Smallpdf
Comprehensive PDF management platform offering 30+ tools for converting, compres...
Foxit PDF Editor
Professional PDF editing software that serves as a comprehensive alternative to ...
Smallpdf vs Foxit PDF Editor: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Smallpdf vs Foxit PDF Editor: Overview
Choosing between Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor is a common dilemma for pdf tools users. Both tools offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
Smallpdf offers a free tier and starts at $8/monthly, while Foxit PDF Editor begins at $10.99/monthly. But pricing is just one factor—let's dive into features, use cases, and which tool fits your specific needs.
Smallpdf is best known for user-friendly interface with 4.7/5 ease of use rating, whereas Foxit PDF Editor stands out for significantly cheaper than adobe acrobat. In this detailed comparison, we'll analyze both tools across pricing, features, ease of use, and ideal use cases.
Quick Overview
Smallpdf
- Best for: Small businesses needing occasional PDF editing, Remote teams collaborating on documents
- Starting price: Free
- Category: pdf tools
- Founded: 2013
Foxit PDF Editor
- Best for: Businesses needing Adobe Acrobat alternative, Legal teams requiring document redaction
- Starting price: $10.99/mo
- Category: pdf tools
- Founded: 2001
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor.
| Feature | S Smallpdf | Fx Foxit PDF Editor |
|---|---|---|
| PDF Conversion | Convert PDFs to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and vice versa | |
| File Compression | Reduce PDF size without quality loss | |
| Electronic Signatures | Pro plan only | |
| PDF Merging | Combine multiple PDFs into one document | |
| Document Editing | Add text, images, shapes, and annotations | |
| Cloud Storage | Pro plan only | |
| Mobile Apps | iOS and Android applications | |
| Password Protection | Secure documents with encryption | |
| Batch Processing | Process multiple files simultaneously | |
| Integrations | Chrome extension, Google Workspace, Dropbox | |
| PDF Creation and Editing | Create, merge, split, and edit PDF documents | |
| OCR Technology | Convert scanned documents to searchable, editable PDFs | |
| AI Assistant | Document summarization, translation, and Q&A capabilities | |
| Smart Redaction | AI-powered PII identification and removal (PDF Editor+ only) | |
| E-signature Tools | Digital signing and signature request workflows | |
| Document Comparison | Compare two PDF versions to identify differences | |
| Mobile App | iOS and Android apps (PDF Editor+ only) | |
| Format Conversion | Convert PDFs to/from Word, Excel, PowerPoint formats | |
| Security Features | Password protection and encryption capabilities | |
| Collaboration Tools | Comments, annotations, and team sharing features |
Features Deep Dive
Both Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor offer core pdf tools functionality, but their feature sets differ in key areas.
Shared features: Core functionality.
Smallpdf unique strengths: PDF Conversion, File Compression, Electronic Signatures. This makes it ideal for small businesses needing occasional pdf editing.
Foxit PDF Editor unique strengths: PDF Creation and Editing, OCR Technology, AI Assistant. This makes it better suited for businesses needing adobe acrobat alternative.
Smallpdf offers 10 core features with 6 integrations, while Foxit PDF Editor provides 10 features and 4 integrations.
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Smallpdf edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Smallpdf offers better overall user satisfaction. Foxit PDF Editor remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize businesses needing adobe acrobat alternative.
Smallpdf
Best for Small businesses needing occasional PDF editing and Remote teams collaborating on documents. User-friendly interface with 4.7/5 ease of use rating.
Try SmallpdfFoxit PDF Editor
Best for Businesses needing Adobe Acrobat alternative and Legal teams requiring document redaction. Significantly cheaper than Adobe Acrobat.
Try Foxit PDF EditorPros & Cons
Smallpdf Pros & Cons
Pros
- User-friendly interface with 4.7/5 ease of use rating
- Comprehensive 30+ PDF tools in one platform
- Strong security with 256-bit SSL encryption and GDPR compliance
- No software installation required for web version
- Excellent customer support with quick response times
Cons
- Free plan limited to 2 daily conversions
- Some users report occasional file upload issues
- Subscription required for advanced features
- Limited file size handling capabilities
Foxit PDF Editor Pros & Cons
Pros
- Significantly cheaper than Adobe Acrobat
- Excellent text editing with linked text boxes
- Powerful OCR and redaction capabilities
- Multi-platform support (Windows, Mac, mobile)
- AI-powered features included
Cons
- Web-to-PDF conversion can be glitchy
- AI responses occasionally inconsistent
- No completely free version available
- May be overkill for casual users
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
Smallpdf
freemium- 30 PDF tools
- 2 daily conversions
- Basic editing
- Unlimited conversions
- All PDF tools
- Electronic signatures
- All Pro features
- Team collaboration
- Admin controls
Foxit PDF Editor
subscription- Create and edit PDFs
- Convert to Word/Excel/PowerPoint
- OCR scanning
- All PDF Editor features
- Mobile app access
- E-signature capabilities
- 150 envelopes/year
- Payment collection
- Basic templates
- Unlimited envelopes
- Advanced integrations
- Team management
Pricing Comparison Analysis
Smallpdf Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $8/monthly. 3 plans available: Free, Pro Personal, Pro for Teams.
