Smallpdf vs iLovePDF: review comparison
Which of the two do customers actually rate higher? Smallpdf and iLovePDF, compared theme by theme. Every claim below comes from verbatim customer reviews on public portals, quoted with sources.
Smallpdf
★★★★☆ 4.4
7,790 reviews across 4 portal(s)
Smallpdf is a web-based platform offering a suite of tools to manage and manipulate PDF documents.
iLovePDF
★★★★★ 4.5
12,230 reviews across 4 portal(s)
iLovePDF is a web-based platform providing tools for working with PDF documents.
Key findings
- On communication, reviewers favor iLovePDF: 47% positive of 37 mentions, versus 16% of 22 mentions.
- On ordering & website, reviewers favor Smallpdf: 76% positive of 159 mentions, versus 63% of 495 mentions.
Theme-by-theme: what reviewers say
| Theme | Smallpdf | iLovePDF |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | 87% positive strength · 467 mentions | 86% positive strength · 1221 mentions |
| Customer service | 73% positive strength · 168 mentions | 78% positive ✓ strength · 213 mentions |
| Value for money | 57% positive mixed · 181 mentions | 63% positive ✓ mixed · 396 mentions |
| Communication | 16% positive pain point · 22 mentions | 47% positive ✓ mixed · 37 mentions |
| Ordering & website | 76% positive ✓ strength · 159 mentions | 63% positive mixed · 495 mentions |
| Billing & payment | 0% positive pain point · 92 mentions | 2% positive pain point · 79 mentions |
How we compare: theme sentiment is based solely on reviews classified by our analysis (coverage: Smallpdf 7,808/7,790 (100%), iLovePDF 12,254/12,230 (100%)); we compare the shares of positive and negative sentiment, not raw counts, give more weight to recent reviews, and label themes with fewer than 5 classified mentions as insufficient data rather than declaring a winner. Star ratings are based on all public reviews and are recency-weighted.
In reviewers’ own words
Quality
“Great User Interface and seamless user experience.”
· Trustpilot ·
“super fast converter”
· Trustpilot ·
Ordering & website
“Excellent website for any pdf tools.”
· Trustpilot ·
“the uncluttered system is easy -very straightforward”
· Trustpilot ·
Customer service
“easy to operate online also”
· Trustpilot ·
“didn't try to trick me in to paying”
· Trustpilot ·
Billing & payment
“Unfair $108 automatic charge for unused account”
· Trustpilot ·
“I could not find the subscription in my Apple setting”
· Apple App Store ·
Value for money
“Smallpdf allows an occasional user like myself to convert something for free”
· Trustpilot ·
“did not think using free tool to be this fast and efficient”
· Trustpilot ·
Communication
“Now I feel uncomfortable with this company holding my information”
· Trustpilot ·
“has never shown me an ad”
· Trustpilot ·
FAQ
Which is better, Smallpdf or iLovePDF?
Reviewers slightly favor iLovePDF for its free access and intuitive interface, while Smallpdf is praised for consistent performance and a user-friendly experience, though some criticize its pricing and trial practices.
Free Access
Reviewers report iLovePDF stands out for being genuinely free and helpful, with several praising its no-cost access and ease of use. Others note that while it advertises as free, many features require a premium subscription, limiting full functionality.
User Experience
Smallpdf receives strong praise for its clean interface and reliable performance, with users highlighting its ease of use and consistent results over time. iLovePDF is also commended for intuitive instructions and straightforward operation, though some users report interface issues during editing.
Pricing Issues
Several Smallpdf reviewers express frustration with hidden costs and aggressive billing, mentioning surprise charges following free trials and difficulties in obtaining refunds. iLovePDF users also report misleading free access, as essential features are locked behind paywalls.
What customers said:
- „Smallpdf has worked wonders for me.“
- „I have used smallpdf for years“
- „This was a lifesaver.“
- „Is free and helpful as hell“