SigPDF vs SmallPDF — Private PDF Signing
SmallPDF is a popular online PDF toolkit, but it requires uploading your files to their servers. SigPDF processes everything in your browser — your documents never leave your device. No watermarks, no daily limits, starting at €2.99/month.
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SigPDF vs SmallPDF: Side-by-Side Comparison
SmallPDF offers a broad suite of PDF tools — merging, compressing, converting, and signing. It is a versatile platform, but every operation requires uploading your file to their cloud. Here is how the two tools compare specifically for signing PDFs:
| Feature | SigPDF | SmallPDF |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Files never leave your browser | Files uploaded to SmallPDF servers |
| Price | From €2.99/month | Free (limited) / $12/month (Pro) |
| Watermarks | Never | None on Pro; branding on free tier |
| Daily usage limits | Unlimited | 2 tasks/day on free tier |
| Account required | No | No (but required for Pro features) |
| Other PDF tools (merge, compress) | No — signing focused | Yes — full PDF toolkit |
| Works offline | Yes (after page loads) | No (requires server connection) |
Privacy: No Uploads, No Servers, No Risk
The biggest difference between SigPDF and SmallPDF is where your files are processed. SmallPDF uploads your PDF to their cloud servers to perform operations, then deletes the file after a set period. SigPDF takes a fundamentally different approach — your PDF is processed entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. The file never touches a server, which makes SigPDF the better choice for sensitive documents like contracts, financial records, medical forms, or legal agreements.
No Watermarks, No Daily Limits
SmallPDF's free tier limits you to two tasks per day and can add branding to output files. To remove those restrictions you need their Pro plan at $12/month. SigPDF has no daily limits and never adds watermarks or branding to your signed PDFs, at a lower price point of €2.99/month.
Simplicity vs. Versatility
SigPDF does one thing and does it well: signing PDFs. If you need a full PDF toolkit that also merges, compresses, converts, and splits files, SmallPDF offers that breadth. But if your goal is simply to add your signature to a PDF document quickly and privately, SigPDF's focused approach means less clutter, fewer clicks, and a faster workflow.
When SmallPDF Is the Better Choice
SmallPDF is a strong option if you regularly need multiple PDF tools in one place — merging documents, compressing file sizes, converting between formats, and signing. Its all-in-one approach is convenient for people who work with PDFs daily across many different tasks. If you only need to sign PDFs, SigPDF offers better privacy and a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SmallPDF keep my files?
SmallPDF states that uploaded files are deleted from their servers after one hour. However, your file still passes through their cloud infrastructure during processing. With SigPDF, your files are never uploaded in the first place.
Can I sign PDFs for free with SigPDF?
You can open and place signatures on your PDF for free to preview the result. Downloading the signed PDF requires a subscription starting at €2.99/month.
Does SigPDF add watermarks to signed PDFs?
No. SigPDF never adds watermarks, branding, or any other markings to your documents. Your signed PDF looks exactly as you designed it.