iLovePDF vs Smallpdf
Updated October 2026 · AppBreakup editorial
iLovePDF
Popular online PDF toolkit for merging, splitting, compressing, converting and signing files.
Smallpdf
A Swiss online toolkit for compressing, converting, merging, editing and signing PDFs.
The short answer
Smallpdf and iLovePDF are the two best-known browser toolkits for everyday PDF chores such as compressing, converting, merging, splitting and signing. They are close enough that the choice often comes down to limits and apps. iLovePDF's free tier covers more everyday tasks and it has a Mac desktop app; Smallpdf leads on stated security certifications and offers a Windows desktop app and mobile scanner apps.
iLovePDF or Smallpdf: our take
Both work the same way: pick a tool, drop in a file, and download the result. Smallpdf, founded in 2013 in Switzerland, covers compression, conversion to and from Office and image formats, merging, splitting, editing, annotating, redacting, watermarking and signing. iLovePDF, based in Barcelona, offers a similar list, adding page numbering, unlocking and protecting files, OCR and signature requests, and the same team runs iLoveIMG for images and a developer API. Neither is a full editor for rewriting body text in a PDF; both are aimed at quick fixes.
The free plans differ in detail. Smallpdf allows free use with daily limits, and its 7-day trial of Pro falls back to the free plan afterwards; Pro removes the limits and adds OCR, batch processing and signature requests. iLovePDF keeps its core tools free with limits on file size and task count; Premium raises those limits, removes ads, adds batch processing and includes signature requests. Both have team or business plans with admin features.
On platforms, iLovePDF has desktop apps for both Windows and Mac plus iOS and Android, while Smallpdf has a Windows desktop app and mobile apps. Most processing in both happens on the vendor's servers, so files are uploaded. Smallpdf points to ISO/IEC 27001 certification and GDPR compliance; anyone handling confidential documents should still consider an offline or self-hosted tool instead.
For occasional users who mainly want free merges, splits and conversions, iLovePDF is the easier starting point, especially on a Mac. If your organisation wants a vendor with documented security certification and plans to pay for Pro, Smallpdf is a sound choice.
Which should you pick?
Choose iLovePDF if…
- Occasional users who want a quick free tool for common PDF tasks
- You need macOS, which Smallpdf doesn't list
- Free tier covers most everyday tasks
- Each tool is simple and fast to use
Choose Smallpdf if…
- People who need quick PDF conversions and fixes from any browser
- Very simple drag-and-drop tools
- Works on any computer with a browser
About each app
What is iLovePDF?
iLovePDF is a Barcelona-based web toolkit that covers the everyday PDF chores: merging, splitting, compressing, converting to and from Word, Excel, PowerPoint and images, OCR, rotating, numbering pages, watermarking, unlocking and protecting files, redacting and signing. Each tool is a single page with a big upload button, which makes it easy for anyone to use. The core tools are free with limits on file size and the number of tasks; Premium subscriptions raise those limits, remove ads, add batch processing and include signature requests, and business plans add team management. There are desktop apps for Windows and Mac and mobile apps for iOS and Android. The same team runs iLoveIMG for images and offers a developer API. As with any upload-based service, people handling sensitive documents may prefer an offline or self-hosted tool, but for occasional use it is one of the quickest options around.
What is Smallpdf?
Smallpdf started in 2013 as a single tool for compressing PDFs and grew into one of the most visited PDF sites on the web. In the browser you can compress, convert to and from Office and image formats, merge, split, rotate, edit, annotate, redact, add watermarks and sign, all with a simple drag-and-drop interface. A Windows desktop app and mobile scanner apps extend it beyond the browser. Without paying, you can use the tools with daily limits; a Pro subscription per user removes limits and adds OCR, batch processing and e-signature requests, and Team plans add admin features. A seven-day free trial falls back to the free plan when it ends. The company highlights ISO 27001 certification and GDPR compliance, and processing runs on its servers. It suits people who need a quick PDF fix from any computer, though relying on uploads is a drawback for confidential documents.
Side by side
| Attribute | iLovePDF | Smallpdf |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Open source | No | No |
| Self-hostable | No | No |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Best for | Occasional users who want a quick free tool for common PDF tasks | People who need quick PDF conversions and fixes from any browser |
| Status | Active | Active |
Verified facts, compared
Facts both apps publish, checked on each vendor's own site.
| Fact | iLovePDF | Smallpdf |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Core tools, limited use | Yes, after the trial |
iLovePDF vs Smallpdf pricing
Smallpdf: free plan + paid
Smallpdf pricing pagePlatforms
| Platform | iLovePDF | Smallpdf |
|---|---|---|
| Web | ||
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| iOS | ||
| Android |
iLovePDF facts
4 of 4 verified- Free plan
- Core tools, limited use
- Checked Oct 25, 2026ilovepdf.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “The Free Plan gives you access to our core tools, perfect for light use.”
- Desktop apps
- Mac and Windows
- Checked Oct 25, 2026ilovepdf.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “Desktop App Available for Mac and Windows”
- Mobile apps
- iOS and Android
- Checked Oct 25, 2026ilovepdf.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “Mobile App Available for iOS and Android”
- E-signature
- Sign or request signatures
- Checked Oct 25, 2026ilovepdf.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “Sign PDF Sign yourself or request electronic signatures from others.”
Smallpdf facts
4 of 4 verified- Free trial
- 7 days
- Checked Oct 25, 2026smallpdf.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “Try Smallpdf for Free Start your 7-day free trial”
- Free plan
- Yes, after the trial
- Checked Oct 25, 2026smallpdf.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “If you cancel the free trial, your account will be automatically downgraded to the free plan when the 7-day period expires.”
- Founded
- 2013, Switzerland
- Checked Oct 25, 2026smallpdf.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “Made in Switzerland in 2013”
- Compliance
- ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR
- Checked Oct 25, 2026smallpdf.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “Smallpdf is ISO/IEC 27001 certified and GDPR, CCPA, and nFADP compliant.”
Pros and cons of iLovePDF
- Free tier covers most everyday tasks
- Each tool is simple and fast to use
- Desktop and mobile apps as well as the website
- File size and task limits on the free plan
- Upload-based processing for most tools
- Not a full editor for changing body text
Pros and cons of Smallpdf
- Very simple drag-and-drop tools
- Works on any computer with a browser
- Security certifications and stated file deletion
- Free use is capped daily
- Files must be uploaded for most tasks
- Deeper editing is limited compared with desktop editors
Other apps to consider
Stirling PDFInstead of Smallpdf
Self-host the same kind of toolkit so documents never leave your network.
iLovePDF vs Smallpdf: common questions
Is iLovePDF better than Smallpdf?
Smallpdf and iLovePDF are the two best-known browser toolkits for everyday PDF chores such as compressing, converting, merging, splitting and signing. They are close enough that the choice often comes down to limits and apps. iLovePDF's free tier covers more everyday tasks and it has a Mac desktop app; Smallpdf leads on stated security certifications and offers a Windows desktop app and mobile scanner apps.
Is iLovePDF free?
iLovePDF has a free plan, with paid plans for more features. See its verified pricing facts above for current limits.
Is Smallpdf free?
Smallpdf has a free plan, with paid plans for more features. See its verified pricing facts above for current limits.
Is iLovePDF or Smallpdf open source?
Neither is open source.
Which platforms do iLovePDF and Smallpdf support?
iLovePDF: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Smallpdf: Web, Windows, iOS and Android.