Alternative
Alternative to PDF24
PDF24 is a strange product: a beloved free desktop app for Windows, a passable set of web tools, and a creator (geek software GmbH) that doesn't try to push you into anything. The downside: the web version is slow, ad-heavy, and has inconsistent feature parity with the desktop app. The desktop app doesn't run on macOS or Linux.
PennyPDF is web-first and treats the browser as the primary environment. Fourteen of the twenty-two tools run client-side with no upload, which means they're as fast as the PDF24 desktop app for small-to-medium files without needing to install anything. For server-side tools (compression, OCR, conversions), they're priced per operation rather than gated behind ads.
If you're a Windows user happy with PDF24 desktop, stick with it — it's genuinely good. If you're on macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, a work-issued Windows machine without install rights, or just prefer not to install local apps, PennyPDF is the natural fit.
How it works
- 1Open the PennyPDF tool matching your PDF24 workflow at /#tools.
- 2Free tools: merge, split, rotate, reorder, crop, watermark, JPG↔PDF, page numbers, redact, edit.
- 3Paid tools: compression (1 coin), PDF-to-Word (2 coins), OCR (3 coins), e-sign (3 coins).
- 4Total monthly spend for typical use: $2-$5. No subscription, no ads.
Frequently asked
Is PDF24 genuinely free forever?+
The desktop app: yes, no limits, no ads. The web version: yes, but with heavy banner ads and tracking. PennyPDF has no ads anywhere, free tier or paid.
Does PDF24 have an API?+
Yes, pay-per-use. PennyPDF also has an API with the same coin pricing as the web UI — no separate SaaS tier for API access.
How does file handling compare?+
Client-side tools on both: file never uploads. Server-side: both upload, both delete within hours. PennyPDF's client-side coverage is wider (14 tools vs. ~6 on PDF24 web).
Printing / combining large batches?+
PDF24 desktop handles arbitrary batch sizes because it's local. PennyPDF handles 100MB in the browser; for bigger batches use the API (2GB limit).
Cross-platform?+
PennyPDF works identically on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iPad, Android tablets. PDF24 desktop is Windows-only; their web tools work cross-platform with the ad caveats.
Why PennyPDF
- No subscription. Ever.
- Coins never expire — use them in 5 years.
- Client-side processing for 14 of 22 tools.
- No watermarks at any tier.
- Per-operation pricing, shown before you click.
- Same coins for web + public API.