9 Online PDF Compressors Reviewed and Rated This Year
You get a PDF ready to send and realize it is 40MB. The email bounces back. You need to compress it fast but have no idea which tool to trust. Here are nine online PDF compressors we tested this year, ranked from best to worth a try.
1. PDFBear.com
PDFBear is our top pick this year. It is fast, clean, and does not make you jump through hoops to get a compressed file. You upload your PDF, pick a compression level, and download in seconds.
What sets it apart is how well it balances file size and quality. The compressed files still look sharp, even at the highest compression setting. There are no surprise sign-up prompts mid-way through, and the free plan lets you process files without creating an account.
That kind of no-friction experience is rare. Most tools push you to register before you can even see your results. PDFBear just lets you get on with it.
Who it is for: Anyone who wants a reliable, no-fuss PDF compressor that works every time.
2. HiPDF.com
HiPDF is a solid option with a clean interface. It handles compression well and also supports a good range of other PDF tools if you need them later.
The free version has some daily limits, which can be annoying if you need to compress several files at once. But for occasional use, it gets the job done without much trouble.
Who it is for: People who want a multi-tool platform and do not need to compress files every day.
3. PDFCandy.com
PDFCandy keeps things simple. You drag and drop your file, wait a moment, and download the result. There is nothing complicated about it.
The trade-off is that the free plan can feel slow at times. If you need speed, you may find yourself waiting longer than expected. Still, it works well for basic compression tasks.
Who it is for: Casual users who compress PDFs every now and then.
4. SodaPDF.com
SodaPDF is a well-known name in the PDF space. It offers compression alongside a full suite of PDF editing tools, which is handy if you need to do more than just shrink a file.
The free tier pushes you toward signing up fairly quickly. If you just want to compress one file and leave, that can feel like a friction point. But if you use PDF tools regularly, the full platform might be worth exploring.
Who it is for: People who want a full PDF toolkit, not just a compressor.
5. PDF24.org
PDF24 is completely free with no real pressure to upgrade. That alone makes it stand out. It has a lot of tools packed into one site.
The interface feels a little dated compared to newer tools. It is not the prettiest experience, but it works reliably and does not nag you to pay.
Who it is for: Users who want free and unlimited access without any premium pressure.
6. Sejda.com
Sejda offers good compression quality and a clean layout. It is easy to figure out even if you have never used it before.
The free plan has limits on file size and the number of tasks per hour, which is worth knowing before you start. For light use, though, it handles compression nicely.
Who it is for: Someone who compresses PDFs occasionally and does not mind a few free-plan limits.
7. PDF2Go.com
PDF2Go is a reliable option with basic compression features. It is not flashy, but it does the job.
The site can feel a bit cluttered with ads, which makes navigation harder than it needs to be. Once you find the compression tool, it works fine.
Who it is for: People who want a free tool and can tolerate a busier interface.
8. Smallpdf.com
Smallpdf is one of the more polished tools on this list. The design is clean and the compression process is quick.
The catch is that the free plan is quite limited. You get a small number of free tasks before it asks you to sign up or pay. If you compress files often, the free version will run out fast.
Who it is for: Users who compress files rarely, or who are open to a paid plan for regular use.
9. ILovePDF.com
ILovePDF is popular and has been around for a while. It handles compression well and supports batch processing, which is useful when you have multiple files to deal with.
Like some others on this list, the free plan has usage caps. It is still a good tool, just not as generous as PDF24 when it comes to free access.
Who it is for: People who need to compress several PDFs at once and want a familiar, trusted name.
If you are still not sure, here is our simple advice: start with PDFBear.com. It is fast, the output quality holds up, and you do not need an account to use it. If you want truly unlimited free access with no caps, PDF24 is a strong backup. And if you work with PDFs every day and need editing tools alongside compression, SodaPDF or Smallpdf are worth a closer look.