Head-to-head · PDF Compression Software
iText pdfOptimizer vs PDF2Go
iText pdfOptimizer leads on 0 checks, PDF2Go on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreiText pdfOptimizer · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly iText pdfOptimizer
iText pdfOptimizer scores higher on our rubric for pdf compression software: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
iText pdfOptimizer is the better fit for developers embedding PDF optimization. PDF2Go is the better fit for users needing target-size compression online.
- iText pdfOptimizer fits best
Developers embedding PDF optimization
- PDF2Go fits best
Users needing target-size compression online
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Side by side
| Feature | iText pdfOptimizer 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | PDF2Go 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #2 in PDF Compression Software | #6 in PDF Compression Software |
| Best for | Developers embedding PDF optimization | Users needing target-size compression online |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Features iText pdfOptimizer 2/3 · PDF2Go 2/3 | ||
| Batch compression | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline desktop app | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| API access | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Compression modes | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Maximum file size | Not checked yet | 50 MB |
| Supported platforms | api, self_hosted | web, windows, macos, linux, ios, android |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | iText pdfOptimizer is a developer-focused add-on for the iText Core PDF library, intended for teams embedding PDF optimization into Java or .NET applications. It can optimize PDFs for file size or processing speed through configurable… Read the review → |
PDF2Go is a browser-based PDF editor, converter, and compression service for individuals, professionals, and organizations. Its compression tools include basic and strong modes, selectable presets, target-size compression, grayscale… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
iText pdfOptimizer — where it wins
- Preset and custom profiles cover high, mid, low, and lossless compression.
- Optimizes images, fonts, streams, color spaces, and document structure.
- Supports batch processing, automation, size checks, and custom reports.
Where it doesn't
- Commercial licensing uses custom or volume-based pricing.
- The AGPLv3 option requires disclosure of the application's full source code.
- Designed for Java and .NET integrations rather than general browser use.
PDF2Go — where it wins
- Compress PDFs to a target file size with selectable presets
- Supports grayscale, image removal, and batch processing
- Works on web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
Where it doesn't
- Free processing is limited, with a 50 MB upload limit
- Paid plans use credits for monthly processing capacity
- Advanced automation and desktop access start on the Pro plan
- iText pdfOptimizer9.1/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A developer-focused PDF optimizer with detailed controls, automation, and flexible licensing.
Visit iTextFull verdict → - PDF2Go8.7/10 · Free plan
A broad PDF toolkit with target-size compression and coverage across web, desktop, and mobile.
Visit PDF2GoFull verdict →
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All PDF compression software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






