PandaDoc and HelloSign (now Dropbox Sign) are popular e-signing tools known for their legally binding signatures, CRM integrations (like Salesforce) and audit trail tracking. 

As someone familiar with the intricacies of digital document management, I’ve taken this week to further explore these tools and assess their features and differences. 

For example, Dropbox Sign does not include live-editing capabilities like the ability to add comments or suggestions, while many of PandaDoc’s advanced features require a premium subscription. Businesses evaluating these platforms may need to carefully consider which set of features best aligns with their needs, especially since neither software offers a free plan to explore on your own terms.

Luckily, in this article, we’ll compare PandaDoc and HelloSign in terms of features, security, compliance, mobile optimization, customer support and pricing. We’ll also explore Oneflow, an e-signature platform that offers a free plan with all the essential features of an effective signing tool.

Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s begin with a brief overview of all three platforms to understand their features and capabilities.

PandaDoc overview

PandaDoc is a cloud-based e-signing tool that helps businesses send, sign, and manage documents all in one place. In addition to creating documents like contracts, quotes and invoices from scratch, with PandaDoc users can opt for various pre-built templates to save time when creating new legal documents.

Another valuable feature of PandaDoc is its content library, which allows users to save and quickly insert frequently used elements such as pricing, clauses, and tables into their documents.

PandaDoc lets companies integrate with CRMs such as Hubspot and Salesforce to set automated workflows, assist with document tracking, and gain insight into document performance.

If you’re a large company with a bigger budget looking for premium features like CRM integrations, 24/7 customer support, bulk sending, and payment system integration, PandaDoc might be a good fit for you.

Dropbox Sign (HelloSign) overview

Dropbox Sign (formerly HelloSign) is an electronic signature platform within the Dropbox ecosystem, enabling users to set up documents, request e-signatures and save them all in a seamless workflow.

Dropbox Sign allows customers to use pre-built templates for commonly used documents, create templates tailored to their needs, and access a dashboard that provides a comprehensive overview of documents pending review, already signed, or saved in the draft folder.

Unlike PandaDoc’s more complex interface, Dropbox Sign offers an intuitive design that ensures a quick and straightforward document signing process, making it ideal for small businesses.

Like many e-signature tools, Dropbox Sign integrates with platforms such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams and Slack, streamlining document access and speeding up the document-signing process.

While Dropbox Sign is user-friendly, it offers only basic signing features such as signature requests, document signing and tracking. This makes it ideal for businesses that look for a straightforward tool rather than advanced features like live editing, document tagging and role-based permissions.

Oneflow overview

Oneflow is a great alternative to PandaDoc and Dropbox Sign, as its free account includes features like e-signing PDF documents, adding comments, maintaining an audit trail and data portability. In contrast, these features are only available on PandaDoc’s and Dropbox Sign’s paid plans, starting at $19 and $16.58 per month, respectively.

Similar to PandaDoc, Oneflow is an excellent contract management platform that helps businesses monitor the entire contract lifecycle. Users can create and digitally sign documents and monitor them from initial creation to post-signing activities.

With Oneflow, businesses can comment in the text, insert suggestion, or chat directly with counterparties within the document just like how you would use Google Docs or Word editor.

Oneflow allows users to add a duration time for the agreement period, use AI to help improve and summarize contracts, use pre-built templates to speed up the creation process, import and edit pre-made documents and set automated reminders from a single platform.

Like other e-signature platforms, Oneflow integrates with CRMs such as Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot, and other productivity tools such as Slack, Google Drive, SharePoint, helping users streamline their document workflows and manage contracts more efficiently within their existing systems. 

This is especially beneficial for e-signature in public sector applications, where efficiency is essential due to the high volume of documents that need to be signed, approved and processed.

Thanks to Oneflow’s easy-to-use interface and the above-stated features, this platform is a great e-signature software for small, medium, and large companies compared to other DropBox Sign and PandaDoc alternatives.

E-signature functionality comparison

This round of Oneflow vs HelloSign (now DropBox Sign) vs PandaDoc can be considered a tie as all three platforms offer a similar workflow of the signing documents process.

