Comparison
iLovePDF alternative for compressing a PDF to an exact size
The short answer
iLovePDF is a complete PDF suite with OCR, Office conversion and cloud import. Its Compress tool has three fixed levels, so you can't ask it for "under 1 MB". imgconvert does one job differently: you type the limit, and it returns a PDF under it, processed in your browser without uploading.
Facts about iLovePDF checked on from its public pages. Something changed? We'll fix it.
Why people look for a iLovePDF alternative
- An upload form says "max 1 MB" or "under 500 KB", and a compression level doesn't promise that size.
- Passport scans and bank statements are sensitive, and some people would rather not upload them anywhere.
- Visa and job portals often want several documents in one PDF under one limit.
imgconvert vs iLovePDF at a glance
| imgconvert | iLovePDF | |
|---|---|---|
| Compress to a size you type (e.g. 1 MB) | Yes | Three fixed levels: Extreme, Recommended, Less. iLovePDF says it doesn't offer custom levels[1] |
| Where your file is processed | In your browser, never uploaded | On iLovePDF's servers; files are kept for up to 2 hours, then deleted[2] |
| Scans + PDFs into one file under a limit | One step (Documents to one PDF) | Merge PDF and Compress PDF are separate tools[3] |
| Merge, split, PDF to JPG | Yes | Yes[3] |
| OCR and Word/Excel/PowerPoint conversion | No | Yes[2] |
| Import from Google Drive or Dropbox | No | Yes[2] |
| Price | Free, no sign-up | Free version plus paid Premium plans[3] |
Choose imgconvert if
- You have an exact size limit to meet
- You'd rather not upload ID documents or statements
- You need scans and PDFs combined into one file under a limit
Choose iLovePDF if
- You need OCR or Word, Excel and PowerPoint conversion
- You work from Google Drive or Dropbox
- You need editing, e-signing or a desktop app
Where imgconvert falls short
When lossless optimization isn't enough, imgconvert turns pages into images to reach the size, so text can no longer be selected. It tells you when this happens. Very long PDFs (around 150+ pages) can run out of browser memory.
Questions
Can iLovePDF compress a PDF to exactly 1 MB?
Not directly. iLovePDF's own guide says its Compress tool offers three levels (Extreme, Recommended, Less) and no custom level, so the final size depends on the file. imgconvert lets you type 1 MB and returns a file under it, or tells you the smallest size it could reach.
Is imgconvert free?
Yes. There is no sign-up and no watermark. The site is supported by ads.
Does imgconvert upload my PDF?
No. The PDF is processed by your browser on your device and never sent to a server.
Sources
- iLovePDF blog: How to reduce PDF file size, checked 14 October 2026
- iLovePDF FAQ, checked 14 October 2026
- iLovePDF homepage and tool list, checked 14 October 2026