InkOut PDF / Compare
InkOut PDF vs Smallpdf for Redacting PDFs
Smallpdf is a full online PDF suite whose Pro plan includes 30+ PDF tools, one of which is Redact PDF. InkOut PDF does one job: it redacts PDFs in your browser without uploading them, then checks the exported file. Choose Smallpdf if you want one subscription for many PDF tasks. Choose InkOut PDF if you mainly need redaction and want the file to stay on your device.
Last checked: 2026-10-20. Smallpdf's features and policies can change; see the sources below.
Quick comparison
| InkOut PDF | Smallpdf | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Redaction only, plus a free redaction checker | 30+ PDF tools, including Redact PDF (source) |
| Where your file goes | Processed in your browser; never uploaded | Smallpdf's redact page says "Simply upload, remove sensitive data, and save," that files are deleted "after one hour of processing," and that "all processing happens on secure servers." The same page also says "Process files 100% in your browser" (source) |
| Sign-up | Not required | Not required to redact, according to Smallpdf (source) |
| Free use | Up to 5 pages per file, manual boxes, automatic check | "Some usage limits for free users" (source) |
| Paid plan | Pro: $4.99 24-hour pass (one-time) or Pro Monthly at $7.99 per month (InkOut PDF pricing) | Smallpdf Pro, with a 7-day free trial; prices on Smallpdf's pricing page |
| How redaction works | Redacted pages are rebuilt as images with the boxes burned in; metadata isn't carried over | Smallpdf says its redaction "eliminates content" rather than covering it (source). We haven't tested its output |
| Automatic check of the output | Yes. Checks redacted pages for extractable text and scans the whole output file for the text you covered; download stays disabled if a check fails | Not described on Smallpdf's redact page |
| Keyword search | Pro, on PDFs with real text (no OCR) | Not checked |
| Security statements | No upload; no ads shown and no cookies set by InkOut (privacy) | TLS encryption, GDPR compliance and ISO/IEC 27001 certification, according to Smallpdf (source) |
Where your file goes
This is the main difference. InkOut PDF processes the PDF in your browser. In our own test on 2026-10-20, opening, redacting and downloading a file sent no upload requests: the only network requests were for the site's own code.
Smallpdf describes uploading your file and processing it on its servers, with automatic deletion after one hour, although its redact page also mentions processing "100% in your browser." If it matters for your document, check Smallpdf's current documentation or ask Smallpdf which applies to the redaction tool.
Free limits and pricing
InkOut PDF is free for files up to 5 pages with manual boxes. Pro adds unlimited pages, keyword redaction and multiple files, for $4.99 as a 24-hour pass (one-time, no subscription) or $7.99 per month as Pro Monthly (renews monthly, cancel anytime). Smallpdf offers free use with limits and a Pro subscription with a 7-day free trial; see its pricing page for current prices in your region.
Output and checks
Both tools say they remove the content rather than cover it. InkOut PDF rebuilds each redacted page as an image, so text on those pages can't be selected or searched afterwards, and after export it scans the whole output file for the text you covered before you download. Whichever tool you use, search the final file for the redacted words, or run it through the free redaction checker.
When to choose Smallpdf
- You want one subscription for many PDF tasks: converting, compressing, editing, signing.
- You work across devices. Smallpdf says its tool works on Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.
- You're comfortable with your file being processed under Smallpdf's security and deletion policies.
When to choose InkOut PDF
- You mainly need redaction and want the file to stay on your device.
- You want an automatic check of the export before you download it.
- You need a one-off job and prefer a 24-hour pass to a subscription.
FAQ
Does Smallpdf upload my file?
Smallpdf's redact page describes uploading files, processing them on secure servers and deleting them after one hour, though it also mentions processing in your browser. InkOut PDF processes files in your browser and never uploads them.
Is Smallpdf redaction permanent?
Smallpdf says its redaction removes the content rather than covering it. We haven't tested its output. Whichever tool you use, search the exported file for the redacted words before you share it.
Which is free?
Both have a free option. InkOut PDF is free for files up to 5 pages with manual boxes. Smallpdf offers free use with some usage limits, and a Pro plan with a 7-day free trial.
Which is better for confidential documents?
If you'd rather the file never leave your device, InkOut PDF is built for that. If you're comfortable with server processing under Smallpdf's security and deletion policies, either can work. Always check the output.
Sources (checked 2026-10-20)
- Smallpdf, Redact PDF page (all quotes: upload, one-hour deletion, "secure servers", "100% in your browser", no signup, free usage limits, Pro "unlimited redactions and access to 30+ PDF tools", TLS / GDPR / ISO/IEC 27001, Mac/Windows/Linux/iOS/Android): https://smallpdf.com/redact-pdf
- Smallpdf pricing ("Try 7 Days Free"; prices are loaded dynamically and weren't captured): https://smallpdf.com/pricing
- https://smallpdf.com/security returned 404 on 2026-10-20, so it isn't cited.
- InkOut PDF: https://inkoutpdf.com/pricing, https://inkoutpdf.com/privacy, https://inkoutpdf.com/terms §3