $129).

Readiris PDF 27 Essential Everyday PDF, OCR & Scanning $129.00 $79.00
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Converts paper to searchable PDFs in 138 OCR languages
• Batch conversion to and from Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Driverless scanning over eSCL and WIA, plus TWAIN
• Annotations, markups and PDF form filling
• Interface in 24 languages

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Perpetual license with no recurring fees
• Strength: Runs on Windows 10/11 (64-bit) and macOS 11 up to 26
• Strength: Elite edition at $149 adds automation and security tools
• Weakness: $79 Essential price is shown as a markdown from $129, so it may change
• Weakness: No mobile app in this product
• Weakness: Fewer editing tools in Essential than in Elite

Key facts

• OCR languages: 138
• Platforms: Windows, Mac
• License: Perpetual, no subscription
• Price: $79 one time (Essential)

Where it ranks

Readiris PDF is No. 8 in our Best OCR Apps verdict.