TL;DR: If your workflow is mostly PDF-only and you already know iLovePDF, it remains a practical choice. If you want one place for PDF, image, video, and audio conversion with AI transcription and browser-first handling, FastlyConvert is usually the better long-term fit.
Neither tool is perfect for every case, so the right answer depends on whether you value depth in PDF workflows or breadth across file types.
FastlyConvert vs iLovePDF: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | FastlyConvert | iLovePDF |
|---|---|---|
| Core features | 40+ tools across PDF, image, video, and audio, plus AI transcription | Strong PDF toolkit focused on common document tasks |
| Pricing | Free tier plus Pro plan (check current pricing on site) | Free tier plus premium plans (check current pricing on site) |
| Privacy approach | Browser-first processing where possible, 24h auto-delete policy | Cloud processing model for many tasks with stated retention policies |
| Format support | PDF, image, video, audio, speech/transcription formats | Mainly PDF and document-adjacent formats |
| Typical speed | Fast for small to medium files; depends on conversion complexity | Fast for standard PDF actions; can vary by queue and file size |
PDF Conversion Quality
For standard jobs like PDF to Word, merge, split, and compression, both tools handle typical office documents well. The biggest differences appear when files include mixed media workflows after PDF conversion.
In practical use, iLovePDF is reliable for PDF-only pipelines, while FastlyConvert is useful when your process does not stop at PDF and continues into image cleanup, video extraction, or audio handling in the same session.
Privacy & Security
FastlyConvert emphasizes a browser-first model and advertises automatic file deletion after 24 hours. That setup can be useful for teams that prefer shorter cloud file lifetime and minimal account friction.
iLovePDF publishes its own privacy and retention terms and is widely used, but it is still important to review both products policies before uploading sensitive contracts, health records, or legal documents.
Pricing
Both products use a free-plus-paid structure, but plan details can change. Instead of relying on screenshots or old reviews, check both pricing pages directly before deciding.
The meaningful comparison is feature-to-cost for your exact workload: occasional single-file conversion, recurring batch jobs, or mixed media work that may require more than PDF tools.
Format Support
This is where the gap is easiest to see. iLovePDF is intentionally PDF-centric, which is great if PDF is your whole workflow.
FastlyConvert covers PDF plus image, video, and audio conversions, including speech-to-text and AI transcription use cases, so you can avoid jumping between multiple services.
User Experience
Both interfaces are straightforward: upload, choose action, download result. iLovePDF benefits from familiarity and a focused toolset.
FastlyConvert is better suited to users who want one consistent interface across many formats and multilingual support (7 languages) without context-switching to separate niche tools.
When to Use Each Tool
Choose FastlyConvert if:
- You regularly work across PDF, image, video, and audio formats in one workflow.
- You want integrated AI transcription and speech tools alongside document conversion.
- You prefer browser-first handling and a clear 24-hour file auto-delete policy.
Choose iLovePDF if:
- Your needs are mostly PDF-only and you value a narrowly focused interface.
- You already have established team habits around iLovePDF operations.
- You do not need video/audio conversion or transcription features.
Practical tip: Run one real sample file through both tools before you commit. A 2-minute test on your own document is more reliable than any feature checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FastlyConvert better than iLovePDF for PDF to Word? expand_more
For simple documents, both can work well. FastlyConvert tends to be the better choice when your workflow continues beyond PDF into image, audio, or video steps.
Which tool is more private for sensitive files? expand_more
Both provide privacy documentation, but implementation differs. FastlyConvert highlights browser-first processing and 24-hour auto-delete; always verify each policy for your compliance needs.
Do I need a paid plan for occasional conversions? expand_more
Usually no. Both offer free usage for light workloads, but limits vary. Check each site for current free-tier caps and premium features.
Can iLovePDF handle audio or video conversion too? expand_more
Not as a core focus. iLovePDF is primarily PDF-oriented, while FastlyConvert includes dedicated audio/video tools and transcription features.