If you want a GIF tool that keeps your files on your device and has no file-size cap, choose Alvseike's GIF Maker. If you need a one-off tool that handles very large videos (up to 200MB) and don't mind uploading, EZGIF works, but it has length limits and your files sit on their server for an hour. For most everyday GIF tasks, Alvseike is the better default because it's private, unlimited in file size, and free for a reasonable daily allowance.
When to use Alvseike
Alvseike's GIF Maker runs entirely in your browser — you open or drop a file, and nothing is uploaded. That means your images and clips never leave your device, which matters if you're working with sensitive content, personal photos, or anything you'd rather not have sitting on someone else's server.
The tool lets you make a GIF from images or a clip, or shrink an existing one to a target size — all locally. There's no file-size cap, so a 2GB video is just as welcome as a 2MB one. The free tier gives you 5 exports per day without an account, or 15 with a free account, and you can process up to 3 files per batch (5 with an account). If you need more, the Pro plan at $12.99/month removes the cap entirely and covers all 40 Alvseike tools, not just GIF Maker.
When to use EZGIF
EZGIF is a well-known online GIF tool that works by uploading your file to their server. At the time of writing, it accepts video-to-GIF conversions up to 200MB, but with a length cap: 60 seconds at 5 fps, dropping to 30 seconds at 10 fps. If your clip is longer, you'll need to lower the frame rate.
EZGIF also has a dedicated target-size compressor that automatically combines lossy compression, dimension downscaling, progressive frame dropping, and colour limiting to hit a specific size — useful for Slack or Discord emoji limits. It accepts GIF, APNG, WebP, AVIF, and JXL, and always outputs an animated GIF. The tool pages state no price, plan, or account requirement, presenting the tools as free to use.
However, EZGIF's approach means your files are uploaded and automatically deleted after 1 hour. That's fine for casual use, but it's a privacy consideration many users overlook.
Why local processing beats upload-based sites
Doing the job locally in your browser has three big advantages over upload-based sites like EZGIF.
Privacy: Nothing leaves your device. You don't have to trust a third party with your files, even temporarily. With EZGIF, your file sits on their server for up to an hour — that's a window where it could be accessed, even if they delete it afterward.
Speed: Uploading a large video can take minutes on a slow connection. Local processing is instant — the file never leaves your machine, so the only wait is the conversion itself.
No file-size caps: Alvseike has no file-size cap, so a 4GB video is no problem. EZGIF caps video uploads at 200MB. If you work with high-resolution clips, that cap alone can be a dealbreaker.
Common mistakes when choosing a GIF tool
Ignoring the length cap. If your clip is longer than 60 seconds, EZGIF forces you to lower the frame rate, which can make the GIF choppy. Alvseike has no such cap — you can make a GIF as long as you like, though the output file will grow accordingly.
Forgetting about privacy. If you're working with anything sensitive, uploading to any server is a risk. Alvseike keeps everything local, so there's no exposure.
Assuming "free" means no limits. EZGIF's pages don't state a plan or price, but they may have hidden limits or ads. Alvseike is transparent: free for 5 exports a day (15 with an account), then a clear Pro price.
Not checking the output format. EZGIF's target-size compressor always outputs GIF, even if you input WebP or AVIF. If you need a different output, you'll have to convert again. Alvseike's Universal Converter can handle that, but it's an extra step.
The bottom line
For most users, Alvseike's GIF Maker is the smarter choice: it's private, has no file-size cap, and integrates with a suite of 40 tools under one Pro plan. EZGIF is a solid option if you need a quick, free tool and don't mind uploading, especially for large video files up to 200MB — but be aware of the length caps and the hour-long server retention.
Try Alvseike's GIF Maker today — your files never leave your device.