Document signing software makes it easy to sign contracts, agreements, and forms electronically. It helps save money by reducing the need for paper, speeds up document preparation and turnaround time, and improves operational efficiency. Most businesses can benefit from using one of these tools.
SignWell and DocuSign are two well-known digital signature software on the market today. Each has inherent strengths and weaknesses, but which is best for your needs? This article will compare and analyze SignWell vs. DocuSign. More specifically, we’ll look at the following criteria:
- Key features
- Integrations
- Security and Compliance
- Use cases
- Ease of use
- Plans and pricing
- Customer reviews
Let’s get started.
Introducing SignWell vs. DocuSign
Before we compare the two tools, let’s start with a brief overview of SignWell and DocuSign.
SignWell Overview
SignWell is an electronic signature software that makes it easy to electronically sign documents online. Although it’s a newer tool than DocuSign, it has all the features you need to streamline your document workflow.
You can create a digital signature, upload documents, sign them, and collect other people’s signatures. SignWell supports several file types, including PDFs. Pre-made templates can be customized to fit your needs, saving time and speeding up document preparation.
SignWell is ideal for small businesses, new startups, and sole proprietors in every industry. However, compared to DocuSign, it’s lacking when it comes to enterprise scalability. While the platform has a custom enterprise and API plan, it’s not rated as positively as DocuSign’s enterprise offering.
Pros and Cons of SignWell
Pros:
- Less expensive than DocuSign
- It has a free plan
Cons:
- Lacks enterprise scalability
- No free trial
DocuSign Overview
DocuSign is digital signature software that simplifies signing documents online. The web-based platform allows you to create a digital signature, upload documents, and sign them. You can also collect signatures from contract parties if your document has multiple signers.
You can save time, effort, and money by streamlining your document workflow with DocuSign. Your business can reduce document preparation time through custom-made templates; you can add repeatable form fields and assign signers in the order you want.
DocuSign is suitable for companies of all sizes and industries. However, there are less-expensive alternatives for budget-conscious customers, such as SignWell. DocuSign offers real estate-focused plans with industry-specific features like a transaction platform. There are many solid DocuSign competitors nowadays.
Pros and Cons of DocuSign
Pros:
- Scales well for enterprise-level
- It has a free plan
- Has a free 30-day trial
Cons:
- More expensive than SignWell.
SignWell vs. DocuSign: A Comparison Guide
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of SignWell and DocuSign.
1. Key Features
When considering new software, one of the first things you should consider is the program’s key features. SignWell and DocuSign’s features are covered below.
SignWell Features
SignWell has many features allowing you to electronically sign and process documents. You can upload a document and sign it with a digital signature created on the platform. You can also send an email to others with a link to the document if you need them to sign as well.
The bulk send feature makes sending out many documents at once for signature requests possible, allowing you to scale your operations and improve operational efficiency. Pre-made templates are completely customizable and can drastically decrease document preparation time.
Custom branding is available in the more advanced pricing plans. Other key features include reminders, notifications, in-person signing, audit reports, and more. SignWell has most of the same core features as DocuSign.
Here’s a list of SignWell’s features:
- Legally-binding signatures
- Multi-party signing
- Templates
- Reminders and notifications
- Bulk send
- Custom branding
- In-person signing
- Audit reports
- Automatic form field suggestion
- Data validation
DocuSign Features
DocuSign is a capable tool with a robust suite of features that make signing documents online easy. The core functionality allows you to create a digital signature, upload and sign documents, and request signatures from others. DocuSign supports PDF files too.
As a web-based tool, DocuSign uses the cloud to store your documents, data, and private information. Supported file types include PDF, DOCX, JPEG, and others. Customizable pre-made templates can decrease your document preparation time.
DocuSign makes it easy to manage your contracts and agreements. Comments, reminders, and notifications keep you apprised of activity, such as opening and signing documents. An audit log keeps a record of all actions taken.
Here’s a list of DocuSign’s features:
- Extensive file type support
- PDF form conversion
- 20+ standard and custom tags and fields
- Cloud storage integration
- Document comments
- Templates
- Bulk send
- Reminders and notifications
- Audit trail
- APIs
2. Integrations
Most businesses today operate using extensive technology stacks. When looking for an electronic signature tool, consider how well it will integrate with your existing technologies. SignWell and DocuSign’s integrations are covered below.
SignWell Integrations
SignWell doesn’t have any direct integrations like DocuSign. However, you can use Zapier to connect SignWell with over 2,000 apps. Zapier is an automation tool that connects different software and automates tasks. Some examples of software that SignWell can connect with include:
- Slack
- Google Drive
- Gmail
- Dropbox
- Google Sheets
- Pipedrive
- HubSpot
- Monday
- OneDrive
- Salesforce
DocuSign Integrations
DocuSign integrates with various software, such as CRM systems, cloud storage platforms, payment processors, etc. In total, there are over 400 DocuSign integrations, including the following tools:
- Salesforce
- HubSpot
- Zoom
- Microsoft Word
- Outlook
- Microsoft Dynamics 365
- Oracle
- SAP
- Workday
- Smart Communications
- Stripe
3. Security & Compliance
Most software today is cloud-based, which means it operates on the internet. This software is more accessible to users and easier to update, but security is a real concern. Cyber attacks can be a real threat to digital signature tools. As such, we’ve detailed SignWell and DocuSign’s security and compliance below.
