Updated October 18, 2026 · ForgeCue Editorial Team
LightPDF vs pdfFiller
LightPDF
pdfFiller
Higher score in this comparison
Where LightPDF and pdfFiller differ
| Compare | LightPDFReviewVisitVisit | pdfFillerReviewVisitVisit |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $5.99Lower | $20 |
| Free plan | YesHas it | No |
| Usage limits | 10MB max file, 5 files storage | Up to 100 MB for PDF |
| Free trial length | 3 days | 30 daysHigher |
| Compliance certifications | ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701, GDPR | SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, CCPA |
| Integrations | Not confirmed | 40 |
Same on both: Tool type (E signature).
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Key differences
- pdfFiller scores higher overall: 9.3 vs 9.2.
- Price from is lower at LightPDF: $5.99 vs $20.
- Free plan: only LightPDF.
- Free trial length is higher at pdfFiller: 30 days vs 3 days.
- Compliance certifications: only LightPDF offers ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701.
- Compliance certifications: only pdfFiller offers SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, PCI DSS.
- Founded is lower at pdfFiller: 2008 vs 2018.
- Audience: only LightPDF offers Beginners.
- Pricing model: only LightPDF offers Free plan.
Our verdict on each
LightPDF
LightPDF suits beginners, small business teams and enterprise users seeking low cost e-signature plus everyday PDF tools on varied devices. Entry plan price is $5.99 with trial lasting 3 days and limits of 10MB max file, 5 files storage, while support runs on chat, email and help centre for account queries.
pdfFiller
pdfFiller suits small business and enterprise teams seeking PDF editing plus e-signature in a paid subscription starting at $20. Trial access helps validate templates, limits, and support fit before you commit to renewal.
Score breakdown
| Area | LightPDF | pdfFiller |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.1Entry plan price is $5.99, keeping starting spend modest for small teams. | 9.1Entry pricing sits at $20, above BoldSign and DocuSign on list price. |
| Offer | 9.4HigherAccess spans Windows, Mac and iOS with limits of 10MB max file, 5 files storage for everyday PDF tasks. | 9.3Covers e-signature use with Up to 100 MB for PDF plus 40 integrations. |
| Trust | 8.8Assurance rests on ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701 and GDPR plus support on chat, email and help centre. | 9.6HigherNamed operator in US under airSlate Inc with stated certs. |
Pick LightPDF if, pick pdfFiller if
Pick LightPDF if price from and free plan matter most.
Pick pdfFiller if trust and free trial length matter most.
Availability and regulation
| Country | LightPDF | pdfFiller |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | China | United States |
What we checked
LightPDF
- lightpdf.com: 12 facts, checked September 30, 2026
pdfFiller
- pdffiller.com: 13 facts, checked September 28, 2026
How they place
| Ranking | LightPDF | pdfFiller |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic signature software | 7 of 54 | 6 of 54 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | LightPDF | pdfFiller |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Beginners, Small business, EnterpriseCovers more | Small business, Enterprise |
| Pricing model | Free plan, Free trialCovers more | Free trial |
| Legal entity | Wangxu Technology Co., Ltd. | airSlate Inc |
| Headquarters | China | United States |
| Founded | 2018 | 2008Lower |
| Support channels | Chat, Email, Help centre | Email, Chat, Help centre |
PC software
| Fact | LightPDF | pdfFiller |
|---|---|---|
| Free version | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Web | Not confirmed |
| Money-back period | 3 to 30 days | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | LightPDF | pdfFiller | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | $5.99lowest quarter | $20below the median | $22 |
| Free trial length | 3 dayslowest quarter | 30 dayshighest quarter | 14 days |
| Integrations | Not confirmed | 40above the median | 36 |
Median across 353 listed software products.
Pros and cons
LightPDF
Pros
- Free plan is yes plus Free version is yes, with limits of 10MB max file, 5 files storage for light use.
- Entry plan price is $5.99, below DocuSign at $11 and Dropbox Sign at $15.
- Access spans Windows, Mac and iOS, covering desktop, mobile and browser use in a single subscription view.
Cons
- Trial length of 3 days feels brief against category norm of 14.
- Limits of 10MB max file, 5 files storage may curb heavy users compared with DocuSign paid tiers.
- Support runs on chat, email and help centre only, which may deter callers needing phone help.
pdfFiller
Pros
- Trial access for 30 gives extended evaluation time versus the category median of 14.
- Covers e-signature needs as e signature with stated SOC 2 Type II, GDPR and HIPAA assurances for business use.
- Connects to 40 integrations, useful for document workflows across teams.
Cons
- Free plan is unavailable, since Free plan is no, so evaluation rests on 30 trial access.
- Entry cost at $20 exceeds BoldSign at $5 for signature only use.
- Support runs on email, chat and help centre only, which may deter teams seeking phone help.
Who each suits
LightPDF
Who it suits
- Beginners and small business teams wanting entry plan price at $5.99 rather than DocuSign at $11.
- Cross device users needing Windows, Mac and iOS coverage rather than a desktop only flow from Dropbox Sign.
- Cost aware buyers who value Free plan yes and trial length of 3 days before choosing BoldSign.
Who should look elsewhere
- Heavy senders needing generous caps: limits of 10MB max file, 5 files storage may bind, consider DocuSign for larger signing volume.
- Buyers wanting extended evaluation: trial length of 3 days is short, consider Dropbox Sign for a different trial setup.
- Phone led support seekers: support runs on chat, email and help centre only, consider BoldSign after checking current service lines.
pdfFiller
Who it suits
- Small business teams seeking editing plus signing with 40 integrations.
- Enterprise buyers valuing stated SOC 2 Type II, GDPR and HIPAA assurances and structured support.
- Teams able to trial for 30 before moving to paid access at $20.
Who should look elsewhere
- Readers seeking a permanent free tier should consider BoldSign, since Free plan is no for pdfFiller.
- Readers seeking the lowest entry price should consider DocuSign, priced at $11 versus $20.
- Readers seeking phone led care should consider Dropbox Sign, since pdfFiller support runs on email, chat and help centre only.
Questions about each
LightPDF
What does LightPDF cost to start?+
LightPDF entry plan price is $5.99, positioned near BoldSign entry plan price at $5 and below DocuSign entry plan price at $11 and Dropbox Sign entry plan price at $15. You can compare billing cycles before you commit, since paid access unlocks broader signing and PDF use.
Does LightPDF include a free option?+
Free plan is yes, so you can handle light PDF and signing needs without paying. Free version is yes as well, which suits casual review before upgrade. You stay within limits of 10MB max file, 5 files storage, then move to paid entry plan price at $5.99 when volume grows.
pdfFiller
Does pdfFiller offer a free plan?+
pdfFiller has no Free plan, since Free plan is no, and access starts at $20. You can evaluate through trial access for 30 before choosing a paid tier, then compare renewal terms and envelope needs against alternatives.
How long is the pdfFiller trial?+
Trial access runs for 30, which is longer than the e-signature median shown by 14. You get time to test editing, signing, and sharing workflows before payment, but check what happens when trial access ends.