Foxit PDF Editor Pricing: Paid plans start at $10.99/monthly. 4 plans available: PDF Editor, PDF Editor+, eSign Essentials, eSign Business.
Verdict: Smallpdf is more affordable at the entry level and offers a free tier. However, Foxit PDF Editor may offer better value at scale with AI-powered features included.
For budget-conscious teams, Smallpdf is the clear winner. For teams prioritizing businesses needing adobe acrobat alternative, Foxit PDF Editor's pricing may be justified.
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose Smallpdf if you need:
- Small businesses needing occasional PDF editing
- Remote teams collaborating on documents
- Students and educators working with digital documents
- Independent professionals handling contracts and signatures
- User-friendly interface with 4.7/5 ease of use rating
- Comprehensive 30+ PDF tools in one platform
Choose Foxit PDF Editor if you need:
- Businesses needing Adobe Acrobat alternative
- Legal teams requiring document redaction
- Educational institutions with PDF workflows
- Remote teams collaborating on documents
- Significantly cheaper than Adobe Acrobat
- Excellent text editing with linked text boxes
Final Verdict
Choose Smallpdf if: You need small businesses needing occasional pdf editing or remote teams collaborating on documents. It excels at user-friendly interface with 4.7/5 ease of use rating and comprehensive 30+ pdf tools in one platform.
Choose Foxit PDF Editor if: You prioritize businesses needing adobe acrobat alternative or legal teams requiring document redaction. It's particularly strong for significantly cheaper than adobe acrobat and excellent text editing with linked text boxes.
Overall: Smallpdf has a slight edge with a 4.7/5 rating from 1,000 reviews. However, Foxit PDF Editor has a larger user base with 2,500 reviews, suggesting broader market validation.
Both tools are solid choices in the pdf tools space. Your decision should ultimately depend on your specific requirements, team size, and budget.
Smallpdf vs Foxit PDF Editor FAQ
What are the main differences between Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor?
Smallpdf focuses on small businesses needing occasional pdf editing with user-friendly interface with 4.7/5 ease of use rating, while Foxit PDF Editor excels at businesses needing adobe acrobat alternative with significantly cheaper than adobe acrobat. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Smallpdf or Foxit PDF Editor better for small businesses?
Smallpdf offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Smallpdf's lower starting price of $8/month.
What is the pricing difference between Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor?
Smallpdf starts at $8/month with a free tier available, while Foxit PDF Editor starts at $10.99/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Smallpdf integrate with Foxit PDF Editor?
While direct integration may vary, both Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Smallpdf integrates with Google Workspace, Dropbox, Chrome Extension, while Foxit PDF Editor works with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive.
Which tool is easier to use, Smallpdf or Foxit PDF Editor?
Based on user reviews, Smallpdf generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.7 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Smallpdf is known for comprehensive 30+ pdf tools in one platform.
Does Smallpdf or Foxit PDF Editor offer better customer support?
Both Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Smallpdf offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Smallpdf compared to Foxit PDF Editor?
Smallpdf's main advantages include: User-friendly interface with 4.7/5 ease of use rating, Comprehensive 30+ PDF tools in one platform, Strong security with 256-bit SSL encryption and GDPR compliance. Compared to Foxit PDF Editor, it's particularly strong for small businesses needing occasional pdf editing.
What are the cons of Smallpdf compared to Foxit PDF Editor?
Smallpdf's potential drawbacks include: Free plan limited to 2 daily conversions, Some users report occasional file upload issues. Foxit PDF Editor may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Smallpdf to Foxit PDF Editor or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for pdf tools in 2026?
In 2026, Smallpdf leads in this comparison with a 4.7 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Smallpdf excels for small businesses needing occasional pdf editing, while Foxit PDF Editor is ideal for businesses needing adobe acrobat alternative.