PDFbat vs iLovePDF: two free PDF toolboxes compared
iLovePDF is famous for fast, simple tools and a big user base. PDFbat matches the everyday tools and adds in place text editing, a full signing workflow, AI and an API.
Updated by the PDFbat team
The short answer
PDFbat is a good free iLovePDF alternative if you want editing, signing and AI in the same place as your merge and compress tools. iLovePDF is better if your main need is quick, single purpose tasks with desktop and mobile apps.
Both services give you a free tier for everyday tasks. PDFbat adds the ability to click and edit existing text, send documents for e signature and chat with a PDF, and its Pro plan is $4 a month.
If you only ever merge, split and compress, either tool will do. Try one file on each and pick the interface you like.
PDFbat vs iLovePDF: side by side
| Feature | PDFbat | iLovePDF |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free plan, Pro $4 a month | Premium from about $7 a month, billed annually |
| Free plan | All tools, 10 tasks a day | Core tools with file size and task limits |
| Merge, split, compress, rotate | Yes | Yes |
| Convert PDF to and from JPG | Yes | Yes |
| Edit existing text in place | Yes | Check their current plans |
| Text in any language and script | Yes | Check their current plans |
| E signatures with signing order and reminders | Yes | Check their current plans |
| Bulk send and templates for signing | Yes | Check their current plans |
| Chat with PDF with page citations | Yes | Check their current plans |
| OCR on the free plan | Yes | Check their current plans |
| Batch processing of many files | Chain tools, unlimited tasks on Pro | Yes |
| Desktop and mobile apps | Browser only | Yes |
| REST API with free calls | 250 a month | Separate developer plans, check their site |
| Cloud Drive | 1 GB free, 10 GB on Pro | Connects to external storage |
Competitor details reflect their public pricing pages in November 2026. Check iLovePDF's site for current limits and terms.
Choose PDFbat if
- you want to edit existing text instead of only stamping over it.
- you also send contracts for signature and want it under the same account.
- you want AI to summarize, translate or extract data from PDFs, including scans.
- you are a developer who wants a PDF and e signature API with a free monthly allowance.
Choose iLovePDF if
- you want desktop and mobile apps for working offline or on the go.
- you convert regularly between PDF and Office formats and like its workflow.
- you process large batches of files and want a tool built for that.
- you prefer a very simple one tool per page interface.
How the free tiers feel in daily use
iLovePDF's free tier works well for quick jobs, though it limits file size and some features. PDFbat's Free plan includes every one of its 30+ tools, 10 tool tasks a day, files up to 25 MB and no watermark. You can also chain tools: the output of Compress can go straight into Merge or Protect without downloading in between.
Both services ask for payment if you need more volume or bigger files. PDFbat Pro raises limits to unlimited tasks and 100 MB files for $4 a month. Browse the free PDF tools to compare.
Beyond the basic tools
The PDF editor in PDFbat is a full editor, with in place text editing, images, shapes, redaction and a pages panel. Redaction removes the content under the box, so hidden words cannot be copied back out.
E signatures cover signing order, access codes, reminders and a sealed audit trail. On the AI side, AI PDF answers questions with page citations and works on scans through OCR.
Where iLovePDF is ahead
iLovePDF has a very large audience, native apps and a long track record. PDFbat is newer, has a smaller community and runs only in the browser. If you want an installed app, iLovePDF is the safer pick.
Frequently asked questions
Is PDFbat a good free iLovePDF alternative?
Yes. PDFbat gives you every PDF tool on the Free plan with no watermark, plus editing, signing and AI that go beyond basic tools.
Does PDFbat have a daily limit?
The Free plan allows 10 tool tasks a day and files up to 25 MB. Pro is $4 a month with unlimited tool tasks and 100 MB files.
Can PDFbat edit text like a word processor?
It edits the real text in the PDF in place. Click a line, retype it and the original words are replaced.
Does PDFbat have apps like iLovePDF?
No. PDFbat is browser based and works on desktop and mobile browsers. There is no desktop or native mobile app.
Can I send contracts for signature with PDFbat?
Yes. The Free plan includes 3 envelopes a month and Pro is unlimited. Signers do not need an account.
How do the prices compare?
PDFbat Pro is $4 a month. iLovePDF Premium starts from about $7 a month at the time of writing, so check their site for current pricing.
Keep comparing
Try PDFbat free
Edit, sign and store PDFs in one account. Free plan with no credit card, Pro for $4 a month.