Comparison ·
PocketPDF vs PDF24 Tools: two free PDF toolkits compared
PDF24 Tools and PocketPDF are both free. PDF24 needs no sign-up at all, while PocketPDF asks for a Google sign-in when you download; the other differences are in the features. Here's how they compare, using PDF24's own pages as they appeared on 28 October 2026.
Choose PocketPDF if
- you want to change the existing text in a PDF directly;
- you need redacted documents whose remaining text stays searchable;
- you want to keep files in an account.
Choose PDF24 Tools if
- you'd rather not sign in at all;
- you need text recognition in languages other than English;
- you want a free Windows desktop app;
- you work with very large files (PDF24 states no size limit).
Side by side
| Feature | PocketPDF | PDF24 Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free. There is no paid plan. | Free. No paid plan shown. |
| Free use | Every tool, with no daily task limit. | Free "without restriction", with no artificial limits. |
| Account needed | Not needed to use the tools; a free Google sign-in is needed to download. | Not needed. |
| File limits | 50 MB and 1,000 pages per file; 20 files at a time. | No limits stated. |
| Uploaded files kept | Deleted after 1 hour unless you sign in; kept in your account until you delete them (up to 1 GB). | Deleted within one hour after processing. Servers in EU data centres. |
| Edit existing text | Free, in the document's own font where possible. | Not available online; PDF24 suggests converting to Word, editing and converting back. |
| Redaction | Free, with search, and a check of every page that has a box. | Free. Pages are turned into images, so hidden content can't be restored. |
| Text recognition (OCR) | Free; English only. | Free; about 123 languages. |
| Signatures | Free electronic signatures (drawn, typed or uploaded). No certificate-based digital signatures. | Free drawn, uploaded or photographed signatures. No certificate-based signatures online. |
| Remove a known password | Free. | Free; needs the password. |
| Apps | Web only; works in phone and computer browsers. | PDF24 Creator for Windows, free. The website can be installed as a web app on phones. |
Where PDF24 Tools is ahead
- No sign-up at all, even to download.
- Text recognition in about 123 languages.
- A free Windows desktop app, PDF24 Creator.
- No stated file-size limits.
Where PocketPDF is ahead
- Existing text can be changed directly, without a round trip through Word.
- Redaction removes only what's under the boxes, so on most pages the remaining text stays selectable and searchable. PDF24 turns redacted pages into images.
- No ads. PDF24 shows discreet advertising.
- A free account keeps your documents until you delete them, up to 1 GB.
What PocketPDF can't do yet
- Downloading needs a free Google account.
- Text recognition reads English only.
- No certificate-based digital signatures or signature requests to other people.
- Compress PDF has three levels, not an exact target size.
- Files are limited to 50 MB and 1,000 pages.
- No desktop or mobile app, and no integrations with cloud drives.
Questions
- Both are free. What's the catch with PocketPDF?
- There isn't a paid plan to upsell. Downloads need a free Google sign-in, and the limits are the ones shown on every tool page: 50 MB and 1,000 pages per file, English-only text recognition, and no desktop app.
Sources
PDF24 Tools's details come from its own website, read on October 28, 2026 from India, so prices are as shown there. Plans and limits change; if something here is out of date, email hi@pocketpdf.in and we'll correct it.
PDF24 is a trademark of its owner. PocketPDF isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Geek Software GmbH.