Slate vs Smallpdf vs ILovePDF vs PDF24
Looking for the best free PDF tool? Here's an honest comparison of the most popular options — what they actually do with your files, what's free, and what's locked behind a paywall.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Slate Best | Smallpdf | ILovePDF | PDF24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Files uploaded to server | Never | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Truly free (no daily limits) | ✓ Yes | ✗ 2/day free | ⚠ Limited | ✓ Yes |
| No signup required | ✓ Never | ✗ Required for some | ⚠ Optional | ✓ Yes |
| Works offline | ✓ Yes (PWA) | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| No file size limit | ✓ Device RAM only | ✗ 5 MB free | ⚠ 100 MB | ✓ Yes |
| Merge PDF | ✓ Free | ⚠ Limited free | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| Compress PDF | ✓ Free | ⚠ Limited free | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| Split PDF | ✓ Free | ⚠ Limited free | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| JPG to PDF | ✓ Free | ⚠ Limited free | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| Watermark PDF | ✓ Free | ✗ Pro only | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| Add page numbers | ✓ Free | ✗ Pro only | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| Crop PDF | ✓ Free | ✗ Pro only | ✗ No | ✓ Free |
| Edit PDF metadata | ✓ Free | ✗ No | ✗ No | ⚠ Limited |
| N-up (2 pages per sheet) | ✓ Free | ✗ No | ✗ No | ⚠ Limited |
| Installable as app (PWA) | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| GDPR / privacy compliant | ✓ No data collected | ⚠ Server processing | ⚠ Server processing | ⚠ Server processing |
Why Slate is different
🔒 Zero uploads — ever
Every other tool on this list uploads your files to a server. Slate uses WebAssembly to process everything locally. Your documents never leave your device — not even for a second.
🆓 No freemium tricks
Smallpdf limits free users to 2 tasks per day. Slate has no daily limits, no file size caps, and no features locked behind a subscription. Every tool is free, always.
📴 Works offline
After your first visit, Slate installs as a Progressive Web App. You can use it on a plane, in a meeting, or anywhere without internet. No other tool on this list does that.
🛠 More tools, more free
Slate offers 21 tools including niche ones like N-up layout, metadata editing, and PDF repair — all free. Competitors charge for these or don't offer them at all.
Frequently asked questions
Is Slate better than Smallpdf?
For privacy and cost, yes. Slate never uploads your files — everything runs in your browser. Smallpdf uploads files to its servers and limits free users to 2 tasks per day. Slate has no limits and is completely free.
What is the best free PDF tool with no upload?
Slate is the only major PDF tool that processes files entirely in your browser without uploading them. It offers 21 tools, no signup, no limits, and works offline as a PWA.
Is there a free alternative to Adobe Acrobat?
Yes. Slate covers the most common PDF tasks — merge, split, compress, convert, rotate, watermark, add page numbers, and more — all free with no subscription.
Does ILovePDF upload my files?
Yes. ILovePDF processes files on its servers. Files are deleted after a short period, but they do leave your device. Slate never uploads anything.
Is PDF24 safe to use?
PDF24 is a legitimate tool, but it does upload files to servers for processing. If privacy matters — for contracts, IDs, or financial documents — Slate's local processing is the safer choice.
Try Slate — no signup, no uploads
21 free PDF tools. Your files never leave your device.
Browse all 21 tools →