Best Electronic Signature Software 2021

DocuSign Competitors & Alternatives

Are you considering purchasing DocuSign to manage your electronic signature process? Before making the purchase, it’s best to learn about DocuSign’s top competitors. The seven best alternatives are listed below, along with details on their features and pricing.

DocuSign is the most popular electronic signature solution in the market, but it does compete with many comparable alternatives. Before you purchase DocuSign, we recommend that you evaluate how it compares against its top competitors.

Below, we analyze DocuSign’s top competitors and provide detailed insight into their features and pricing. To fully understand DocuSign, you can also read our in-depth DocuSign review.

Table of Contents

DocuSign Features

Before we examine DocuSign’s competitors, it’s important to understand the features that DocuSign offers. As one of the most robust solutions in the market, DocuSign offers basic and advanced electronic signature features. The 10 most important features that DocuSign includes are described in the table below.

FeatureDescription
Legally Binding SignaturesDocuSign digital signatures are considered valid and legally binding in 188 countries. DocuSign’s digital signatures offer bank grade security, are documentable, unique, tamper-evident, and encrypted.
TemplatesDocuSign lets you create templates of your documents, which you can reuse as many times as you like. Templates can save you time and keep your content consistent.
Document EditorDocuSign includes a document editor that lets you add 17 standard fields, including legally binding signatures, custom fields, and seals. It also lets you markup your document, make comments, and navigate your document by page.
Flexible SigningDocuSign supports multi-party signing and also allows you to send documents by email, by bulk for mass signatures, and perform in person signing.
IntegrationsDocuSign integrates with over 350 applications. This allows you to integrate DocuSign’s functionality into your existing software applications. Some of these integrations include Salesforce, Google, Microsoft, Zapier, and Apple.
Payments through a Legal DocumentDocuSign lets you collect one time and recurring payments from within your legal documents through web and mobile. The available payment methods DocuSign offers include credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, and ACH.
Audit ReportsDocuSign includes audit reports, which track all of the important changes and activity made on each document.
Mobile ApplicationDocuSign offers a mobile app that includes a dashboard and allows you to execute documents through the app. It also lets you edit documents by adding fields.
Document StorageDocuSign stores all of your executed documents in the cloud. They also include organizational features – a search bar, the ability to filter documents by status, sender and date, and the ability to create custom folders.
Custom BrandingDocuSign lets you add custom branding to your documents, dashboard, and emails. This includes uploading a logo onto all three and changing the color for banners, buttons, and text.

DocuSign Competitor Overview: Pricing & Features

DocuSign is the most popular and robust electronic signature solution on the market. As seen in the chart below, it compares nicely to its top competitors in terms of pricing and features.

DocuSign’s pricing starts at $15 per user per month. It is slightly more expensive than alternatives like PandaDoc and Docsketch, and HelloSign, and slightly cheaper than signNow, Proposify, and Formstack Sign. It’s important to note that DocuSign charges extra fees for any executed documents above the monthly limit – this is a key difference between the solutions. Other DocuSign features come at an extra cost – namely the integration with Salesforce, and SMS authentication.

As you’ll read below, DocuSign is the most robust solution in the market. It’s easy to use and includes almost every feature offered by competitors. Some solutions are built for specific customer types – for example sales teams might find incremental value in PandaDoc and Proposify.

DocuSign feature comparison chart vs. competitors

DocuSign Competitors

The electronic signature market has dozens of solutions. We’ve ranked DocuSign’s top seven competitors based upon their features, pricing, and usability.

DocuSign
DocuSign
Rating 92
PandaDoc
PandaDoc
Rating 90
PandaDoc
PandaDoc
Rating 90
signNow
signNow
Rating 89
signNow
signNow
Rating 89
HelloSign
HelloSign
Rating 87
HelloSign
HelloSign
Rating 87
DocHub
DocHub
Rating 86
DocHub
DocHub
Rating 86

The top DocuSign competitors are:

  • PandaDoc
  • signNow
  • HelloSign
  • Docsketch
  • Proposify
  • Signable
  • Formstack Sign

#1: PandaDoc

PandaDoc is one of DocuSign’s top competitors, and is ranked the second highest among the electronic signature solutions we’ve reviewed. It is a robust solution that offers similar functionality as DocuSign, and some features specifically designed for sales teams. We recommend PandaDoc as a solution overall, and especially for sales teams.

You'll prefer DocuSign if:

  • You want extra security features like two-factor authentication
  • You want to be able to upload and edit documents on mobile
  • You want an editor with more field and field property options
You'll prefer PandaDoc if:

  • You want a free plan that lets you send an unlimited number of documents for signing
  • You need a solution built specifically for sales teams
  • You want features like standardized proposal templates and advanced recipient analytics
PandaDoc
Rating: 90
Starting Price: $25 per month

PandaDoc is an electronic signature tool used by over 20,000 companies. While PandaDoc can be used for any type of legal agreement, it does have a specific focus on supporting the deal process for sales professionals. This solution is best for sales professionals, and any organization that has a more complex document workflow.