Therefore, as all three platforms are designed to help businesses finalize agreements faster, in this section, we will dive deep into the e-signature features of each individual platform.

PandaDoc

Once you have set up your account, PandaDoc directs you to their detailed dashboard. You can create a document from scratch or use the pre-built templates PandaDoc offers.

Now that you have imported a document or decided on a template, you will be greeted with a section where you can rename your contract and enter the senders and receivers’ emails. 

PandaDoc allows users to create legally binding signatures by starting with the settings tab. From here, users can upload, draw, or type in their digital signature, which can later be reused for document signing purposes.

Once the signature has been set up, you can edit the document using the drag-and-drop feature to input signature requests, text fields, initials, and more.

Here are some of the standout features PandaDoc provides:

1. Reusable templates: Variety of templates you may choose from, like Proposals, Agreements, Invoices, and Quotes, to ultimately speed up the document creation and signing process.
2. Document analytics: Track how much time recipients have spent time on each section of a document. Senders will receive notifications in their inbox once receivers open, comment, or complete a document.
3. Payments: Set up payments directly through PandaDoc by connecting to a payment getaway like Paypal or Stripe, and ensure payments are submitted securely and on time.

Dropbox Sign (HelloSign)

Like PandaDoc, once you have entered all the essential details to create an account, you will be immediately prompted to a simple but effective dashboard from which you can quickly check the current status of sent documents and those waiting for your digital signature.

Once you get familiar with the home page, you can start focusing on sending out signature requests. After uploading a document or selecting a pre-built template, it’s time to add the name and e-mail of the recipients and start customizing your document.

With Dropbox Sign, customers can incorporate interactive fields into their documents, such as signatures, initials, job titles, emails, and full names, allowing counterparties to fill in the necessary information and finalize the contract.

Using this platform, businesses can effortlessly sign documents by creating digital signatures or uploading a saved image of their signature to streamline the e-signing process.

Some other neat features that DropBox Sign includes are:

1. Bulk sending: Thanks to this feature, businesses can simultaneously manage and distribute large volumes of documents. Therefore, if you need to send documents to multiple counterparties, you can do so in just a few clicks.
2. DropBox integration: Take advantage of the seamless DropBox integration to easily import and export documents from and to the DropBox storage.
3. Custom branding: Brand your document with different add-on features DropBox Sign offers. Some options include inserting the company logo, company tagline, custom domain, and color adjusting to reflect your company’s brand.

Oneflow

After completing a few setup questions to create your account, customers will be presented with a simple and clean home page from which they can check pending, signed, declined, and overdue documents.

The dashboard also offers performance metrics such as contract turnaround time and the average duration for contract signature.

Select the plus button on the left sidebar to import or create a new document. From here, you can upload a document, use customizable pre-built templates like investment, loan, non-disclosure, purchase or stakeholder agreements, or draft a new document completely from scratch.

With Oneflow, you can insert videos and images, add additional information, signature requests, company names, and emails, and even manage the signing order.

Singing a document with Oneflow is quite simple. Once you create or receive a document, Oneflow will provide options to type or draw your legally binding signature. After choosing one of the provided options, you will automatically receive a link to the signed contract version.

In addition to the above-stated features, Oneflow has:

1. AI assist: With AI Assist, you can quickly generate text and suggestions for any document type. Enter your document details and let AI do the rest. If needed, you can adjust the content. AI in electronic signatures offers smart, context-aware suggestions to streamline document creation and management.
2. Inline comment: This feature lets customers add comments within a document by highlighting sections. Internal comments are visible only to colleagues during drafting, while additional comments are visible to all participants once the document is sent.
3. Internal approval workflow: Before sending a document, you can use Oneflow to get internal approval. Add an internal approver who will receive an email to review, edit, and comment on the document. After making changes, the approver can forward the document for digital signing.

All these platforms secure documentation with encryption protocols and role-based permissions, ensuring data protection and access control. They also comply with GDPR regulations to protect personal data. 

With Oneflow, you can enhance security further with two-factor authentication and an account audit log to track timestamps and user access.

