iLovePDF uploads your entire PDF to their servers. SafeRedact keeps your files in your browser. Here's how they compare for document redaction.
| Feature | SafeRedact | iLovePDF |
|---|---|---|
| File Upload | Files stay in browser | Full file uploaded to servers |
| Data Retention | No file storage | 2 hours on their servers |
| AI Detection | Yes (Claude AI) | No - manual only |
| Redaction Type | Permanent (pixel-level) | Permanent |
| OCR Support | Yes (in-browser) | Yes (Premium only) |
| Starting Price | $12 (Day Pass) | Free / $48/year Premium |
| Best For | Privacy-conscious users, sensitive documents | Casual PDF tasks, compression, merging |
Source: iLovePDF official documentation
iLovePDF requires you to find and select every piece of sensitive information manually. SafeRedact's AI does the heavy lifting.
Time: 15-30 minutes per document
Time: 2-3 minutes per document
How each tool handles your sensitive documents during the redaction process.
The technology behind each tool determines what gets found and what gets missed.
Pattern-based detection requires you to define search terms:
AI understands context and meaning:
Beyond the sticker price, consider the true cost of each solution.
| Factor | iLovePDF | SafeRedact |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $48/year | $4.99 day pass / $99/year |
| Time per document | 10-30 min (manual review) | ~30 seconds (AI-powered) |
| Setup required | Account creation | None (browser-based) |
| Free option | Limited trial | Unlimited (watermark) |
Bottom Line: SafeRedact AI detection can save hours of manual review time. The $4.99 day pass is often more cost-effective than annual subscriptions for occasional use.
| Plan | SafeRedact | iLovePDF |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Unlimited (with watermark) | Limited features + ads |
| Pay-as-you-go | $12 Day Pass | Not available |
| Monthly | $29/month | $7/month (billed annually) |
| Annual | $199/year | $48/year |
Note: iLovePDF is a general PDF tool with manual redaction. SafeRedact is specialized for AI-powered secure redaction.
Yes. When you use iLovePDF's online tools, your entire PDF file is uploaded to their servers. Files are automatically deleted after 2 hours (or 1 month for signed documents).
No. Your PDF file stays in your browser. SafeRedact only sends extracted text to AI for PII detection. The actual file never leaves your device.
No. iLovePDF's redaction tool is manual only - you must find and select every piece of sensitive information yourself. SafeRedact uses AI to automatically detect SSNs, names, addresses, and other PII.
SafeRedact includes AI-powered detection (which costs money to run) and keeps your files local. iLovePDF is a general-purpose PDF tool without AI features. If you need secure, automated redaction, SafeRedact's pricing reflects that value.
See if it fits your workflow. No account required for the free tier.