DocuSign vs signNow: which is the best for your business in 2024?

DocuSign and signNow both offer a fast, efficient way to get contracts signed. But which one is right for your business? Find out in this detailed comparison. 

DocuSign and signNow are popular electronic signature tools, each with a similar set of features and benefits. However, there are a few differences between the two platforms that are worth considering before you choose which to invest in. 

To help you find the best tool for your needs, we’ve assessed which electronic signature solution performs better across eight different criteria, including:

• Features 
• Ease of use
• Security
• Customization
• Integrations
• Device accessibility
• Pricing
• Customer support

But before we get into how the two tools compare, let’s begin with a brief overview of the platforms. 

What is DocuSign?

DocuSign was founded in 2003 and is one of the most popular electronic signature tools on the market today, with customers in over 180 countries. Given DocuSign’s prominence, the tool is used across a wide range of industries, including real estate, finance, healthcare, and government.

What is signNow?

signNow is another cloud-based eSignature platform. Founded in 2011, the tool has more than 20 million users worldwide and offers all of the basic features needed to sign contracts quickly and efficiently from anywhere in the world. This makes it a strong competitor for DocuSign, and a worthy DocuSign alternative. 

But which tool is best? Let’s find out. 

DocuSign vs signNow: how do they compare?

1. Features

DocuSign offers more features than signNow. However, some of these features won’t be necessary for small or mid-market businesses that only require basic eSigning functionality. 

This means that, rather than opting for the tool with the most features, you should compare the two solutions based on the individual features you need, and the plan you need to buy to access them.

The tool platforms offer a lot of the same features though, In fact, DocuSign and signNow both offer:

• Secure and legally binding electronic signatures
• Basic document management functionality
• Automated reminders
• Custom branding 
• Multi-party signatures
• Audit trail and authentication 
• Real-time signature tracking 
• Bulk actions to send documents out for signing
• Payment collection 

However, DocuSign offers a few extra features over signNow.

For example, signNow only lets users add fields to the documents in the platform, but not edit them like in DocuSign or Juro. This is a big feature gap and one that can create friction for businesses as they have to move contracts into a separate tool for editing:

Customers often want to make changes to contracts after I've sent the signNow doc. That means I have to make changes in GDocs, download the PDF, upload it to signNow, re-import the signing fields, delete the last doc and cancel the invite - Verified signNow user, G2

Reviews left by signNow users also express that they’d like the eSignature tool to have better team-sharing options and template capabilities:

Some capabilities like auto name and title fill and better team sharing are missing as compared to other solutions that are more expensive - Verified signNow user, G2

I only wish that it could 'learn' so that I didn't have to add every client field manually. Every one of my contracts is the same and I send them out every day, so it does get a bit repetitive - Verified signNow user, G2

By comparison, reviews of DocuSign don’t highlight any major feature gaps. This is likely because the tool offers a more comprehensive set of features, but at a higher price point. 

The only notable feature gap within DocuSign is that users can’t easily manage their contracts pre-signature, which is possible in all-in-one contract automation tools like Juro. 

This means that signNow and DocuSign users will need to rely on up to five different tools to manage their contracts from start to finish (usually a mix of Word, email, Google Docs, shared drives and DocuSign). 

Meanwhile, Juro users can streamline their contract workflow and use just one platform to do everything, in-browser. To find out more about Juro’s features, hit the button below. 

2. Ease of use 

DocuSign and signNow are both relatively easy to use and both eSignature solutions offer a clean and intuitive interface. However, since signNow has fewer and less complex features than DocuSign, some users find signNow simpler and easier to use.

That said, DocuSign remains popular for large businesses and enterprise clients that can invest time into setting up and customizing their eSignature workflow. This is because some of these bigger clients in more heavily regulated industries require the extra functionality provided by DocuSign so are willing to compromise on ease of use. 

This is made clear by G2 reviews left by DocuSign users:

Customizing DocuSign agreements can become cumbersome for both parties. The last thing you want is to cause confusion and slow down the sales cycle - Verified DocuSign user, G2

It is simple enough to make templates that you can share with your team while complex enough to have them designed for your work needs - Verified DocuSign user, G2

3. Security 

DocuSign and signNow both meet stringent security requirements, just like other eSignature and contract management solutions. In fact, both tools offer a similar level of security. 

More specifically, DocuSign and signNow both use SSL encryption, which is used to protect data in transit. Like Juro, DocuSign, and signNow are also both SOC 2 type 2 certified. 

