E-signatures can be an incredibly effective tool for optimizing business operations because they’re much more convenient than traditional contracts – our data shows that almost 70% of surveyed businesses consider electronic signatures the key component of future contracts. This solution makes things faster and easier.

This data shows that good contract management software is a must nowadays. Three brands I often see mentioned in this context are Docusign, SignNow and Oneflow. In this Docusign vs. SignNow vs. Oneflow comparison piece, I’ll introduce and compare these popular electronic signature tools, looking at their features, use cases, compliance and pricing options. 

See also: The 20 best Docusign alternatives you need to know about

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Docusign

San Francisco-based Docusign is one of the best-known e-signature companies in the world. It was created in 2003 by Tom Gonser, Eric Ranft and Court Lorenzini. The business grew exponentially over the years and acquired several other companies, such as SpringCM (2018), Seal Software (2020) and Clause (2021). Docusign doesn’t focus on any specific industry and offers Intelligent Agreement Management (IAM) services besides its main eSignature product. As of January 2024, it had over 1,5 million customers and over a billion users in more than 180 countries.

SignNow

SignNow is another electronic signature solution from California. Created in 2011 by Andrew Ellis and Chris Hawkins, the company quickly gained traction. However, unlike Docusign, SignNow didn’t grow to become an organization that acquires other entities – instead, it was acquired by others. In 2013, the owners sold the company to Barracuda Networks and then – four years later – PDFfiller bought it. Currently, it’s owned by a global document workflow company called airSlate. The software has over 20 million users around the world.

Oneflow

Oneflow is a digital contract automation and document management system powered by AI. Its mission is to give users one tool to optimize the entire contract process from pre-sign and sign to post-sign, and help businesses achieve fully automated contract workflows. It lets you create, sign and manage contracts all in one place, integrating seamlessly with existing tools such as the CRM, ATS and other business systems.

The company was founded by Anders Hamnes, Kalle Moodh and Fredrik Rinman in 2010 and went public in April 2022 and has been one of the fastest-growing public SaaS since then. As of August 2024, it reached an impressive ARR of MSEK 153.9 and currently has hundreds of happy customers in over 34 countries.  

User interface and ease of use 

The interface is a crucial factor affecting team efficiency and platform adoption. Thankfully, all three tools compared in this article offer a solid, intuitive interface and generally good UX (user experience). None of the user reviews on G2 (Docusign, SignNow and Oneflow) mention any issues directly connected to the interface, learning curve or readability. Moreover, “Ease of Use” is the most often cited advantage in all three cases.

Document workflow management

Docusign

Docusign offers the following capabilities:

• eSignature – Sign agreements electronically using a responsive, legally binding digital signature system, custom branding, workflow routing, and reusable templates that save field placement and tags.
• Web forms – Capture data from completed forms and external systems to automatically fill out forms with content and streamline the process of signing agreements. 
• Contract lifecycle management – Automate the contract management processes and compliance using templates, form auto-population, conditional rules and a library of pre-approved clauses pre-defined by your legal team. 
• Electronic notarization – Notarize documents with e-signatures and the help of your trusted notaries (users can also verify notaries they don’t know using Docusign digital certificates) and secure identity proofing (photo ID verification, knowledge-based authentication etc.).
• Document creation – Generate and change templates for various agreements to streamline and speed up document generation and improve accuracy and compliance. These templates can include complex logic, so you’re not limited to uncomplicated documents.
• Docusign AI – Generate agreement summaries, extract data, manage obligations, and assess risks with the power of AI.
• Identification – Proof identity and authenticate users using Docusign native features (personal questions, bank-based ID, liveness detection with biometric checks or video selfies) or integrated third-party software.
• Extensions – Meet complex agreement needs with optional plugins (for example, the Multi-channel delivery extension allows you to send agreements to your partners’ mobile devices via WhatsApp or SMS). 

See also: Oneflow vs Docusign

SignNow

SignNow’s basic features look like this:

• eSignature – Sign documents and collect approvals online. Track the signing status, use custom branding, allow signature forwarding and configure reminders and expiration dates. You can also send documents in bulk via email.
• Documents and templates – Create templates for frequently used documents and import files from Microsoft Word to speed up and simplify document generation. Rename documents by adding a new name to the signing link.
• Fillable fields – Add checkboxes and text fields using drag-and-drop and smart fields to transform templates into fillable forms. Use magic fields to guide your users through the document. Run simple calculations directly in the form.
• Team collaboration – Set up teams and organizations and create shared document folders and document groups connected to specific templates. Track documents and manage their ownership. Monitor user activity statistics from a dashboard (number of sent and completed documents, average time spent on completion etc.).
• Document security and authentication – Authenticate users via phone calls, set up dual-factor authentication (phone call, password, SMS or TouchID on iOS devices) and assign passwords and unique IDs to documents.
• Mobile applications – Collect signatures and sign files anytime, anywhere, using mobile apps for iOS and Android (though there are feature differences between operating systems – for example, Kiosk Mode is only available on iPhones and iPads).
• Account management – Monitor activity and create and manage accounts, settings and organizations using a super admin position and console. You can also add a merchant account to process payments and completed files.

