iLovePDF vs Smallpdf vs FreeToolConvert: Which Should You Use?
In this article
iLovePDF and Smallpdf are two of the best-known online PDF services, and FreeToolConvert is a smaller, free alternative. They overlap a lot — all three merge, split, compress and convert PDFs — but they work in different ways, and each is the better choice for different jobs. This comparison focuses on the differences that matter in practice: where your files go, what’s free, and which features each one has.
Plans and prices for online services change often. Check each service’s own pricing page for the current details before you decide.
The short version
- Choose iLovePDF or Smallpdf if you need advanced features such as OCR, e-signatures with tracking, very large files, team accounts, or desktop and mobile apps — and you are happy to use a paid plan for heavy use.
- Choose FreeToolConvert if you want everyday PDF tasks done free, without uploading sensitive files, and also use tools for Indian documents such as marriage biodata, Hindi PDFs, EMI and IFSC lookups.
Where your files are processed
This is the biggest difference.
iLovePDF and Smallpdf are cloud services: you upload your file, their servers process it, and you download the result. Both publish privacy policies explaining how long uploaded files are kept.
FreeToolConvert processes most PDF tools — merge, split, compress, unlock, protect, PDF to JPG and the standard PDF to Word and Word to PDF modes — in your browser. The file never leaves your device. A few conversions offer an optional server mode for difficult files; those uploads are deleted automatically within an hour.
For bank statements, payslips, ID documents and medical reports, browser processing removes the need to trust a third party with the file at all.
What’s free
iLovePDF and Smallpdf both have free tiers with usage limits, and paid subscriptions that remove the limits and add features. The exact limits differ by tool and change over time.
FreeToolConvert browser tools are free with no account and no usage limit. Server-based conversions include a free daily allowance and then use credits, which are sold in one-time packs rather than a subscription. There are no watermarks on any output.
Feature comparison
| Feature | iLovePDF / Smallpdf | FreeToolConvert |
|---|---|---|
| Merge, split, compress, rotate basics | Yes | Merge, split and compress, in the browser |
| PDF ↔ Word, Excel, JPG | Yes | Yes (Excel to PDF; PDF to Word; PDF to JPG) |
| OCR for scanned PDFs | Available | Not available |
| E-signature workflows | Available | Signature image maker only |
| Desktop and mobile apps | Available | Web only (installable as a web app) |
| Processing location | Their servers | Mostly your browser |
| Hindi text in generated PDFs | Depends on the tool | Supported in TXT, Word, Excel and CSV to PDF |
| Indian-specific tools | No | Biodata, invitations, EMI, IFSC, passport photos |
Where iLovePDF and Smallpdf are stronger
- OCR — turning scanned pages into searchable, editable text. FreeToolConvert does not offer OCR.
- Signing workflows — sending documents for signature and tracking them.
- Editing PDFs directly — adding and changing text on the page.
- Large files and batch work on paid plans, plus apps for desktop and phone.
Where FreeToolConvert is stronger
- Privacy by default — most PDF tools never upload your file.
- No account and no limit for browser tools.
- Hindi and mixed-language documents — Devanagari text is shaped correctly when creating PDFs.
- Tools beyond PDF — images, spreadsheets, calculators and Indian-specific makers in one place.
Which should you use?
If you only need to merge a few files, compress a PDF for an upload form, or convert a document now and then, a free browser-based tool does the job without sign-up or uploads. If PDFs are central to your work — you need OCR, signatures, or high-volume conversion every day — a paid plan from iLovePDF or Smallpdf is worth considering. Many people simply use both.
Try the free tools on the PDF tools page, or start with the PDF merger and PDF compressor.