Smile PDF vs iLovePDF
iLovePDF is a popular, well-established PDF service. Smile PDF takes a different approach: your documents are processed by your own browser and never uploaded. Here is an honest side-by-side.
| Smile PDF | iLovePDF | |
|---|---|---|
| Where documents are processed | In your browser, on your device | Uploaded to iLovePDF servers for most tools |
| Server copies of your files | None — nothing is uploaded | Kept temporarily, then deleted per their policy |
| Works after the page loads without internet | Most tools | No — needs a connection to upload |
| Free plan | Yes, with per-tool limits, no daily task count | Yes, with limits |
| Short-term pass | Day Pass €1.99 for 24 hours | Check iLovePDF's pricing page |
| Native desktop / mobile apps | No — web only | Yes |
When to choose Smile PDF
- Contracts, IDs, medical or financial files you'd rather not upload.
- Quick one-off jobs — a 24-hour Day Pass instead of a subscription.
- Slow or unreliable connections: no upload or download wait for processing.
When iLovePDF may suit you better
- You want native desktop or mobile apps.
- You need very large files beyond what your device's memory can handle.
iLovePDF is a trademark of its owner. Smile PDF is not affiliated with iLovePDF. Details about iLovePDF are based on its public information and may change.