eSignature software is now commonly used among businesses, organizations, and individuals to manage contract signatures in an online world and many companies have to decide between PandaDoc vs DocuSign. But now that there is a wide range of software choices available to collect digital signatures.
PandaDoc and DocuSign are two of the most popular choices. An overview of each software is provided, including feature reviews, integrations, pricing, and more. This article will help a buyer decide if they should select PandaDoc or DocuSign.
What is PandaDoc?
PandaDoc is more than an eSignature software because it provides a wide range of functions to businesses and individuals. It’s a cloud-based document management software, so you can use it to draft up agreements, proposals, quotes, and more.
It also has advanced features like CRM integrations, templates, version tracking, interactive quotes, and collecting payments through documents. Although the platform is directed towards sales documentation, you can also use it to draft any form of legal document.
Over 20,000 companies use the software because of how easy it makes document workflow. It offers free and paid plans, so individuals and beginners can benefit from the former by sending unlimited documents without paying, but it has limitations. This is a major reason to consider PandaDoc in your PandaDoc vs Docusign decision.
It features platforms on mobile and desktop, with a straightforward user interface that anyone can quickly get the hang of. This makes it easy for businesses to get started with the platform. This is great for small businesses and startups who need to a solution to quickly get going with.
Individuals can use PandaDoc, small businesses looking for an affordable tool, SMBs, fast growing startups, and large enterprise companies. So whether the sales team or legal team needs it or the entire company, it would work effectively.
PandaDoc Overview
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to use eSignature technology. | Limited features in the document editor. |
| Wide range of document templates. | Emails are sometimes saved as spam. |
| Allows for easy collaboration and teamwork. | There is two-factor authentication. |
| Easier to automate your document workflow. | No notifications of employees during collabs |
| Affordable prices and a free eSign plan. | Poor mobile platform and multi-language |
| Easy document creation and CRM solutions. | – |
| Keep track more accessible of documents | – |
| Cloud-hosting means docs on any device | – |
| Real time and advanced analytics | – |
| Allows adding branding to emails and info | – |
| Highly secure for all your legal documents. | – |
| It consists of a variety of integrations. | – |
What is DocuSign?
On the opposite side, of the PandaDoc vs Docusign debate, DocuSign is, first and foremost, an eSignature software tool, which is one thing that differentiates it from PandaDoc. Used by hundreds of thousands of individuals, the platform is one of the easiest yet comprehensive eSignature software on the market.
The main focus of DocuSign is to automate the process of document agreements, which means that it offers templates and cloud-based storage alongside electronic signature signing. Some core features include templates, audit reports, document storage, and of course, legally binding signatures.
You can also carry out multi-party and in-party signing with DocuSign. These and more are what make the platform comprehensive, even if it focuses on electronic signatures.
DocuSign also features a mobile app, which offers the same easy navigation and user interface as the desktop platform. As a result, it makes it easy to take care of business matters while you’re on the go.
This platform can be used by businesses of all sizes that need a detailed solution to document agreement processes. It is also suitable for startups and individuals because it is easy to use and does not require professional input.
DocuSign Overview
| PROS | CONS |
| Simple and clean user interface. | No free plan for individuals and beginners. |
| Includes a robust set of functions. | Not cost-effective for multiple users. |
| It is loaded with a variety of integrations. | Not cost-effective for large businesses |
| Includes signature groups and logs | It’s a bit complicated for newbies. |
| Allows administrative control over all users. | No options for voiding documents in bulk. |
| Easy to share documents and share at once | Process of creating an account is difficult. |
| Allows for easy customization of templates. | – |
| Sends agreement reminders for singing | – |
| Includes two-factor authentication for security | – |
| Easy to stay organized with electronic trail | – |
| Cloud archive gives access to old documents | – |
| Holds signature for easy signing | – |
PandaDoc vs DocuSign Features
PandaDoc vs DocuSign offer similar main features, but they have an edge over each other in some aspects. For example, they allow you to make electronic signatures, create templates, audit reports, edit documents, and feature a mobile app.
The two platforms are also easy to use and intuitive, and their services are affordable, although there are differences in pricing. The main difference is their focus, as PandaDoc is created for sales teams while DocuSign is wired towards electronic signatures first and foremost. This makes PandaDoc include more features that DocuSign doesn’t have, like interactive quoting and content library. They add these to their eSignature services.
But, DocuSign has a comprehensive platform, which means that legal teams and other non-sales teams would be more than satisfied with what it offers. Since the two eSignature software provides similar features, we would focus on the unique features that set them apart from each other.
