DevToys vs How to Convert
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
DevToys is a free, open-source desktop app that bundles dozens of everyday developer utilities, such as JSON/YAML converters, Base64 and JWT decoders, hash and UUID generators, and text/JSON diff tools, into a single offline application. It automatically detects clipboard content and suggests the most relevant tool, so you rarely need to hunt through a menu. Everything runs locally rather than through third-party websites, which matters for teams handling sensitive tokens or data. DevToys is cross-platform on Windows, macOS, and Linux, offers a command-line mode for CI use, and can be extended with community-built tools distributed through NuGet.
How to Convert is a file conversion app that runs entirely on the user's own device instead of uploading files to a server, wrapping tools like FFmpeg, ImageMagick, and Pandoc behind a simple drag-and-drop interface. It supports thousands of image, video, audio, document, and email conversions, plus batch processing, PDF compression, and image-to-SVG vectorization.
- Completely free and open source
- Keeps sensitive data local instead of sending it to web-based converters
- Wide range of tools covers most day-to-day developer tasks
- Cross-platform desktop app with a CLI mode for automation
- Files never leave the device during conversion
- One-time price with no recurring subscription
- Very broad format coverage including niche conversions
- Batch processing built in
- Desktop-only, no hosted/web version for quick one-off use
- Tool set is general-purpose rather than deeply specialized for any one workflow
- Smart-detection UI can feel unfamiliar to users expecting a simple tool list
- Desktop app requires a paid purchase after the single-file web demo
- Relies on underlying open-source tools being installed correctly
- Smaller company/support footprint as an independent project
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataHow to Convert offers a one‑time paid, offline desktop converter with thousands of format options, while DevToys is a free, open‑source suite of developer utilities with broader tool variety but less depth in file conversion.
Key differences
- •Pricing model – How to Convert is a paid one‑time purchase; DevToys is free.
- •Conversion depth – How to Convert focuses on extensive file‑type conversions (thousands, batch, PDF compression, SVG vectorization).
- •Target audience – How to Convert serves individuals/professionals needing robust file conversion; DevToys targets developers needing assorted offline utilities.
- •Open‑source status – DevToys is open source; How to Convert is closed source.
- •Support channels – How to Convert offers email support; DevToys relies on GitHub Issues and documentation.
Pricing & value
DevToys is free, providing all features at no cost; How to Convert requires a one‑time purchase.
Ease of use / learning curve
How to Convert presents a straightforward file‑conversion UI; DevToys’ smart‑detection UI can feel unfamiliar.
Features & depth
How to Convert supports thousands of specific file conversions, batch processing, PDF compression, SVG vectorization; DevToys offers general utilities.
Integrations & ecosystem
How to Convert integrates with FFmpeg, ImageMagick, Pandoc, LibreOffice; DevToys lists only NuGet integration.
Support
How to Convert provides direct email support; DevToys relies on community GitHub Issues.
Security & privacy
Both process data locally and never upload files; no distinction in provided facts.
Collaboration / scalability
DevToys includes a CLI for scripting and CI pipelines, enabling automation; How to Convert lacks a CLI.
Choose DevToys if…
Developers wanting a free, open‑source toolbox with CLI automation for assorted offline tasks.
Choose How to Convert if…
Users needing extensive, offline file‑format conversion with batch capabilities and willing to pay once.
Common questions
Is there any ongoing cost for either tool?
How to Convert requires a one‑time purchase; DevToys is completely free.
Can I automate conversions via command line?
DevToys provides a CLI for scripting; How to Convert does not offer a command‑line interface.
Which tool offers more specialized file‑format conversion features?
How to Convert supports thousands of specific conversions, batch processing, PDF compression, and SVG vectorization, far beyond DevToys’ general utilities.