iLovePDF Merge Alternative: 5 Free Tools That Combine PDFs
iLovePDF’s merge tool is quick, the interface is clear, and it handles page reordering well. It is one of the most visited PDF tools for good reason. But the online merger uploads your files to a remote server, and the free tier limits how many merges you can do in an hour. If you are stitching together documents that have personal details, marksheets, salary slips, Aadhaar, you might want a tool that keeps the files on your device. Here are five alternatives, including our own Toolzo merge tool.
Up front: Toolzo is an independent, free browser tool. We are not affiliated with iLovePDF or any other brand named below. This comparison comes from what our users tell us they look for when they switch.
Where iLovePDF gets it right
iLovePDF supports drag‑and‑drop, lets you reorder pages with thumbnails, and the merged output is consistently clean. The mobile app can even merge files offline if you’ve saved them inside the app. For a heavy PDF user who works across a laptop and a phone daily, and who doesn’t mind the hourly cap on the free plan, it remains a solid pick. The search for alternatives usually starts with one of two reasons: file privacy concerns, or hitting the free usage limit at a bad time.
How the alternatives compare
| Tool | Uploads to server? | Free limit | Reordering pages? | Works offline? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iLovePDF (online) | Yes | Hourly task cap (check current plan) | Yes | Yes, mobile app only |
| Toolzo (our tool) | No, client‑side | No cap | Yes, drag‑and‑drop | Yes, after page load |
| PDF24 (online) | Yes | No stated limit on free online | Yes | Yes, desktop app only |
| Smallpdf (online) | Yes | 2 tasks/day free | Yes | Yes, desktop app (paid) |
| Sejda (online) | Yes | 3 tasks/hour free | Yes | No |
| Adobe Acrobat online | Yes | Limited free; sign‑in required beyond basics | Yes | No |
Task limits can change, so check the competitor’s current plan page for exact numbers.
Who each tool works best for
Toolzo Merge PDF: no upload, no cap, mobile‑first
Toolzo’s merge PDF tool loads the engine in your browser. Once the page is open, you can turn off the internet and the merger still works. That matters when you combine identity documents for an SSC or IBPS upload. There is no daily or hourly cap, and no sign‑up. Reordering is drag‑and‑drop, and the output doesn’t compress or alter quality. The trade‑off: the tool handles only existing PDFs, so if you have images to merge, you’ll first need to convert them to PDF. And Toolzo’s toolkit is smaller than iLovePDF’s; if you need OCR, Bates numbering, or PDF/A conversion, this isn’t the place.
PDF24: the unlimited desktop workhorse
PDF24’s desktop app for Windows is completely free, no limits, and processes files locally. The merge tool supports batch files and page reorder. If you work from a laptop and want a full PDF toolbox without paying, this is the strongest free alternative overall. The online version, however, uploads files to their server, so it doesn’t match the privacy advantage of a client‑side tool.
Smallpdf: polished, but the free tier runs out fast
Smallpdf’s merge tool is smooth, with a clean drag‑and‑drop experience. But the free plan gives you only 2 tasks per day across all tools. If you’re just merging one set of certificates for a form, that’s fine. If you’re doing multiple form submissions in an evening, the free tier will stop you. The desktop app removes the upload concern and the daily limit, but it’s behind the paid plan.
Sejda: fair hourly limit, clear privacy policy
Sejda is transparent: 3 free tasks per hour, files deleted from their server after two hours. The merge interface is pleasant, and reordering works well. If you don’t mind the upload step and want a tool with more features than Toolzo, Sejda sits in a reasonable middle ground. But the files do leave your device, so it’s better for non‑sensitive documents.
Adobe Acrobat online: trusted name, heavy on phones
Adobe’s merge tool produces reliable output and the brand trust is the highest. The free tier is restrictive, and you will eventually need an Adobe ID. On a phone, the web tools are heavier to load than simpler alternatives. If you already pay for an Acrobat subscription, use the desktop version, it’s the most capable PDF software available. The free online merger is best for a quick one‑off.
A note on the iLovePDF mobile app
The iLovePDF mobile app can merge files offline if the documents are already saved in the app. That is a genuine advantage over any browser‑based tool, including Toolzo. If you prefer an installed app with offline merge and don’t mind the free‑tier limits, iLovePDF remains a good mobile choice.
Who should pick what
If you handle identity documents and want a free merge tool with no upload and no cap, Toolzo’s merge PDF tool fits that brief. If you need every PDF feature on a Windows laptop and want to avoid subscriptions, PDF24 Desktop wins. If you already pay for Smallpdf or iLovePDF premium, stick with what you have, both are solid products. And if brand trust is the priority for a one‑off merge, Adobe will do it.