PDFSmaller vs Everyone Else
We compared ourselves to the competition. Spoiler alert: We're the only one that's actually free. No limits, no tricks, no credit cards.
PDFSmaller
Forever. Really. We promise.
Real Encryption
Custom RC4 128-bit engine
100MB Files
Covers 99% of PDFs
100% Private
Files never leave your device
Instant Processing
No uploads = no waiting
Adobe Acrobat
The industry giant with a giant price tag
Their Pros
- •Advanced features
- •Desktop software
✗Their Cons
- •Expensive subscription
- •Complex interface
- •Requires installation
SmallPDF
Popular online tool with strict limits
Their Pros
- •Nice interface
- •Cloud integration
✗Their Cons
- •2 files per day limit
- •Expensive plans
- •Requires uploads
iLovePDF
Affordable but still limited
Their Pros
- •Lower price point
- •Multiple tools
✗Their Cons
- •Hourly limits
- •File size restrictions
- •Server processing
Quick Comparison
| Feature | PDFSmaller | Adobe | SmallPDF | iLovePDF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $0 | $19.99+ | $12+ | $6+ |
| Daily Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited* | 2 files | 2-3/hour |
| File Size Limit | 100MB | 2GB | 5MB free | 15MB free |
| Registration | Never | Required | For downloads | For features |
| Privacy | Local only | Cloud/Local | Uploaded | Uploaded |
| Installation | None | 2-4GB app | None | None |
* With paid subscription
Why PDFSmaller Wins
Actually Free
Not "free trial" or "freemium" - genuinely free forever
No Limits
Process 1 file or 1000 - we don't count or care
True Privacy
Your files stay on your device - we never see them
Instant Speed
No uploads means no waiting - instant processing
Convinced Yet?
Stop paying for PDF tools. Join the free side.
All competitor information accurate as of 2025. Trademarks belong to their respective owners. We're not affiliated with any of them - we just think PDF tools should be free.