iLovePDF vs Smallpdf
Two ultra-popular web suites for basic PDF tools. Very close on features — the difference comes down to details (price, hosting, ergonomics).
Feature-by-feature comparison
Faites défiler pour comparer.
| Feature | iLovePDF | Smallpdf |
|---|---|---|
| Essential tools (compress, merge) | ||
| Free plan (max size) | 25 MB / file | 5 MB / file |
| Free plan (uses/day) | ~6 tasks | 2 tasks |
| OCR | Premium only | Pro only |
| E-signature | Simple (Premium) | EU eIDAS (Pro) |
| Hosting | Spain (EU) | Switzerland (EU adequacy) |
| Native mobile app | ||
| Word/Drive plugin | ||
| PDF tools available | 25+ tools | 20+ tools |
| Premium monthly price | $4/mo annual ($7 monthly) | $9/mo annual ($15 monthly) |
iLovePDF wins on value ($4/mo vs $9/mo annual = 56% cheaper, $7 vs $15 on monthly = 53% cheaper) and free generosity (25 MB vs 5 MB, 6 tasks vs 2/day). Smallpdf wins on premium ergonomics, EU eIDAS-aligned signature (vs simple at iLovePDF) and PDF→Word conversion fidelity (especially fonts/tables). For personal or freelance: iLovePDF. For pro use needing binding signatures: Smallpdf.
If you want the basic tools (compress, merge, sign) AND an AI assistant that AUTO-FILLS your forms (invoices, contracts, leases) — iFillPDF combines both for a single $8.99 one-time payment (Lifetime, no subscription) with EU Frankfurt hosting and ESIGN Act + eIDAS signing. A third option worth considering when repetitive form-filling is your main pain — a use case neither suite covers.
Frequently asked questions
Which has the better free plan?+
iLovePDF is more generous: files up to 25 MB, ~6 tasks/day. Smallpdf is more restrictive (5 MB, 2 tasks per 24 h) to push users to Pro.
Are both EU-hosted?+
iLovePDF: yes, Spain (Barcelona). Smallpdf: Switzerland, considered GDPR-compatible under EU Commission adequacy decision 2000/518/EC (reaffirmed 2024). Neither transfers data to the US under default settings.
For eIDAS-compliant signing, which to pick?+
Smallpdf Pro provides EU eIDAS advanced signing (Reg. 910/2014). iLovePDF stays on simple signing (acceptable for low-stakes documents but less binding for B2B contracts).
For accurate PDF→Word conversion?+
Smallpdf has a slight edge for complex conversions (font/table preservation). iLovePDF stays very correct in 90% of cases.
Can you use them without signup?+
Yes for both, in limited free mode. Signup unlocks history and increased quotas.