#1 · match 82/100
Stirling PDF
Stirling PDF — often a stronger value alternative.
FOSS
Cheaper than PDFpen / Smile PDF
Mac PDF editing.
Typical price: $129.95/yr · checked 2026-07-27
Top ranked: Stirling PDF (free) · save ~$129.95/yr
Top alternatives (closest match + price)
#2 · match 70/100
LibreOffice Draw
LibreOffice Draw — often a stronger value alternative.
Free
Quick comparison
| Alternative | Price | Match | Est. savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDFpen / Smile PDF (paid) | $129.95/yr | — | — | |
| Free | 82 | $129.95/yr | Open | |
| Free | 70 | $129.95/yr | Open |
We may earn a commission on some links. Approximate seed pricing — verify on vendor site
FAQ — PDFpen / Smile PDF alternatives
What is the best free alternative to PDFpen / Smile PDF?
Stirling PDF is ranked #1 free/cheap match for PDFpen / Smile PDF on CheaperThan (match score 82).
How much can I save switching from PDFpen / Smile PDF?
Compared with PDFpen / Smile PDF's listed price, top alternative Stirling PDF can save about $129.95 per year (approximate; verify current vendor pricing).
Are cheaper alternatives as good as PDFpen / Smile PDF?
Match scores estimate feature/use-case fit, not perfection. Always trial free tiers before migrating critical work.
How do I list my product as an alternative to PDFpen / Smile PDF?
Use List your tool ($9–$49 via PayPal) or Submit for free moderation. Paid placements get faster visibility next to switch-intent searches.
Is your tool a better PDFpen / Smile PDF alternative?
Get in front of people searching free/cheaper swaps — from $9 via PayPal.