Pros:
  • PandaDoc’s free plan allows you to send unlimited documents
  • PandaDoc offers a library of over 450 templates
  • Includes valuable sales features like interactive quotes, a content library, and in-document payment processing
Cons:
  • Its document editor is missing standard editing features like being able reorder pages
  • The ability to collect mass signatures comes at an extra cost
  • PandaDoc does not give you the ability to receive recurring payments through the platform

#2: signNow

signNow is one of the most well known electronic signature solutions in the market. It is the most similar product to DocuSign in terms of features and functionality. If you’re seriously evaluating DocuSign, we recommend comparing it to signNow. One unique benefit of signNow is its integration with airSlate, a no code workflow automation solution.

You'll prefer DocuSign if:

  • You want the ability to set up recurring payments in the documents you send
  • You want more custom branding capabilities
  • You want reports that show key metrics related to your document and account activity
You'll prefer signNow if:

  • You want core electronic signature features at a cheaper price
  • You want to be able to upload 15 document types (Doc, PDF, Excel, JPG, PNG, PPT)
  • You want to take advantage of airSlate
signNow
Rating: 89
Starting Price: $20 per month

signNow is one of the most popular electronic signature tools with over 45,000 customers. The application is robust – it includes many nice-to-have features and options not found in most other solutions. signNow is also reasonably priced compared to its competitors. It is an ideal solution for companies that need an advanced electronic signature solution, and prefer to save money by not purchasing DocuSign.

Pros:
  • signNow allows you to edit and sign documents using a mobile application
  • signNow supports mass signatures and in person signing
  • signNow lets you to collect payments in documents through Stripe and Payeezy
Cons:
  • signNow does not include a template or content library
  • signNow does not give you the ability to receive recurring payments through the platform
  • signNow’s custom branding is limited to adding your company’s logo – you cannot customize colors or the design of your documents

#3: HelloSign

HelloSign is also one of the largest electronic signature solutions in the market with over 80,000 customers. While not as robust as DocuSign or signNow, it is moderately advanced and reasonably priced. We recommend HelloSign if you like its free plan, or want to save a bit of money each month.

You'll prefer DocuSign if:

  • You want a mobile app that lets you sign and edit documents
  • You want in-document payment processing
  • You want reports that show key metrics related to your document and account activity
You'll prefer HelloSign if:

  • It’s free plan is sufficient for your needs
  • You want a more affordable solution
  • You want to be able to upload 14 document types (Doc, PDF, Excel, JPG, PNG, PPT)
HelloSign
Rating: 87
Starting Price: $20 per month

HelloSign is one of the most popular electronic signature tools in the market with over 80,000 customers. HelloSign’s main features include reusable templates, flexible signing, and integrations with software like Salesforce and Zapier. Overall, we found that HelloSign is ideal for those who need a more advanced electronic signature solution, but do not need all of the bells and whistles offered in high-end solutions like DocuSign.

Pros:
  • HelloSign offers a free plan that includes three signature requests a month
  • HelloSign supports in person signing and mass signatures
  • HelloSign offers key integrations with software like Salesforce and Zapier
Cons:
  • HelloSign does not let you edit the text of uploaded documents
  • HelloSign does not let you collect payments through your documents
  • HelloSign is difficult to use on mobile – it does not offer a dedicated mobile application

#4: Docsketch

Docsketch is a simple, easy to use electronic signature tool with 10,000 customers. Docsketch offers a free plan that lets you send up to three documents a month. It also offers a few advanced features like in person signing and mass signatures at a lower price than DocuSign.

You'll prefer DocuSign if:

  • You want to be able to integrate with your CRM to autofill data
  • You want a mobile app that lets you sign and edit documents
  • You want a solution that is HIPAA compliant
You'll prefer Docsketch if:

  • You send less than three documents per month
  • You want a more affordable solution
  • You want access to a standardized template library
Signwell
Rating: 85
Starting Price: $10 per month

Signwell is a simple, easy-to-use electronic signature tool with over 10,000 customers. It has all the basic features smaller companies need, and comes at a more affordable price point than its competitors. Signwell is best for smaller companies with straightforward document signing processes.

Pros:
  • Signwell offers a free plan that includes three documents per month
  • The application includes advanced features like field suggest and in-person signing not found in similarly priced alternatives
  • Signwell has a simple and easy to use dashboard
Cons:
  • While Signwell does include templates, there’s a limited number and less functionality compared to alternatives
  • The inability to edit documents in the application can become tedious
  • Signwell is currently only available on the web

#5: Proposify

Proposify is an electronic signature solution with over 15,000 customers. It is an advanced solution that is built specifically for sales teams. We recommend that sales teams consider Proposify alongside DocuSign, especially if visual design of your documents is a major purchase factor.

