Soda PDF and Pagestays serve different document needs. Choose Pagestays for supported local page tasks; choose Soda PDF when its documented strengths match the work.
What the source says
| Question | Soda PDF | Pagestays |
|---|---|---|
| Free access | A numeric free quota was not verified in the checked pages. | Listed tools are free, with no daily task counter. |
| Paid price | Paid prices are shown through checkout; no verified amount is quoted. | No paid plan available. Pro is in development. |
| File handling | The compressor states server files are deleted within 24 hours. | Local browser processing; document contents are not uploaded. |
Where Soda PDF is a better fit
Soda Pro combines OCR, forms, batch work, and desktop/browser access.
Soda PDF presents a broader suite alongside individual online tools. Its compression page describes server handling, while its plan page lists additional capabilities. The exact checkout price and applicable usage restrictions should be checked before choosing a paid plan. Pagestays offers a narrower local workflow and does not promise the same compression approach.
Choose based on the output
Compare the quality of a compressed sample, including small text inside scanned images. Do not judge the result solely by the size shown on a marketing page. Inspect the generated output and choose a tool whose handling matches your requirements.
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 Spotted something out of date?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.