Head-to-Head Comparison

SmallPDF vs iLovePDF vs ToolBox — Which is Better?

SmallPDF and iLovePDF are the biggest names in free PDF tools. But ToolBox offers a compelling alternative with zero signup requirements, no file limits, and complete privacy. Here's how they compare.

SmallPDF

Free (limited) / $12/month

Popular PDF tool with 20+ utilities. Free tier has daily limits. Requires email for some features.

Best For

Users who need desktop software

Pros

Well-known brand
Desktop app available
OCR support

Cons

Free tier limited to 2 tasks/day
Requires signup for some tools
Files processed on their servers

iLovePDF

Free (with ads) / $7/month

Comprehensive PDF toolkit with 25+ tools. Free version has ads and file size limits.

Best For

Occasional PDF users

Pros

Many tools available
OCR included
Mobile app

Cons

Ads in free version
File size limits
Premium watermark removal

ToolBox

Free

Free, private, browser-based PDF tools. No signup, no limits, no watermarks. All processing happens locally.

Best For

Privacy-conscious users who want unlimited free tools

Pros

100% free — no limits
No signup required
Files never leave your device
No watermarks
110+ tools beyond PDFs

Cons

Browser-based only
No desktop app yet

Try ToolBox Free

The Verdict

Choose SmallPDF if you need a desktop app and don't mind paying. Choose iLovePDF if you want a mobile app. Choose ToolBox if you want completely free, private, unlimited PDF tools with no signup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ToolBox better than SmallPDF?

ToolBox is better for users who want unlimited free usage without signup. SmallPDF has more brand recognition and a desktop app, but limits free users.

Does ToolBox have file size limits?

No, ToolBox does not impose file size limits on PDF tools. You can process large files without restrictions.

Which is the most private PDF tool?

ToolBox is the most private because all processing happens in your browser. Your files never touch any server.