---
title: "Reactive Resume vs Resume.com"
description: "Compare two free resume builders by PDF export, accounts, templates, open-source access, portability, and self-hosting."
---

Reactive Resume and Resume.com both let you create and download a PDF resume without a paid membership. Resume.com is a straightforward hosted builder; Reactive Resume stores resume details in structured sections and also offers source access, self-hosting, and additional export formats.

## Quick comparison

| Consideration | Reactive Resume | Resume.com |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Free final download | PDF, DOCX, Markdown, and JSON | PDF and plain text |
| Accounts | Basic use does not require an account; an account saves hosted work | An email is requested to save work in the dashboard |
| Workflow | Structured sections, template settings, and live preview | Hosted builder with templates and saved resumes |
| Source and deployment | Public MIT-licensed source; optional self-hosting | Hosted service |
| Automation and AI | API and MCP tools; optional provider-configured AI | Not a documented product focus on its free-plan help pages |

The important common ground is the download boundary: Resume.com says its builder has no paid membership tier and that PDF and plain-text downloads are free. Reactive Resume is not a lower-cost substitute for a paid Resume.com PDF; both can produce one without a premium upgrade.

Reactive Resume adds [DOCX, Markdown, and JSON exports](/guides/exporting-your-resume). JSON preserves Reactive Resume data for backup or reuse, while Markdown can be useful when a plain-text document needs formatting. Its [public MIT license](/legal/license) and [Docker self-hosting guide](/self-hosting/docker) also make the application runnable outside the hosted service.

## Where Resume.com is a better fit

Resume.com fits when you want a hosted builder with a simple account-and-dashboard workflow. Its account guide says you can start creating a resume and then enter an email address to save it. Its free-plan help page also describes multiple professional and creative templates, editing, and access to saved work online.

That can be the less technical choice for someone who only needs a browser-based editor and a free PDF or text download. There is no need to set up a server, choose an AI provider, or consider data exports beyond the finished document.

## Where Reactive Resume is a better fit

Reactive Resume fits when the resume should remain portable as data as well as as a document. The editor keeps sections separate from templates, so a change of template does not require re-entering work history or education.

It is also a fit for people who need deployment control. You can use the hosted product, inspect the source, or run it on your own infrastructure. For workflows that need programmatic access, Reactive Resume also exposes [MCP tools](/guides/using-the-mcp-server) and API-oriented capabilities. AI assistance is optional and uses a provider you configure, rather than being required for ordinary editing.

## Which should you choose?

Choose Resume.com when you want a hosted, no-paid-membership builder whose documented free downloads cover PDF and plain text. Choose Reactive Resume when you want the same free-PDF outcome plus structured data exports, optional self-hosting, or automation interfaces.

Neither choice removes the need to review the final document for accuracy and formatting. The practical decision is whether a focused hosted workflow is enough or whether control over the application and resume data matters too.

## Reactive Resume limitations in this comparison

Reactive Resume has more setup decisions when you use its technical options. Self-hosting requires operating infrastructure, and provider-configured AI requires your own provider setup and may involve provider charges. Its additional exports and automation tools are unnecessary if you only want to enter content in a hosted builder and download a PDF.

## Sources

- [Resume.com: Is Resume.com really free?](https://support.resume.com/hc/en-us/articles/360008079171-Is-Resume-com-really-free)
- [Resume.com: creating an account](https://support.resume.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040199931-How-do-I-create-a-new-account)
- [Reactive Resume: exporting your resume](/guides/exporting-your-resume)
- [Reactive Resume: self-hosting with Docker](/self-hosting/docker)

Last checked: July 28, 2026

<Card title="Keep more options for your resume data" icon="arrow-right" href="https://rxresu.me">
  Try Reactive Resume when self-hosting, structured exports, or automation matter alongside free PDF creation.
</Card>