You'll prefer DocuSign if:

  • You want extra security features like two-factor authentication
  • You want to be able to upload and edit documents on mobile
  • You want a solution that is HIPAA compliant
You'll prefer Proposify if:

  • You want a solution specifically built for sales teams
  • You want access to a proposal template library
  • You want extremely well designed proposals and quotes
Proposify
Rating: 84
Starting Price: $19 per month

Proposify is an electronic signature tool with over 15,000 customers. It has a specific focus on helping sales teams with proposals. Proposify includes advanced features like client metrics, which helps its customers understand how clients are engaging with their proposals. We recommend that sales professionals consider Proposify and PandaDoc.

Pros:
  • Proposify offers advanced features like a document editor and content library
  • Proposify offers a library of templates for varying industries
  • Proposify integrates with Zapier, which allows you to integrate with over 2,000 applications
Cons:
  • Proposify does not support mass signatures or in person signing
  • Proposify does not have a feature for automated contract renewals
  • You cannot sign documents through Proposify’s mobile app

#6: Signable

Signable is a UK based electronic signature solution with over 6,000 customers. It is a simpler tool, and also one of the more expensive solutions in the market. Signable does offer a free plan where you can pay per document you send.

You'll prefer DocuSign if:

  • You want a mobile app that lets you sign and edit documents
  • You want in-document payment processing
  • You want to be able to integrate with your CRM to autofill data
You'll prefer Signable if:

  • You want a free plan that lets you pay per document
  • You want a plan with unlimited users
  • You want email templates
Signable
Rating: 83
Starting Price: £21 per month

Signable is an electronic signature tool with over 6,000 customers. Signable’s main features include templates, custom branding and flexible signing. Overall, we found Signable to be ideal for those who need a simpler electronic signature solution, with a few nice-to-have features like document navigation and a messaging system that can be used while signing a document.

Pros:
  • Signable supports mass signatures and in person signing
  • Signable’s plans allow unlimited users
  • Signable lets you add custom branding to your emails and interfaces
Cons:
  • Signable’s mobile app is only available on tablets
  • Signable currently only offers two integrations – Dropbox and Capsule
  • Signable does not let you collect payments through your documents

#7: Formstack Sign

Formstack Sign is an electronic signature solution with over 10,000 customers. It includes all of the core electronic signature features. We recommend that individuals and smaller companies evaluate Formstack Sign next to Docsketch.

You'll prefer DocuSign if:

  • You want a mobile app that lets you sign and edit documents
  • You want in-document payment processing
  • You want to be able to integrate with your CRM to autofill data
You'll prefer Formstack Sign if:

  • You want a more affordable solution
  • You want to send an unlimited number of documents for $20
  • You want to upload 12 document types (Word, PDF, Excel, Powerpoint, PNG)
Formstack Sign
Rating: 82
Starting Price: $20 per month

Formstack Sign is a basic electronic signature tool used by over 10,000 businesses for faster, more versatile document signing. It includes key features like flexible signing, audit reports and templates. It’s best for smaller companies, and should be evaluated next to Docsketch and DocuSign.

Pros:
  • Formstack Sign packages all the must-have features into an easy-to-use application
  • Includes an moderately optimized flow for mobile web including the ability to send documents via SMS
  • You can send unlimited documents for only $20 per month
Cons:
  • Formstack Sign does not include any features built specifically for proposal or sales processes
  • Formstack Sign was originally built for the insurance industry – as a result, it only integrates with software systems used by insurers
  • Formstack Sign does not have a feature to automate version control

Bottom Line

DocuSign is the most popular and one of the most robust electronic signature solutions in the market. The platform itself is intuitive and easy to use for companies of all sizes. DocuSign is especially beneficial for enterprises who need custom features and advanced capabilities for their document workflows.

However, before making a purchase, we suggest comparing DocuSign to other highly ranked platforms like PandaDoc and signNow. Each solution has their own unique features and advantages that might fit your electronic signature needs the best. Take a look at our reviews to learn more about PandaDoc and signNow.

Amy Yang

Amy Yang is a Junior Research Analyst at SoftwarePundit, where she conducts in-depth analyses on software markets and products. Amy has expertise in content production and managing digital and social platforms. She has a Bachelor of Science in Communication & Media, and a Minor in Web Programming and Applications from NYU. You can connect with Amy on LinkedIn.

Amy is an expert in several software categories including:

  • Course creation software
  • Electronic signature software
  • Social media software
  • Website builder software

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