RevPDF vs. Stirling PDF
Side by side, with sources. Checked Oct 3, 2026.
RevPDF
Free desktop
Stirling PDF
Open sourcePrice
Free on Windows, Mac and Linux with every feature and no ads. Phone apps are free with ads, with an optional US$9.99 one-time Premium.Source: revpdf.com
Free for individuals on desktop, web and self-hosted (self-hosted free plan up to 5 users). Team is US$99 a month or US$999 a year for 100 users.from $99/monthSource: stirling.com
Pricing model
Free desktop · Free plan available
Open source · Free plan available
License
ProprietaryProprietary freeware: free to install, use and pass on unchanged, but the source code is not published.
Open core · MITMost code is MIT, but some folders — including the desktop app’s own code — are under Stirling’s proprietary user licence.
Works on
- ✓ Windows
- ✓ Mac
- ✓ Linux
- ✓ iPhone & iPad
- ✓ Android
- – Web browser
- – Your own server
- ✓ Windows
- ✓ Mac
- ✓ Linux
- – iPhone & iPad
- – Android
- ✓ Web browser
- ✓ Your own server
Where your data lives
On your device. There is no account; the app still goes online to check for updates and, on phones, to show ads.
The desktop app works locally by default. The hosted version processes files on Stirling’s servers; self-hosting keeps them on yours.
Getting started
Difficulty: Easy Official installers and app-store listings, no account. Only the direct Windows .exe triggers a SmartScreen warning; the Microsoft Store edition does not.
Difficulty: Easy The desktop app installs like any other and needs no login for local tools. Running your own server with Docker is the advanced path.
Hosted version
NoneRevPDF has no browser version; everything runs on your device.
Stirling CloudFree plan with no card. Files you upload are processed on Stirling’s servers.