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PDF · PDF Encryptor

A PDF24 Alternative: VadeKit PDF Encryptor

Looking for a PDF24 alternative for password-protecting PDFs? PDF24 is unusual among PDF web tools in that it's genuinely free, with a free desktop app (PDF24 Creator) that also runs locally - so the gap isn't privacy, it's that PDF24 is a single-purpose, ad-supported tool. VadeKit's PDF Encryptor adds or removes a password locally, as one of six PDF tools in the same $24 app, with no ads.

VadeKit PDF Encryptor screenshot
VadeKitPDF24
Where files are processed (web tool)N/A - VadeKit is desktop-onlyUploaded to PDF24’s servers (web version)
Free local desktop optionYes - included in the $24 purchaseYes - PDF24 Creator is free
Price$24 once, every tool includedFree (ad-supported)
Remove a password (decrypt)YesYes
Batch encrypt/decryptYes - a whole folder, one password applied to allYes
Other PDF tools includedMerger, Splitter, Compressor, Watermark, OCR Reader - one price40+ tools, one free app

PDF24 Creator is a genuinely free, local, ad-supported alternative with a much wider tool set (40+ tools) than VadeKit’s PDF domain alone - if free and broad is what you want, it’s a strong choice. VadeKit’s case is a cleaner, ad-free single app that also covers Images, Data, Documents, Media and Productivity in the same $24, not just PDFs.

Buy VadeKit for $24Visit PDF24 →

Why choose VadeKit's PDF Encryptor

VadeKit's PDF Encryptor is one tool inside a single $24 app that also handles images, spreadsheets, documents and media - not just PDFs - with no ads in the interface, and it batch-encrypts or batch-decrypts a whole folder with one password applied to every file.

When PDF24 still makes sense

PDF24 is hard to beat on pure value for PDF-only work: it's free, has a local desktop app, and covers over 40 PDF tools. If PDFs are all you need, it's a legitimate free option.

See the full PDF Encryptor feature tour in VadeKit.

Frequently asked questions

Is PDF24 actually free?

Yes - PDF24's web tools and its PDF24 Creator desktop app are both free to use, supported by ads on the website.

What does VadeKit offer that a free tool like PDF24 doesn’t?

VadeKit bundles PDF tools alongside Images, Data, Documents, Media and Productivity tools in one ad-free $24 app, rather than a single-purpose PDF tool.

Can VadeKit remove a PDF password as well as add one?

Yes - VadeKit’s PDF Encryptor has both Encrypt and Decrypt modes in the same tool.

Can VadeKit encrypt a whole folder of PDFs at once?

Yes - dropping more than one PDF switches VadeKit’s PDF Encryptor into batch mode, applying the same password to every file in one run.

Pricing and feature details for PDF24 were checked against their own site and may have changed since - always confirm on PDF24’s pricing page before deciding.