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If you’re leaving eFax but still need to send and receive faxes, FAX.PLUS is the only direct fax alternative in this list. The other options focus on PDF or document workflows, so they won’t replace a fax service based on the published information. Before switching, check eFax’s page limits and extra fees. One Reddit user reported a $115 number-porting charge; that is an individual report, not a published standard fee.
01Why people leave eFax
A costly number port
One Reddit user reported a $115 eFax number-porting charge. Treat that as an individual complaint, and confirm port-out costs with eFax before switching.
Page limits and extra fees
The eFax listing advises checking page limits and extra fees before committing. Those can change the value of a plan if your fax volume varies.
Email-first fax workflows
A Reddit thread sought a service for sending and receiving faxes entirely through email. It signals a workflow requirement, not proof that eFax lacks email faxing.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Best direct fax alternative
FAX.PLUSFAX.PLUSFAX.PLUS is the clearest like-for-like option here: its listing identifies fax coverage, shared fax numbers, and API access. The pricing summary lists a free plan and paid plans from $6.99. That gives you a fax-focused service to compare if you still need faxing, though the available information does not confirm whether its email workflow matches yours.
Trade-off: Page caps and billing complaints are worth checking; a Reddit user says the website or app is required.
6.8/10from
$6.99/mofree plan - Best for PDF workflows
SmallpdfSmallpdfSmallpdf may suit teams that are leaving fax behind and still need to handle documents. Its listing covers PDF work, e-signatures, and editing, with a free plan and paid pricing from $7. It is not described as a fax service, so it is a document-workflow option rather than a direct eFax replacement.
Trade-off: Free-use limits and paid-plan costs narrow its appeal; faxing is not listed.
6.6/10from
$7/mofree plan - Best low-cost PDF toolbox
iLovePDFiLovePDFIf the goal is to replace parts of a document workflow, iLovePDF bundles varied PDF tasks in one app and lists custom PDF workflows for teams. Its listed starting price is $5, with a free plan. The published information does not identify fax sending or receiving, so keep a fax service if you still need one.
Trade-off: Free limits are unclear, and the listing flags privacy concerns; it is not a listed fax service.
7.8/10from
€5/mofree plan - Best for team PDF editing
Foxit PDF EditorFoxit PDF EditorFoxit PDF Editor is worth considering if your post-fax process depends on editing and signing documents across platforms. Its listing includes eSign and batch tools, with paid pricing from $10.83. It is a PDF suite, not a stated fax replacement, so it fits only if you are moving away from faxing itself.
Trade-off: AI-credit caps and tier-gated tools affect value; faxing is not listed.
7.2/10from
$10.83/mo - Best for forms and signatures
pdfFillerpdfFillerpdfFiller focuses on editing and signing PDFs, fillable forms, and shared PDF workflows for small teams. Its listing starts at $8. That may help replace document tasks around a fax process, but the available product information does not list fax sending or receiving. Don’t treat it as a direct eFax substitute.
Trade-off: No free plan, and reported save paywalls weaken the value; faxing is not listed.
5.8/10from
$8/mo - Best for basic documents
Word for the webWord for the webWord for the web is a low-cost option if you are ending fax use and need basic browser-based document editing and collaboration. The listing includes a free plan and paid pricing from $1.67. It is not described as a fax service, so it will not cover sending or receiving faxes based on the published information.
Trade-off: Upgrade needs may include more storage or premium features; faxing is not listed.
6.5/10from
$1.67/mofree plan
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 eFax eFax (current) | 6.8 | €7.99/mo | No | Teams that still rely on fax |
| FAX.PLUS FAX.PLUS | 6.8 | $6.99/mo | Yes | Individuals sending occasional faxes |
| Smallpdf Smallpdf | 6.6 | $7/mo | Yes | People handling PDFs regularly |
| iLovePDF iLovePDF | 7.8 | €5/mo | Yes | People handling varied PDF tasks |
| Foxit PDF Editor Foxit PDF Editor | 7.2 | $10.83/mo | No | Teams editing PDFs across platforms |
| pdfFiller pdfFiller | 5.8 | $8/mo | No | People who regularly edit and sign PDFs |
| Word for the web Word for the web | 6.5 | $1.67/mo | Yes | Free browser-based document editing |
Questions people ask
What is the closest direct eFax alternative here?
FAX.PLUS is the only listed option described as a fax service. Its summary lists shared fax numbers and API access, plus a free plan and paid plans from $6.99. The published information does not confirm whether its email workflow matches your needs, so check that before moving a number or account.
Can I send and receive FAX.PLUS faxes by email?
The published product summary does not confirm email-based sending or receiving. In one Reddit thread, a FAX.PLUS user said they had to use the website or app. That is one user’s report, not a definitive statement of current capabilities; verify the workflow with the provider before switching.
Will PDF tools replace eFax?
Not based on the published product information. Smallpdf, iLovePDF, Foxit PDF Editor, pdfFiller, and Word for the web are described in terms of PDF or document tasks, not fax sending and receiving. If your organization still relies on fax, keep a fax service in the comparison rather than treating these as direct replacements.