API comparison

All three platforms’ APIs work similarly – businesses can integrate digital signature tools with websites and applications, helping automatic generation of documents and saving time on data entry.

• PandaDoc’s API:Automatically generate and send contracts from a CRM system like Salesforce when a deal is closed. 
• Dropbox Sign’s API: Automate sending offer letters and receiving signatures during onboarding. 
• Oneflow’s API: Automate workflows based on contract events, such as sending automatic reminders for contract renewals or approvals, ensuring that important deadlines are met.

Mobile app comparison

Both platforms provide mobile apps for document access, regardless of the plan you choose. 

• The PandaDoc app provides features like document creation, editing, signing, and real-time collaboration
• Dropbox Sign focuses mostly on the signing process allowing mobile users to sign, store, organize, and search documents within the app. 

Although Oneflow is a web-based platform, its mobile optimization allows users to access documents from any device. Therefore, no matter where you are, with Oneflow you can manage contracts, sign documents, and perform other tasks through a mobile browser.

Unfortunately, all three platforms have limitations regarding offline functionality. While PandaDoc and Dropbox Sign offer mobile apps, they do not allow document creation, editing, or signing without an active internet connection. Similarly, Oneflow, a web-based platform, relies on an online connection for full accessibility.

Security and compliance

Security and compliance are important when dealing with sensitive information like personal data as they reduce the risk of unauthorized access, breaches and misuse. Luckily, all three applications emphasize security, making them safe platforms for dealing with contracts.

PandaDoc

PandaDoc implements several measures to ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information, including AES-256 encryption and daily automatic database backups. It is SOC 2 Type II certified and complies with GDPR, eIDAS, and FERPA.

 If you are on the Business plan, you also get role-based access control, which provides enhanced security by allowing customers to manage user permissions and access levels.

DropBox Sign

DropBox Sign offers various security features to its customers, such as the Data Deletion policy, which allows users to delete data whenever they please. In addition, by opting for the Essentials plan, businesses can implement other security measures such as encryption, audit trail and more. This e-signature tool is ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II, GDPR and eIDAS certified.

Oneflow

Oneflow takes data protection to the next level by storing customer and system information in encrypted, mirrored databases with multiple layers of backup strategies. 

The platform also features a comprehensive Information Security Incident Management policy, including incident identification, login notifications, remediation procedures, and post-incident analysis. Like PandaDoc and Dropbox Sign, Oneflow is certified with ISO 27001, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 and complies with GDPR and eIDAS regulations.

Customer support and resources

Now that we’ve covered the security features of each e-signature tool, in this section, we’ll focus on customer support and the different resources the platforms provide. 

A good customer support and knowledge base play a crucial role in determining the overall success of e-signature software. Customers should have access to a wide range of resources for self-help and receive prompt replies to their inquiries.

PandaDoc

PandaDoc’s customer support strategies include support channels such as e-mail and live chat. Live chat generally provides the quickest responses, though email support is relatively quick during business hours. 

Enterprise plan users benefit from 24/7 support and access to phone support for immediate assistance. Additionally, PandaDoc’s extensive knowledge base allows customers to easily find answers to FAQs, check product updates, and access learning programs and step-by-step tutorials. 

For account setup assistance, contact their sales team for further information and guidance.

Dropbox Sign

Similar to PandaDoc, Dropbox Sign offers email and live chat support, with phone support available only on more advanced plans. When you email PandaDoc, you can expect a response within 24 hours, with their team ready to assist and address any issues or questions you may have.

Unlike PandaDoc, this platform does not provide 24/7 support, even with the highest plan. DropBox Sign offers forums and online groups populated with eBooks, webinars and podcasts, and a knowledge base with video tutorials and FAQs.

Oneflow

With Oneflow, customers can submit inquiries via email or live chat support for immediate assistance. Live chat is quick, often resolving issues within minutes, while emails are typically answered within 24 hours. 

Like Dropbox Sign, Oneflow does not offer 24/7 customer support. However,  the platform’s knowledge base offers a variety of resources such as FAQs, video tutorials, webinars, case studies and a dedicated section for recipients to learn how to open, edit, and sign documents.

