Best Free PDF Editor in 2026: Complete Guide

Looking for a free PDF editor that actually works without hidden limits? We've tested and compared the top free PDF editors available in 2026 to help you choose the best one for your needs.

What to Look for in a Free PDF Editor

Not all free PDF editors are created equal. Some add watermarks, require accounts, or limit the number of operations per day. Here's what matters most: actual editing capabilities (not just viewing), no forced watermarks or branding on output, privacy and security of your documents, no daily or monthly usage limits, cross-platform compatibility.

Let's see how the major players stack up.

ProPDF — Best for Privacy & No Limits

ProPDF stands out for privacy: it never stores your files and collects no data. Many tools run entirely in your browser, and the rest process your file securely and delete it immediately. It offers 16 tools including merge, split, compress, convert, edit, sign, redact, and an AI-powered chat feature — all completely free with no account required.

Pros: 100% free, no limits, no watermarks, no account needed, files never stored, AI features. Cons: No desktop or mobile app (browser-only), no OCR for scanned documents yet.

iLovePDF — Best for Power Users

iLovePDF is one of the most popular PDF tools online with a wide range of features. The free tier covers basic operations but has file size limits and requires an account for some features. Premium plans start at $9/month.

Pros: Wide feature set, desktop and mobile apps, workflow automation. Cons: Free tier has limits, files uploaded to servers, requires account for advanced features.

Smallpdf — Best for Enterprise

Smallpdf offers a clean interface and strong enterprise features. The free tier has daily usage limits. Pro plans start around $9-12/month.

Pros: Clean UI, enterprise integrations, AI tools. Cons: Daily limits on free tier, files processed server-side, paid plans required for regular use.

PDF24 — Best Free Alternative with Desktop App

PDF24 is completely free (ad-supported) with no usage limits. It offers a desktop app and Chrome extension. The trade-off is an ad-supported experience and server-side processing.

Pros: 100% free, desktop app, no limits, 40+ languages. Cons: Ad-supported, dated interface, files processed on servers, no AI features.

The Verdict

For privacy-conscious users who want truly free, unlimited PDF editing without uploading files to any server, ProPDF is the clear winner. If you need a desktop app, PDF24 is a solid free choice. For enterprise features and team collaboration, Smallpdf's paid plans are worth considering.