See also: Oneflow vs SignNow

Oneflow

Here’s what Oneflow has to offer:

• Oneflow AI – Analyze usage patterns and contracts to reveal insights and identify and remove human errors. Import existing agreements into Oneflow and review them (one by one or in bulk) to receive recommendations and ensure compliance. Search for information across all your contracts instantly.
• Dynamic templates – Access a library of customizable contract templates to create any agreement you need within minutes. Oneflow also allows you to make templates and share them with whoever you want, even in a different workspace. The platform also supports the creation of invite/notification message templates.
• E-signatures – Sign documents using several methods (electronic identification, standard e-signature, SMS verification, handwritten signature). Oneflow signatures are legally binding and can be used for all kinds of documents (job contracts, legal agreements, contracts with your partners and clients etc.).
• Tracking – Oneflow lets you set up internal and external workflows for approvals for steps before signing and stages of the signing process, respectively. You get notified when someone opens a contract and know how many times they looked at it, with dates and times (which can help you notice when someone might have additional questions or require another call).
• Workspaces and collaboration – Create branded workspaces that mirror your company and workflows to organize your contracts and templates. Write comments (shared between team members), access audit trials, and even create, upload, and share video and screen recordings. Hide specific sections based on predefined rules and triggers.
• Contract lifecycle management – Import contacts into Oneflow, create groups, and use advanced filtering and tags to find specific users easily. Create custom workspaces and set up folders within them. Set custom workspaces and admin roles. Configure lifecycle notifications and custom reminders.
• Analysis – Track contract-related KPIs and engagement data (visitors, number of opens etc.) on a dashboard.

All three platforms offer similar essential features such as e-signatures, document generation with templates and automatic form-filling, solid security and identity proofing. Docusign also provides powerful electronic notarization features and some AI enhancements. Oneflow takes contract automation to the next level using AI tools that let you not only analyze and review but also help you write contracts. 

Integrations and connectors

Integrations are always a key consideration – no solution works in isolation, and this is also true for e-signature and document management software. All three platforms provide APIs and good integration capabilities:

• Docusign connects to 900 tools and systems, including Salesforce, Zoom, Microsoft software (Word. SharePoint, Dynamics), SAP, Stripe etc.
• SignNow has a smaller list of integrations but still lists over 250 options. Some notable examples include Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Google Workspace and Zapier.
• Oneflow also has a vast catalogue of possible integrations, including popular solutions such as Salesforce, Hubspot, Microsoft Dynamics, Google Workspace, Zapier and Slack.

Compliance and legal validity

E-signatures are only as helpful as they are legally binding. This method of contract signing is still relatively new and not as universally trusted as a standard handwritten signature – digital signature risk management is an ever-present topic. 

Compliance with various global regulations and standards, such as HIPAA (US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), SOC 2 (a globally recognized security audit) and GDPR (European General Data Protection Regulation), is therefore critically important. Thankfully, Oneflow, SignNow and Docusign deliver on this front.

• Docusign e-signature is legally binding and compliant with HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, ESIGN, and UETA. The company also has the ISO 27001 certificate.
• SignNow is also legally binding and compliant with GDPR, 21 CFR Part 11, HIPAA, ESIGN, UETA, Soc 2 Type II, PCI DSS and CCPA. 
• Oneflow is legally binding and compliant with GDPR, UK GDPR and CCPA. The company is also ISO 27001 certified.

Customer support and success

Docusign

Docusign users can access a learning section with tutorials and a somewhat basic list of solutions to frequent issues. The community around the tool is decently active – many questions get answered within minutes. You can open a case on the website, and the highest subscription tier offers 24/7 support.

SignNow

SignNow offers a detailed help center, an FAQ page and a training academy. You can contact the company via live support chat or email. There’s also a community section, but it doesn’t seem very active (the newest topics are over a year old). There’s no information regarding the support team’s availability or response time.

Oneflow

Oneflow’s website has an FAQ and an “Academy & Onboarding” section. The dedicated support page offers solutions to common problems, and you can submit a ticket or write an email. Chat and phone support (during office hours) are available for some subscription tiers (chat for all options but the Free plan, phone for Business and Enterprise only). 

One thing worth pointing out is that Oneflow is the only tool of the three that is directly praised for its high-quality customer support.

Industry-specific solutions

Docusign

Besides the main products (eSignature and IAM Core), Docusign sells so-called “IAM applications”, which are collections of core capabilities designed for specific business scenarios or industries. They have many of these applications (IAM for Sales, IAM for Customer Experience (CX), IAM for Procurement, IAM for Legal, IAM for Human Resources, and many more), and each provides a slightly different feature set.

They focus on one use case more than others, and that’s real estate. The pricing table singles out the eSignature real estate package. It offers features such as envelopes (digital containers for agreements), access to Real Estate Association forms, Strikethrough, Transactions workspace, and more.

SignNow

SignNow doesn’t offer any specialized products or packages, but it does cater to the needs of different industries and teams, such as HR, sales, legal, finance, etc.

