Smallpdf and iLovePDF are the two browser PDF tools most people have heard of. They are not as different as the marketing suggests.
Here is the head-to-head, plus where a newer tool like Flint fits in.
Where Smallpdf wins
Cleaner UI. Strong mobile app. Tighter Google Drive and Dropbox integration. A more focused editor experience.
Where iLovePDF wins
Breadth. More niche tools — repair PDF, page numbering, watermarking, OCR. If you have an unusual PDF requirement, iLovePDF probably has the tool.
Pricing compared
Both around $7–9/month annual on paid tiers, with similarly tight free tiers (2 tasks/day on Smallpdf, similar caps on iLovePDF). No watermarks on either.
Where Flint fits
Flint sits next to both at a similar price point but with a day pass option and a more modern editor. Edit-pdf, sign-pdf, merge-pdf and convert-pdf in one place.
Best for…
Smallpdf for the cleanest dashboard experience. iLovePDF for the broadest toolset. Flint if you want a day pass or a tighter editor.
FAQ
Are Smallpdf and iLovePDF safe?
Yes — both use encrypted upload and short retention.
Which has more tools?
iLovePDF, narrowly.
Does either watermark?
No watermarks on output for either.
Pick by UI feel. Or try Flint as a third option — particularly if you want the day-pass billing.