MiniPDF vs PDF24: which free PDF tool fits you?
PDF24 is a generous free service with a huge list of tools and a free Windows program. Both PDF24 and MiniPDF are free and show ads. The main differences are where your files are processed and how compression works.
Facts checked October 2026 from PDF24's own pages (sources below). Prices and limits change — please confirm on their website.
Choose MiniPDF if…
- You want the file to stay on your device while it is processed.
- You need an exact size such as "under 100 KB" without trying settings again and again.
- You want India-focused tools like ID card A4 copy and exam photo resizing.
Choose PDF24 if…
- You want a free offline Windows program.
- You need a rare tool that MiniPDF does not have yet.
- You need detailed compression settings (DPI, font subsetting).
Side-by-side
| Feature | MiniPDF | PDF24 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free. No paid plan. | Free, paid by ads. No paid plan for the tools. |
| Free plan limits | No daily or hourly task limits. File size is limited only by your device memory. | "No limits" advertised; no official file-size limit published. |
| Account needed | Not needed | Not needed |
| Where your files go | Processed inside your browser — files are not uploaded (exceptions: HTML to PDF reads a web-page link through our server; AI Summary sends extracted text). | Uploaded to PDF24 servers in Germany (EU) over SSL. |
| How long files are kept | Nothing to delete: your files never reach our server. | Deleted within 1 hour after processing. |
| Compress to an exact size (e.g. 100 KB) | Yes — 50 KB, 100 KB, 200 KB, 500 KB, 1 MB or any custom size, for PDFs and photos. | No — DPI, image quality and grayscale settings instead. |
| Hindi | Hindi pages for the 15 most used tools; OCR reads Hindi text. | Hindi interface (43 languages). |
| Number of tools | 39 tools | About 115 tools |
| Offline / desktop | Install from the browser ("Add to Home screen"); needs internet to open. | Free PDF24 Creator for Windows works offline. |
| Phone apps | No store app needed — works in the phone browser. | Install as a web app; Chrome extension. |
| Ads | Yes, ads keep it free. | Yes ("discreet" ads). |
Highlighted cells show the stronger option for that row. "Tied" rows are not highlighted.
Where PDF24 is stronger
- Many more tools (about 115).
- Free offline desktop program for Windows (PDF24 Creator).
- Fine control over compression settings.
Where MiniPDF is stronger
- PDF and image files are processed in your browser instead of being uploaded.
- Target-size compression in KB for forms and portals.
- Tools built for Indian forms: exam photo and signature resizing, e-Aadhaar unlock, ID card copy.
Using PDF24 for this? Try the free MiniPDF tool
Questions
Is PDF24 really free?
Yes. PDF24 says its tools are free for everyone, including companies, and are paid for by advertising. MiniPDF is free in the same way.
Does PDF24 upload files?
Yes. PDF24 processes files on servers in Germany and deletes them within an hour. Its Windows program PDF24 Creator works offline. MiniPDF processes PDF and image files in your browser.
Which is better for a 100 KB PDF?
MiniPDF has a "Target size" option, so you choose 100 KB and it keeps compressing until the file fits. PDF24 uses quality and DPI settings, so you may need a few tries.
Sources
Other comparisons
Smallpdf, iLovePDF, Online2PDF, PDF24, Sejda and Adobe Acrobat are trademarks of their respective owners. MiniPDF is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by any of them. This comparison is based on information published on their websites in October 2026. If something here is out of date, email support@minipdf.in and we will correct it.