Best pdf-cli Alternatives in 2026
The top pdf-cli alternatives are BentoPDF Hyper Compress, iText pdfOptimizer and PDFOptim: 15 PDF compression software our editors would look at instead of pdf-cli, in our ranking order.
pdf-cli: A broad local PDF CLI for batch compression and document workflows. Where it falls short: no graphical desktop application.
Switching from pdf-cli? For most pdf compression software buyers the best pdf-cli alternative is BentoPDF Hyper Compress, built for developers needing flexible, private compression. On a budget, PDFOptim starts at $4.99/mo. PDF2Go offers the most maximum file size (50 MB).
Why People Look for a pdf-cli Alternative
- No graphical desktop application
- Compression controls are not detailed
- Workflow is CLI-based rather than programmatic
- No offline desktop app — 10 of the alternatives below have it
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallBentoPDF Hyper Compress9.3
Developers needing flexible, private compression
Visit BentoPDF Hyper Compress - Lowest pricePDFOptim9.0
Paid plans from $4.99/mo
Visit PDFOptim - Best free optionBentoPDF Hyper Compress9.3
Has a free plan
Visit BentoPDF Hyper Compress - Most maximum file sizePDF2Go8.7
50 MB
Visit PDF2Go - Best for offline desktop appPDFOptim9.0
Offline desktop app (pdf-cli: no)
Visit PDFOptim
All 15 pdf-cli Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forDevelopers needing flexible, private compression
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 7.5
A flexible compression engine with private processing and developer-focused interfaces.
- API access
9.3/10★★★★★Visit BentoPDF -
Best forDevelopers embedding PDF optimization
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 7.5
A developer-focused PDF optimizer with detailed controls, automation, and flexible licensing.
- API access
- Batch compression
9.1/10★★★★★Visit iText -
Best forUsers wanting previews and cross-platform workflows
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Offline desktop app
- Editor score 9.0 vs 7.5
A flexible PDF compressor with previews, batch processing, and cross-platform coverage.
- Offline desktop app
- Batch compression
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit PDFOptim -
Best forPrivacy-focused users wanting free desktop compression
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Offline desktop app
- Editor score 8.9 vs 7.5
A privacy-focused, open-source desktop compressor with batch workflows and three quality profiles.
- Offline desktop app
- Batch compression
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit GitHub -
Best forBusinesses automating PDF compression workflows
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 7.5
A paid PDF automation API with compression controls, integrations, and self-hosted support.
- API access
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit PDF.co -
Best forUsers needing target-size compression online
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Offline desktop app
- Editor score 8.7 vs 7.5
A broad PDF toolkit with target-size compression and coverage across web, desktop, and mobile.
- Offline desktop app
- Batch compression
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit PDF2Go -
Best forUsers wanting compression across many devices
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Offline desktop app
- Editor score 8.6 vs 7.5
A flexible PDF compressor for users moving between web, desktop, and mobile.
- Offline desktop app
- Batch compression
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Xodo -
Best forUsers needing free configurable compression
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Offline desktop app
- Editor score 8.5 vs 7.5
A free, configurable compressor for users who want control beyond basic file shrinking.
- API access
- Offline desktop app
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit DocuPub -
Best forEnterprise API-based PDF optimization
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 7.5
A mature API-based optimizer for teams automating detailed PDF size and output controls.
- API access
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit PDF Tools -
Best forWindows users needing technical PDF optimization
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Offline desktop app
- Editor score 8.3 vs 7.5
A focused Windows compressor with deep optimization controls and developer-facing interfaces.
- API access
- Offline desktop app
- Batch compression
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Neevia -
Best forPrivacy-focused scanned-PDF compression
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 7.5
A privacy-focused choice for compressing scanned PDFs locally, in batches or through an API.
- API access
- Batch compression
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit HankPDF -
Best forHigh-volume Windows document operations
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Offline desktop app
- Editor score 8.1 vs 7.5
A Windows-focused compressor for high-volume scanned and born-digital document workflows.
- Offline desktop app
- Batch compression
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Foxit -
Best forWindows users wanting free local PDF utilities
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Offline desktop app
- Editor score 8.0 vs 7.5
A local Windows PDF utility with compression modes, PDF/A conversion, and broad file-management tools.
- Offline desktop app
- Batch compression
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forMac users needing paid local batch compression
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Offline desktop app
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.5
A focused Mac compressor with batch workflows and a one-time price.
- API access
- Offline desktop app
- Batch compression
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Compresto -
Best forEnterprise Windows or Linux optimization
- Better than pdf-cli:
- Offline desktop app
- Editor score 7.8 vs 7.5
A powerful enterprise optimizer for automated PDF workflows, priced for larger teams.
- API access
- Offline desktop app
- Batch compression
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Datalogics
pdf-cli Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to pdf-cli?
BentoPDF Hyper Compress: #1 in our PDF Compression Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.3 out of 10. A flexible compression engine with private processing and developer-focused interfaces.
Is there a free alternative to pdf-cli?
Yes. BentoPDF Hyper Compress, iText pdfOptimizer, PDFOptim, FS PDF Compressor and PDF2Go have a free plan or a free tier (9 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
What is the cheapest paid alternative to pdf-cli?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, PDFOptim starts lowest, at $4.99/mo.
Why do people look for pdf-cli alternatives?
No graphical desktop application; Compression controls are not detailed; Workflow is CLI-based rather than programmatic.
Which pdf-cli alternative has the most maximum file size?
PDF2Go, with 50 MB.
How do I switch from pdf-cli?
Export your data from pdf-cli (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel pdf-cli.
How to Switch from pdf-cli
- Export your data from pdf-cli (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel pdf-cli.
pdf-cli vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Batch compression | Offline desktop app | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | pdf-cli | Free | Yes | No | 7.5 | |
| 1 | BentoPDF Hyper Compress | Yes | $99/yr | 9.3 | ||
| 2 | iText pdfOptimizer | Yes | Free | Yes | 9.1 | |
| 3 | PDFOptim | Yes | $4.99/mo | Yes | Yes | 9.0 |
| 4 | FS PDF Compressor | Yes | Free | Yes | Yes | 8.9 |
| 5 | PDF.co | No | $8.99/mo | 8.8 | ||
| 6 | PDF2Go | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.7 | |
| 7 | Xodo Compress PDF | Yes | $7.99/mo | Yes | Yes | 8.6 |
| 8 | PDF Compressor by DocuPub | Yes | Free | Yes | 8.5 | |
| 9 | 3-Heights PDF Optimizer | No | No | 8.4 | ||
| 10 | Neevia PDFcompress | No | $99 one-time | Yes | Yes | 8.3 |
| 11 | HankPDF | Free | Yes | No | 8.2 | |
| 12 | Foxit PDF Compressor | Yes | Yes | 8.1 | ||
| 13 | MinimalPDF Compress | Yes | Free | Yes | Yes | 8.0 |
| 14 | Compresto | No | $49 one-time | Yes | Yes | 7.9 |
| 15 | Datalogics PDF Optimizer | No | $2,999/yr | Yes | Yes | 7.8 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update