PDF Workdesk vs Smallpdf
Smallpdf is a polished PDF suite from Switzerland with a free plan and a Pro subscription. PDF Workdesk is free and runs most of its tools in your browser. Here's how they differ.
Updated
At a glance
| PDF Workdesk | Smallpdf | |
|---|---|---|
| Where files are processed | Most tools run in your browser: the file never leaves your device. Office, iWork, eBook, DXF, EPS, PDF/A and print conversions run on our server and the file is deleted as soon as the result is sent back. | Cloud-based: files are processed on Smallpdf's servers. |
| How long files are kept | Browser tools: never sent. Server conversions: deleted when the result is returned. | Removed from Smallpdf's servers one hour after processing for most tools, unless saved to your account. |
| Free plan limits | Browser tools: no daily limit. Server conversions: free account, 25 a day, up to 125 MB per file. | A daily download limit on almost every tool. |
| Strong compression, batch processing | Free. | Pro only. |
| Paid plan | None: everything here is free. | Pro $15/month, or $10/month billed yearly ($120/year). |
| OCR, editing text, e-signatures | Not yet. | Yes (OCR and editing text are Pro). |
| Apps | Works in any browser; installable as a web app. | Windows desktop app (offline) and iOS and Android apps. |
Free use
Smallpdf's free plan gives access to its tools with a daily download limit, and keeps features such as strong compression, batch processing, OCR and text editing for Pro. You don't need to sign up to use the free tools.
PDF Workdesk has no download limit on its browser tools, and strong compression and batches are free: drop in many files and get them back as one ZIP. Server conversions (Word, Excel or PowerPoint to PDF, and similar) need a free account with 25 a day.
Privacy
Smallpdf is ISO 27001 certified, encrypts transfers and deletes most files an hour after processing. Files are still uploaded to be processed. PDF Workdesk's browser tools process the file on your device, so there's nothing to delete afterwards.
Where Smallpdf is the better choice
- You need OCR, text editing, form filling or e-signatures in one place.
- You want AI tools such as chatting with a PDF or summaries.
- You want a Windows desktop app that works offline, or a team plan.
Where PDF Workdesk is the better choice
- You'd rather not upload documents at all.
- You hit the daily download limit, or need strong compression and batches without paying.
- You want free workflows that chain several tools into one run.
Tools for this
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free Smallpdf alternative without daily limits?
Yes. PDF Workdesk's browser tools have no daily limit, no watermark and need no account.
Does Smallpdf upload my files?
Yes. Smallpdf's tools are cloud-based, and files are removed from its servers an hour after processing for most tools.