PDF24 vs Smallpdf: which should you use?
This one is free-and-functional versus polished-and-paid. PDF24 gives you everything for nothing, with a Windows desktop app that even works offline; Smallpdf gives you a beautiful product with a tight free tier and a subscription. A neutral side-by-side — we make a competing product (mypdf), but the table is about them.
| Feature | PDF24 | Smallpdf |
|---|---|---|
| Price model | Completely free, no paid tier | Limited free use + subscription |
| Usage limits | None | Free tier capped to a couple of tasks per day |
| Number of tools | 30+ | Smaller set (~20+) |
| Design & UX | Functional, a bit utilitarian | Famously clean and friendly |
| Apps | Windows desktop app (works offline) | iOS, Android, and desktop apps |
| E-signatures & teams | Basic | A core focus, with team features |
| Are your files uploaded? | Online tools upload; the Windows app is local | Yes, processed on their servers |
| Account required | No | Expected; free use is tight without one |
Which should you use?
Pick PDF24 if 'free and unlimited' is the requirement — it's hard to argue with a full toolbox at zero cost, and on Windows the offline desktop app is a genuine privacy advantage.
Pick Smallpdf if you're paying for a nicer experience: cleaner design, mobile apps, e-signing, and team workflows. Just know that most of what it does, PDF24 does free.
FAQ
- Is PDF24 really free while Smallpdf isn't?
- Yes. PDF24 has no paid tier at all. Smallpdf's free tier is limited to a couple of tasks per day; the real product is the subscription.
- Why would anyone pay for Smallpdf then?
- Polish, mobile apps, e-signing, team features, and support. If those matter to you, the subscription buys real things — just not more merging and compressing.
- What if I want free AND no file uploads?
- PDF24's Windows desktop app processes locally. On any other platform — or without installing anything — mypdf runs most tools in your browser, free with no account.