The best Smallpdf alternatives, with no daily limit
Free and paid options compared on price, task limits, privacy and what each one does best.
The best Smallpdf alternative if you hit the free limit is a tool with no daily cap. 3xRevenue's PDF Studio handles merging, splitting, compressing, signing and redacting in your browser, free and without uploading your file. iLovePDF is the cheapest paid switch at $47 a year, and PDF24 is the best free option for OCR.
The best Smallpdf alternatives at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Price | Free limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3xRevenue PDF Studio | Everyday PDF jobs, private | Free | No daily limit, files stay on your device |
| iLovePDF | Cheapest paid all-in-one | Premium $7 a month or $47 a year | Per-tool file limits |
| PDF24 | Free OCR and Office conversion | Free | No task limit |
| Adobe Acrobat online | Office conversion and Adobe Sign | Free tools with sign-in, paid plans | Limited free uses |
| DocuSign or Dropbox Sign | Legally tracked e-signatures | Paid plans, limited free use | Varies |
Sources: iLovePDF pricing, Smallpdf pricing. Smallpdf prices change often and differ by country, so check its page for today's figure.
Why people leave Smallpdf
- The two-task daily cap stops you mid-job on the free plan.
- The subscription price is high if you only need a few tools.
- Uploads. Files are processed on Smallpdf's servers.
1. 3xRevenue PDF Studio
PDF Studio runs in your browser: merge, split, compress, sign, redact, compare two PDFs, fill forms and more. There is no account and no cap. It does not do OCR or Word to PDF.
2. iLovePDF
Very similar tools to Smallpdf at a lower price. Premium is $47 billed yearly. Files are uploaded for processing.
3. PDF24
Free, no task limit, with OCR and Office conversion. The Windows desktop app keeps files on your PC.
4. Adobe Acrobat online
The most accurate Office conversion. Good if you already pay for Adobe.
5. A dedicated e-signature tool
If you used Smallpdf mainly for signatures with a record of who signed and when, a signing service such as DocuSign or Dropbox Sign gives a proper audit trail. A drawn signature from Sign PDF is enough for many everyday documents, but it has no signing record.
How to choose
- Count what you really use in a month. Most people use three or four tools.
- If they are merge, split, compress and sign, a free browser tool covers you.
- Keep or buy a paid plan only for OCR, Office conversion or signature records.
FAQ
What is the best free alternative to Smallpdf?
For everyday jobs, a browser-based tool like 3xRevenue PDF Studio, because it has no daily limit and does not upload your file. For OCR, PDF24.
Is Smallpdf Pro worth it?
If you use many PDF tools daily and want e-sign and mobile apps in one place, it can be. If you mostly merge, split and compress, free tools cover it.
Can I compress a PDF without Smallpdf?
Yes. PDF Compressor shrinks PDFs in your browser for free.
Which Smallpdf alternative is the most private?
Tools that process files on your device: a browser tool like PDF Studio, or a desktop app like PDF24's.
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