5 Best Free iLovePDF Alternatives in 2026 (No Sign-Up)

Why People Look for iLovePDF Alternatives

iLovePDF is a solid tool, but the free tier has real limitations:

2 tasks per day — hit the limit and you're done until midnight

Sign-up required for anything beyond the basics

No AI features — no document summarisation, no translation, no chat

Server-side processing — your files are uploaded and stored temporarily

If you're doing regular PDF work, these limitations add up fast.

1. DoctorDocs — Best Overall

DoctorDocs offers 244 free PDF, OCR, and AI document tools with no daily limit, no sign-up, and privacy-first processing.

Standout features:

Chat with PDF documents (AI)

Summarise, translate, and rewrite documents

Advanced OCR for handwriting and prescriptions

Medical tools: lab result interpreter, terminology simplifier

Most tools process files entirely in your browser

👉 See the full DoctorDocs vs iLovePDF comparison

2. Smallpdf

Smallpdf has a cleaner interface than iLovePDF, but the free tier limits you to 2 tasks per *hour* (still restrictive). Paid plans start at $12/month. No AI features.

3. PDF24

PDF24 is a German privacy-focused tool with a generous free tier and no sign-up. Fewer tools than DoctorDocs but solid for basic PDF operations.

4. PDFgear

PDFgear is a free desktop application (Windows/Mac) with no online version. Good if you prefer a native app, but requires installation.

5. Adobe Acrobat Online (Free Tier)

Adobe's free web tools cover the basics — PDF to Word, compress, sign. Very limited on the free tier. Worth using if you already have an Adobe account.

Which Should You Choose?

For most users: DoctorDocs wins. No rate limits, no sign-up, AI tools, and 10× more tools than iLovePDF.

For desktop apps: PDFgear.

For enterprise / legal: Adobe Acrobat.

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Try DoctorDocs free: Browse 244 Tools →