PandaDoc Features
● Ready-Made Templates
PandaDoc cuts down on your work time by giving you a collection of templates that you can edit to get work done. You can customize the templates to match the document or report you are trying to create, and they help keep your records consistent apart from saving time on creating templates from scratch.
● Content Library
After creating and using a document, you can store it in your content library if you ever have to use it again. The library stores all your frequently used documents and templates, so you can quickly come back to edit and reuse them, saving you time and adding consistency. For instance, you can add legal statements to the content library.
● Standard Document Editing
The main feature here is to upload your Docx files into PandaDoc and edit it directly from there. You don’t have to edit the Docx file elsewhere and reupload it to PandaDoc each time you do so. It makes it easy to make quick and minor changes.
● Recipient Analytics
With the recipient analytics feature, your sales team gets information on how the recipient of that document, especially when it’s a contract or a quote, interacts with the document. It shows the part that they engaged with more and the total performance of your document, making it easy to understand client behavior.
DocuSign Features
● Additional Editor Features
DocuSign takes editing to another level as it includes a wide range of editor features, even if it and PandaDoc both have editing features. DocuSign makes editing faster and efficient with additional features like placing field options in a document and adding field properties to a set. The ability to zoom in and out. Navigate by page number and use any shortcuts while editing.
● Seamless Mobile App
The mobile app is another way in which DocuSign does better than PandaDoc, as the former’s app is more efficient and user-friendly than the latter. You can upload files, add fields to documents through the app and do more without turning on your laptop or computer.
● Reports and Metrics
DocuSign has an impressive feature that gives you the entire outlook of your workflow and makes it easier to manage everything from one place. The reports would show you essential metrics on your account and document activity. In addition, it can keep you up to date, offering information like document completion rate, document status, and how many you sent in a week.
● Two Factor Authentication
DocuSign features two-factor authentication to double up on the safety, one feature that PandaDoc does not include. It protects your data by requiring two pieces of verification, so if your regular password is compromised, a malicious user won’t be able to access the account because of the second verification. It’s an important feature to activate if you would be saving sensitive documents on DocuSign.
PandaDoc vs DocuSign Integrations
You can’t effectively use an eSignature and document management software without integrations, and luckily these two platforms have a wide range of integrations.. Both equipped with robust integrations, you can make your pick based on which ones you are a best fit for your workflow.
PandaDoc offers more diverse integrations than DocuSign, but many would find the latter’s integrations more useful. Their integrations can be categorized based on CRM, payment gateways, cloud storage, SSO, and more.
DocuSign also has an extensive range of integrations, which is over 350 pre-built integrations alone, only that these integrations are more common and general than what PandaDoc is offering. Looking at PandaDoc vs DocuSign, both offer extensive integrations.
PandaDoc Integrations
- Pipedrive
- Salesforce
- SugarCRM
- Copper
- Nimble
- Salesmate
- Freshsales
- Hubspot CRM
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM
- Insightly
- Zoho CRM
- Nutshell
- Zendesk Sell
- Pipeliner CRM
- DropBox
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Box
- Google Drive
- PayPal
- QuickBooks Payments
- Authorize.net
- QuickBooks Online
- Stripe
- Square
- FreshBooks New
- Okta
- Microsoft Active Inventory
- One Login
- Google Identity Platform
- Integromat
- Zapier
- Microsoft Word
- Slack
- Canva
- Gmail
- Google Sheets
DocuSign Integrations
- Microsoft
- Apple
- Agilewords
- Akcelerant
- Selectica
- SnapLogic
- TalentWise
- Box
- ConvergeHub
- Conga Composer
- Salesforce
- NetSuite
- Agiloft
- Airlift
- Alfresco
- SharedHR
- SharePoint
- SpringCM
- Centrify
- DocCentral
- IBM SmartCloud
- Google Drive
- Stripe
- Evernote
- Dynamics 365
- Zoho CRM
- Procore
- Rippling
- CaptivateIQ
- Wrike
- Confluence
- Process Street
- eFileCabinet
- Lever
- Freshservice
PandaDoc vs. DocuSign Pricing
PandaDoc and DocuSign have similar pricing systems in monthly subscriptions, but the difference is that PandaDoc is a bit cheaper. PandaDoc also has a free plan, and this is a considerable advantage over DocuSign as you can’t use the latter without paying for it.
You can also expect some special functions from the PandaDoc free version, especially since it allows you to send unlimited legally binding documents. It can be used by individuals who need eSignature software for simple tasks. The PandaDoc free version gives it a huge advantage for startups and SMBs if you’re considering PandaDoc vs Docusign.
