Compare · Docmint vs Smallpdf
Is Smallpdf safe? Here is where your file goes.
Smallpdf is a capable PDF site that processes files on its servers. Docmint, the alternative, does the work in your browser instead. Here is how they compare, from Smallpdf's own pages as of November 9, 2026.
The short answer
Smallpdf states that transfers use TLS encryption, that it is ISO/IEC 27001 certified and GDPR compliant, and that it does not train models on your files. Files are uploaded to its servers, and its own pages give different retention periods (1 hour on tool pages; “a reasonable period” for users who are not signed in, in the privacy notice). For confidential documents, a tool that never uploads them removes the question.
To check Docmint: open your browser's developer tools, go to the Network tab and run a tool. No request carries your file to a server.
Docmint vs Smallpdf
| Compared | Smallpdf | Docmint |
|---|---|---|
| Where files are processed | Uploaded to servers in the EU (the Windows app works offline) | In your browser, on your device. The file is never uploaded. |
| How long files are kept | Tool pages say 1 hour. The privacy notice says within one hour for signed-in users, and “a reasonable period” after last opened for others | Nothing to delete: Docmint never receives your file. |
| Free plan | A daily download limit on most tools (the number is not stated) | 3 free runs a day without an account, 10 with a free account, every tool |
| Paid plan | Pro US$15/month, or US$120/year; 7-day free trial | Pro $4.99/month, or $39/year |
| Advertising cookies | The privacy notice lists Google Ads remarketing, Facebook Pixel and LinkedIn Insight | No ads and no advertising pixels |
| Office to PDF conversion | Yes, plus iWork, HWP and EPUB | Not yet |
| E-signature requests | Yes, through Sign.com | Sign it yourself; no signature requests |
Smallpdf facts checked on November 9, 2026 from the sources listed below. Plans and policies change; check smallpdf.com for the latest.
Where Smallpdf is stronger
- Office, iWork and EPUB conversions, OCR and editing of existing text.
- E-signature requests with an audit trail, through Sign.com.
- AI chat, summary and translation tools, and a mobile scanner app.
- Cloud storage, sharing and team plans.
Choose Docmint when the file is private and the job is one of the everyday ones: compress, merge, split, sign, protect or convert images.
Sources
- Smallpdf privacy notice
- Smallpdf: Is Smallpdf safe? (modified 14 Jul 2026)
- Smallpdf Compress PDF
- Smallpdf pricing
Smallpdf is a trademark of its owner. Docmint is not affiliated with Smallpdf. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@docmint.io.