Online converters vs FileSway
A browser converter and an iPhone app fit different jobs. Which one fits depends on the file and where you are working.
Quick answer
Last updated
- Online converters process files on their servers after you upload them; FileSway processes on your iPhone.
- Browser tools are convenient on a computer and cover more formats (including Office and video).
- FileSway focuses on photos, still images and PDFs, with size limits and metadata control.
- FileSway Pro is a one-time purchase; many online tools sell monthly or yearly plans.
Online converter vs FileSway
An online converter is a website that takes your file, processes it, and gives you a download. iLovePDF and Smallpdf are two examples of browser converters. FileSway is an iPhone app for photos, still images and PDFs.
| Feature | Online converter | FileSway |
|---|---|---|
| Where processing happens | On that service’s servers, after you upload the file. | On your iPhone. |
| Upload needed | Yes. The file is uploaded so the service can process it. | No upload to FileSway for document processing. Document processing does not upload your files to our servers. |
| Account | Varies by service. | None. You do not sign up or log in. |
| Formats | Often broader, including Office documents and video. | Photos, still images and PDFs. Not Word, other Office files, or video. |
| Size limits | Varies by service. | Presets from 100 KB to 50 MB, or a custom limit in KB or MB. |
| Cost model | Varies by service: free tiers, or monthly or yearly plans. | Free, plus Pro at $14.99 once in the U.S. No subscription. |
FileSway Pro is a one-time, non-consumable purchase. The U.S. price is $14.99. Prices are set by Apple and can vary by country or region. Pro adds batch conversion (several files in one job), multiple output formats per job, and searchable PDF OCR. The free plan is one input and one output per job, without searchable OCR. A multi-page PDF can still produce more than one result file on the free plan. FileSway pricing. Cloud file providers, Apple purchases and restore, and links you choose to open can still use the internet.
Browser
When an online converter is the better choice
A browser tool is the better fit in a few cases. Use one when it matches the job, and read that service’s own policy before you upload a sensitive file.
- You are on a computer, and the file is already there. A browser is the direct route.
- The file is a Word document, another Office file, or a video. FileSway does not convert those.
- The batch is very large and the files are spread across devices. FileSway works on the iPhone in your hand, so a pile of files that are not on that phone is easier in a browser.
iPhone app
When an on-device app is the better fit
FileSway fits when you are on an iPhone and the file is a photo, a still image, or a PDF. Image conversion, PDF tools and OCR run on your iPhone. Document processing does not upload your files to our servers. There is no account.
- You want a size limit in the same job. Presets run from 100 KB to 50 MB, or you can type your own. Set a limit and we’ll make the file smaller only as needed. Your original stays unchanged.
- You want metadata control. Supported metadata stays unless you remove location, or broader supported metadata, yourself.
- You want searchable text in a PDF. On-device OCR is FileSway Pro, and it can contain errors.
- You would rather pay once than join a monthly or yearly plan. Many online tools sell those plans. Some have a free tier. That varies by service.
Inputs are JPG, PNG, HEIC, TIFF, BMP and unlocked PDFs, from Photos or Files, plus document scan on supported devices. On-device privacy is the longer explanation of what stays on the iPhone. Pricing is Free versus Pro.
Is it safe to upload files to online converters?
Uploading sends the file to that service’s servers so they can process it. Whether that is acceptable depends on the document and on the service’s own policy. This page does not state any company’s rules. FileSway’s document processing does not upload your files to our servers. Image conversion, PDF tools and OCR run on your iPhone. Read on-device privacy.
Which is better on iPhone?
For a photo, a still image, or a PDF that should stay on the iPhone, FileSway is the better fit. For a Word file, a video, or a job you are doing on a computer, an online converter is the better fit. Pricing covers Free and Pro.
Do I need an account for FileSway?
No. You do not sign up or log in. Purchases are handled by Apple.
Can FileSway convert Word or video files?
No. FileSway converts photos, still images and PDFs. It does not convert Word, other Office files, or video. A browser converter is the usual place for those, and what it accepts varies by service.
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