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SignNow vs DocuSign: Pricing, Features, and Key Differences; Which E-Signature Tool Is Best?
- Authors
- Name
- Ayush Garg
- @01ayushgarg
If you're searching signnow vs docusign, you're likely choosing an e-signature tool for your team—and want the simplest, most cost-effective option that actually fits your workflow.
This guide gives you a straight, side-by-side breakdown of pricing, features, integrations, and compliance so you can decide fast.
The headline: SignNow usually delivers stronger value for small to mid-sized teams, while DocuSign leads for large enterprises and heavily regulated use cases. We'll walk through where each shines (and where they don't), highlight hidden costs to watch, and map recommendations by business size and document volume.
We'll also flag a third path, pay-per-document options like SignWith, if you only send a few contracts a month. No hype, just a clear answer to which tool makes sense for you right now.
SignNow vs DocuSign: Which eSignature Tool Fits You Best?
Quick Comparison Overview
Both SignNow and DocuSign are established e-signature platforms, trusted by millions of users. At a glance:
- SignNow: More affordable, straightforward, and focused on delivering essential signing features without the extra overhead.
- Here's a demo for SignNow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQdKxFi4JFQ
- DocuSign: Feature-rich, highly integrated, and widely adopted in enterprise and regulated sectors.
- Here's a demo for DocuSign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW2Oqsz1KCc
If you're running a small business, freelancer practice, or startup team, cost and simplicity often matter more than enterprise-level depth. That's where SignNow shines. If you're in finance, government, or large-scale corporate settings, DocuSign usually wins on compliance and integrations.
Pricing Breakdown: Where Your Money Goes
SignNow's Value-Driven Tiers
- Entry Level: Starts at $8/month (annual), making it one of the most budget-friendly options for small teams.
- Business Premium: Around $15/month, unlocking features like bulk sending.
- Enterprise: Roughly $30/month with advanced capabilities.
For businesses sending moderate volumes of contracts, this can translate into hundreds of dollars saved annually compared to DocuSign.
DocuSign's Subscription Model
- Personal: $10–15/month, but limited in document sends.
- Standard/Business Pro: $25–45/month, covering templates, branding, and integrations.
- Advanced Plans: $40–65/month or higher, scaling for enterprise needs.
One thing to note: DocuSign's per-user pricing can get expensive quickly as your team grows.
A Third Option: FREE Then Pay-As-You-Go
For teams that don't send many documents each month, even SignNow's entry plan can feel like paying for unused capacity. That's where FREE then pay-per-document models, like SignWith, provide an alternative: no subscriptions, just get your documents signed for as low as $0.5/document.
Here's a demo for SignWith: https://youtu.be/ieMV8v0cMP0?si=grTwxmWyypRr4aKE
Core Features Face-Off
Document Preparation & Signing
- SignNow: Drag-and-drop signing fields, reusable templates, and in-person signing.
- DocuSign: Everything SignNow offers plus advanced editing, comments/markup, and signing groups for more complex workflows.
Mobile and Accessibility
Both platforms offer mobile apps with offline signing capabilities. DocuSign's app is more polished, but SignNow's simplicity often makes it quicker to learn.
API & Developer Options
- DocuSign: 900+ integrations and a developer sandbox, ideal for embedding in enterprise systems.
- SignNow: Core integrations with cloud storage and CRMs, plus a simpler API for smaller custom needs.
Business Size Suitability
- Freelancers & Solo Entrepreneurs: SignNow offers essential tools at a fraction of the cost. If you only send a few contracts each month, pay-per-document platforms like SignWith may actually save you the most.
- Small Teams (5–50 employees): SignNow balances affordability with bulk-send and template management.
- Mid-Market Companies: Both tools can work, but DocuSign begins to pull ahead with advanced workflows and collaboration tools.
- Enterprise & Regulated Industries: DocuSign remains the go-to because of its extensive compliance portfolio (FedRAMP, ISO, CSA STAR, etc.).
Security & Compliance Standards
Both SignNow and DocuSign cover the basics: ESIGN, UETA, eIDAS, plus HIPAA and SOC 2 compliance.
- DocuSign extends further with ISO certifications, FedRAMP, and CSA STAR—critical for industries like government, banking, and healthcare.
- SignNow covers most common business needs but doesn't have the full spread of enterprise-grade certifications.
If you're a small business, these differences likely won't affect you. For enterprise contracts, they matter.
User Experience & Support
- SignNow: Clean interface, low learning curve, live chat on higher plans.
- DocuSign: Sleek UI, extensive support docs, but phone support is only available on higher tiers.
For fast setup and minimal training, SignNow tends to be more approachable. DocuSign, however, offers deeper resources for teams that need complex onboarding.
Final Recommendation
- Choose SignNow if you're cost-sensitive, value simplicity, and don't need heavy-duty integrations.
- Choose DocuSign if your business is large, compliance-heavy, or requires advanced collaboration features.
- If you're in the group that only sends a handful of documents a month, say, a freelancer or a small agency, a free then pay-per-document solution like SignWith may be the most cost-efficient route.
At the end of the day, the best choice comes down to how often you send documents, the complexity of your workflows, and the compliance standards your industry requires.
FAQs: SignNow vs DocuSign
1. Is SignNow cheaper than DocuSign?
Yes. SignNow's entry plan starts at around 10–15/month with stricter limits. As you move up tiers, DocuSign can run 30–50% more expensive. For budget-conscious teams, SignNow usually provides better value.
2. Which is better for small businesses: SignNow or DocuSign?
For most small teams, SignNow is easier on the budget and covers essentials like templates, bulk send, and mobile signing. DocuSign offers more advanced compliance and integrations, but many of those features are overkill if you're only sending a handful of contracts each month. Some freelancers even prefer Free then pay-per-document tools like SignWith to avoid monthly fees altogether.
3. Can I switch from DocuSign to SignNow?
Yes. Both platforms allow you to download your existing signed documents and upload them into your new system. The learning curve with SignNow is relatively light, so most teams adapt quickly. The main difference to plan for is integrations; DocuSign supports more native connectors, while SignNow focuses on core productivity tools.
4. Do SignNow and DocuSign meet legal and compliance standards?
Both solutions comply with ESIGN, UETA, and eIDAS, making signatures legally binding in the US, EU, and most global markets. DocuSign goes further with certifications like ISO 27001 and FedRAMP, which certain industries require. If you're in government, healthcare, or finance, DocuSign may be the safer choice. For general business use, SignNow's compliance is more than sufficient.
5. What if I only sign a few documents each month?
If you're sending under 10 documents a month, subscription models can feel expensive—whether it's SignNow or DocuSign. In that case, a FREE then pay-as-you-go eSignature solution like SignWith may be smarter. It gives you 3 free signature every month then you just pay per document, avoiding recurring charges for months when you don't use the tool.