PrivaTools vs Stirling PDF: two open-source, self-hostable PDF suites compared. See which offers more tools, easier setup, and better privacy defaults.
PrivaTools is a free, open-source alternative with 105 file tools, no file limits, no sign-ups, and zero tracking. Compare features, pricing, and privacy practices side by side.
| Feature | PrivaTools | Stirling PDF |
|---|---|---|
| Free to use | Yes — 100% free | Yes |
| No account required | Yes | Yes (self-hosted) |
| No file size limits | Yes (500 MB per file) | Depends on your server |
| No ads | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes (MIT license) | Yes (GPL-3.0) |
| Self-hostable | Yes (Docker) | Yes (Docker required) |
| Files processed privately | Yes (server-side, deleted within minutes) | Yes (your own server) |
| No watermarks on free tier | Yes | Yes |
| 90+ tools (PDF, Image, Video, Dev) | Yes (105 tools) | No (PDF only) |
Unlike Stirling PDF, PrivaTools is 100% free with no premium tiers, no file size limits (up to 500 MB per file), no account required, and no ads. Your files are processed on the server and deleted within minutes — never stored, never shared with third parties. PrivaTools is open source under the MIT license and can be self-hosted via Docker for complete control.