BentoPDF vs iLovePDF: a free iLovePDF alternative that doesn't upload your files
If you're looking for an iLovePDF alternative, the biggest difference with BentoPDF is where your file goes.
iLovePDF uploads your PDF and processes it on its servers. BentoPDF processes it in your browser, on your own device. It's free, there's no account, and there's no cap on file size or the number of files.
I build BentoPDF, so keep that in mind. Whenever I say what iLovePDF does, I've linked to iLovePDF's own pages so you can check.
Why people look for an iLovePDF alternative
iLovePDF is a good tool. People usually switch for one of these reasons:
- Your file gets uploaded. Every task sends the document to iLovePDF's servers. That's a problem for contracts, payslips and ID scans.
- The free plan has limits. Word to PDF takes one file of up to 15 MB. Merge stops at 25 files. That's from iLovePDF's pricing page.
- Some tools are Premium only. PDF to PDF/A, Workflows and the apps are all paid.
- It doesn't work offline. The work happens on a server, so the website needs a connection.
BentoPDF vs iLovePDF: side by side
Here's how BentoPDF compares with iLovePDF's free plan:
| Feature | iLovePDF (free plan) | BentoPDF |
|---|---|---|
| Where your file is processed | Uploaded to iLovePDF's servers | In your browser, never uploaded |
| Price | Free with limits, Premium is paid | Free, every tool |
| Word to PDF | 1 file, up to 15 MB | No cap on files or size |
| Merge PDF | Up to 25 files, 100 MB | No cap on files or size |
| Compress PDF | 2 files at a time | No cap on files |
| Edit PDF | 1 file | No cap on files |
| PDF to PDF/A | Premium only | Free |
| Workflows | Premium only | Free |
| Works offline | No (web version) | Yes, once a tool has loaded |
| Open source | No | Yes, AGPL |
| Run it on your own server | No | Yes, with Docker or as static files |
| Desktop and mobile apps | Premium only | No, browser only |
| What happens to your files | Deleted within two hours, signed documents kept up to five years | Never uploaded in the first place |
iLovePDF's limits come from its pricing page, and the file deletion details from its security page.
The only real limit in BentoPDF is your device's memory. A 500-page scan needs a lot more of it than a two-page letter.
Your files never leave your device
iLovePDF's security page says processed files are "automatically and permanently deleted within two hours." It also says signed documents are kept "for a maximum of 5 years in compliance with legal requirements."
Two hours is reasonable. But "we delete your file later" is a weaker promise than "we never get your file."
BentoPDF's tools run in your browser using WebAssembly, so your PDF doesn't go anywhere. You can check this yourself:
- Open your browser's developer tools and go to the Network tab.
- Process a file in BentoPDF.
- Watch the requests. Your PDF isn't in them.
Or load a tool, turn off Wi-Fi, and use it anyway.
BentoPDF tools for the iLovePDF tools you use
Switching is easy. These are the BentoPDF versions of iLovePDF's most used tools:
| iLovePDF tool | BentoPDF tool |
|---|---|
| Merge PDF | Merge PDF |
| Split PDF | Split PDF |
| Compress PDF | Compress PDF |
| PDF to Word | PDF to Word |
| Word to PDF | Word to PDF |
| PDF to Excel | PDF to Excel |
| Excel to PDF | Excel to PDF |
| PowerPoint to PDF | PowerPoint to PDF |
| PDF to JPG | PDF to JPG |
| JPG to PDF | JPG to PDF |
| Edit PDF and Redact PDF | Edit PDF |
| Sign PDF | Sign PDF |
| OCR PDF | OCR PDF |
| Organize PDF | Organize PDF |
| Rotate PDF | Rotate PDF |
| Crop PDF | Crop PDF |
| Add page numbers | Page Numbers |
| Add watermark | Add Watermark |
| Protect PDF | Protect PDF |
| Unlock PDF | Unlock PDF |
| Repair PDF | Repair PDF |
| Compare PDF | Compare PDFs |
| PDF to PDF/A | PDF to PDF/A |
Free tools you won't find on iLovePDF
BentoPDF has over 100 tools. These ones aren't in the tool list on iLovePDF's pricing page:
- More file types to PDF: EPUB, MOBI, Apple Pages, Visio, XPS and Markdown.
- Certificate signatures: Digital Signature signs with your own X.509 certificate, and Validate Signature checks whether a signed PDF was changed.
- Legal and office work: Bates numbering, table of contents and PDF booklets.
- Privacy clean-up: Sanitize PDF and Remove Metadata strip out hidden content before you share a file.
- Your own forms: Create PDF Form adds real fillable fields to any PDF.
- Automation: the Workflow Builder chains tools together, so you can run the same steps on every file.
BentoPDF for teams and companies
Because BentoPDF runs in the browser, you can host your own copy for your whole team. Run it inside your company network with Docker, and nobody has to send files to an outside website.
If you want to put your own branding on it, or build it into a closed-source product, there's a commercial license. That's also what pays for the project.
When iLovePDF is the better pick
I'd rather tell you now than have you find out later:
- You need an app. iLovePDF has desktop and mobile apps with Premium. BentoPDF only runs in the browser.
- You need PDF to PowerPoint, AI summaries or translation. BentoPDF doesn't have those.
- You need team accounts. iLovePDF's Business plan has team management, single sign-on and an account manager.
Is there a free alternative to iLovePDF?
Yes. BentoPDF is free, with no account, no watermark and no cap on file size or the number of files. That includes the tools that are Premium on iLovePDF, like PDF to PDF/A and Workflows.
Is iLovePDF safe to use?
iLovePDF is a legitimate service. Its security page says it uses HTTPS and encryption, holds ISO/IEC 27001 certification, and deletes processed files within two hours. The thing to know is that your file is uploaded to its servers. If you'd rather a file never leaves your device, use a tool that works in your browser, like BentoPDF.
Does iLovePDF keep your files?
According to its security page, processed files are deleted automatically within two hours, and you can delete them sooner from the download screen. Signed documents are the exception. iLovePDF keeps those for up to five years for legal reasons.
Is there an iLovePDF alternative that works offline?
Yes. Once a BentoPDF tool has loaded, it works without an internet connection, because the processing happens in your browser.
Is there an open source alternative to iLovePDF?
Yes. BentoPDF is open source under the AGPL, and you can run your own copy.
Which one should you use?
If you need the apps, PDF to PowerPoint or the AI tools, use iLovePDF.
For everything else, try BentoPDF. Your files stay on your device, and you won't hit a limit halfway through a job.
If I've got something wrong about iLovePDF, open an issue. I'll fix it and add a note to the post.