DocuSign vs Adobe Sign: Features, Pricing, & Compliance Compared

Introduction to eSignature Platforms

Choosing the right eSignature solution influences how quickly and securely your business completes agreements. DocuSign and Adobe Sign are two of the most recognized digital signature tools. Both deliver essential eSignature workflows, allowing contracts and approvals to move faster without printing or mailing. From sales and HR to legal and finance, digital document routing saves time and reduces errors.

This comparison breaks down DocuSign vs Adobe Sign on pricing, limits, features, integrations, compliance, security, mobile support, and more—so you can match the right solution to your team’s needs.

• DocuSign offers advanced workflow automation and custom branding, while Adobe Sign excels with PDF editing and Adobe ecosystem integration.
• Both platforms comply with SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR; each holds extra certifications for regulated industries.
• DocuSign restricts sending volume on entry-level plans; Adobe Sign allows unlimited sends but limits advanced features in lower tiers.
• Both provide mobile support and strong audit trails, but integration depth and feature access depend on plan level.

Pricing and Plan Comparisons

DocuSign’s pricing starts at $10/month for a Personal plan, with the Standard plan at $25/user/month. Advanced features like workflow automation and bulk sending require higher tiers. DocuSign offers a free trial, and pricing increases as you add more users or require premium features.

Adobe Sign’s Individual plan is $13/month, while small business plans start at $14.99/month. To unlock enterprise features, Adobe Sign requires moving to higher plans, which also allow more sophisticated user controls and advanced integrations. Both offer monthly and annual subscriptions and a free trial option to test functionality.

Usage Limits and Plan Restrictions

DocuSign restricts its lowest-tier Personal plan to five envelopes sent per month. You get unlimited sending only in higher business plans. Bulk sending is also reserved for higher-tier subscriptions—important for teams handling large volumes.

Adobe Sign, by comparison, permits unlimited sending even in its Individual plan, but advanced workflow controls, integrations, and administrative features remain exclusive to premium tiers. This model makes Adobe Sign more flexible for solo users or small teams who need high volume, but less advanced automation.

Key Features and Product Differences

DocuSign stands out for advanced workflow automation—allowing conditional routing, reminders, and approvals. Custom branding options let you add your logo and colors for a polished sender experience. Audit trails and templates are included across plans.

Adobe Sign integrates tightly with other Adobe tools, especially PDF and Creative Cloud, and provides native PDF editing directly in the signing process. This is especially valuable for teams that already use Adobe apps or need to adjust PDFs on the fly. Both platforms provide audit trails and templates, supporting contract and compliance needs.

Security and Compliance Certifications

DocuSign and Adobe Sign both meet critical security standards: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR. DocuSign also holds FedRAMP authorization (important for U.S. federal use) and allows HIPAA compliance on select plans. Adobe Sign matches with HIPAA (on select plans) and adds PCI DSS compliance, which suits organizations processing payment information. Both cover most bases for legal and regulated sectors, but your industry’s certification needs may determine the best fit.

Integration and API Capabilities

Adobe Sign offers deep integration with the Adobe ecosystem, including Creative Cloud and native PDF tools. This can streamline operations for businesses already invested in Adobe workflows. Specific Salesforce integration and broader API capabilities for both platforms are not publicly specified, so direct confirmation with vendors is recommended if that’s mission-critical.

DocuSign is known for its advanced workflow automation, but there’s no public information on breadth of direct integrations or APIs—the details may depend heavily on your chosen plan. For advanced, cross-platform automation, ask each provider for current API and marketplace integration lists during your evaluation.

Mobile Support and User Experience

Both DocuSign and Adobe Sign support mobile apps for managing and signing documents from smartphones or tablets. This benefits remote teams, field workers, or anyone needing to handle contracts on the go. Templates and authentication methods (such as passcodes or email verification) are available, though the full range of authentication specifics isn’t published.

For both administrators and signers, navigating sent documents, managing templates, and checking audit history works well on either platform. The choice comes down to integration needs and whether PDF editing or custom workflows matter more for your use cases.

Support and Workflow Customization Limitations

Specifics on customer support response times, service levels, and workflow customization limits for DocuSign or Adobe Sign are not publicly specified in available sources. For complex or enterprise implementations, it’s wise to evaluate support with a trial and clarify SLA terms with sales before committing. Customization and advanced workflow options vary by plan and should also be confirmed before purchase if they are business-critical.

When to Choose DocuSign vs Adobe Sign

• DocuSign is well-suited for companies prioritizing advanced workflow automation, routing, and branding—especially at scale or with regulatory focus on FedRAMP.
• Adobe Sign is a top choice for organizations deep into the Adobe ecosystem, or those needing unlimited sending on lower plans and integrated PDF editing.
• For sensitive industries, check if HIPAA, PCI DSS, or specific certifications are required, and match with the appropriate plan.
• If broad platform integrations, API access, or Salesforce connections are essential, confirm those details with each vendor before purchase.

Conclusion

DocuSign and Adobe Sign are both trusted eSignature leaders. DocuSign edges ahead on automation and branding; Adobe Sign is strongest for PDF-centric teams and buyers already invested in Adobe tools. Both meet key compliance standards and support mobile users. The best choice depends on your document volume, desired workflow complexity, and integration needs—so trial each platform, review plan inclusions, and line up security and integration must-haves before deciding.

FAQs

Which is better for electronic signatures, DocuSign or Adobe Sign?

Both offer robust eSignature capabilities and audit trails. DocuSign provides more workflow automation; Adobe Sign has stronger PDF editing and Adobe tool integration. The better choice depends on your workflow and integration priorities.

How do DocuSign and Adobe Sign pricing plans compare?

DocuSign starts at $10/month for personal use with limited sends. Adobe Sign begins at $13/month for individuals with unlimited sends, but advanced features in both require higher-tier plans. Costs scale with users and features.

What security standards do DocuSign and Adobe Sign meet?

Both comply with SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and GDPR. DocuSign is also FedRAMP authorized; Adobe Sign is PCI DSS compliant. HIPAA support is available on select plans for both.

Which product offers better integrations with popular business tools?

Adobe Sign integrates seamlessly within the Adobe ecosystem and offers native PDF functionality. Specifics on other integrations (including Salesforce) for both platforms are not publicly specified—confirm with vendors for your stack.

Does DocuSign or Adobe Sign offer more advanced workflow automation?

DocuSign provides more advanced workflow automation and custom branding controls, especially on higher-tier plans. Adobe Sign focuses more on document workflows linked to the Adobe suite.

Are there differences in customer support between DocuSign and Adobe Sign?

Support response times and details are not publicly specified. It’s advisable to evaluate support during each platform’s free trial and discuss SLA terms with sales directly if this is a priority.

Can both DocuSign and Adobe Sign be used on mobile devices?

Yes, both offer mobile app support for signing, sending, and managing documents on smartphones or tablets.