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Best PDF Compression Software in 2026

PDF compression software is for reducing file sizes, and the listed specifications help you compare how each option handles that task. Compression modes and batch compression describe available approaches; maximum file size and offline desktop app availability can matter for your documents and working setup. Compare supported platforms and API access as well, and weigh free plans against paid-from pricing. PDF Candy, PDF24 Compare PDF, and PDF2Go are among the entries, along with Xodo Compress PDF. Think about the kinds of files you need to process and whether you want compression to happen through a desktop app or another listed platform.

39 apps
Research read 23 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

BentoPDF Hyper Compress

Free plan Open source APIExtensionLinux+4

Hyper Compress offers several integration forms and a lossless option, with licensing that depends on how it is used or distributed.

9.2 Free plan · paid from $99/yr Visit site
2

AvePDF

Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+1

AvePDF covers common PDF tasks and conversion across a wide range of formats, with cloud upload and save options.

7.6 Free plan Visit site
3

Compressify

Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+1

Choose Compressify if you need image compression across web and mobile, batch PDF processing, or its Figma and WordPress workflows.

7.6 Free plan Visit site
4

Compresto

Free plan APIExtensioniPhone+2

Compresto combines broad file-format support with offline batch processing on macOS.

7.5 From $49 Visit site
5

Foxit PDF Compressor

Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

Foxit offers a no-cost online option for individual files and desktop tools for batch and offline compression. Check the file limit and the different paid-plan features before choosing an option.

7.5 Pricing on request Visit site
6

HankPDF

Free plan APILinuxMac+2

Choose HankPDF for local, open-source compression of scanned PDFs, especially when searchable output and command-line or Python access matter.

7.4 Open source Visit site
7

iLovePDF
by iLovePDF
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

iLovePDF covers common PDF tasks alongside form creation, AI tools, and an offline desktop app.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
8

11zon Compress PDF

Free plan Web

11zon Compress PDF provides browser-based compression, batch handling, and control over output size at no charge.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
9

FS PDF Compressor

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

FS PDF Compressor offers local PDF compression, batch input, and safeguards against replacing a larger original with a smaller result.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
10

gs-batch-pdf

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose gs-batch-pdf if you want a free command-line utility for parallel PDF batches, with recursive processing and flexible file handling.

7.3 Open source Visit site
11

Adobe PDF Services API
by Adobe
Free plan Web

Adobe PDF Services API covers document creation, conversion, page operations, and template-based generation.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
12

PDF2Go
by PDF2Go
Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+5

PDF2Go covers common PDF edits alongside tools such as OCR, redaction, and translation. The Free plan has limited processing; higher file and batch limits are listed for paid plans.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
13

PDF Candy
by PDF Candy
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

PDF Candy combines a broad set of PDF tools with AI features and cloud storage connections.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $6/mo Visit site
14

iText pdfOptimizer

Free plan APISelf-hosted

Choose iText pdfOptimizer if you need a Java or .NET add-on for configurable, automated PDF optimization and batch processing.

7.1 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
15

Free PDF Compressor

Free plan Windows

Free PDF Compressor provides a simple PDF-size reduction workflow with preset choices that trade image quality against output size.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
16

PDFOptim

Free plan iPhoneMacWeb+1

PDFOptim combines PDF editing tools with browser-based and native offline options.

7.0 Free plan · paid from $4.99/mo Visit site
17

Sejda PDF Editor
by Sejda PDF Editor
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

7.0 Free plan Visit site
18

Online2PDF

Free plan Web

Online2PDF brings a broad set of PDF tasks into a web service, with batch support and a free plan. Its lack of API, local software, and automated bulk processing limits it for repeatable workflows.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
19

PDFOptim

Free plan iPhoneMacWindows

Pick PDFOptim if you want local PDF optimization with automatic methods, detailed controls, or batch processing on a Mac.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
20

Smallpdf
by Smallpdf
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1

Smallpdf brings a broad set of PDF tasks together, including OCR, annotations, document signing and file sharing across devices.

6.9 Free plan · paid from $7/user/mo (annual) · 7-day trial Visit site
21

Xodo Compress PDF

Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+6

Xodo pairs a simple online compressor with a larger collection of document tools across web, desktop, and mobile.

6.9 Free plan · paid from $7.99/mo (annual) · 3-day trial Visit site
22

Online PDF Compressor

Free plan Web

Choose Online PDF Compressor for browser-based PDF compression without an account or installation, with three compression levels and a 100 MB file limit.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
23

PDF Compressor by DocuPub

Free plan WebWindows

Choose PDF Compressor by DocuPub for free browser-based compression with controls over images, PDF compatibility, and removable content.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
24

PDFLight

Free plan MacWindows

PDFLight offers local, offline PDF compression on Windows and macOS, with a free plan for core features.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
25

presse

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

presse covers PDF compression, merging, and image conversion in a free command-line tool. Note that CMYK images are skipped during compression, and GPU acceleration requires a custom build.

6.8 Open source Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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