In This Comparison
PDF24 is a well-known free PDF toolkit available as a Windows desktop app and browser version. DuplexReady is a browser-only tool purpose-built for duplex printing. Both are completely free, but they serve different purposes, and this comparison clarifies which is best for double-sided printing.
What Each Tool Is
PDF24 (by Geek Software GmbH) offers a broad PDF toolset: merge, split, compress, convert, edit, sign, and a virtual PDF printer for Windows. It's genuinely capable for general PDF tasks and has a well-regarded free desktop app.
DuplexReady is a browser-based duplex specialist. It auto-detects your printer's output type and reorders your PDF pages so they print correctly on both sides, including on printers without built-in duplexing.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | DuplexReady | PDF24 |
|---|---|---|
| Duplex page order fix | ✓ Core feature | ✗ Not available |
| Manual duplex assistant | ✓ Step-by-step | ✗ No |
| Booklet printing mode | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Virtual PDF printer (Windows) | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| PDF merge / split | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| PDF compress | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Desktop app | ✗ No (browser only) | ✓ Windows app |
| Works on Mac/Linux | ✓ Yes | Web only on Mac |
| No upload needed | ✓ Browser processing | ✗ Server upload |
| Cost | Free | Free |
Duplex Printing: The Critical Test
PDF24 doesn't have a dedicated duplex printing feature. The PDF24 virtual printer (Windows only) lets you print any document to a PDF, but it doesn't solve the page-reordering problem for double-sided printing. If you print your PDF through PDF24 to your physical printer, page order issues remain.
DuplexReady was built specifically for this: it reorders the pages in your PDF so that when you print double-sided, even on a basic printer with a face-down output tray, the pages come out in the correct reading sequence.
Interface & Ease of Use
PDF24's web interface has a clean card-based layout with clearly labeled tools. The desktop app for Windows is more feature-rich but requires installation. Finding the right tool among 25+ options takes a moment.
DuplexReady has a deliberately minimal interface: drag your file, choose your print mode, download or print. First-time users are typically printing correctly within 60 seconds.
Verdict: Different tools, different jobs
PDF24 is better for general PDF work, especially if you want a Windows desktop app. DuplexReady is the clear choice for any double-sided printing task. Both are free, so bookmark both if you do general PDF work and also print duplex.
Stop getting duplex printing wrong
DuplexReady fixes your page order in seconds, free, no install needed.
Try DuplexReady FreeFAQ
Not directly. PDF24 doesn't have a feature to reorder pages for duplex printing or help with manual duplex. Use DuplexReady for that specific task, then use PDF24 for any other PDF manipulation you need.
Yes. PDF24 is completely free with no task limits or paywalls. It's supported by ads. The desktop app for Windows is also free.
DuplexReady runs in any web browser on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook, no installation needed. PDF24 has a native Windows desktop app which offers deeper system integration, but DuplexReady's browser approach works on any platform.