13 alternatives · ranked by editorial score
Smallpdf alternatives
Smallpdf's free tier limits downloads, and Pro is $10 a month on annual billing. If you only need conversion and page tools, or need to work offline, there are free and cheaper options.
Why people look for alternatives
- Free-tier limits: daily limits on downloads and AI documents push regular users to pay.
- Offline work: some alternatives run as desktop apps so files never leave your computer.
- Price: other toolkits charge less per year for unlimited processing.
- Platforms: Smallpdf lists a Windows desktop app; Mac and Linux users may want a native alternative.
The alternatives, ranked
-
1. Wondershare PDFelement
Budget-friendly cross-platform PDF editor with perpetual and multi-year options
Versus Smallpdf: starts $1.33/mo lower; sells a one-time licence; also runs on Mac; adds fillable forms and compare documents.
4.6/5 -
2. iLovePDF
Low-cost PDF toolkit with web, desktop and mobile apps plus AI credits
Versus Smallpdf: starts $4.00/mo lower; also runs on Mac; adds fillable forms and compare documents.
4.5/5 -
3. ABBYY FineReader PDF
OCR-first PDF editor with 198 recognition languages and cross-format document comparison
Versus Smallpdf: starts $2.25/mo lower; also runs on Mac; adds fillable forms and compare documents.
4.2/5 -
4. Sejda PDF
Web and desktop PDF editor with week passes and a $63/year combined plan
Versus Smallpdf: starts $2.75/mo lower; also runs on Mac, Linux; adds fillable forms and works offline (desktop app).
4.2/5 -
5. Foxit PDF Editor
Ribbon-style PDF editor with subscriptions, a perpetual license and built-in DMS
Versus Smallpdf: sells a one-time licence; also runs on Mac; adds fillable forms and compare documents.
4.1/5 -
6. Nitro PDF Pro
Office-style PDF editor for Windows and Mac with a three-year Windows license option
Versus Smallpdf: sells a one-time licence; also runs on Mac; adds fillable forms and compare documents.
4.1/5 -
7. Tungsten Power PDF
Perpetual-license Windows PDF editor with an Office-style ribbon and Mac edition
Versus Smallpdf: sells a one-time licence; also runs on Mac; adds fillable forms and compare documents.
4.1/5 -
8. PDF24 Tools / PDF24 Creator
Ad-supported free PDF toolbox online, plus a free offline Windows app
Versus Smallpdf: adds fillable forms and compare documents.
3.9/5 -
9. Adobe Acrobat
Adobe's PDF suite in Standard, Pro and AI-bundled Studio tiers, sold as subscriptions
Versus Smallpdf: also runs on Mac; adds fillable forms and compare documents.
3.8/5 -
10. PDF Expert
Apple-only PDF editor for Mac, iPhone and iPad with a built-in AI Copilot
Versus Smallpdf: starts $1.33/mo lower; sells a one-time licence; also runs on Mac; adds fillable forms and works offline (desktop app).
3.8/5 -
11. Readiris PDF
Pay-once PDF and OCR suite for Windows and Mac with scanner and barcode automation
Versus Smallpdf: sells a one-time licence; also runs on Mac; adds fillable forms and works offline (desktop app).
3.8/5 -
12. Soda PDF
Subscription PDF suite: Windows desktop app plus a browser app with AI and translation
Versus Smallpdf: starts $1.33/mo lower; adds fillable forms and works offline (desktop app).
3.8/5 -
13. UPDF
Low-cost cross-platform PDF editor with one licence for four devices
Versus Smallpdf: starts $3.83/mo lower; sells a one-time licence; also runs on Mac; adds compare documents and works offline (desktop app).
3.8/5
"Versus" notes are generated from the verified data on each review (price, platforms, confirmed features) — not from marketing claims. Scores: how we review.