Pagestro vs iLovePDF: an honest comparison

iLovePDF offers PDF tools on the web, on desktop and on mobile. Pagestro covers the same everyday PDF jobs, processes files differently, and adds contracts, invoices and QR codes. This comparison uses each product's public pages as of October 2026. Plans change, so check the linked pages before you choose.

The short version

• Choose iLovePDF if you want desktop apps for Windows and Mac that work offline, mobile apps, a developer API for PDF processing, advanced e-signatures or a free year of Premium as a student or academic.
• Choose Pagestro if you want PDF and image tools that process files on your own device, free use without daily limits, and business tools such as contracts and invoices in the same account.

Side by side

Where your files go

Pagestro's PDF, image and conversion tools run in your browser. Your file is processed on your device and never sent to Pagestro, which suits contracts, payslips, medical records and anything else you would rather keep to yourself. Our guide to in-browser vs upload PDF tools explains how that works.

iLovePDF's web tools process files on its servers. Its security page says data is encrypted in transit and at rest, that processed files are automatically and permanently deleted within two hours, and that signed documents are kept for up to five years to meet legal requirements (iLovePDF security). iLovePDF is ISO 27001 certified, and its desktop app can process heavy PDF tasks offline on Windows and Mac.

To be fair to both: in-browser processing depends on your device, so very large files can be slower on an older phone. And Pagestro's account features, such as signature requests, sent invoices and dynamic QR codes, are stored on Pagestro's servers like any online service.

Free use

iLovePDF's free Basic plan gives access to its essential tools with limited document processing. Its pricing table shows lower file-size and batch limits on Basic than on Premium, and Premium adds unlimited processing across web, mobile and desktop (iLovePDF pricing). Students and academic staff can get a year of Premium free.

Pagestro's PDF, image and conversion tools are free with no account, no watermarks and no daily caps. An account comes in when you save or send things, such as signature requests, emailed invoices, dynamic QR codes and short links. The free plan includes some of each every month, and paid plans include more (see pricing).

Tools compared

Both handle merge, split, compress, rotate, crop, organise pages, edit, sign, protect, redact, compare, watermarks and page numbers, OCR, PDF/A, PDF to Markdown, scanning to PDF, and conversion to and from Word, Excel, PowerPoint and images.

Where iLovePDF goes further:

• Desktop apps for Windows and Mac with offline processing, plus mobile apps.
• A repair tool for damaged PDFs.
• An AI summarizer and translation. Pagestro has no AI tools by design and doesn't use AI on your documents.
• iLoveAPI for developers who want to automate PDF processing, and ready-made integrations.
• A Business plan with single sign-on and a dedicated account manager.

Where Pagestro goes further:

• File privacy: PDF and image tools, including OCR, run on your device, and Pagestro doesn't use AI on your files.
• Contracts with 11 editable templates and signature requests.
• An invoice generator, a QR code studio, a link shortener and an email builder in the same account.

E-signatures

iLoveSign, part of iLovePDF, offers simple electronic signatures and advanced electronic signatures. Its pricing page lists an audit trail, reminders, templates and custom branding, with advanced signatures included on paid plans.

Pagestro offers simple electronic signatures. You start from a template or your own PDF or Word file, add fields and send it to up to 10 signers, who don't need an account. Each request has a tamper-evident audit trail, and the signed PDF ends with a completion certificate. Pro and Business add signing order and automatic reminders. If you need advanced signatures, iLovePDF is the stronger choice.

Electronic signatures are recognised for most agreements in many countries, under laws such as the ESIGN Act and UETA in the US and eIDAS in the EU. This is general information, not legal advice.

Pricing approach

iLovePDF sells Premium per user for individuals and small teams, with a discount for yearly billing. Larger teams talk to sales about the Business plan (iLovePDF pricing). Pagestro has Starter, Pro and Business plans, billed monthly or yearly, and Business includes team seats (see pricing). Prices change, so compare both pages in your currency.

Which should you choose?

Pick iLovePDF if you work offline on a desktop, need mobile apps, want an API for PDF processing or need advanced e-signatures.

Pick Pagestro if file privacy matters most, you want free PDF tools without daily limits, or you want contracts, invoices and QR codes alongside your PDF tools. For another view, see Pagestro vs Smallpdf.

Frequently asked questions

Is iLovePDF free?

Its Basic plan is free, with essential tools and limited document processing. Premium removes the processing limits. Pagestro's PDF, image and conversion tools are free with no daily caps.

Does iLovePDF keep my files?

iLovePDF says processed files are deleted automatically within two hours, and signed documents are kept for up to five years for legal reasons. Pagestro's PDF tools don't upload your file at all.

Does Pagestro have desktop or mobile apps?

No. Pagestro runs in any modern browser, including on phones. iLovePDF offers desktop and mobile apps.

Can Pagestro make advanced electronic signatures?

No. Pagestro offers simple electronic signatures with an audit trail. iLoveSign offers advanced signatures on paid plans.