Head-to-head comparison

Smallpdf vs Foxit PDF Editor

Comparing Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor to help you pick the right PDF Editors & Software for your needs.

Feature Smallpdf Foxit PDF Editor
Pricing Freemium Paid
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Windows, macOS
Launched 2013 2001
Starting price $0 $89/year
Community votes 356 198

Smallpdf Pros & Cons

  • Clean, modern interface that's noticeably easier to use than most competitors
  • Pro tier is significantly cheaper than Adobe Acrobat
  • Covers the most common PDF tasks (merge, split, compress, convert, sign) in one place
  • Mobile apps available for iOS and Android
  • Free tier limits the number of tasks per day, pushing frequent users toward Pro
  • Fewer advanced features (no redaction, lighter OCR) compared to Acrobat
  • Files are processed on Smallpdf's servers rather than locally in the browser

Foxit PDF Editor Pros & Cons

  • Noticeably faster to launch and use than Adobe Acrobat on the same hardware
  • One-time annual license is cheaper than Acrobat's monthly subscription
  • Full desktop editing, forms, and redaction in the Pro tier
  • Popular with legal and government teams for its Bates numbering and redaction tools
  • No native macOS app for some older versions — check current platform support before buying
  • Smaller ecosystem and fewer integrations than Adobe's suite
  • Browser-based features are more limited than dedicated online tools like Smallpdf

Verdict: Smallpdf vs Foxit PDF Editor

Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor both serve the PDF Editors & Software category well, but suit different priorities. Smallpdf is the more budget-friendly option, Smallpdf supports more platforms (3 vs 2). Based on community engagement, Smallpdf is currently the more widely adopted choice (356 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Smallpdf or Foxit PDF Editor?
Smallpdf is the more affordable option overall — it's offered as freemium, while Foxit PDF Editor is paid. Check each tool's current pricing plans for exact figures, since promotional rates and annual discounts can shift the comparison.
Is Smallpdf or Foxit PDF Editor rated higher?
Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor currently hold comparable editorial ratings, so neither has a clear edge — the right pick depends more on which specific features and pricing fit your use case.
Which platforms do Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor support?
Smallpdf is available on Web, iOS, Android. Foxit PDF Editor is available on Windows, macOS. Smallpdf covers more platforms overall, which matters if your team works across a wider range of devices and operating systems.
Can I switch from Smallpdf to Foxit PDF Editor (or vice versa)?
Most pdf editors & software tools, including Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor, support data export in standard formats, making migration possible though rarely fully automatic. Expect to manually verify that custom configurations, integrations, and historical data transfer correctly, and budget time for the team to adjust to workflow differences between the two products.
Should I choose Smallpdf or Foxit PDF Editor?
Smallpdf and Foxit PDF Editor both serve the PDF Editors & Software category well, but suit different priorities. Smallpdf is the more budget-friendly option, Smallpdf supports more platforms (3 vs 2). Based on community engagement, Smallpdf is currently the more widely adopted choice (356 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.