SignWell Security
SignWell documents are secure and compliant with US and international laws, such as the ESIGN Act of 2000. Some other notable regulations and rules SignWell complies with include SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR.
The SignWell system implements several security measures to ensure that your documents and data are safe. SignWell hosts its server using Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers. Documents are protected by AES 256-bit encryption.
DocuSign Security
DocuSign complies with the ESIGN Act of 2000 and many other global regulations. All eSignatures created with DocuSign are legally binding and are protected by law in the United States.
DocuSign uses several security strategies to protect your private data, documents, and information. These include AES 256-bit encryption, malware detectors, a firewall, and anti-virus software.
Users can configure and control additional security features. Role-based authorization allows you to manage permissions amongst your team. Multi-factor authentication ensures users must use two or more proofs to log in.
4. Use Cases
Online signature platforms can help simplify and streamline several business processes. Regardless of size or industry, they can help your company improve its operational efficiency. We’ve included some real-world examples of businesses using SignWell and DocuSign below.
SignWell Use Cases
SignWell is a far newer eSignature tool than DocuSign. It doesn’t have nearly as many customers, reviews, testimonials, and case studies. However, from the 43 reviews on G2, it appears that small and mid-market companies mostly use SignWell.
A testimonial on the SignWell website provides an example of how the tool can be used.
Professional speaking coach Rose Lounsbury’s clients had to print, sign, scan, and send paper contracts to her. By switching to SignWell, she was able to avoid this tedious process. Her clients can now sign contracts in a matter of minutes.
DocuSign Use Cases
DocuSign is a versatile online signature tool used by businesses of various sizes and industries. These industries include healthcare, finance, retail, technology, construction, and insurance.
There are many relevant case studies on DocuSign’s website. The website boasts an entire page dedicated to customer stories that outline how companies found success using DocuSign.
Florida State University adopted DocuSign to digitize its document workflow and ditch paper processes. The result has been a drastic improvement in document turnaround. What once took days now takes mere minutes. This is just one of many customer stories on the DocuSign website.
5. Ease of Use
Features are important, but so is usability. Even the best functionality won’t benefit your business if the software is difficult to use. We’ve covered SignWell and DocuSign’s ease of use below.
SignWell Usability
SignWell is easy to use and navigate. Its intuitive user interface makes it easy to upload and sign digital documents. It offers a simplified process that involves uploading a file, selecting signature settings, and using the document editor. Most teams can master this tool very quickly.
DocuSign Usability
DocuSign has an easy-to-use interface that simplifies the online signing process. The homepage has an intuitive menu bar that makes navigation effortless. There’s a large file upload feature in the middle of the page, and the document editor is easy to use.
DocuSign’s basic features can be learned in a matter of minutes.
6. Plans & Pricing
The perfect software should be affordable enough to fit your budget and provide a positive return on investment. SignWell and DocuSign’s plans and pricing are listed below.
SignWell Pricing
SignWell has four pricing plans: Free, Personal, Business, and API & Enterprise. You can pay annually or monthly. Here’s what each plan costs and what you get:
- Free: Includes one user, one template, and three signature requests per month. You also get reminders and notifications.
- Personal: $96 per year or $10 per month. Comes with one user, five templates, and unlimited signature requests. You also get reminders, notifications, template links, bulk send, and advanced preferences.
- Business: $288 per year or $30 per month. You get three users, unlimited templates, and unlimited signature requests. Includes all personal plan features, custom branding, data validation, request attachments, in-person signing, and more. Additional users cost $96 per user per year or $10 per user per month.
- API & Enterprise: This is a custom plan for larger companies. You can get a quote from the sales team. Includes all business plan features, API access, dedicated support, custom plans, advanced features, and more.
DocuSign Pricing
There are four DocuSign pricing plans: Personal, Standard, Business Pro, and Enhanced. You can choose to pay annually or month-by-month. Paying annually is less expensive than making payments on a monthly basis. There’s also a 30-day free trial available. Here are the pricing and details of each plan:
- Personal: $120 per year or $15 per month. This plan limits you to five signature requests and includes one user. You also get reusable templates, a real-time audit log, a mobile app, and more.
- Standard: $300 per user per year or $45 per user per month. Includes unlimited signature requests and all of the Personal plan’s features. You also get shared templates, shared documents, team reports, comments, in-person eSignatures, and more.
- Business Pro: $480 per user per year or $65 per user per month. All of the Standard plan features are included. You also get SMS authentication, collaborative fields, signer attachments, bulk send, drawing fields, collect payments and more.