The two platforms also provide a discount to buyers who purchase the annual plan upfront.
Since PandaDoc is cheaper than DocuSign and includes a free plan, there’s no doubt that businesses might prefer it more.
| PandaDoc | DocuSign |
| Basic: Free | Basic: $15/mo |
| Standard: $19/mo | Standard: $40/mo |
| Business: $49/mo | Business: $60/mo |
| Enterprise: Based on Quote (see below) | Enterprise: Based on Quote (see below) |
UPDATE: Enterprise Docusign Pricing and PandaDoc Pricing is available.
PandaDoc vs. DocuSign Reviews
When looking at PandaDoc vs DocuSign: Both PandaDoc and DocuSign are used by tens of thousands of individuals and businesses, all of which had different things to say about the software solutions. Although whether they work for you or not depends on your needs and your business framework, it also helps to know what others are saying, as this would guide you in making a purchase decision.
Ease of Use
Most reviewers of PandaDoc and DocuSign agree that the two platforms are equally easy to use.
PandaDoc has straightforward tools, especially document creation. The eSignature technology is simple, and you can also easily track your documents and create a paper trail.
The same goes for DocuSign, which has proven itself to be effortless once you get the hang of the navigation and tools. DocuSign also has an impressive mobile Platform that gives it an edge over PandaDoc. So, PandaDoc vs DocuSign is entirely dependent on which UI you prefer to use.
Setting Up and Administration
In terms of setting up or creating an account, most reviewers have agreed that DocuSign is complicated. This is one of the downsides of this platform, especially compared to PandaDoc, which has an easy signup process.
Affordability
From the pricing section, it’s clear that most users prefer PandaDoc to DocuSign because it’s the free version. If new to the platform, you can use it without paying, although you get limited features. As limited as the features are, you get the most important, which is unlimited legally binding documents.
But with DocuSign, you have to pay for even the personal plan, and there is a limited number of users for each plan except the Advanced Solution plan.
PandaDoc is also slightly more affordable than DocuSign, although it’s inadvisable to decide based on the price since PandaDoc is more sales team-directed. PandaDoc vs DocuSign from a price perspective is entirely based on your specific tasks you’re going to need done.
Product Support Quality
With PandaDoc vs DocuSign, customer service is a large part of your initial choice. Most online reviewers have complained that DocuSign offers poor support. In some cases, the support agents have stated that they don’t know the cause of a problem, especially when DocuSign sends blank documents to clients as a glitch.
But PandaDoc has more positive reviews when looking at the quality of customer support. The PandaDoc support team has been reported to be doting on problems and providing helpful solutions.
Feature Updates and Roadmap
PandaDoc also had more positive reviews than DocuSign when it comes to feature updates and roadmap. However, customers have stated that DocuSign does not regularly update its software, so there are common glitches, especially with sending blank pages instead of documents to recipients.
This doesn’t mean that there are no technical glitches when using PandaDoc, only that customers reported that the problems are solved quickly by the support agents.
Meet the Needs of A Business
If you’re looking for an eSignature software solution for wholesome business services, it will do you good to know that most customers preferred DocuSign in this aspect. This is because DocuSign is tailored with a more comprehensive set of features and functions, while PandaDoc is directed towards the sales teams of businesses. When it comes to PandaDoc vs DocuSign, customers have stated that it was easier and quicker to train employees with DocuSign.
Conclusion – Comparing the Two eSignature Tools
Both PandaDoc and DocuSign are popular and high-quality software for individuals and businesses to make their work easier when it comes to getting signatures. The electronic signature platforms do wonders in helping companies to automate their workflows, leading to effectiveness and more profit. It’s important to include your RevOps team in the decision making process because tools like these need to integrate within your current workflow and tech stack.
The two solutions also include the basic software features that any small or large business or individual needs, including versatile signing, templates, document editing, legally binding documents and signatures, document storage, and audit reports.
If you’re struggling to find proper solutions which are best for you, it’s important to remember that PandaDoc was created mainly for sales teams. At the same time, DocuSign is general and focused on its electronic signature feature. When it comes down to PandaDoc vs DocuSign, you’ll need to select the software that best fits your needs. This will change for every business.
If you’re searching for a more comprehensive and generous eSignature solution for your business, then you would do better with DocuSign. But for your sales team and to create contracts and proposals, especially if you have a slightly smaller budget, PandaDoc would be the ideal choice.
If you’re not sure what eSignature platform might be best, check out our list of DocuSign alternatives and PandaDoc competitors.
