Checked 6 November 2026 against pdf24.org. Competitor limits change; this page is re-checked quarterly and CI fails if it isn't.
Toolzum vs PDF24: free tools, honestly compared
PDF24 is one of the few genuinely free PDF services: no paid plan, no account, a free Windows desktop app, and a full tool list. It is a good product. Toolzum is not trying to beat it on price — we can't, since it is already free. The difference is where the work happens: PDF24 processes files on their servers in Germany, Toolzum runs the same jobs locally in your browser so the file never leaves your device. Neither is "free unlimited" — here is exactly what each side allows.
| Capability | PDF24 | Toolzum |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 100% free (online tools + Windows desktop Creator) | Free local tools; Pro $9.99/mo for AI credits and 2 GB files |
| Where files go | Processed on PDF24's servers (geek software GmbH, Germany) | Processed in your browser; never uploaded (local tools) |
| Account required | No | No for local tools |
| Desktop app | PDF24 Creator for Windows (free) | No desktop app — runs in any browser |
| Edit PDFs | Online editor + desktop | Full editor free: text, annotate, sign, OCR |
| OCR | Yes (online + desktop) | Free, runs locally (Tesseract) |
| AI features | None advertised | Credits-based: 5 one-time trial, 200/mo on Pro |
| Offline use | Desktop Creator works offline; online tools need internet | Most tools work offline after first load |
| File size limits | Not prominently stated on the landing page | Up to 150 MB free signed-in, 2 GB on Pro |
What we checked, and what we didn't
- PDF24 Tools are free to use online, with no account required and no paid plan visible on the site.
- PDF24 Creator is a free full-featured desktop application for Windows.
- The product list includes merge, split, compress, edit, sign, OCR, redact, compare, protect, unlock, organize, repair, watermark, page numbers, crop, convert, and create PDF.
- The site is operated by geek software GmbH (Germany) and lists a legal notice, terms of use, and privacy policy.
- The page states '100% Free, 100% Free of spyware'.
Deliberately not claimed:
- Exact file-size limits — not prominently stated on the landing page; their tools may enforce their own caps.
- Whether PDF24 processes files on their own servers or third-party infrastructure, and their data-retention window.
- Whether the desktop Creator has any paid tier or bundled offers.
- Whether OCR or other features require an account or have usage caps.
When NOT to use us
If you want a free Windows desktop app, a German-operated service with a long track record, or a tool list that includes a full PDF creator and fax, PDF24 is the better choice — and it is free. We serve the worker who wants no upload, no install, and no account.
Try the free tools
- Bulk PDF Merger — combine files locally
- PDF Editor — edit, sign, OCR free
- Bulk PDF Size Reducer — shrink for email