If you've ever tried to email a PDF and got the dreaded 'file too large' message, you know the pain. PDF compression isn't just about shrinking files β it's about keeping your workflow moving.
We tested 20+ free online PDF compressors with files of various sizes (10MB, 50MB, and 100MB scanned documents). Here are the 5 that actually work.
Quick Comparison Table
| Tool | Max Size | Compression Ratio | Speed | Privacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pixelpdf.win | 50MB | 70-85% | Fast | β Auto-delete |
| iLovePDF | 10MB | 60-75% | Fast | β οΈ Manual delete |
| Smallpdf | 5MB | 50-65% | Medium | β οΈ Manual delete |
| PDF Compressor (by PDFCandy) | 100MB | 55-70% | Medium | β Auto-delete |
| YouCompress | 200MB | 40-60% | Slow | β Auto-delete |
1. pixelpdf.win β Best All-Round Free Option
pixelpdf gives you the best balance of compression ratio, speed, and privacy. Files are automatically deleted after processing. It handles up to 50MB files and consistently achieves 70-85% compression on scanned documents.
No sign-up required, no watermarks, no daily limits. It's our top pick for regular use.
2. iLovePDF β Best for Batch Processing
iLovePDF is a well-known name in the PDF space. Its compression tool is solid, though the free tier limits you to 10MB files and 1 task per hour. For batch processing, you'll need to pay ($12/month).
3. Smallpdf β Good but Limited Free Tier
Smallpdf offers reliable compression with a clean interface. The catch: the free version only handles 2 files per day. Great for occasional use, frustrating if you need it regularly.
4. PDFCandy β Best for Large Files
If you regularly work with files over 50MB, PDFCandy's compressor supports up to 100MB for free. The compression ratio isn't as aggressive as pixelpdf, but it's a solid backup option.
5. YouCompress β Unlimited Size, Slower Speed
YouCompress accepts files up to 200MB for free β the most generous limit on this list. The trade-off is speed: large files can take several minutes to process. Privacy is good with auto-deletion.
Which One Should You Use?
For everyday PDF compression, pixelpdf.win is the clear winner β fast compression, good ratios, and no privacy headaches. Keep PDFCandy as a backup for oversized files.
None of these tools require installation, and all work in your browser. That's the beauty of online tools β they're there when you need them, gone when you don't.