PDFProMaster

A free iLovePDF alternative that doesn't upload your files

iLovePDF is one of the best-known PDF websites. Here's an honest look at how PDF ProMaster differs, and when each one is the better choice.

By the PDF ProMaster team · Fact-checked 27 October 2026

The short answer

The biggest difference is where your file is processed. iLovePDF uploads your document to its servers, does the work there and lets you download the result. PDF ProMaster does the work inside your web browser, on your own device, so your document is never sent anywhere.

That matters most for private paperwork: contracts, payslips, bank statements, ID scans and medical letters. For everyday files, both approaches work well, and iLovePDF offers some tools that PDF ProMaster doesn't have yet.

Side-by-side

PDF ProMasteriLovePDF (free plan)
Where files are processedIn your browser, on your device. Files are never uploaded.Uploaded to iLovePDF's servers, which it says are secured under European legislation. Files are deleted automatically within 2 hours, or straight away if you press "Delete it now".
Account neededNoNo for basic use
Merge PDFUp to 500 MB per file, 2,000 pages in totalUp to 25 files per batch, 100 MB per task
PDF to Word / Word to PDFUp to 500 MB per file (500 pages for PDF to Word, 300 for Word to PDF)1 file per batch, 15 MB per task
Compress PDFUp to 500 MB and 1,000 pages, including an exact-size option (for example under 100 KB)Up to 2 files per batch, 200 MB per task
OCR (scanned PDFs)Included, 28 languagesOCR PDF tool included; OCR inside PDF to Word, Excel and PowerPoint is a Premium feature
Usage limitsNo daily or monthly limitThe free plan offers "limited document processing"; Premium is unlimited
Paid planNone. Every tool is free.Premium from US$5 a month billed yearly (US$60 a year), or US$9 billed monthly (prices as shown to us in US dollars)

iLovePDF details are taken from its own pricing, tool, security and terms pages, checked on 27 October 2026. Plans change, so check iLovePDF's pricing page for the latest.

When PDF ProMaster is the better choice

  • Private or sensitive documents. Because nothing is uploaded, there's no copy on anyone else's server, not even for a couple of hours.
  • Big files. Most tools accept files up to 500 MB, and there are no daily limits.
  • Upload forms with a size limit. Compress PDF can aim for an exact size, such as under 100 KB, which many job, visa and exam portals ask for.
  • Several jobs on the same files. The PDF ProMaster Workspace lets you merge, reorder, rotate, sign, add text and compress in one place.
  • Slow or metered connections. There's no upload or download of your document to wait for.

When iLovePDF may suit you better

To be fair, iLovePDF has features PDF ProMaster doesn't offer at the moment:

  • Converting PowerPoint files to and from PDF, turning PDFs into Excel, and converting Excel files that have charts or pictures
  • Redacting text (permanently blacking it out)
  • Desktop and mobile apps, team accounts and AI tools on its paid plan

If you need one of these, iLovePDF is a reasonable option. For merging, splitting, compressing, converting Word, Excel and images, editing text and pictures, adding signatures, protecting and OCR on scans, PDF ProMaster covers the same ground without uploading anything.

PDF ProMaster tools that do the same jobs as iLovePDF tools

Check it yourself

You don't have to take our word for it. Open a PDF ProMaster tool such as Merge PDF, wait for the page to load, then turn on airplane mode or switch off your Wi-Fi. The tool keeps working, because your file never needs to go anywhere. (OCR PDF and a few Workspace options download extra code the first time you use them, so try those once while online.) Our guide to PDF tools that don't upload your files shows other ways to check any site.

Questions

Is PDF ProMaster free like iLovePDF?

Yes. Every PDF ProMaster tool is free, with no account, no daily limit and no watermark added to your files. There is no paid plan.

Does iLovePDF upload my files?

Yes. According to iLovePDF's own pages, files are processed on its servers and deleted automatically within 2 hours, or straight away if you choose "Delete it now" after downloading. Its security page adds that documents signed with its e-signature service are kept for longer, up to 5 years.

Does PDF ProMaster upload my files?

No. Every tool runs inside your web browser, so your files are opened and changed on your own device and never sent to us or anyone else.

Can PDF ProMaster convert PowerPoint or Excel files?

Excel, yes: Excel to PDF turns .xlsx and .csv files into PDF, though charts and pictures aren't included yet. PowerPoint files, and turning PDFs into Excel or PowerPoint, aren't supported yet, so you'll need another tool for those for now.

Is PDF ProMaster connected to iLovePDF?

No. PDF ProMaster is an independent website run by PDF ProMaster Ltd and isn't affiliated with iLovePDF.

Try these tools

Merge PDFCompress PDFPDF to WordOCR PDFPDF ProMaster Workspace

How we write our guides: the limits, formats and prices of other organisations in this guide are checked against the official pages linked under Sources, on the date shown. Instructions describe only features our tools actually have. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll correct it.

Sources

iLovePDF is a trademark of its owner. PDF ProMaster is independent and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by it. Comparisons are based on the sources above; if anything here is out of date, please let us know and we'll correct it.