Overview

PDF24 Compare PDF is a browser-based tool for comparing two PDF versions and marking textual changes. It is a strong fit for people who need an occasional comparison without setting up an account or installing software. Its focused, free workflow is appealing; those who need offline processing on a Mac or Linux machine will need another option.

Key features

The tool marks text that has changed, been added or removed, then offers side-by-side, overlay and slider views. Side-by-side suits readers who want to consult both documents at once, while overlay and slider views help align the versions visually. The emphasis is on textual differences, so readers seeking a wider document-review workflow should consider how well PDF comparison alone fits their needs.

Comparison runs directly in the browser, with no installation or registration. PDF24 says the files are compared in the browser rather than uploaded to its servers, and the page displays Google Drive as a file-selection option. PDF24 also says transfers are SSL secured, its servers are in Germany and server files are automatically deleted after one hour. Companies can use its online tools free of charge and without restriction; a data processing agreement for those tools can be requested by email or contact form.

PDF24 Tools can be installed from a browser on Android and iPhone or iPad, but it is not distributed through Google Play or the App Store. That route may suit mobile users comfortable installing a web-based tool, but it is different from downloading a store-listed app.

Pricing

The Free plan costs 0.00 USD per free, is funded by advertising and has no limits, registration requirement or time restrictions. That makes it a practical choice for individuals and companies alike when a no-cost PDF comparison is the priority. There is no paid comparison tier to weigh against it; the trade-off is a focused tool rather than a paid plan with a broader comparison workflow.

Platforms

The comparison tool runs on the web, and PDF24 lists Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows among its platforms. For offline work, PDF24 Creator keeps files on the local PC, but it can only be installed on Windows. PDF24 says Creator can be used with Citrix and is free for companies, so it is the more suitable route for Windows-based offline or enterprise deployment; it does not cover Mac or Linux desktops.

Who it's for

PDF24 Compare PDF suits people who need to inspect text changes between PDF versions without paying, registering or installing desktop software. Its multiple viewing modes make it useful when the layout of the differences matters as well as the changed text. Organizations that want a free online option may also find its unrestricted company use useful, while teams requiring offline processing should note the Windows-only Creator limitation.

Pros and cons

Pros: Free without a usage ceiling: the plan has no limits, time restrictions or registration requirement, making it suitable for repeat comparisons.
Pros: Three comparison layouts: side-by-side, overlay and slider views give readers different ways to inspect marked text changes.
Pros: Browser-local comparison: PDF24 says files are not uploaded to its servers during comparison, a useful distinction for users weighing file handling.
Cons: Offline desktop use is Windows-only: PDF24 Creator does not support Mac or Linux, limiting the local-processing alternative for those users.
Cons: Mobile installation is outside app stores: users must install PDF24 Tools from a browser rather than a standard store listing.

Alternatives

For broader PDF work, PDF Studio offers a free viewer for reading, annotating and filling interactive forms across Windows, Mac and Linux; its Pro plan costs 149.00 USD per once. Choose it when desktop PDF features matter more than a no-cost browser comparison.

SimplePDF is aimed at individuals editing PDFs, with a free plan that has no monthly quota for documents and submissions. Its Basic plan costs 99.00 USD per month. It is a better fit when editing rather than comparing versions is the primary need.

PlatoForms has a free plan with one live form, 100 submissions per month, 100 MB storage, two members and 10,000 AI credits per month. Consider it when form creation and submissions are the task, rather than comparing PDFs.

FormRouter is another option for readers looking at form software.

Jotform has a free Starter plan with five forms and 100 monthly submissions. It may suit readers building forms with a capped free allowance instead of comparing documents.

Sejda PDF Forms offers a free plan with page and hourly limits, limited file uploads and no signup requirement, as well as a 5.00 USD per once Web Week Pass. Choose it when PDF form work is the priority and its usage limits are acceptable.

FormForge is a free alternative for readers seeking a form-focused tool.

Foxit PDF Editor is a paid option with a free trial and an annual PDF Editor plan priced at 129.99 USD per year. It is worth considering when a paid PDF editor is a closer match than a dedicated comparison tool.

For category browsing, see Document Comparison Software, PDF Form Software, PDF Merger Software, PDF Compression Software and PDF Creation Software.

Verdict

Choose PDF24 Compare PDF if you want a free, no-registration way to inspect marked text differences between PDF versions in a browser. Its range of comparison views and stated local processing are the strongest reasons to choose it. Look elsewhere if offline comparison is essential on macOS or Linux, or if your work calls for a broader PDF editing or form workflow.

	Icecream PDF Split & Merge	PDF24 Compare PDF
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	macOS, Windows	Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Page selection	Yes	—
Primary platform	desktop	—

Icecream PDF Split & Merge vs PDF24 Compare PDF

Icecream PDF Split & Merge

PDF24 Compare PDF