Comparison · PDF editors
Foxit PDF Editor vs Smallpdf: which is better in 2026?
Foxit PDF Editor ranks higher in our list of PDF editors (#3 against #4, score 88.5 against 86.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
Choose Foxit PDF Editor if you want
Paid desktop PDF editing on Windows and Mac.
A paid desktop editor for Windows and macOS that edits text and pages in existing PDFs and handles signatures. Editing needs a paid license after the trial, unlike the free edition of PDF-XChange Editor.
Choose Smallpdf if you want
Quick browser tools for occasional PDF tasks.
Browser-based PDF tools for editing, converting, compressing and signing, with a free plan. Files go through the company's servers, which matters for confidential documents, and heavy editing is shallower than Foxit's.
The main differences
- Only Foxit PDF Editor runs on Windows.
- Only Foxit PDF Editor runs on macOS.
- Only Smallpdf runs on Web.
- Smallpdf can be used for free; Foxit PDF Editor requires payment.
Side by side
 Foxit PDF Editor |  Smallpdf | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.5 | 86.0 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 7 | #4 of 7 |
| Price | PaidPaid, priced from $10.99 a month, with a free trial | Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan with individual and team paid plans |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSWindows, macOS | WebWeb |
| Made by | Foxit | Smallpdf AG |
| Free plan | Free trial only | Free plan |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Best for | Paid desktop PDF editing on Windows and Mac | Quick browser tools for occasional PDF tasks |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Foxit PDF Editor vs Smallpdf
- Is Foxit PDF Editor better than Smallpdf?
- Foxit PDF Editor ranks higher in our list of PDF editors (#3 against #4, score 88.5 against 86.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Foxit PDF Editor is best for: paid desktop PDF editing on Windows and Mac. Smallpdf is best for: quick browser tools for occasional PDF tasks.
- Which is cheaper, Foxit PDF Editor or Smallpdf?
- Foxit PDF Editor: Paid, priced from $10.99 a month, with a free trial. Smallpdf: Free plan with individual and team paid plans.
- Do Foxit PDF Editor and Smallpdf run on the same platforms?
- Foxit PDF Editor supports Windows, macOS. Smallpdf supports Web.