Replaces it Active Open source · MIT core Linux Self-hostable
Imports your data: works directly on standard PDF files
Self-host
Runs on your own Linux server, with Docker files in the repo. Setup docs are on stirlingpdf.com.
Free alternatives to Smallpdf Pro
Swap Smallpdf Pro for Stirling-PDF or BentoPDF and stop paying $180/yr.
2open source2run on Linux1self-hostable
Prices and project data checked · How we check
$180/yr Pro Verified on smallpdf.com, Oct 17, 2026
2 alternatives
Replaces it Active Open source · AGPL-3.0 Linux
Imports your data: works directly on standard PDF files
Get it
Download it from bentopdf.com.
At a glance
| Alternative | Verdict | License | Linux | AUR | Self-host | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stirling-PDF | Replaces it | MIT core open source | Yes | — | Yes | 94.3k★ |
| BentoPDF | Replaces it | AGPL-3.0 open source | Yes | — | No | 16.1k★ |
Smallpdf Pro alternatives: questions
- Is there a free alternative to Smallpdf Pro?
- Yes. The 2 free alternatives are Stirling-PDF (open source, MIT core) and BentoPDF (open source, AGPL-3.0).
- How much does Smallpdf Pro cost?
- Smallpdf Pro's Pro plan costs $15 a month, which is $180 a year (monthly (yearly toggle shows -34% but yearly price not rendered)). Source: the official pricing page at smallpdf.com, checked Oct 17, 2026.
- Which Smallpdf Pro alternatives run on Linux?
- Stirling-PDF (self-hosted server; web UI) and BentoPDF (web app).
- Can you self-host a Smallpdf Pro alternative?
- Yes. Stirling-PDF runs on your own server. BentoPDF is a web app.
- Are these Smallpdf Pro alternatives open source?
- Yes. All 2 use OSI-approved open-source licenses: Stirling-PDF (MIT core) and BentoPDF (AGPL-3.0).
Built or know a better alternative to Smallpdf Pro? Suggest it free, or get it featured on this page.
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