PDFLime vs Smallpdf: Which is Better in 2025?

Both PDFLime and Smallpdf offer online PDF tools, but they take very different approaches to privacy and pricing. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right one.

Quick Comparison

The Privacy Difference

This is the most significant difference between PDFLime and Smallpdf:

PDFLime processes all files locally in your browser using WebAssembly. Your files never leave your device, never touch a server, and are never stored anywhere except your own computer. This means:

• Complete privacy for sensitive documents
• No risk of data breaches
• GDPR/HIPAA compliant by design
• Works offline once loaded

Smallpdf uploads your files to their servers for processing. While they claim to delete files after 1 hour and use encryption, your files still pass through their infrastructure. This means:

• Files are transmitted over the internet
• Temporary storage on Smallpdf servers
• Requires trust in their security practices
• Potential compliance issues for regulated industries

Pricing Comparison

PDFLime

• Free Forever: All features, unlimited use
• No hidden costs or premium tiers
• No file limits or daily restrictions

Smallpdf

• Free: 2 tasks per day, limited features
• Pro ($9/month): Unlimited tasks, batch processing, priority support
• Team ($7/user/month): Team features, admin controls

Cost Analysis: If you use PDF tools regularly, Smallpdf Pro costs $108/year. PDFLime saves you this cost entirely while offering better privacy.

Feature Comparison

Core PDF Tools (Both Offer)

• Merge PDFs
• Split PDFs
• Compress PDFs
• PDF to Image conversion
• Image to PDF conversion
• Rotate pages
• Extract pages

PDFLime Advantages

• ✓ Unlimited free use
• ✓ Complete privacy (client-side processing)
• ✓ No file size limits
• ✓ Works offline
• ✓ Open source
• ✓ No account required
• ✓ Batch processing included

Smallpdf Advantages

• ✓ E-signature features
• ✓ Cloud storage integration
• ✓ Team collaboration tools
• ✓ Mobile apps
• ✓ More conversion formats

Performance

PDFLime: Processing speed depends on your device. No upload/download time means instant start. Modern devices handle most tasks in seconds.

Smallpdf: Processing happens on their servers, so speed is consistent but requires uploading and downloading files. Large files can take several minutes.

Use Cases

Choose PDFLime if you:

• Handle sensitive or confidential documents
• Want unlimited free use
• Need offline PDF tools
• Value privacy and open source
• Don't want to create an account
• Process large files regularly

Choose Smallpdf if you:

• Need e-signature features
• Want cloud storage integration
• Require team collaboration
• Need mobile apps
• Don't mind uploading files
• Want customer support

The Verdict

For most users, PDFLime is the better choice. It offers:

• Superior privacy with client-side processing
• Unlimited free use (vs 2 tasks/day)
• No file size limits
• Offline capability
• Open source transparency

Smallpdf is worth considering only if you specifically need e-signatures, cloud integration, or team features - and are willing to pay $108/year and sacrifice privacy.