TL;DR: CloudConvert is the stronger choice for developers who need a REST API and support for 200+ formats. FastlyConvert is better for everyday users who want browser-first privacy, AI-powered audio tools, and a simpler interface without writing code.
Quick Comparison Table
| Category | FastlyConvert | CloudConvert |
|---|---|---|
| Format count | 40+ across PDF, image, video, audio | 200+ including CAD, ebook, vector, and legacy types |
| API access | Browser-based tool, no public API | Full REST API with webhooks and S3/Azure integration |
| Privacy model | Browser-first processing, 24h auto-delete | Cloud processing on EU servers, files deleted after task |
| AI features | Speech-to-text, AI transcription, text-to-speech | None (format conversion only) |
| Pricing | Free tier + Pro subscription | 25 free minutes/day + prepaid packages or subscriptions |
| Best for | Individuals, content creators, everyday use | Developers, automated pipelines, enterprise integrations |
Format Support
CloudConvert lists over 200 supported formats. That includes niche types like DWG (CAD drawings), EPUB (ebooks), AI/EPS (vector graphics), and legacy office formats. If you need to convert an obscure file type, CloudConvert is more likely to handle it.
FastlyConvert covers the formats most people actually use day to day: PDF to Word, image resizing and format swaps (JPG, PNG, WebP, HEIC), video conversion (MP4, MOV, AVI), and a full suite of audio tools including MP3, WAV, FLAC, and AAC. The difference is not just fewer formats but a different focus: depth in media workflows rather than breadth in file type coverage.
API and Developer Tools
This is where CloudConvert pulls ahead for technical users. It offers a well-documented REST API, webhook callbacks, and direct integrations with cloud storage providers like Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, and Azure Blob. You can build automated conversion pipelines that trigger on file upload and deliver results without human interaction.
FastlyConvert does not offer a public API. It is designed for direct browser use: open the page, drop your file, get the result. For developers building automated workflows, CloudConvert is the clear winner. For everyone else, the lack of an API is not a limitation because the web interface is the product.
Privacy and File Handling
FastlyConvert emphasizes browser-first processing. Where technically feasible, conversions run in your browser using WebAssembly and JavaScript, which means the file never leaves your device. For conversions that do require server processing, files are auto-deleted within 24 hours.
CloudConvert processes all files on its servers, hosted in the EU (Germany). Files are deleted after the conversion task completes, and CloudConvert publishes a GDPR-compliant privacy policy. Both approaches are legitimate, but they suit different threat models. If your concern is that files should not be uploaded at all, browser-first processing is the stronger guarantee.
Pricing
CloudConvert uses a conversion-minute model. You get 25 free minutes per day, and after that you buy prepaid packages (starting around $8 for 500 minutes) or subscribe monthly. Pricing scales with usage, which suits developers running batch jobs but can be unpredictable for irregular users.
FastlyConvert uses a simpler free-plus-Pro structure. The free tier has daily conversion limits, and the Pro plan unlocks higher limits, priority processing, and access to AI features. Check each site for current pricing since both update their plans periodically.
User Experience
CloudConvert's interface is functional and clean, but it is designed around the conversion task: select input format, select output format, upload, convert. The dashboard is useful for tracking API jobs and managing conversion history.
FastlyConvert groups tools by category (PDF, image, video, audio) and presents each as a dedicated page with drag-and-drop upload. It supports 7 languages natively and keeps the interface consistent across all tool types. The design prioritizes speed for one-off tasks rather than batch management.
When to Use Each Tool
Choose CloudConvert if:
- You need an API to automate file conversions in your application or pipeline.
- You work with niche or legacy formats like DWG, EPUB, or EPS.
- You need cloud storage integrations (S3, Azure, Google Cloud).
- Your team manages high-volume batch conversions programmatically.
Choose FastlyConvert if:
- You want a simple browser tool without setting up API keys or reading docs.
- You prefer browser-first processing for privacy-sensitive files.
- You need AI-powered audio tools like transcription or text-to-speech.
- You convert across multiple media types (PDF, image, video, audio) in one workflow.
Practical tip: If you are not sure whether you need an API, you probably do not. Start with a browser-based tool and move to CloudConvert's API only when you have a repeatable automation need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CloudConvert free to use? expand_more
CloudConvert offers 25 free conversion minutes per day. After that, you need a paid package or subscription. FastlyConvert also has a free tier with daily limits and a Pro plan for heavier usage.
Which tool supports more file formats? expand_more
CloudConvert supports over 200 formats through its API and web interface, covering many niche and legacy types. FastlyConvert focuses on the most-used PDF, image, video, and audio formats with added AI audio tools like transcription and text-to-speech.
Does FastlyConvert have an API like CloudConvert? expand_more
FastlyConvert is primarily a browser-based tool designed for direct use. CloudConvert is built around its REST API and is better suited to automated pipelines and developer integrations.
Which is more private for sensitive files? expand_more
FastlyConvert uses browser-first processing where possible, meaning some conversions run locally without uploading to a server. CloudConvert processes files on its cloud servers in the EU. Both delete files after processing, but the approaches differ. Review each privacy policy for your compliance needs.
Can I use CloudConvert for audio transcription? expand_more
CloudConvert handles audio format conversion (e.g., MP3 to WAV) but does not offer speech-to-text or AI transcription. FastlyConvert includes dedicated AI transcription and text-to-speech tools alongside standard audio conversion.