Introduction to DocuSign vs SignNow
Choosing the right eSignature solution can shape your team’s efficiency, compliance, and costs. DocuSign, a long-standing leader, and SignNow, a value-focused contender, are two top choices in the digital signature space. Both serve a range of business sizes and industries, but each platform stands out on price, automation, compliance, and workflow capabilities. This comparison focuses on what matters most for commercial teams: costs, sending limits, workflow automation, security, compliance certifications, API and integration potential, and mobile support.
- Key Takeaways
- DocuSign costs more than SignNow but offers deeper workflow automation and templates.
- SignNow delivers greater document sending flexibility and core features at a lower entry price.
- Both platforms meet major compliance standards, but specific certifications vary.
- API access, authentication features, and integrations are not fully detailed publicly for either.
| Feature | How DocuSign handles it | How SignNow handles it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plans and Pricing | From $10/month (Personal); higher for business features; generally pricier | From $8/user/month with more included features | SignNow for affordability; DocuSign for advanced needs |
| Monthly Document Limit | 5/month on Personal; unlimited on business | No practical limits on most plans | SignNow for volume; DocuSign for solo/low use |
| Workflow Automation | Advanced automation, payments, and template library | Flexible routing and bulk send at lower price points | DocuSign for complex workflows; SignNow for bulk simplicity |
| Security & Compliance | SOC 2 II, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA | SOC 2 II, GDPR, HIPAA, 21 CFR Part 11 | Depends on regulatory needs |
| API Access | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not specified |
| Third-party Integrations | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not specified |
| User Authentication | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not specified |
| Audit Trail | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not specified |
| Mobile App Support | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not specified |
Plans and Pricing Comparison
DocuSign’s entry-level “Personal” plan starts at $10 per month, but this limits you to a maximum of five documents sent each month. To remove these limitations and access more advanced features, you’ll need to upgrade to a business tier, which comes at a notably higher price—often outpacing SignNow for similar capabilities.
SignNow begins at $8 per user per month, and crucially, offers most of its signature features even at this base level. These include unlimited document sending and access to workflow tools that cost more with DocuSign. Overall, if affordability and predictable feature sets are priorities, SignNow is generally the better value.
Document Sending Limits
With DocuSign, the Personal plan restricts you to sending up to five documents each month. If your needs are greater, you must move to a business plan, which eliminates send limits. In contrast, SignNow imposes no monthly sending limits on most of its tiers, including the entry-level plan. This supports both small businesses scaling up and teams that face seasonally or unpredictably high document volumes.
Small teams with moderate signature needs may find DocuSign Personal sufficient, but larger or more active users will likely save by avoiding send caps with SignNow.
eSignature and Core Features
Both platforms handle the essentials of electronic signatures reliably. Where the real differences emerge is in workflow and document management. DocuSign includes advanced workflow automation, payment integrations within documents, and an expansive template library that lets you standardize frequently used forms. These advanced automation options are ideal for businesses with complex or regulated workflows.
SignNow’s strengths show in flexible document routing, bulk send functionality at lower price tiers, and ease of use for routine or high-volume processes. Its template options are fewer than DocuSign’s, but many growing businesses will find the basics sufficient.
Security and Compliance
DocuSign and SignNow both meet major security and compliance standards, including SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and HIPAA. DocuSign adds ISO 27001 certification, commonly required by global enterprises.
SignNow holds 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, important for organizations in US life sciences and FDA-regulated fields. If your organization has very specific or highly regulated needs, this difference could be a deciding factor. Otherwise, both offer the fundamental assurances expected by most businesses.
API Access and Integration Options
Both DocuSign and SignNow support API-based automation and integration with other business systems, but exact details are not publicly specified in the available evidence. If deep integration into your existing workflows or systems is crucial, you may want to request API documentation and supported integrations directly from each vendor.
Similarly, information on third-party integrations (like with CRM, productivity, or ERP tools) is not publicly specified for either platform here. Both platforms are known to be extensible, but you should confirm compatibility with your stack in detail before purchase.
User Authentication and Audit Trail
Exact details on available user authentication methods (e.g., SMS, multi-factor authentication) and audit trail features for both DocuSign and SignNow are not publicly specified. Both platforms are widely used in legally sensitive industries, implying the presence of robust authentication and audit features—but always verify specifics for your business’s legal requirements.
Mobile App Support and Accessibility
Details on mobile app quality and feature coverage are not publicly specified. Both DocuSign and SignNow are known to offer mobile solutions, but in-depth comparative information requires direct product trials or up-to-date vendor documentation.
If mobile workflows are essential for your business, test each platform’s app directly to evaluate ease of use, signature experience, and device compatibility.
Choosing the Right Solution
For small businesses or teams with high document volumes and limited budgets, SignNow generally offers better value—unlimited sends, strong compliance credentials, and core eSignature features at a lower price.
If you require advanced workflow automation, payments within documents, a rich template library, or specific global certifications like ISO 27001, DocuSign may justify its higher cost. Enterprises and regulated industries should double-check each provider’s certifications and compliance support.
The best fit comes down to your priorities: stick with DocuSign if you value powerful, corporate-grade automation and template breadth; choose SignNow for straightforward, affordable, everyday signing at scale.
Conclusion
Both DocuSign and SignNow are top eSignature platforms that meet the needs of most businesses. DocuSign stands out for automation, template options, and international compliance, but is more expensive and has stricter limits at entry. SignNow is more cost-effective, with generous features and no send caps, making it an attractive choice for growing teams. Whichever you consider, confirm details on integrations, authentication, and mobile support to ensure a smooth deployment in your workflows.
FAQs
Which is better for small businesses: DocuSign or SignNow?
SignNow is typically more cost-effective for small businesses, offering unlimited document sends and essential features at a lower starting price. DocuSign may suit teams needing advanced automations or more complex templates.
How do DocuSign and SignNow compare on security and compliance?
Both are SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and HIPAA compliant. DocuSign adds ISO 27001, while SignNow has 21 CFR Part 11 for US life sciences compliance. Your choice should align with your regulatory environment.
What are the key differences in pricing between DocuSign and SignNow?
DocuSign starts at $10/month but limits document sends on its entry plan. SignNow starts at $8/user/month with no practical send limits and more features included at the base tier.
Does SignNow offer the same integrations as DocuSign?
Not publicly specified. Both platforms are known for extensibility, but specific integration options should be verified directly with each vendor for your required tools.
Are there limits to the number of documents signed per month in either DocuSign or SignNow?
DocuSign’s Personal plan limits you to five sends per month; business plans lift the cap. SignNow has no practical monthly limit on most plans.
Which platform offers a more user-friendly mobile app?
Not publicly specified based on available evidence. Real-world experience may vary, so consider hands-on testing for your team’s needs.
How do the API capabilities of DocuSign and SignNow compare?
Not publicly specified. Both offer APIs, but detailed capabilities, limits, and supported workflows should be confirmed with product documentation or sales teams directly.