Smallpdf vs iLovePDF
Updated Jul 2026
The two best-known online PDF suites, head to head on tools, limits, and uploads.
At a glance
| Smallpdf | iLovePDF | |
|---|---|---|
| Where your files go | Uploaded to their servers | Uploaded to their servers |
| What it converts | PDF tasks | PDF tasks |
| Free use | A couple of tasks/day, then a paywall | Limited free tasks, watermarks on some outputs |
| Pricing | monthly subscription | monthly subscription |
| Runs on | Any web browser | Any web browser |
Where each one wins
Smallpdf is stronger on
- Polished PDF tools
- Easy to use
- Good for quick one-offs
iLovePDF is stronger on
- Full PDF toolkit
- Batch on paid plans
- Familiar brand
A third option: Morphjet
Both Smallpdf and iLovePDF upload your file to a server to do the work. If that is the part you want to avoid, Morphjet converts 1,800+ formats on your own computer, with nothing uploaded, no account, and no watermark. It launches this July for Mac and Windows.
Which should you choose?
Smallpdf is the better choice for quick, polished one-off PDF tasks in the browser. iLovePDF is the better choice for a familiar browser-based PDF toolkit for occasional tasks.
If you would rather keep every file on your own computer and convert more than one kind of file, Morphjet is worth a look.
Morphjet converts 1,800+ formats on your own computer, with no upload and no account. Launching this July.
Questions
Is Smallpdf or iLovePDF better?
It depends on your need. Smallpdf is the better pick for quick, polished one-off PDF tasks in the browser, while iLovePDF suits a familiar browser-based PDF toolkit for occasional tasks.
Do Smallpdf and iLovePDF upload my files?
Yes, both process your file on their servers, which means uploading it. Morphjet converts on your own computer instead, so nothing is uploaded.
Is there a more private alternative to Smallpdf and iLovePDF?
Morphjet converts on your own computer, so files are never uploaded, and it handles far more than one category. It launches this July for Mac and Windows.