TL;DR: Zamzar is a trusted name with 20 years of history and wide format support. FastlyConvert is newer, faster for browser-first tasks, and adds AI audio tools that Zamzar does not offer. Pick Zamzar for proven reliability across many formats; pick FastlyConvert for speed, privacy, and AI-powered workflows.
Quick Comparison Table
| Category | FastlyConvert | Zamzar |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | 2024 | 2006 |
| Format count | 40+ (PDF, image, video, audio) | 1,200+ claimed across all categories |
| AI features | Speech-to-text, AI transcription, text-to-speech | None |
| Privacy model | Browser-first processing, 24h auto-delete | Server-side processing, files stored temporarily |
| Free tier | Daily conversion limits, no sign-up required | 2 free conversions/day, 50 MB max file size |
| Pricing | Free + Pro subscription | Free + Basic/Pro/Business plans from $18/mo |
| Best for | Speed-focused users, AI audio, privacy-conscious | Broad format needs, legacy file types, established trust |
Format Support
Zamzar's biggest selling point is format coverage. It claims support for over 1,200 file types, including legacy and niche formats like Lotus 1-2-3, older media codecs, and uncommon document types. If you have a file from 2003 that nothing else can open, Zamzar is worth trying.
FastlyConvert focuses on the formats people use most often: PDF conversions (to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, images), common image formats (JPG, PNG, WebP, HEIC, SVG), video (MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV), and audio (MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, OGG). The trade-off is fewer total formats but deeper functionality in each category, particularly audio where AI transcription and text-to-speech are built in.
Speed
This is where the architectural difference matters. FastlyConvert runs certain conversions directly in the browser using WebAssembly. For those tasks, there is no upload wait, no server queue, and no download step for the output. The file stays on your machine and the result appears in seconds.
Zamzar processes everything server-side. You upload the file, wait for it to be queued and processed, then download the result. For small files on a fast connection this is fine, but for users on slower networks or with privacy concerns, the round-trip adds noticeable time and exposure.
AI Features
Zamzar is a format conversion tool and does not include any AI capabilities. It converts audio between formats (MP3, WAV, FLAC, etc.) but cannot transcribe speech, generate captions, or synthesize voice from text.
FastlyConvert includes a suite of AI-powered audio tools: speech-to-text transcription, AI voice generation (text-to-speech), and intelligent audio processing. If your workflow involves podcasts, interviews, meeting recordings, or content creation, these tools eliminate the need for a separate transcription service.
Privacy and File Handling
Zamzar stores uploaded files on its servers during and after conversion. The free tier stores files for 24 hours; paid plans offer longer storage. This is convenient for revisiting conversions but means your files exist on third-party servers.
FastlyConvert takes a different approach. Where technically possible, files are processed in the browser and never uploaded. For server-side conversions, files are deleted automatically within 24 hours with no option to store them longer. Neither approach is universally better, but they reflect different design priorities: convenience vs. minimal data exposure.
Pricing
Zamzar's free tier is limited to 2 conversions per day with a 50 MB file size cap. Paid plans start at around $18/month (Basic) and go up to $70/month (Business) for higher limits and API access. Pricing has increased over the years as the product has matured.
FastlyConvert offers a free tier with daily limits and a Pro plan that unlocks higher limits, priority processing, and AI features. The exact pricing differs, so check both sites for current rates. For light users, FastlyConvert's free tier is more generous; for heavy batch users, both require paid plans.
User Experience
Zamzar's interface has been refined over two decades. It follows a straightforward three-step flow: add files, choose format, convert. The design is clean but functional rather than modern. Paid users get a dashboard to manage conversion history.
FastlyConvert organizes tools by category with dedicated pages for each conversion type. The interface supports 7 languages, uses drag-and-drop upload, and delivers results on the same page. The design is newer and more responsive, though Zamzar's familiarity may matter to long-time users.
When to Use Each Tool
Choose Zamzar if:
- You need to convert an obscure or legacy file format that other tools do not support.
- You value a tool with a 20-year track record and established reputation.
- You want server-side file storage to revisit previous conversions later.
- You need a simple API for automated conversions (available on Business plans).
Choose FastlyConvert if:
- You want faster conversions through browser-first processing.
- You need AI transcription, text-to-speech, or speech-to-text tools.
- You prefer that files are not uploaded to third-party servers when possible.
- You work across PDF, image, video, and audio in a single workflow.
Practical tip: Zamzar is the safe pick for one-off obscure format conversions. FastlyConvert is the better daily driver if your work spans multiple media types and you value speed and privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zamzar still a good file converter in 2026? expand_more
Zamzar remains a reliable option for straightforward file conversions with broad format support. It has been operating since 2006 and handles most common conversion tasks well. However, it lacks AI-powered features like transcription and text-to-speech that newer tools offer.
Does Zamzar have AI transcription or text-to-speech? expand_more
No. Zamzar focuses on file format conversion only. For AI-powered speech-to-text, transcription, or text-to-speech, you would need a separate tool. FastlyConvert includes these features alongside standard format conversion.
Which is faster, FastlyConvert or Zamzar? expand_more
For small to medium files, FastlyConvert is generally faster because some conversions run directly in the browser without uploading. Zamzar processes everything server-side, which adds upload and queue time. For very large files, both depend on server capacity and your connection speed.
Can I use Zamzar without creating an account? expand_more
Yes, Zamzar allows limited free conversions without an account, though files are capped at a smaller size. FastlyConvert also allows free conversions without sign-up. Both tools require accounts for higher limits and premium features.
Which tool is better for privacy-sensitive documents? expand_more
FastlyConvert uses browser-first processing where possible, so some files never leave your device. Zamzar uploads all files to its servers for processing and stores them temporarily. For maximum privacy, browser-first processing offers a stronger guarantee, but always review each tool's current privacy policy.