Pricing comparison

Let’s explore the pricing plans for PandaDoc, Dropbox Sign and Oneflow:

• PandaDoc’s plans begin at $35 per month, with more advanced features accessible from $65 per month. 
• Dropbox Sign starts at $15 for basic functionalities, with additional features available in plans starting at $25 per month.
• Oneflow offers a free plan with essential features like document signing, audit tracking, commenting, etc. The paid plans for Oneflow start at $17 per month, with more advanced capabilities available in higher tiers starting from $45 per month.

Let’s see what individual plans offer:

PandaDoc

PandaDoc offers four pricing plans: Free, Starter, Business, and Enterprise, with a 14-day free trial.

Here’s what each plan includes:

1. Starter: With $35 a month, users can enjoy features like 24/7 e-mail and chat support, drag and drop document editor, document analytics and more.
2. Business: Ideal for sales proposals and integrated workflows, this $65/month plan offers CRM integrations, bulk sending, a content library, and more.
3. Enterprise: This plan offers advanced contract management and eSignature solutions. Pricing varies based on your needs and includes SSO, CPQ, API, and more.

DropBox Sign

DropBox Sign provides a Free, Essentials, Standard and Premium plan with a 30-day free trial.

Here are the plans:

1. Essentials: For $15 a month, you can send unlimited signature requests, use integrations, access customer support via email, and utilize up to 5 templates.
2. Standard: For $25 a month, you get two or more users, extra integrations, 15 templates, bulk sending, and more.
3. Premium: Starts with at least five users and includes all Dropbox Sign features. For pricing, contact the sales team for a quote.

Oneflow

Oneflow offers four plans: Free, Essentials, Business, and Enterprise, with a 14-day trial of the premium plan.

Each plan includes the following:

1. Free: Upload, send, and e-sign PDF documents, track activity, receive comment notifications, check the audit trail and import or export all your contracts.
2. Essentials: For $17 a month, you can create, share, and manage templates, track contract engagements, integrate with various systems and more.
3. Business: For $45 a month, users can configure contract lifecycle rules, add tags for easier search, set data retention policies, and integrate with HubSpot, Salesforce, and more.
4. Enterprise: Customers can share templates across workplaces, organize users into groups, and use SSO and SCIM API. As this plan is designed for larger teams, businesses should contact sales for pricing.

Conclusion

With the comparison between PandaDoc vs HelloSign (now Dropbox Sign) complete, it’s time for the final verdict.

While both tools can be excellent choices, the right one depends on your needs and company size. If you’re just starting out, you might opt for Dropbox Sign for its user-friendly interface and basic capabilities. At the same time, PandaDoc is better suited for larger businesses due to its advanced feature set and complex interface.

However, without a free plan, assessing which tool best fits your needs can be difficult. 

Fortunately, Oneflow offers a free plan that lets you explore its features and determine if it meets your requirements. You can also use the free plan to sign unlimited legally binding e-signatures on uploaded or PDF documents. Therefore, before deciding, consider Oneflow—an e-signature solution designed for businesses of all sizes. 

Thanks to its exceptional document management and document tracking features, customers can easily create, sign, share and collect e-signatures.

Sparked your interest?

Try Oneflow

PandaDoc vs HelloSign vs Oneflow comparison table

FAQs:

What happened to HelloSign?

In 2019, HelloSign was acquired by Dropbox, a file hosting service, and has since been renamed Dropbox Sign.

Is PandaDoc worth it?

If you’re a larger company looking for advanced singing features, PandaDoc can be worthwhile. However, with Oneflow, you can enjoy a user-friendly interface that is suitable for small and big businesses.

Are PandaDoc signatures legally binding?

Yes, PandaDoc signatures are legally binding in the US and EU and comply with ESIGN and UETA regulations like Oneflow.

Is PandaDoc really free?

PandaDoc offers a 14-day free trial. Fortunately, with Oneflow’s freemium plan, businesses can access features such as audit trails, KPI views, and the ability to upload, send, and e-sign PDF documents.

Meta description: PandaDoc vs. HelloSign (now Dropbox Sign): Which tool is the best choice? Let’s compare their key features to determine which platform best meets company needs.

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.