iLovePDF vs PDF24: which should you use?
An interesting matchup because PDF24 breaks the freemium mold: it's genuinely free, no premium tier. iLovePDF counters with mobile apps, cross-platform polish, and a slicker experience. Here's a neutral side-by-side — we make a competing product (mypdf), but the table is about them.
| Feature | iLovePDF | PDF24 |
|---|---|---|
| Price model | Free tier + paid Premium subscription | Completely free, no paid tier |
| Free-tier limits | Task and file-size limits until you pay | None |
| Number of tools | 30+ | 30+ as well |
| Apps | iOS, Android, and desktop apps | Windows desktop app (PDF24 Creator), which works offline |
| Mac / Linux / mobile | Covered by its apps and web | Web only (the desktop app is Windows-only) |
| Are your files uploaded? | Yes, for the online tools | Yes for the online tools; the Windows app processes locally |
| Account required | Optional; needed to lift limits | No |
| Typical pick for | Mobile users and cross-platform polish | Windows users and anyone who refuses to pay |
Which should you use?
Pick PDF24 if you're on Windows or simply want everything free without limits — it's one of the most generous PDF suites on the internet, and the offline desktop app is a real privacy plus.
Pick iLovePDF if you live on your phone or a Mac and want polished apps everywhere, and you're fine with free-tier limits or a subscription.
FAQ
- Is PDF24 really completely free?
- Yes — PDF24 has no premium tier; it's funded by its parent company. iLovePDF's free tier has limits that its paid plan removes.
- Which is better for privacy?
- PDF24's Windows desktop app processes files locally, which beats any upload-based web tool. On the web, both upload. mypdf's in-browser tools process files on your device on any OS.
- Is there a free option with no upload on Mac or Linux?
- Yes — mypdf runs most tools in the browser on any operating system, so the file never leaves your device, and it's free with no account.