Comparing them is like comparing a camera to a safe — one creates content, the other protects it. Here's when to use which, and why many people use both.
Smallpdf = work on your PDF (edit, convert, merge, compress, sign)
MaiPDF = control who sees your PDF (track, limit views, watermark, expire, share securely)
These tools solve fundamentally different problems. Smallpdf helps you create and modify PDF documents. MaiPDF helps you share and protect them. They're not substitutes — they're complementary.
Category: PDF editor + converter
Founded: 2013 (Switzerland)
Core functions:
Category: PDF sharing + access control
Core functions:
| Feature | Smallpdf | MaiPDF |
|---|---|---|
| PDF Editing & Conversion | ||
| Edit text in PDF | ||
| Convert PDF ↔ Word/Excel/PPT | ||
| Merge / split PDFs | ||
| Compress PDF | ||
| eSign | ||
| PDF to image conversion | Basic | |
| Sharing & Access Control | ||
| Tracked sharing links | ||
| View limits | ||
| Link expiration | ||
| Email verification access | ||
| Dynamic watermarks | ||
| View analytics | ||
| QR code generation | ||
| Download prevention | ||
| Replace file without changing link | ||
| Security | ||
| Password protect PDF (file-level) | (link-level) | |
| Revoke access after sharing | ||
Smallpdf is the right tool when you need to work on the PDF itself:
Smallpdf handles these tasks well and has a clean, intuitive interface. Their free tier allows limited daily operations, with Pro at around $9-12/month for unlimited access.
MaiPDF is the right tool when you need to control who sees the PDF after it's created:
For many professionals, the ideal workflow uses both tools at different stages:
1 Create the contract in Word
2 Convert to PDF using Smallpdf
3 Upload to MaiPDF with email verification + 5 view limit + 14-day expiration
4 Share the tracked link
5 Track when the other party opens and reads it
1 Design your pitch deck in PowerPoint
2 Convert to PDF and compress with Smallpdf
3 Upload to MaiPDF with dynamic watermark (investor's name overlaid)
4 Generate a unique link per investor
5 Monitor which investors actually read it
1 Merge lecture slides + handouts into one PDF using Smallpdf
2 Upload to MaiPDF with view limit (matches class size) + disable download
3 Generate a QR code and display it in class
4 Students scan and view — no copies leave the classroom
| Plan | Smallpdf | MaiPDF |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Limited daily operations (2 tasks/day) | Full core features (tracking, view limits, QR, watermarks, expiration) |
| Paid plan | ~$9-12/month (Pro) — unlimited operations | — |
| Team plan | ~$7/user/month (Team) | — |
Since these tools solve different problems, comparing their pricing directly isn't very meaningful. The relevant question is: do you need PDF editing features, PDF sharing/security features, or both?
Edit your PDF with whatever tool you prefer. Then share it securely with MaiPDF — free tracked links, view limits, watermarks, and QR codes.
Try MaiPDF FreeNo. They serve different purposes. Smallpdf is a PDF editing and conversion tool — it compresses, merges, converts, and edits PDFs. MaiPDF is a PDF sharing and access control tool — it creates tracked links with view limits, expiration dates, watermarks, and analytics.
No. Smallpdf focuses on PDF editing, conversion, and compression. It does not offer document tracking, view analytics, or access control features. For PDF tracking, see our PDF tracking guide.
MaiPDF offers basic PDF-to-image conversion, but it is not a full PDF editor. For editing tasks like merging, compressing, or format conversion, Smallpdf or similar PDF editors are the right choice.
Use Smallpdf to prepare your PDF (edit, convert, compress). Use MaiPDF to share your PDF securely (track, limit, watermark, expire). Many users use both tools at different stages of their workflow.
Yes, but differently. Smallpdf embeds a password into the PDF file itself — anyone with the password can open it forever. MaiPDF adds password protection at the link level — you can change or revoke the password at any time, and combine it with view limits and expiration.