Comparison
The private alternative to Smallpdf
A free, privacy-first alternative to Smallpdf — every tool runs in your browser, so your files are never uploaded.
Smallpdf, like most online PDF tools, works by uploading your file to its servers, processing it there, and sending the result back. It's convenient — but it means your documents leave your device and pass through someone else's infrastructure.
PDF Bunker takes a different approach. Every operation runs locally in your browser using JavaScript, so your PDFs never leave your computer. There's nothing to upload, and nothing for us to see, store, or leak.
You still get the everyday tools you'd expect — merge, split, compress, convert, rotate, sign, watermark, OCR and more — for free, with no account required to get started.
PDF Bunker vs Smallpdf
| PDF Bunker | Smallpdf | |
|---|---|---|
| Your files leave your device | Never | Uploaded to process |
| Where files are processed | In your browser | On cloud servers |
| Works offline | Yes, after the page loads | No |
| Account required to start | No | — |
| Cost | Free · Pro $5/mo | Smallpdf free tier with limits |
Frequently asked questions
Is PDF Bunker a free alternative to Smallpdf?
Yes. All of PDF Bunker's tools are free to use, with no account required to start. A free account adds unlimited basic operations, and Pro ($5/month) adds batch processing and larger files.
How is PDF Bunker different from Smallpdf?
The core difference is where your files are processed. Smallpdf uploads your files to its servers; PDF Bunker processes them entirely in your browser, so they never leave your device.
Are my files safe?
Your files are never uploaded, so there's no server copy to be breached, retained, or shared. Everything happens in your browser's memory and is discarded when you close the tab.
Does it have the same tools as Smallpdf?
It covers the essentials — merge, split, compress, images-to-PDF, PDF-to-Word, rotate, sign, watermark, page numbers, OCR, redact and more — all running locally.
Keep your files on your device.
Start using PDF Bunker — free