Best Free PDF Tools in 2025
Looking for the best free PDF tools in 2025? Whether you need to merge documents, compress files, or convert formats, there's a free tool out there for you. But not all PDF tools are created equal - some upload your files to servers, others have strict limitations, and many try to push you into expensive subscriptions.
In this guide, we'll compare the best free PDF tools available, focusing on what matters most: features, privacy, ease of use, and hidden costs.
What to Look for in a PDF Tool
Before diving into specific tools, here's what you should consider:
- Privacy - Does the tool upload your files to servers, or process locally?
- Limitations - File size limits, daily usage limits, watermarks?
- Features - Does it do what you need?
- Ease of Use - How intuitive is the interface?
- Hidden Costs - Is it truly free, or a gateway to subscriptions?
The Best Free PDF Tools
1. PDF Compresso (Free Web Version)
PDF Compresso offers 7 free tools that process files entirely in your browser - your documents never leave your device.
Free Features: Merge, Split, Rotate, Compress (basic), Organize, Page Numbers, Watermark
+ Complete privacy - files never uploaded
+ No account required
+ No watermarks on output
- 10MB file size limit on free version
- Some features only on desktop
Best for: Privacy-conscious users who need essential PDF tools
2. Smallpdf (Free Tier)
Smallpdf is a popular online PDF tool with a generous free tier and a wide range of features.
+ Wide range of tools
+ Clean, modern interface
- Files uploaded to servers
- Limited to 2 tasks per day
- Pushes Pro subscription heavily
Best for: Occasional users who don't mind file uploads
3. iLovePDF (Free Tier)
iLovePDF offers many free PDF tools with a reasonable free tier before hitting limits.
+ Many tools available
+ Decent free limits
- Files uploaded to servers
- Daily task limits
- Some features paywalled
Best for: Users who need variety and don't hit daily limits
4. PDF24 Tools
A completely free online tool suite from the makers of PDF24 Creator.
+ Completely free
+ Wide range of tools
+ No account needed
- Files uploaded for processing
- Interface less polished
Best for: Users who want truly free tools without limits
Privacy Comparison
If privacy matters to you (and it should for sensitive documents), here's how these tools compare:
- PDF Compresso - Files never leave your device (local processing)
- Smallpdf - Files uploaded, deleted after 1 hour
- iLovePDF - Files uploaded, deleted after 2 hours
- PDF24 - Files uploaded, deleted after processing
For confidential documents like contracts, financial records, or medical information, local processing tools like PDF Compresso are the safest choice.
Our Recommendation
For most users, we recommend starting with PDF Compresso's free web tools. They cover the essentials (merge, split, rotate, organize) with complete privacy and no daily limits.
If you find yourself needing more power - especially compression - the desktop version at £14.99 one-time is far more economical than any subscription service.
Try PDF Compresso Free
Start with our free web tools - no upload, no account, no limits.
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