They also offer multi-factor authentication and a sealing function that prevents tampering. This adds an extra layer of security when accessing the accounts and getting documents signed. 

Both platforms are also HIPAA compliant and comply with eSignature laws such as the ESIGN Act and UETA. This makes them both suitable for businesses across a variety of industries.

Here’s what signNow users have to say about the tool’s security features:

signNow helps me stay paperless and provides me with secure signatures - Verified signNow user, G2

It's a great choice for CPAs, attorneys and anyone else needing a secure yet easy-to-use solution. It's also IRS compliant - Verified signNow user, G2

Here’s what DocuSign users have to say about security in G2 reviews:

The identity proofing and authentication feature makes the process of verifying a customers identity more foolproof - Verified DocuSign user, G2

The signing features are backed by legal regulations, so we feel secure in our business activities when using DocuSign as a signing solution - Verified DocuSign user, G2

4. Customization

DocuSign and signNow can both be customized to meet your company’s needs since they both offer branding options. However, DocuSign offers more advanced customization options than signNow.

This is because DocuSign users can customize the UI to match their branding, add logos, and even customize the colours shown. signNow users can still customize their templates and add their branding, but the platform has fewer customization options overall and users can’t customize the UI seen by counterparties.

This difference means that DocuSign is often preferred by large corporations that have firm requirements around branding, while signNow is preferred by small, mid-market companies that place more emphasis on ease of use and simplicity.

This is clear from G2 reviews left by verified signNow users:

Simple to use. Just enough customization to fit well in our workflow- Verified signNow user, G2

There are a lot of limitations, including lack of basic customization - Verified signNow user, G2

It’s also worth noting that DocuSign’s most sophisticated customization features are locked behind more expensive plans, so you’ll also have to pay more for this functionality. Also, the customization options you choose will be applied throughout the platform. This makes it difficult to customize separate workflows. 

Below are some G2 reviews from DocuSign users on customization: 

DocuSign does allow some customization to the signing experience, but unfortunately you have to use the same signing experience across all of your documents - Verified DocuSign user, G2

The custom branding templates are a wonderful touch that streamlines processing - Verified DocuSign user, G2

5. Integrations 

DocuSign and signNow can both be integrated with various business solutions to make the signing process even easier. This means that users can connect DocuSign and signNow with CRMs and HR platforms to streamline the process used to send and sign contracts.

DocuSign integrates with more tools than signNow, but both tools integrate with core business systems like Salesforce, Hubspot, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Sharepoint - just like Juro. 

signNow integrates with various other platforms too, including 1Password, Typeform, and WordPress. Users can even connect the eSignature tool with a contract management system like Agiloft. 

Although, an all-in-one contract tool like Juro is often preferred since this removes the need to use separate tools to sign and manage contracts.

Meanwhile, DocuSign promotes its integrations with enterprise-level tools like Oracle, SAP, Zoom, and Apple. This is unsurprising since DocuSign often positions itself as an enterprise-level solution, rather than a mid-market one. 

Here’s what signNow users have to say about the integrations available, according to G2 reviews:

SignNow is a great alternative to Docusign. SignNow has the same features as Docusign and cost less with similar integrations - Verified signNow user, G2

The integrations that it has with Salesforce is definitely the most useful aspect of the program to my business and what I do in day-to-day tasks for my business - Verified signNow user, G2

Here’s what DocuSign users have to say about the tool’s integrations, according to G2 reviews:

The Salesforce integration is my favorite feature. It's come a long way in the past few years and is very easy to use and set up - Verified DocuSign user, G2

The best part about the Docusign / Greenhouse integration is how smoothly everything transitions from one app to the next - Verified DocuSign user, G2

When choosing between DocuSign vs signNow, it’s important to remember that the tool with the most integrations isn’t always better. 

You need to consider which integrations you need access to in particular, and how much access to these will cost your business, as some providers will charge more than others for integration access.

6. Device compatibility

DocuSign and signNow are both compatible with a wide range of devices, with both tools accessible on desktops, mobiles, and tablets. Both eSignature providers also have mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, meaning that most smartphone users can use the tools to sign contracts from their phones.

However, there are some limitations of the mobile app. 

For example, some signNow users have expressed that the documents aren’t always easy to view on mobile devices, which defeats the purpose of using a mobile to sign documents. They have also shared their frustration about signers having to download the app in order to sign the contracts easily. 

