ILovePDF vs Smallpdf vs PDFey: Which is Best?

Overview: The Three Contenders

When searching for online PDF tools, three names consistently appear at the top of search results: ILovePDF, Smallpdf, and PDFey. Each has its strengths and target audience. Let's break down what makes each unique before diving into the detailed comparison.

ILovePDF

Founded in 2010, ILovePDF is one of the oldest online PDF tools. Based in Barcelona, Spain, they've built a comprehensive suite of 25+ PDF tools. Their freemium model offers basic functionality for free with premium features behind a subscription.

Smallpdf

Launched in 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland, Smallpdf focuses on user experience and design. They process over 50 million files monthly and are known for their clean, intuitive interface. Like ILovePDF, they operate on a freemium model.

PDFey

The newest of the three, PDFey takes a fundamentally different approach. All processing happens directly in your browser - files never leave your device. This makes it the most privacy-focused option available, with no account required and completely free to use.

Feature Comparison

Let's compare the core features that most users need:

All three tools cover the essential PDF operations. ILovePDF and Smallpdf offer additional features like OCR and e-signatures that require server-side processing. PDFey focuses on core PDF manipulation tasks that can run entirely in the browser.

Pricing Comparison

Cost is often a deciding factor. Here's how the three compare:

Privacy & Security Comparison

This is where the three tools differ most significantly. If you work with sensitive documents (contracts, financial records, personal data), privacy should be your top priority.

Performance & Speed

Processing speed depends on several factors: file size, your internet connection (for upload-based tools), and the tool's infrastructure.

Server-Based Tools (ILovePDF, Smallpdf)

• Upload time: Depends on your internet speed and file size
• Processing time: Fast (powerful servers)
• Download time: Depends on your internet speed
• Total time for 10MB PDF: 30-60 seconds typically

Browser-Based Tool (PDFey)

• Upload time: Zero (no upload needed)
• Processing time: Depends on your device
• Download time: Instant (file is already local)
• Total time for 10MB PDF: 5-15 seconds typically

For most users, PDFey is faster because it eliminates the upload and download steps. However, for very large files (100MB+), server-based tools may process faster if you have a slow computer but fast internet.

User Interface & Experience

ILovePDF

ILovePDF has a functional, no-frills interface. The homepage lists all tools clearly, and each tool page follows a consistent layout. It's not the prettiest, but it gets the job done. The interface can feel cluttered with premium feature prompts.

Smallpdf

Smallpdf is known for its polished, modern design. The interface is clean and intuitive, with smooth animations and clear visual feedback. Many consider it the best-looking PDF tool available. However, free users face prominent upgrade prompts.

PDFey

PDFey features a modern, minimalist design with dark mode support. The interface is clutter-free with no account prompts or upgrade banners. Each tool has a consistent drag-and-drop interface with real-time page previews.

Mobile Experience

All three tools work on mobile devices through responsive web design:

• ILovePDF: Responsive website + iOS/Android apps
• Smallpdf: Responsive website + iOS/Android apps
• PDFey: Responsive website (PWA), no app needed

ILovePDF and Smallpdf offer native mobile apps that provide better integration with your device. PDFey works entirely in the browser, which means you don't need to install anything, but you also don't get the native app features.

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose ILovePDF When:

• You need OCR (text recognition from scanned documents)
• You want e-signature functionality
• You need PDF editing beyond basic manipulation
• Budget is a concern but you need premium features (cheapest paid plan)

Choose Smallpdf When:

• User experience and design matter most to you
• You need advanced features like OCR and editing
• You want comprehensive cloud integration (Dropbox, Drive, etc.)
• You prefer a polished, premium feel

Choose PDFey When:

• Privacy is your top priority (sensitive documents)
• You don't want to create an account or pay anything
• You need unlimited operations per day for free
• You work offline or have a slow internet connection
• You're in a regulated industry (healthcare, finance, legal)
• You want batch processing without paying

Real-World Use Cases

Scenario 1: Merging PDFs for a Client

You need to combine 5 contract PDFs into one document for a client. All three tools handle this easily. But if these are confidential contracts, PDFey ensures they never touch a third-party server.

Scenario 2: Converting a Scanned Document to Text

You have a scanned contract and need editable text. Only ILovePDF and Smallpdf offer OCR for this task. PDFey cannot do text recognition from scanned images.

Scenario 3: Quick PDF Compression Before Email

Your PDF is too large for email. All three compress well. PDFey is fastest since there's no upload wait. For a 40MB file on a 10Mbps connection, PDFey saves about 30 seconds.

Scenario 4: Processing 50 PDFs for a Project

You need to split 50 PDFs into individual pages. ILovePDF and Smallpdf limit free users to 2-5 operations per day. PDFey has no limits - you can process all 50 without waiting or paying.

The Verdict: Which is Best?

There's no single "best" tool - it depends on your priorities:

Summary Comparison Table

Conclusion

For most everyday PDF tasks - merging, splitting, compressing, converting - all three tools work well. Your choice should depend on what matters most to you.

If privacy and cost are important, PDFey is the clear winner. Your files never leave your device, you don't need an account, and everything is free without limits.

If you need advanced features like OCR or PDF text editing, ILovePDF offers the best value with more features at a lower price than Smallpdf.

If user experience is paramount and you're willing to pay for it, Smallpdf delivers the most polished interface in the market.