Looking for a Smallpdf alternative?
Smallpdf is one of the most polished PDF suites on the web, with 30+ tools and apps for every platform. The usual reasons people go looking for an alternative are the free plan's limits and the upload step itself — every web tool sends your document to their servers first. This site takes the opposite approach: fewer tools, but each one runs entirely in your browser, with no uploads, no account and no usage caps.
This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Smallpdf. "Smallpdf" is a trademark of its respective owner; it is referenced here only for honest comparison.
Honest comparison
| Feature | PDF Stays Home | Smallpdf |
|---|---|---|
| Where files are processed | In your browser — never uploaded | Uploaded to their servers (web); desktop & mobile apps available |
| Account required | Never | Some tools are free with an account |
| Free usage limits | None — your device's memory is the only bound | Free plan has limited downloads and daily limits on some features |
| Number of tools | 7 focused tools (growing) | 30+ tools |
| Affected by your connection speed | No — nothing uploads or downloads | Web: upload + download time; desktop app: no |
| Price | Free | Free plan + paid subscription |
When Smallpdf is the better choice
If you need OCR, PDF editing, e-signing, integrations like Google Drive and Dropbox, or one subscription that covers 30+ tools across web, desktop and mobile, Smallpdf is the more complete product. No point pretending otherwise.
When this site is the better choice
Pick PDF Stays Home when you'd rather not upload the document at all — contracts, IDs, financial statements — or when you just want to merge, split, compress or rotate something right now without hitting a daily limit or creating an account. Processing happens on your device, so it's free to run and free for you, with no caps. Open your browser's network tab and watch: no file ever leaves.
Try the tools
Why is this free when Smallpdf charges?
Different economics: Smallpdf processes files on their servers, which costs real money per task — that's what the subscription pays for. Here your own device does the work, our costs stay near zero, and there's nothing to meter or charge for.
Do you have daily limits like Smallpdf's free plan?
No. Use every tool as many times as you like. The only practical constraint is your device's memory for very large files.
How do I know my files aren't uploaded?
Open your browser's developer tools (F12), watch the Network tab while you use any tool, and you'll see no request carrying your file — processing is 100% local. Try that on any upload-based tool and you'll see the difference immediately.