iLovePDF vs PDF24
Two opposite approaches: ergonomic freemium at iLovePDF, 100% free with ads at PDF24. Both EU-hosted.
Feature-by-feature comparison
Faites défiler pour comparer.
| Feature | iLovePDF | PDF24 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium (Premium $4/mo annual) | 100% free + ads |
| Windows desktop app | Premium only | Yes, free |
| 100% local processing | Yes (desktop app) | |
| Free file size limits | 25 MB / file | No strict limit |
| OCR | Premium only | Included, free |
| E-signature | Simple (Premium) | Simple, free |
| Hosting | Spain (EU) | Germany (EU) |
| Ad-free | Premium only (~$10/year) | |
| PDF tools | 25+ tools | 30+ tools |
| UX / design | Polished, fluid | Functional, dated design |
PDF24 is unbeatable on free-to-feature ratio: 30+ tools, OCR included, German hosting, free desktop app for 100% local processing (zero cloud upload — ideal for confidential data). iLovePDF wins on design, mobile and fluidity, but OCR and signing are gated behind Premium $4/mo annual ($7 monthly). If ads don't bother you and you want local: PDF24. If aesthetics and mobile matter: iLovePDF Premium.
If on top of basic tools you want an AI assistant that AUTO-FILLS your PDFs (invoices, contracts, government forms) — not just manipulate them — iFillPDF specializes in that flow for a single $8.99 one-time payment (Lifetime, no subscription). Complementary to iLovePDF/PDF24: them for transformation, iFillPDF for smart filling.
Frequently asked questions
Is PDF24 truly 100% free?+
Yes, funded by ads and an optional ~$10/year Premium to remove them. Rare model: everything works in free.
Does PDF24 process locally or in the cloud?+
Both: web (German cloud) or Windows desktop app (100% local). For sensitive data, the desktop app is ideal.
Does iLovePDF justify its price vs free PDF24?+
Yes on ergonomics, mobile and ad-free. No if you only want occasional compress/merge.
Are both GDPR-compliant?+
Yes: iLovePDF (Spain) and PDF24 (Germany) are in the EU, sign DPAs and don't transfer outside the EU.