PDF.Capital vs Smallpdf
The free Smallpdf alternative — no paywall on merge, split, or compress.
Smallpdf limits free users to 2 tasks/hour and locks common tools behind Pro. PDF.Capital removes those limits entirely and runs most conversions locally in your browser.
Why PDF.Capital
- No 2-task-per-hour throttle
- Compress, merge, split and convert unlimited PDFs free
- Zero forced sign-up
- Open source-friendly PDF engine under the hood
Where Smallpdf shines
- Slick native desktop apps
- Established e-signature workflows
- Integrated with Google Drive
Feature comparison
| Feature | PDF.Capital | Smallpdf |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks per hour | Unlimited | 2 free / hour |
| Compress PDF | Free | Pro |
| OCR | Free | Pro |
| Desktop app | Web only | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $9/mo |
Our verdict
For anyone who hits Smallpdf's hourly wall, PDF.Capital is a strict upgrade at zero cost.
Try the free tool