- Enhanced Plans: This is a custom plan for larger companies. It includes all of the Business Pro plan features. You also get APIs, identification and authentication, embedded signing, and more.
DocuSign also offers a free plan where you can create a digital signature and upload and sign documents, but you’re limited to three signature requests per month. It uses cloud storage and works with the DocuSign mobile app.
It’s also worth mentioning that DocuSign offers an eSignature product tailored specifically to real estate. These four specialized plans include the Real Estate Starter, DocuSign for REALTORS, Real Estate, and Enhanced Real Estate Brokerage plans.
Some of the real estate industry-specific features include:
- A transaction platform
- Remote online notarization
- Contract lifecycle management software
7. Customer Reviews
Good customer reviews can confirm the value of a product or service. As a consumer, it makes sense to look at what other customers say. We’ve briefly detailed SignWell and DocuSign’s customer reviews below.
SignWell Reviews
SignWell is a lesser-known electronic signature app that has very good reviews. There are 43 reviews on G2, a software review and comparison platform. The average rating comes out to 4.8 out of 5 stars.
This is one of the best scores in the marketplace. However, it’s also important to consider the number of reviews. Some eSignature alternatives might have lower scores but significantly more user reviews. That said, SignWell’s users rave about the platform’s customer support, which is reported to respond quickly and listen to suggestions.
SignWell users have rated the enterprise scalability as weaker than most eSignature tools. The mobile functionality and reporting features are also rated lower than the industry average on G2.
DocuSign Reviews
DocuSign is one of the market’s oldest and most popular digital signature tools. It has over one million customers and one billion users on the platform. Customer reviews for DocuSign are strong: over 1,945 users have reviewed the tool on G2.
The average rating comes out to 4.5 out of 5 stars. This score is good but lower than some of its top competitors. Customers love how easy it is to track documents with the tool. DocuSign’s robust tracking feature lets you see when documents are opened and signed.
However, DocuSign users have raised some concerns. The lower-tier plans lack features, and the ability to reach support via email, phone, and chat is limited to the more expensive plans.
SignWell vs. DocuSign: Main Differences
SignWell and DocuSign have many similarities. Both tools allow you to create a digital signature, upload and sign documents, and request signatures from others. Both platforms have free versions, are cloud-based, and have templates, audit logs, reminders, and notifications.
The biggest difference between SignWell and DocuSign is their pricing. SignWell is less expensive, offering a better eSignature solution for those looking to minimize costs and expenses. However, DocuSign offers a 30-day free trial, while SignWell does not.
DocuSign is better suited for larger companies. While it has an enterprise plan, SignWell lacks enterprise scalability compared to DocuSign, which may explain why it doesn’t have as many large businesses as customers. On the other hand, DocuSign has been used by Apple and T-Mobile.
SignWell vs. DocuSign: Which Should You Choose?
SignWell and DocuSign are both capable eSignature tools with inherent strengths and weaknesses. SignWell is less expensive than DocuSign, making it ideal for sole proprietors, new startups, and small businesses looking to minimize expenses.
Alternatively, DocuSign is better suited to handle larger, enterprise-level companies. Although SignWell has a custom enterprise plan with an API, it doesn’t scale as well as DocuSign. DocuSign also has a 30-day free trial, while SignWell doesn’t.
DocuSign has pricing plans specifically for the real estate industry. It bundles its standard online signature software with industry-specific features. These include a transaction platform, remote online notarization, and CLM software.
Signaturely Is An All-in-One Alternative
SignWell and DocuSign are great digital signature tools, but they might not be right for you. If you’re looking for an alternative, consider using Signaturely.
Signaturely is a cloud-based digital signature platform that simplifies and streamlines your document workflow. This web-based platform allows you to create a drawn or typed digital signature and upload documents to sign. You can also collect signatures from others.
Signaturely is a great choice if you’re looking for a DocuSign alternative. It’s affordable and has all the features and functionality you need, with a focus on keeping things simple and lightweight. Signaturely is great for sole proprietors, new startups, and small businesses.
If SignWell’s lack of scalability is a concern, Signaturely is a good alternative. Its eSignature API has a $199 per month Titan plan for enterprise companies and is built to handle the demands of large businesses.
Signaturely has three pricing plans: Free, Personal, and Business.
The free plan is limited to three signature requests per month. Signaturely’s Personal plan gives you unlimited signature requests and costs $20 per month, while their Business plan gives you all of Signaturely’s features and costs $30 per month.
What You Need to Remember About SignWell vs. DocuSign
This article analyzed and compared SignWell and DocuSign’s digital signature tools. We looked at key features, integrations, security and compliance, use cases, ease of use, plans and pricing, and customer reviews.
In conclusion, SignWell is better for sole proprietors, new startups, and small businesses trying to limit expenses; it’s the least expensive of the two. Comparatively, we found that DocuSign had stronger enterprise scalability, making it more suitable for large companies.
