There is no single best way to compress a PDF for free. The right pick depends on how big the file is, how small it must get and whether it can be uploaded. We make DocPro, so we have based the other five on their own pages and we name where each does better. Figures are as of November 2026 and may change. For the how-to steps, see how to compress a PDF for email and upload limits.
Comparison table
| DocPro | iLovePDF | Smallpdf | Adobe online | PDF24 | Mac Preview | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | Your device | Uploaded | Uploaded | Uploaded | Uploaded | Your device |
| File deleted | Never sent | About 2 hours | After 1 hour | Soon after, if not signed in | After 1 hour | Not applicable |
| Free size cap | Device memory | 200 MB, 2 files | Not stated | 2 GB | None stated | None stated |
| Daily limit | None | Not stated | Not stated, limits may apply | 1 free use if not signed in | None stated | None |
| Levels | 4 presets plus target size | 3 levels | Basic free, Moderate and Strong Pro | High, Medium, Low | DPI and quality settings | Reduce File Size filter |
| Text selectable | No, pages become images | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Account | No | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not for one use | None mentioned | No |
DocPro
DocPro's Compress PDF runs in the browser, so the file is never uploaded. It has four quality presets, High, Balanced, Small and Smallest, and an option to aim for a target size in KB. It re-saves each page as a JPEG picture, so selectable text and links are lost. It has no account and no counter. Very large files are limited by your device's memory. It has no way to keep the text layer, which is a clear weakness if you need to search the file later. The compress hub lists shortcuts for common targets, such as PDF to 1 MB, 200 KB and 100 KB.
iLovePDF
iLovePDF's compress page offers three levels: extreme, recommended and less compression. Its pricing page lists the free limit as 200 MB per file and 2 files per batch, rising to 4 GB and 10 files on Premium. Its security page says files are deleted about two hours after processing. The free plan shows ads. We could not confirm from its pages whether text stays selectable.
Smallpdf
Smallpdf's compress page offers Basic, Moderate and Strong. Basic is free, and Moderate and Strong are Pro. It says uploaded files are deleted after one hour and that usage limits may apply, but gives no number. If you need the smallest result from Smallpdf, you will probably need the paid plan. See is Smallpdf Pro worth it for that decision.
Adobe Acrobat online
Adobe's online tool offers High, Medium and Low. Its page says it handles files up to 2 GB, and basic compression needs no account or card. Adobe's FAQ says that without signing in you get one free transaction and one download. Signed in, premium tools get one free transaction every 30 days on a rolling basis. Adobe says it deletes files soon after if you do not sign in to save them. Heavier use needs a paid Acrobat plan. Adobe's pages do not say whether text stays selectable.
PDF24
PDF24's online compressor is free and funded by advertising. It gives the most control of the online options, with image DPI, image quality, a lossless mode, font subsetting, grayscale and more. The page names no file size cap or daily limit. It says files are deleted after one hour and that servers are in Germany. If you want to tune the result yourself and accept an upload, PDF24 is a strong pick. See DocPro vs PDF24.
macOS Preview Quartz filter
On a Mac, Preview can export a PDF with the Reduce File Size Quartz filter. It runs on your device and costs nothing. Apple notes the result may be of lower quality than the original and gives no target size or percentage, so you check the size in Finder. Whether text stays selectable is not stated, so test by selecting a line. Steps are in how to reduce PDF size on a Mac.
Which to pick
- Private file or ID scan: DocPro or Mac Preview, because nothing is uploaded.
- A hard target such as under 200 KB: DocPro, which lets you type a size, or PDF24, which lets you tune quality.
- Keep text searchable: test the output first. DocPro will not keep it. For the others, open the result and try to select text.
- Very large file over 200 MB on iLovePDF's free plan: Adobe (2 GB) or PDF24.
- A few files a month and no account: any of the six works. Pick by privacy.
If a compressor cannot reach your target, cut the file first. Split out the pages you need or switch scans to grayscale. Photos can be shrunk separately with Compress image.
Always open the compressed file and read a page at normal zoom before you send it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free way to compress a PDF?
It depends on privacy and target size. DocPro and Mac Preview work on your device. PDF24 gives the most settings online. Adobe's online tool handles files up to 2 GB. Test each with a sample file.
Does compressing a PDF make the text unselectable?
With DocPro, yes, because pages are saved as images. Other tools' pages do not say, so open the result and try to select a line of text.
Is it safe to compress a PDF online?
Online tools upload your file. iLovePDF says it deletes files about two hours later, and Smallpdf and PDF24 say one hour. For sensitive files, use an on-device tool such as DocPro or Mac Preview.
How do I compress a PDF to under 1 MB for free?
Use a tool with a target size or strong settings, such as DocPro's target size option or PDF24's quality settings. Splitting pages or going grayscale first also helps.
Is Smallpdf compression free?
Basic compression is free. Moderate and Strong are Pro features, and usage limits may apply (as of November 2026).