Two browser-based PDF suites at similar prices. One uploads your files. One doesn't.
iLovePDF is a popular, affordable PDF toolkit with 25+ tools, available in 24 languages, with desktop and mobile apps. It uploads all files to its servers for processing and has no native AI features.
ModernPDF offers 28 tools, processes PDF operations locally in your browser (AI features send only extracted text via AES-256 encryption), and includes AI-powered document analysis, translation, and redaction. Pricing is comparable: iLovePDF starts at $4/mo, ModernPDF at $9/mo (or $49/yr).
| Feature | ModernPDF | iLovePDF |
|---|---|---|
| File Privacy | PDF tools process locally; AI sends text via AES-256 encryption Winner | All files uploaded to iLovePDF servers |
| AI Document Analysis | 10 document types, structured reports Winner | ✗ No native AI (ChatGPT plugin available) |
| AI Translation | ✓ Claude-powered (50+ languages) Winner | ✗ Not available |
| AI Redaction | ✓ Auto-detect PII Winner | ✓ Basic manual redaction |
| PDF Tools | 28 tools | 25+ tools |
| Free Tier | 3 tasks/day, 10MB, no ads | Limited tasks, ads on free tier |
| Ads | None Winner | Ads on free tier |
| Account Required | No Winner | No (for basic tools) |
| Languages | 9 languages | 24+ languages Winner |
| Desktop App | ✗ Web only | ✓ Windows & Mac Winner |
| Mobile App | ✗ Responsive web | ✓ iOS & Android Winner |
| API | ✗ No developer API | ✓ iLoveAPI for automation Winner |
| Pro Price | $9/mo or $49/yr | Starting at $4/mo Cheaper entry |
iLovePDF uploads every file to its servers for processing. The company is GDPR compliant and states that files are processed securely, but the fundamental model is server-side: your document leaves your device, gets processed remotely, and comes back.
ModernPDF's PDF tools (merge, compress, convert, rotate, etc.) process entirely in your browser using WebAssembly — no file is uploaded to any server. For AI features (translation, analysis, redaction), only extracted text is sent to Anthropic's commercial API via AES-256 bank-grade encryption — never the file itself. No text is stored after processing. For routine tasks like merging or compressing, the privacy difference might not matter to everyone. But for anyone working with contracts, medical records, or financial statements, local PDF processing significantly reduces risk compared to full file uploads.
iLovePDF does not have native AI features. The company has a ChatGPT plugin that lets you use iLovePDF tools through ChatGPT's interface, and there are third-party integrations (Beam AI, Lindy AI) that add automation. But the core product — ilovepdf.com — does not offer AI summarization, translation, analysis, or any intelligence layer on top of your documents.
ModernPDF includes three AI capabilities:
This is the clearest differentiator between the two products. If you just need to merge, compress, and convert PDFs, both tools work. If you want your PDF tool to understand what's in your documents, only ModernPDF does that.
Both tools cover the essentials: merge, split, compress, convert (Word, JPG, PNG, PowerPoint, Excel), OCR, sign, rotate, watermark, protect, unlock, and page management. Tool counts are comparable — 28 for ModernPDF, 25+ for iLovePDF.
iLovePDF has a broader platform story: desktop apps for Windows and Mac, mobile apps for iOS and Android, a developer API (iLoveAPI), and deep integrations with the broader iLove ecosystem (iLoveIMG for images, iLoveSign for signatures). If you need a native app or developer API, iLovePDF has it.
iLovePDF also supports 24+ languages compared to ModernPDF's 9. For non-English users, iLovePDF has better coverage.
This is where user experience diverges. iLovePDF's free tier includes ads — banners and interstitials that interrupt workflow. Users consistently cite this as the platform's biggest frustration in reviews.
ModernPDF's free tier has no ads. You get 3 tasks per day with a 10MB file limit. Clean interface, no interruptions, no account required. The experience is the same as Pro, just with usage limits.
iLovePDF starts lower: $4/mo for their Premium plan. That's attractive for users who just need basic PDF tools without ads. However, advanced features like OCR and batch processing require higher tiers.
ModernPDF Pro is $9/mo or $49/yr ($4.08/mo equivalent). The annual plan includes unlimited tasks, 500MB file size, AI translation, AI redaction, and AI document analysis — no add-ons, no tiers.
No native AI features. iLovePDF has a ChatGPT plugin and third-party integrations, but the core product doesn't include AI summarization, translation, or document analysis. ModernPDF includes all three.
iLovePDF is GDPR compliant and processes files securely. However, files are uploaded to and processed on iLovePDF's servers. Users in reviews consistently raise privacy concerns about uploading company documents. ModernPDF's PDF tools process locally — no file upload required. AI features send only extracted text via AES-256 encrypted connection — not the file itself.
iLovePDF's free tier is ad-supported. This is one of the most common complaints in user reviews. Paid plans remove ads. ModernPDF has no ads on any tier.
ModernPDF. Its local-first architecture keeps PDF processing on your device, and its AI Document Analyzer provides structured analysis with red-flag detection for legal document types. iLovePDF treats all documents the same.
Free to start. Files never leave your device. No account required.
Try ModernPDF Free