The G2 reviews of signNow listed below highlight these limitations:

It's difficult to read documents on a mobile device when using SignNow. I advise my clients ahead of time to plan to access the document on a tablet or desktop computer so they can see the document - Verified signNow user, G2

“I don’t like how signers must download an app if using their mobile device to sign - Verified signNow user, G2 

Interestingly, DocuSign users didn’t share the same comments in their reviews of the tool. This suggests that, while both tools are compatible with a variety of devices, DocuSign offers a better user experience across these. 

Below are some G2 reviews sharing DocuSign users’ experiences across different devices:

I like that DocuSign works with the devices and apps that I already have. I can use DocuSign on my laptop, smartphone, and tablet - Verified DocuSign user, G2

DocuSign is super easy to use! I like the simplistic layout, and how I'm able to use the software universally on any of my devices - Verified DocuSign user, G2

7. Pricing 

Generally, signNow is more affordable than DocuSign. 

In fact, signNow’s most affordable plan is for businesses but is cheaper than DocuSign’s personal plan, with signNow’s business plan charged at $8, and DocuSign’s personal plan charged at $10 per user per month. 

DocuSign’s second most affordable plan (their standard plan) is also more expensive than signNow’s second cheapest plan (their premium plan). signNow users pay $15 per user per month, while DocuSign users will pay $25 per user per month.

This trend continues throughout the pricing tiers for both tools, and larger deployments of DocuSign are likely to cost considerably more - especially if you invest in DocuSign CLM.

Here’s what signNow users have to say about the tool’s pricing and plans:

My small publishing company doesn't have a lot of extra money to spend on applications so signNow was a cheap and easy option for our purposes - Verified signNow user, G2

signNow easily and quickly allows for digital signatures, the software is very intuitive and the price was more affordable for our small business than other solutions - Verified signNow user, G2 

Below are some reviews from DocuSign users about pricing:

Though a steep price is attached, the features and security it offers are worth the investment - Verified DocuSign user, G2

For a small company that only used Docusign's services for 2-3 types of tasks, the price point didn't make sense for us - Verified DocuSign user, G2

Even Juro's most affordable plan includes unlimited users, making it cheap and easy to use the platform as you scale - unlike the pay-per-user plans offered by most eSigning tools.

8. Customer support

DocuSign and signNow both have a variety of customer support options. However, customer reviews suggest that signNow’s customer service is more useful and responsive.

In fact, lots of G2 reviews have criticized DocuSign’s customer support saying that they experience extremely long wait times, generic responses, and unresolved issues.

This is likely because DocuSign dedicates fewer resources to small customers and focuses on serving enterprise customers instead. 

All signNow users can contact the support team by submitting a feedback form or by using the live chat feature.

Meanwhile, DocuSign users will either have to rely on the resources in the support center or submit a request for support which can have a longer turnaround time. 

But it’s worth remembering that the level of support available will vary depending on the type of plan you’re on and how much you pay. 

Below are some independent reviews from signNow users:

Love the customer service that I get here with signNow - Verified signNow user, G2

Great customer support. Whatever questions we had - we get the answers in a matter of hours - Verified signNow user, G2

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Below are some independent reviews from DocuSign users:

I've been trying to contact support of DocuSign for a month. Unfortunately without success. I just need one simple thing - invoice correction. I couldn't get anything done - Verified DocuSign user, G2

I had a problem, and any FAQ or Support did not help to solve it. After hours of searching, I tried to contact the help center which is a nightmare - Verified DocuSign user, G2

DocuSign vs signNow: What’s best for your business overall?

If you’re choosing between DocuSign and signNow, it’s important to consider your priorities as a business, and which features or integrations you need. 

If you’re looking for a more affordable eSignature solution with fewer features and a simple interface, signNow is a better choice than DocuSign. However, if you can afford to pay more for more features and integrations, DocuSign might be better suited for you. 

Need to do more than just sign contracts?

But what if you need to do more than just sign contracts? 

DocuSign and signNow both work well as electronic signature solutions, but they don’t deliver value beyond that. This means that businesses will still find themselves switching between Word, eSignature, and email to get deals over the line. 

If you want a solution that streamlines the entire contract workflow and enables you to manage your contracts from start to finish, you’ll need a contract tool like Juro. Juro’s contract automation software enables teams to create, negotiate, sign, store, and manage contracts all in one workspace.

To find out more about Juro, book a demo using the form below.