mypdf vs Smallpdf
Smallpdf is a slick, popular PDF suite built around a subscription. mypdf is a free, privacy-first alternative: most tools run in your browser with nothing uploaded, and there's no account or paywall. Here's a fair comparison.
| Feature | mypdf | Smallpdf |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, every tool | Limited free use, then a paid subscription |
| Are your files uploaded? | Most tools run in your browser, so files are never uploaded. The few server tools delete your file right after. | Files are uploaded to their servers to be processed |
| Account required | No account, ever. | Account expected; free use is restricted |
| Daily usage limits | None for the in-browser tools | Free use is capped (e.g. a couple of tasks per day) |
| Number of tools | 25 | Comparable common set |
| Mobile & desktop apps | Web only | Mobile and desktop apps |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Self-hostable | Yes, ships as a Docker image | No |
Which should you use?
Pick Smallpdf if you want a very polished product with apps and integrations, and you're comfortable with a subscription and uploading your files.
Pick mypdf if you'd rather not pay or sign up, and you want your files to stay on your device for the everyday jobs. Same core tools, no upload, no account.
FAQ
- Is mypdf a free Smallpdf alternative?
- Yes. mypdf is free with no account, and most tools run entirely in your browser.
- Are there daily limits like Smallpdf's free plan?
- No limits on the in-browser tools. Use them as much as you want.
- Does mypdf upload my files?
- Most tools don't, they run on your device. The few server tools delete your file right after processing.