Why it's a strong pick

Smallpdf puts its toolkit next to the PDF you already have open. When you open a PDF in Chrome, the extension adds a "Smallpdf Tools" tab on the left, so the next step is one click away. The extension itself is free. The trade-off is the free tier: Smallpdf says free accounts get limited access and a small number of tasks per day, and Pro unlocks unlimited use.

What it does

The extension adds a tools tab to PDFs you open in Chrome. From there you can compress, convert, merge, split, e-sign and edit. It also has chat with PDF and AI summarize. Smallpdf also offers a Google Workspace app alongside the Chrome extension.

Key features

Tools tab. A "Smallpdf Tools" tab appears on the left when you open a PDF in Chrome.
Compress, convert, merge and split. The core jobs.
E-sign and edit. Sign and edit from the same toolset.
AI tools. Chat with a PDF and get an AI summary.
Google Workspace app. Smallpdf also offers it alongside the Chrome extension.
Pro plan. Smallpdf says Pro unlocks unlimited use of the tools.

Who it's for

Smallpdf suits people who handle PDFs now and then and want the tools one click from the page they are reading. The AI chat and summary help if you skim long documents. It is a weaker fit if you do many jobs a day on the free tier. For free viewing, comments and signing, see Adobe Acrobat. For another set of online tools, see Xodo or iLovePDF.

Is the Smallpdf extension free?

The extension is free to install. Smallpdf's own blog says free accounts get limited access to basic features, with a small daily task limit, and that Pro unlocks unlimited use. We do not quote the limit because it can change. Check Smallpdf's current limits before you rely on it for a batch of files.

How long does Smallpdf keep my files?

Smallpdf says most processed files are deleted from its servers after one hour. It also says files you save to an account stay until you delete them, and that files are encrypted in transit with TLS. That is Smallpdf's own description. Read its safety page and privacy policy for the full detail, including how e-sign documents are handled.

What permissions does Smallpdf ask for?

We could not confirm a permission list from Smallpdf, so we do not state one. Check the install prompt before you add the extension. Chrome shows what the extension can access, and you can review it later in your extension settings if an update changes anything.

Do I need an account for Smallpdf?

We could not confirm this. Smallpdf's blog talks about free accounts and what they get, but does not say plainly whether the basic tools work without signing in. Check Smallpdf's site before you start. If you do sign in, files you save to your account stay until you delete them.

FAQ

Who makes Smallpdf? Smallpdf AG, per its own blog.

Does it replace a PDF reader? It adds tools to PDFs you open in Chrome. For plain reading, see PDF Viewer by Mozilla PDF.js.

Can it summarize a PDF? Smallpdf lists AI summarize and chat with PDF. Check what your plan allows.

Good to know

Check the daily task limit before a big job. Smallpdf's own blog gives a small number of free tasks per day, so the free tier suits occasional use.

Do not upload sensitive documents unless you have read Smallpdf's privacy policy. Files are processed on its servers, and any deletion timing is Smallpdf's own claim.

Other pdf viewers & editors to compare

Smallpdf is one of 7 picks in our PDF Viewers & Editors guide, which compares them side by side and explains how to choose. The other picks:

Adobe Acrobat: Adobe's own Chrome extension. Free to view, comment, fill and sign. Convert and compress tools need a paid plan or trial.
Xodo: Online PDF tools from Xodo, part of Apryse. Edit, convert, compress, merge, redact and sign. Free use is limited per day.
iLovePDF: PDF tools from ILOVEPDF S.L., the company behind ilovepdf.com. Merge, split, compress, convert, protect, sign and OCR.
Kami: A PDF and document annotation tool for classrooms. The Chrome extension is free, with basic markup tools and Google Classroom support. Some tools are paid.
Enhanced PDF Viewer: A PDF reader for Chrome from PlugMonkey, built on the PDF.js engine. Keyboard shortcuts, presentation mode, text-to-speech and smart printing.
PDF Viewer by Mozilla PDF.js: An open-source extension that opens PDFs in the PDF.js viewer instead of Chrome's built-in one.

Also see: Best Chrome extensions for students.