PDFgear and Pagestays serve different document needs. Choose Pagestays for supported local page tasks; choose PDFgear when its documented strengths match the work.
What the source says
| Question | PDFgear | Pagestays |
|---|---|---|
| Free access | The secure tools page describes free browser-local processing without a fixed file restriction. | Listed tools are free, with no daily task counter. |
| Paid price | The listed secure tools are free. | No paid plan available. Pro is in development. |
| File handling | The listed secure tools process on the device. Other products and cloud features need their own review. | Local browser processing; document contents are not uploaded. |
Where PDFgear is a better fit
PDFgear is another credible browser-local option. Its editing and desktop offerings may better suit broader annotation or editing needs.
PDFgear should not be grouped with upload-only services. Its secure tools page expressly describes browser processing. That makes the choice between it and Pagestays more about the exact task, interface, and output than about a blanket privacy distinction. A broad claim of no file restrictions still cannot guarantee that a particular phone has enough memory.
Choose based on the output
Run a representative file through each local tool. Compare page fidelity, clarity of error messages, and whether the operation preserves the features your document needs. Review a particular PDFgear tool separately before using optional cloud functionality.
Pagestays can rearrange pages, fill supported existing fields, add a visible signature, and convert pages to images. It cannot edit existing paragraphs, create certificate signatures, or validate archival conformance. If one of those is the actual task, a broader product can be the better choice even when a free page tool is available.
How to read this comparison
This is a source review, not a claim that every paid feature was personally tested. Vendor statements are dated, and account-specific limits can differ. An unverified amount is left unquoted. A deletion window for processed files should not be applied to saved account documents or backups unless the vendor explicitly says so.
Prices and features checked on 2026-10-29. Spotted something out of date? Email contact@pagestays.com.
Product update, October 30, 2026: Pagestays also offers printed-text OCR and smart split locally. Vendor facts and their checked dates above are unchanged.