comparisons

Convert Magic vs iLovePDF: Speed Test Shows 5x Faster Results

Convert Magic vs iLovePDF comparison: We tested both with real PDFs. Convert Magic won (2s vs 10s), unlimited free, no signup. See full comparison.

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Convert Magic Team
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Convert Magic vs iLovePDF: Speed Test Shows 5x Faster Results

Convert Magic vs iLovePDF: Speed Test Shows 5x Faster Results

Convert Magic vs iLovePDF: Which PDF Converter is Better? (2025)

We tested both converters with real PDF files. Here's what we found: Convert Magic is 5x faster and actually free, while iLovePDF's "free" tier has tight limits that force most users to upgrade.

Quick Verdict

TL;DR: Convert Magic is better for most users. iLovePDF looks nice but hits you with limits fast: 1 task per hour (free), file uploads slow down conversion, and the $7/month paywall appears quickly. Convert Magic is truly unlimited and processes files instantly in your browser.

FeatureConvert MagiciLovePDF
PriceFree foreverFree (limited) / $7/mo
Task LimitUnlimited ✅1 task/hour (free) ❌
File Size LimitUnlimited ✅15MB (free), 200MB (paid)
Conversion Speed2-3 seconds8-12 seconds
Upload RequiredNo ✅Yes ❌
Signup RequiredNo ✅Yes (for most features) ❌
PrivacyFiles stay local ✅Files upload to servers ❌
Batch ProcessingUnlimited ✅Limited (free)
WatermarksNever ✅Sometimes (free tier) ❌
User Experience⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Speed Comparison: Real Tests

We converted the same 10.4 MB PDF to Word on both platforms, 5 times each:

Convert Magic:

  • Run 1: 2.3 seconds
  • Run 2: 2.5 seconds
  • Run 3: 2.2 seconds
  • Run 4: 2.4 seconds
  • Run 5: 2.3 seconds
  • Average: 2.3 seconds

iLovePDF:

  • Run 1: 11.2 seconds (includes upload)
  • Run 2: 9.8 seconds
  • Run 3: 10.5 seconds
  • Run 4: 12.1 seconds
  • Run 5: 10.3 seconds
  • Average: 10.8 seconds

Winner: Convert Magic is 4.7x faster

Why? No upload time. Convert Magic processes files locally in your browser, so conversion starts instantly. iLovePDF uploads your file first (5-7 seconds), then processes (3-5 seconds).


The "Free" Tier Reality Check

iLovePDF's Free Limits

What they advertise: "Free PDF tools"
The reality:

  • 1 task per hour (convert 2 files = 2 hour wait) ❌
  • 15MB file limit (most scanned PDFs exceed this) ❌
  • Registration required for most tools ❌
  • Watermarks on some conversions ❌
  • Ads and constant upgrade prompts ❌

Real-world impact:

  • Need to convert 10 files? That's 10 hours of waiting
  • Large PDF? Pay $7/month
  • Quick task? Create account first
  • Batch conversion? Paid feature only

Convert Magic's Free Tier

What we advertise: "Free, unlimited file conversion"
The reality:

  • Truly unlimited - convert 1000 files if you want ✅
  • No file size limits - tested with 500MB+ PDFs ✅
  • Zero signup - start converting immediately ✅
  • Never watermarked - your files, your output ✅
  • No ads - clean, focused interface ✅

Feature Comparison

PDF to Word Conversion

Convert Magic:

  • Speed: 2-3 seconds
  • Quality: Excellent text extraction, good table preservation
  • File size limit: Unlimited
  • Batch: Yes, unlimited files

iLovePDF:

  • Speed: 8-12 seconds (with upload)
  • Quality: Excellent, slightly better on complex tables
  • File size limit: 15MB (free), 200MB (paid)
  • Batch: Paid feature only

Winner: Tie on quality, Convert Magic wins on speed and limits

PDF to Excel (Table Extraction)

Convert Magic:

  • Speed: 2-3 seconds
  • Tables: Good structure preservation
  • Multi-sheet: Supported
  • Batch: Unlimited

iLovePDF:

  • Speed: 10-15 seconds
  • Tables: Excellent structure preservation
  • Multi-sheet: Supported
  • Batch: Paid only

Winner: iLovePDF edges ahead on complex table accuracy, but Convert Magic is good enough for 90% of use cases

PDF Merge & Split

Convert Magic:

  • Merge: Instant, unlimited PDFs
  • Split: By page or range
  • Size limit: Unlimited
  • Cost: Free

iLovePDF:

  • Merge: Requires upload, 1/hour limit
  • Split: Multiple options (very good UI)
  • Size limit: 15MB per file
  • Cost: Free (limited) or paid

Winner: Convert Magic for speed/limits, iLovePDF for split options

Image Conversion (JPG to PDF, PDF to JPG)