Oneflow

Oneflow can be used for any industry in departments like HR, procurement and IT&Ops. It also focuses on facilitating easier sales and offers plenty of specialized features for sales teams, such as:

• Product tables – Collaborate with your team on sales materials (product tables, demo videos, testimonials etc.) and include them directly in contracts.
• CRM sync – Create, manage, and send Oneflow agreements directly from your CRM system, such as Salesforce, Hubspot, Dynamics and others.
• Comments – Eliminate the need to rewrite contracts. Simply comment and negotiate within the agreement (you can edit it even after sending), and then sign it. The contract’s most recent version will always be visible to the counterparty.
• Reminders and archiving – Set up lifecycle reminders to ensure you never miss a deadline. Use calendar view, global search with filters, folders, and auto-saving to organize your work and contracts. 

Pricing and value for money

Docusign

With Docusign, you can buy the eSignature/eSignature real estate service, the Developer API, or the entire IAM system. The pricing options for the eSignature are as follows (the prices are with annual billing):

• Personal – $10/month. This plan allows you to send up to five agreements for signature monthly and provides access to integrations and templates.
• Standard – $25/month/user. This plan provides access to collaboration tools and the features offered in the previous one. It’s a good option for small and medium-sized teams.
• Business Pro – $40/month/user. It provides advanced features and automation (bulk agreement sending, using conditional logic, auto-calculation in formulas etc.). It’s a solid choice for growing companies.
• Enhanced Plans – You can expand and customize the platform. This option is mainly for large companies, and the pricing differs in each case.

SignNow

SignNow has the following pricing plans (with annual billing):

• Business – $8/user/month. This plan is a good choice for small businesses. It allows you to send documents for signature and gives access to basic fillable field functionality, unlimited templates, a mobile app, and cloud storage integration. 
• Business Premium – $15/user/month. It’s a solid option for medium-sized and growing companies. In addition to features from the previous plan, this one gives access to reminders and notifications, bulk sending, signing links, document groups and payment requests. 
• Enterprise – $30/user/month. This plan is for large businesses and provides access to advanced threat protection, signer attachments, conditional documents, smart fillable fields, and the features offered in the Business Premium plan.
• Site License – priced differently, at $1,50/signature invite, this plan offers great pricing flexibility, unlimited signature requests and users, and the best possible feature set, including full API access, CRM/ERP integration, and industry-specific compliance. 

Oneflow

Oneflow offers four pricing options (the prices below are for annual billing):

• Free – It includes access to PDF contracts, comments, audit trail and data portability features and dashboards.
• Essentials – $17/user/month. This plan is perfect for small and medium-sized companies that don’t want to deal with PDF files. It provides additional features such as digital contracts, templates, insights, a calendar, and a standard set of integrations.
• Business – $45/user/month. This plan is perfect for most growing companies. It gives access to tags, data fields, lifecycle, data retention and premium integration options. 
• Enterprise – Custom pricing. It’s the best option for large companies. It offers shared templates, groups, single sign-on, SCIM API, and Business plan features. 

Oneflow is the only solution with a free plan that isn’t a time-limited trial. It offers very competitive pricing in various currencies, and it’s the only tool that isn’t criticized for pricing in reviews on G2. Price is a problem for both SignNow and Docusign, though especially for the latter – users often criticize it for being very expensive (it’s the solution’s biggest flaw, according to over 100 reviews).

Docusign vs SignNow vs Oneflow comparison table

*Available only as an expansion after contacting sales.

**Available only as a paid add-on in the Site License plan.

Conclusion

Each of the tools I analyzed in this article has its merits. Docusign is a versatile solution that offers packages for different industries and needs. It’s also a big, globally recognized brand, which isn’t without value. Unfortunately, these advantages come with a pretty heavy price tag. SignNow is a decent middle ground – it’s not as expensive as Docusign, but it still does the job and can fit many scenarios. 

However, if you’re looking for the most versatile option that combines quality and affordability, you should try our Oneflow. It’s a powerful, AI-enhanced solution that’ll help you optimize the entire contract signing process – from the agreement’s conception to its signing. It’s easy to use, offers a comprehensive feature set and takes security and compliance seriously. It’s also much more competitively priced (and has a free variant!). Interested? Try Oneflow out now!

FAQs

Which is better, DocuSign or SignNow?

Both Docusign and SignNow have good scores on G2, though the latter’s score is slightly higher (4.6 compared to Docusign’s 4.5). 

Is there a better alternative to DocuSign?

Yes, depending on your needs. Oneflow’s AI tools make it a compelling alternative, and due to its sales process streamlining and CRM integration, it’s also a good option for e-commerce businesses.

What are the disadvantages of DocuSign?

The price, signature issues, poor customer support and limited customization options are the drawbacks users mention most often on G2.

What is SignNow used for?

SignNow enables individuals and businesses to sign and manage documents from any computer or mobile device. 

Disclaimer:
All information on this page is derived from publicly available sources such as G2, Capterra, and other software listing sites. Oneflow does not verify the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of this information. Accordingly, Oneflow assumes no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in the content, nor for any actions taken in reliance on such information. Users are advised to independently verify any information before making decisions based on it.