Capabilities, limits, pricing, and processing policies can change. Verify the current provider page and privacy policy before choosing a workflow for sensitive or high-volume documents.
Free usage limits and where files go
| Option | Free usage limit | Where the file is processed | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smallpdf (free) | Up to 2 conversions per day; limited access to basic features of 21 tools. | Smallpdf servers. It says files are deleted after one hour. | A paid plan removes the cap. |
| iLovePDF (free) | “Limited document processing”; Premium is described as unlimited. | iLovePDF servers. It says standard-tool files are deleted within two hours. | The exact free limits are not stated on its pricing page. |
| PDF24 Tools | States “no artificial limits”. | PDF24 servers for the online tools. Offline in PDF24 Creator for Windows. | Supported by advertising. |
| FreePDFKit | No daily or usage limits, no account. | In your browser. Core operations make no upload. | File size is capped by device memory. Supported by advertising. |
Figures are from each provider’s own pages on October 2, 2026 and can change: Smallpdf support, Smallpdf security, iLovePDF pricing, iLovePDF data protection, and PDF24 Tools.
Where PDF24 is the stronger choice
If your only goal is to get past a daily cap and you are comfortable with the file being processed on the provider’s servers, PDF24 is a strong option: it covers many tools, states there are no artificial limits, and has a free desktop app for working offline. FreePDFKit has fewer tools and no desktop app, and it cannot match server-side capacity for very large or complex files.
Where FreePDFKit fits
- You want no daily cap and no upload: the core tools run in your browser.
- You cannot install software, or you are on a shared or locked-down computer.
- The file is small enough for your device’s memory, which covers most documents.
Try Merge PDF, Split PDF or Compress PDF with a non-sensitive file first. If you also want to avoid uploading, see iLovePDF alternatives that don’t upload your files.
People also ask
Common questions
How many free tasks does Smallpdf allow per day?
Smallpdf’s support page describes the free plan as limited access to basic features of 21 online tools, with up to 2 conversions per day. Limits change, so check Smallpdf’s current pricing and support pages before relying on this.
Is PDF24 really unlimited?
PDF24’s own site says there are no artificial limits and that the service is paid for by advertising. It also states that its online tools process files on PDF24 servers, while the PDF24 Creator desktop app works offline.
Does a tool with no daily limit also keep my file private?
Not necessarily. A usage limit and a privacy model are separate. A tool can be unlimited and still upload your file, or capped and still work locally. Check both.
What is the catch with FreePDFKit having no usage limits?
The limits are your device’s. Work happens in browser memory, so a single file is capped at 256 MB (128 MB on low-memory devices) and Office conversions at 25 MB. The site is supported by advertising and has no accounts, cloud storage or collaboration.