Xodo Compress PDF

Xodo Compress PDF is an online PDF compressor for people who need occasional file-size reduction or want compression within a broader document workflow. Its strongest case is the range of web, desktop, and mobile tools; its main drawback is that the free compressor allows just one Low-compression action per day.

Overview

The browser tool offers Low and High compression, a simple choice for basic file-size reduction. The free daily allowance is restrictive for anyone processing several PDFs, and High compression requires a trial. Xodo says uploaded files are protected with TLS encryption and permanently deleted after one hour, a useful safeguard for online document handling.

Xodo is part of Apryse Software Inc. Its wider offering spans online tools, an offline desktop editor, and mobile apps, so it may suit people who want more than a single-purpose compressor.

Key features

Compression and PDF tools

The online compressor keeps its controls to two compression levels. That is convenient for occasional tasks, but not a substitute for the finer control in Xodo PDF Studio, which offers Light, Balanced, and Aggressive optimization profiles as well as custom profiles. Studio can optimize batches of PDFs and batch-convert, extract text, and run security operations, making it better suited to recurring or larger workloads.

Xodo Web provides more than 40 online tools. The Document Suite plan includes unlimited use of those web tools, while PDF Studio adds more than 60 professional tools and works offline. The broader suite is the reason to consider Xodo beyond a one-off compression job.

Mobile and integrations

Xodo Mobile can view, scan, edit, annotate, convert, compress, and e-sign documents on iOS and Android. It supports Xodo Drive, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and iCloud, which helps users who move documents among those services. Browser options include a Chrome Extension and a Google Drive G Suite App.

Pricing

Xodo uses a freemium model. The Free online PDF compressor costs nothing and permits one Low-compression action per day; High compression requires a 3-day trial. That is a reasonable starting point for infrequent use, but a tight cap for regular compression.

Xodo Web costs $95.88 a year, billed annually. It includes more than 40 online tools, unlimited document downloads, and browser-based access, making it the focused paid option for people who work online and do not need the desktop suite.

Xodo Document Suite costs $107.93 a year, billed annually. It combines more than 40 web tools with more than 60 desktop tools across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. For a modest step up from Xodo Web, it is the broader choice for people who need both online and desktop access.

Xodo Desktop (PDF Studio) costs $119.88 a year, billed annually. It includes more than 60 professional tools, offline use, and Windows, macOS, and Linux support. It fits people who prioritize desktop work, batch operations, and offline access, but is less suited to someone who only needs occasional browser compression. Paid plans start at $7.99/mo (annual).

Platforms

Xodo supports web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. PDF Studio runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and works offline; Xodo Mobile supports iOS and Android. This spread suits people working across devices, while the free compressor itself remains an online tool.

Who it's for

Xodo is a good fit for occasional users who can work within the free daily limit, and for people who want compression alongside a larger set of document tools. Its paid desktop options are more compelling for users who need batch optimization or offline PDF work. Look elsewhere if you need frequent free online compression without a daily cap.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Web, desktop, and mobile coverage gives users several ways to work with PDFs across devices.
• Pros: PDF Studio’s profiles, custom optimization, and batch operations support more demanding desktop workflows.
• Pros: Xodo says files are TLS-protected and deleted after one hour, addressing two practical concerns with uploaded documents.
• Cons: The free compressor allows only one Low-compression action per day, limiting repeat use.
• Cons: High compression requires a 3-day trial, so it is not an unrestricted free option.

Alternatives

Compare PDF compression software if you want to consider a wider set of tools. PDF Candy is another freemium option across desktop, mobile, and web, but its free plan has page and hourly restrictions, a limited file size, and no batch processing. PDF24 Compare PDF is worth considering if you want a free option with no limits, registration, or time restrictions; it is supported by advertising.

PDF2Go is a cross-platform freemium alternative whose free plan provides access to most tools with limited file processing. Smallpdf may suit users who want a 7-day free trial and 30 free tools, though it supports fewer platforms than Xodo. AvePDF offers 50+ document tools on its free plan, with two processing operations per six hours, a 128 MB maximum file size, and ten files per processing.

PDFOptim is a possible alternative for users whose needs fit its free allowance of three operations per day, files up to 25 MB, and private processing. Sejda PDF Editor is another freemium alternative with web and desktop options. FS PDF Compressor is a free desktop alternative for Linux, macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, and Windows 11 x64.

Verdict

Choose Xodo if you want a compressor that can sit inside a cross-platform PDF workflow, especially if you need PDF Studio’s offline tools and batch optimization. The main reason to look elsewhere is the free compressor’s one-action daily limit, particularly if you need regular online compression without committing to a paid plan or trial.