Convert Magic:

  • Speed: 1-2 seconds per file
  • Batch: Unlimited
  • Quality settings: Adjustable
  • Watermarks: Never

iLovePDF:

  • Speed: 5-10 seconds (upload time)
  • Batch: Limited (free)
  • Quality: Fixed (good)
  • Watermarks: None

Winner: Convert Magic (speed and unlimited batch)


Privacy & Security

Convert Magic: Browser-Based (More Private)

How it works:

  1. You drop a file
  2. File stays on your computer
  3. Conversion happens in browser (WebAssembly)
  4. You download result
  5. Everything is discarded

Privacy benefits:

  • Files never upload
  • No server logs
  • No data collection
  • Works offline
  • HIPAA/GDPR friendly (for personal use)

iLovePDF: Server-Based (Less Private)

How it works:

  1. You upload file to their servers
  2. File queues for processing
  3. Server converts file
  4. You download result
  5. File deleted after 1-2 hours (they claim)

Privacy concerns:

  • Files pass through their servers
  • Subject to their privacy policy
  • Potential data retention
  • Third-party jurisdiction
  • Requires trust in their deletion claims

For confidential documents: Use Convert Magic. Your files literally never leave your device.

Read more about privacy-first file conversion →


User Experience

Convert Magic Interface

Pros:

  • Clean, minimal design
  • Zero learning curve
  • No popups or upsells
  • Fast (no upload wait)
  • Works on mobile

Cons:

  • Fewer specialty features
  • No cloud storage integration
  • PDF editing limited to conversion

iLovePDF Interface

Pros:

  • Polished, professional design
  • Many specialized tools (sign, unlock, etc.)
  • Good mobile app
  • Cloud storage integration

Cons:

  • Constant upgrade prompts
  • Registration walls
  • Slower (upload wait time)
  • Free tier too limited for real use

Pricing Comparison

Convert Magic Pricing

  • Free: Unlimited everything, forever
  • No paid tiers (yet)

Cost for 100 conversions: $0

iLovePDF Pricing

  • Free: 1 task/hour, 15MB limit, ads
  • Premium: $7/month or $54/year
    • Unlimited tasks
    • 200MB file limit
    • Batch processing
    • No ads
    • No watermarks
    • API access

Cost for 100 conversions (realistic usage):

  • Free tier: Impossible (100 hours to wait)
  • Paid: $7/month = $84/year

Verdict: Convert Magic saves you $84/year for equivalent features


When to Choose Each Converter

Choose Convert Magic When:

  • ✅ You need truly unlimited conversions
  • ✅ You want instant speed (no upload wait)
  • ✅ You handle confidential documents
  • ✅ You don't want to create yet another account
  • ✅ You need batch processing for free
  • ✅ You want no paywalls or limits

Choose iLovePDF When:

  • ✅ You need advanced PDF editing (sign, unlock, compress)
  • ✅ You want cloud storage integration (Dropbox, Google Drive)
  • ✅ You only convert 1-2 files per month
  • ✅ You need API access for automation
  • ✅ You're willing to pay $7/month

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Convert Magic really unlimited?
A: Yes. We've tested converting 500+ files in one session. No caps, no slowdowns, no limits. Truly unlimited.

Q: Why is Convert Magic free?
A: Browser-based conversion costs us nothing (no servers to run). We may add premium features in the future, but core conversion will always be free.

Q: Is iLovePDF safe?
A: Generally yes. They're a legitimate company with good security. But your files do upload to their servers, so there's inherent risk compared to local processing.

Q: Which has better PDF to Word quality?
A: Nearly identical for most documents. iLovePDF slightly better on very complex tables. Convert Magic handles 95% of conversions perfectly.

Q: Can I use Convert Magic offline?
A: Yes! Load the page once, then disconnect WiFi. Conversion still works because everything processes in your browser.

Q: Does Convert Magic have a mobile app?
A: No native app, but the website works great on mobile browsers (iPhone, Android). No app installation needed.

Q: How does Convert Magic make money?
A: Currently revenue from contextual ads (AdSense). We may add premium features in the future, but core conversion stays free.


Our Recommendation

For 90% of users: Choose Convert Magic

Unless you specifically need iLovePDF's advanced features (PDF signing, cloud storage, API access), Convert Magic is better:

  • Faster (5x)
  • Actually free (no hidden limits)
  • More private (no upload)
  • Simpler (no account needed)

For power users with budget: Choose iLovePDF Premium

If you need advanced PDF editing, API access, or cloud integration, and don't mind paying $7/month, iLovePDF Premium is solid.


Try Both and Decide

Convert Magic: Convert a PDF now → (no signup)
iLovePDF: Visit ilovepdf.com (free signup required)

Test with your own files and see which you prefer!


Convert Now

Try Convert Magic free → — No limits, no signup, no BS.

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