10 Best Free Online PDF Tools in 2026
PDFs are the workhorse format of modern business — contracts, invoices, resumes, research papers — but editing them is still a pain without the right software. The best free online PDF tools solve this by running entirely in your browser, letting you convert, compress, merge, split, and annotate PDFs without installing anything. This guide ranks ten of them by features, privacy, and real-world limits so you can pick the one that fits your workflow.
How We Ranked These PDF Tools
Every tool here was tested against five criteria: feature coverage (convert, compress, merge, split, edit), file-size limits, privacy model, pricing transparency, and whether it works without an account. Tools that process files locally in the browser scored higher on privacy because your documents never leave your device. Cloud-based tools still made the list when their limits and pricing were honest.
Here's how the top contenders compare:
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<text x="380" y="28" fill="#1e293b" font-size="15" font-family="sans-serif" text-anchor="middle" font-weight="bold">Best Free Online PDF Tools — Feature Matrix</text>
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<!-- Row 2: PDF24 -->
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<!-- Row 4: Smallpdf -->
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<!-- Row 5: Sejda -->
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<!-- Row 6: PDF Candy -->
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The 10 Best Free Online PDF Tools
1. Keynou
Keynou runs every PDF operation client-side in your browser. That means no uploads, no server processing, and no file-size caps. The PDF converter handles Word, JPG, and other formats to PDF, while the PDF compressor shrinks files without visible quality loss. Need to combine multiple documents? The PDF merger joins them in seconds. No account, no watermark, no daily limit.
2. PDF24
PDF24 offers a genuinely free suite with no daily task limits — rare in this space. It includes OCR, signing, and a desktop app for offline work. The catch is that some operations route through their servers, so it's not fully client-side. Still, for breadth of features at zero cost, it's hard to beat.
3. iLovePDF
iLovePDF is the most recognized name in online PDF tools, and for good reason. The interface is clean, conversions are reliable, and format support is broad. The free tier limits you to two tasks per day with a 10 MB cap, which is fine for occasional use but frustrating for heavier workloads. See our iLovePDF alternatives for tools with fewer restrictions.
4. Smallpdf
Smallpdf pairs a polished design with solid conversion quality. Free users get two tasks per day and basic compression. The e-sign feature is handy for quick contracts. Pricing ramps up quickly though — the Smallpdf vs iLovePDF comparison breaks down which is worth paying for.
5. Sejda
Sejda stands out for actual text editing inside PDFs — not just annotation, but replacing words and fixing typos. The free tier caps at 50 MB and 200 pages, which covers most personal documents. It also handles signing and watermarking.
6. PDF Candy
PDF Candy packs 44 tools into one interface, covering everything from OCR to page rotation. The free tier allows two tasks per day. It's a good pick when you need an obscure operation that other tools don't offer.
7. Soda PDF
Soda PDF offers merge, compress, and e-sign features through a hybrid desktop/web app. The free online version is limited, and the upsell to paid plans is aggressive. Useful if you're already in their ecosystem.
8. Foxit Online
Foxit is an enterprise-grade PDF editor with a web companion. The online free tier is a trial more than a permanent option, but the editing quality is excellent. Best for users who eventually need a paid license.
9. PDFsam
PDFsam is primarily a desktop application, but it's free, open-source, and processes files locally. The free version covers merge, split, and rotate. If you prefer installed software over browser tools, this is the strongest offline option.
10. DocFly
DocFly focuses on form filling and signing. The free tier allows three documents before requiring a paid plan. Narrow in scope but effective for its specific use case.
Browser-Based vs Cloud PDF Tools
The biggest dividing line among these tools is where your file actually goes. Cloud-based tools like iLovePDF and Smallpdf upload your PDF to their servers, process it, and send it back. Browser-based tools like Keynou run JavaScript in your tab and never transmit the file anywhere.
For public records, legal documents, medical files, or anything with personal identifiers, browser-based processing is the safer choice. The browser-based vs cloud converters guide covers the privacy implications in depth. Cloud tools aren't inherently insecure — most encrypt in transit and delete files after processing — but you're trusting a third party with your data either way.
Which Free PDF Tool Should You Pick?
There's no single winner because the right choice depends on what you're doing:
- Privacy-sensitive documents — Keynou, because nothing leaves your device
- Heavy daily use without limits — PDF24 or Keynou
- Text editing inside PDFs — Sejda
- Quick one-off conversions — iLovePDF or Smallpdf
- Offline work — PDFsam desktop
If you want a tool that handles the most common tasks — convert, compress, merge — without limits or uploads, start with Keynou's free PDF converter. For a deeper look at privacy-focused options, read our roundup of free PDF tools with no signup.
The PDF format isn't going anywhere, and neither is the need to manipulate it quickly. The tools on this list cover nearly every scenario without costing a cent.
