SysTools PDF Unlocker is a tool designed to remove password and restrictions from PDF files.
Best PDFCrack Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026
PDFCrack is a free, open-source command-line tool that attempts to recover passwords from encrypted PDF files. It is aimed at technically comfortable users who want a lightweight utility for dictionary and brute-force attacks.
Top 6 PDFCrack alternatives
Hashcat is a cross-platform password-recovery tool used by security professionals to test password hashes, including WPA and WPA2 captures. Its standout capability...
Pros
- Usually offers stronger GPU performance and broader hash-format support than Elcomsoft Wireless Security Auditor
- Free for commercial and authorized security-testing use
- Supports extensive rule, mask, hybrid, and distributed cracking workflows
Cons
- Command-line operation is less approachable than Elcomsoft's graphical interface
- Does not provide the same integrated wireless capture workflow as dedicated auditing suites
- Configuration and GPU driver setup can be demanding
John the Ripper is a fast password cracker, currently available for many flavors of Unix, Windows, DOS, BeOS, and OpenVMS.
4
Free PDF Password Recovery
Free PDF Password Recovery
Free PDF Password Recovery is a Windows utility for recovering passwords from encrypted PDF files. It uses dictionary, brute-force, and mask attacks...
Pros
- No purchase required for basic password-recovery attempts
- Supports dictionary, brute-force, and mask attack modes
- Designed specifically for PDF password recovery
Cons
- Windows-focused and less actively maintained than commercial competitors
- Recovery speed depends heavily on password complexity and hardware
- Limited documentation and support compared with ElcomSoft or PassFab
PassFab for PDF is a Windows password-recovery utility for encrypted PDF documents. It provides dictionary, brute-force, and mask attacks through a guided...
Pros
- More approachable interface than command-line tools
- Includes multiple recovery attack modes
- Supports GPU acceleration on compatible systems
Cons
- Paid trial has limitations compared with the full version
- Less format coverage and forensic depth than ElcomSoft
- Windows-only
From $49.95
PassRec PDF Password Recovery is a Windows utility for recovering or removing passwords from protected PDF files. It supports brute-force, dictionary, and...
Pros
- Supports multiple password-recovery attack methods
- Designed specifically for PDF documents
- Simpler workflow than general-purpose password-cracking suites
Cons
- Windows-focused compared with cross-platform alternatives
- Less widely documented than Passware or Elcomsoft
- Recovery time depends heavily on password complexity and available hardware
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