For Mac users who are power users and seek advanced automation, Alfred is your best choice. Its ability to create deep workflows tailored to your needs is unmatched, and the one-time purchase means you won't be locked into a subscription model. However, if you're not on a Mac or need AI features, Alfred won't meet your requirements.
On the other hand, if your focus is on high-volume PDF processing across multiple platforms—especially in secure environments—Stirling-PDF is the right fit. It excels in providing robust document handling and offers an open-source tier, making it accessible for businesses with varying budgets. Just keep in mind that using the paid model can quickly add up if you process a large number of documents, and the mobile experience is limited.