iLovePDF Alternative: Honest 2026 Comparison
Why People Look for iLovePDF Alternatives
iLovePDF has been one of the go-to free PDF tools since 2010. But in 2026, the landscape has changed significantly:
- iLovePDF has added watermarks to some free-tier outputs
- File size limits on the free tier have tightened
- It doesn't offer AI-powered tools (chat with PDF, summarize, AI translation)
- Privacy-conscious users prefer tools that process files in the browser, not on servers
This comparison helps you find the right tool for your specific use case.
Feature Comparison: iLovePDF vs the Alternatives
| Feature | iLovePDF | SynthPDF | PDF24 | Smallpdf | PDFCandy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic PDF tools (merge, split, compress) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI Chat with PDF | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| AI PDF Summarizer | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| AI Translation | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Resume Builder | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Browser-only processing | Partial | Yes (most tools) | Yes | Partial | No |
| Free tier file size limit | 15 MB | 25 MB | Unlimited | 5 MB | 10 MB |
| Free tier watermark | Some tools | No | No | Yes | No |
| Sign-up required | No | No | No | Yes (after limit) | No |
| Number of tools | 24 | 50+ | 25 | 21 | 40+ |
Detailed Comparison by Use Case
For Basic PDF Operations (Merge, Split, Compress, Convert)
PDF24 wins for pure basic operations — unlimited file size, no watermarks, no sign-up, with browser-based processing for most tools. iLovePDF is close second. SynthPDF is equivalent with a better UI and more tools.
For AI-Powered PDF Tools
SynthPDF wins by default — it's the only option among the major free tools with AI chat, AI summarization, AI translation, grammar checking, and data extraction. iLovePDF, PDF24, and Smallpdf have not added AI features as of 2026.
For Privacy (No Server Upload)
PDF24 and SynthPDF lead. Both process core operations (merge, split, protect) in the browser using JavaScript PDF libraries. Neither uploads files to servers for basic operations. iLovePDF processes on servers; Smallpdf processes on servers.
For Resume and Career Tools
SynthPDF wins — 5 dedicated resume tools (build, check, optimize, cover letter, modify). No other free PDF tool has this. This is the clearest differentiator.
For Free Tier Limits
PDF24 wins with no file size limits on the free tier. SynthPDF offers 25 MB free (higher than most), iLovePDF limits to 15 MB, Smallpdf to 5 MB.
When to Use Each Tool
Use SynthPDF when:
- You need AI features (chat, summarize, translate)
- You're working with resumes and career documents
- Privacy matters and you want browser-only processing
- You want 50+ tools in one place without an account
Use PDF24 when:
- You have very large files (100 MB+) that exceed SynthPDF's free tier
- You want a desktop app (PDF24 has one)
Use iLovePDF when:
- You specifically need iLovePDF's OCR feature (which is slightly more accurate than some competitors)
- You already have an iLovePDF account and workflow
Use Smallpdf when:
- Your workflow involves extensive cloud integration (Dropbox, Google Drive)
Our Verdict
For most users in 2026, SynthPDF offers more features than iLovePDF on the free tier, with AI tools that no other free PDF service provides. The browser-only processing for core operations also gives it a privacy edge.
The only reasons to stay on iLovePDF: you have existing credits/subscription, or you specifically need a feature iLovePDF offers that others don't.
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