Comparing two popular free PDF platforms. Here's how they stack up.
Overview
LexoSign
- Newer platform
- Focus on simplicity
- Web-based only
- Strong privacy focus
SmallPDF
- Established (since 2013)
- Comprehensive features
- Desktop apps available
- Well-known brand
Feature Comparison
Basic PDF Tools
| Feature | LexoSign | SmallPDF |
|---|---|---|
| Merge | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split | ✅ | ✅ |
| Compress | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rotate | ✅ | ✅ |
| Delete pages | ✅ | ✅ |
| Reorder pages | ✅ | ✅ |
Conversion Tools
| Feature | LexoSign | SmallPDF |
|---|---|---|
| PDF to Word | ✅ | ✅ |
| Word to PDF | ✅ | ✅ |
| PDF to Excel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Excel to PDF | ✅ | ✅ |
| PDF to PPT | ✅ | ✅ |
| PPT to PDF | ✅ | ✅ |
| PDF to JPG | ✅ | ✅ |
| JPG to PDF | ✅ | ✅ |
Advanced Features
| Feature | LexoSign | SmallPDF |
|---|---|---|
| Edit PDF text | ✅ | ✅ |
| E-Sign | ✅ | ✅ |
| OCR | ✅ | ✅ (paid) |
| Redact | ✅ | ❌ |
| Flatten | ✅ | ❌ |
| Repair | ✅ | ✅ |
| Watermark | ✅ | ✅ |
| Page numbers | ✅ | ✅ |
| Unlock | ✅ | ✅ |
| Protect | ✅ | ✅ |
Free Tier Comparison
LexoSign Free
- Most tools unlimited use
- Some advanced features limited
- No watermarks on output
- 100 MB file size limit
- Files deleted after 30 minutes
SmallPDF Free
- 2 tasks per day
- 21 tools available
- Watermarks on some outputs
- File processing limits
- 7-day free trial for Pro
Winner: LexoSign - More generous daily limits
Paid Plans
LexoSign Pro
- $9/month (or $7/month annual)
- Unlimited everything
- Priority processing
- API access
SmallPDF Pro
- $12/month (or $9/month annual)
- Unlimited processing
- Desktop app included
- Team features available
Value comparison: Similar pricing, SmallPDF includes desktop app
Privacy and Security
File Handling
LexoSign:
- Files deleted after 30 minutes
- 256-bit TLS encryption
- No file analysis for ads
- European privacy standards
SmallPDF:
- Files deleted after 1 hour
- 256-bit TLS encryption
- GDPR compliant
- ISO 27001 certified
Data Collection
Both collect minimal data, but:
- LexoSign: Simpler privacy policy
- SmallPDF: More integrations = more data points
User Experience
Interface
LexoSign:
- Clean, minimal design
- Fast loading
- Mobile-optimized
- Fewer steps per task
SmallPDF:
- Colorful, friendly design
- Comprehensive navigation
- Well-organized tools
- More options visible
Speed
LexoSign:
- Fast processing
- Quick uploads
- Efficient downloads
SmallPDF:
- Generally fast
- Can slow with heavy use
- Desktop app faster
Platform Availability
| Platform | LexoSign | SmallPDF |
|---|---|---|
| Web | ✅ | ✅ |
| Chrome Extension | ❌ | ✅ |
| Windows | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mac | ❌ | ✅ |
| iOS | ❌ | ✅ |
| Android | ❌ | ✅ |
Winner: SmallPDF - More platform options
Use Case Recommendations
For Occasional Use
Winner: LexoSign
- No daily limits
- Quick and simple
- No signup needed
For Daily Heavy Use
Winner: SmallPDF Pro
- Desktop app for speed
- Offline capability
- Established platform
For Privacy-Focused Users
Winner: LexoSign
- Faster file deletion
- Simpler data practices
- Cleaner privacy policy
For Teams
Winner: SmallPDF
- Team plans available
- Admin features
- More integrations
For E-Signatures
Winner: Tie
- Both have good signing features
- Similar workflow
- Personal preference matters
For Mobile Users
Winner: SmallPDF
- Native mobile apps
- Optimized experience
- Offline features
(LexoSign web works on mobile but no dedicated app)
What LexoSign Does Better
- Generous free tier - No frustrating daily limits
- Faster file deletion - Better for sensitive docs
- Cleaner interface - Less visual clutter
- Unique tools - Redaction, flatten, canvas editor
- No forced upgrades - Less aggressive upselling
What SmallPDF Does Better
- Desktop apps - Windows, Mac, mobile
- Offline use - Process without internet
- Integrations - Google Drive, Dropbox built-in
- Track record - 10+ years, proven reliability
- Team features - Better for organizations
The Honest Truth
Both tools are good. For most users:
- Occasional use: Either works fine, LexoSign's free tier is better
- Heavy use: Consider paid plans from either
- Desktop needed: SmallPDF is your only choice
- Maximum privacy: LexoSign has edge
Conclusion
Choose LexoSign If:
- You use PDF tools occasionally
- Daily limits frustrate you
- Privacy is important
- You prefer simple interfaces
- You need redaction tools
Choose SmallPDF If:
- You need desktop apps
- You work offline often
- You want established brand
- Your team needs shared access
- You use Google Drive/Dropbox heavily
Try LexoSign free - see which interface you prefer.
The best tool is the one you'll actually use. Try both and decide.