If you’ve ever had to sign a document online, you’ve probably heard of tools like PandaDoc and DocuSign. To simplify workflows, close deals faster, and improve operational efficiency for businesses, the most popular platforms are PandaDoc and DocuSign.
Both of the eSignature platforms make signing online easier, as well as sending and managing documents digitally. While both are great with their electronic signature capabilities, they’re a little different in how they work and who they’re best for. Let’s break down their features, pricing, and target audiences so you can decide which tool works better for you, especially if your goal is to drive more sales.
What Are PandaDoc and DocuSign?
PandaDoc and DocuSign are both leading eSignature platforms that help people sign documents online. But they’re designed for different purposes:
PandaDoc is built to improve sales processes with features like document templates, analytics, and CRM integrations to help businesses close deals faster. This is why it has become a favorite tool for sales teams to optimize their workflows.
DocuSign is best for general-purpose document signing, and it has robust compliance and security features for businesses of all sizes. The flexibility is the reason why industries like healthcare, law, and real estate use DocuSign more.
As of 2025, PandaDoc has over 50,000 verified users, and DocuSign serves over a million customers globally. These tools have become indispensable for modern enterprises for managing contracts, proposals, and legal documents. PandaDoc’s popularity has risen due to its sales-specific tools. On the other hand, DocuSign is renowned for its versatility in the industry.
PandaDoc vs DocuSign: Key Differences
Imagine you’re shopping for the perfect tool to help your business manage documents. Would you choose the one designed for sales teams or the one that’s more general-purpose? The answer depends on your specific needs. Understanding what sets PandaDoc and DocuSign apart can help you make the best choice for your workflow.
1. Sales vs. General Use
What is your priority sales or general use? Which one should you pick?
PandaDoc is perfect for sales teams. The best PandaDoc features are professional proposal templates, document analytics, and the ability to collect payments in one place.
DocuSign offers universal e-signature capabilities for various industries, including legal, healthcare, and real estate. With DocuSign, businesses can quickly and securely sign any document.
2. Document Templates and Customization
Templates can save time and ensure consistency, but not all are created equal. Learn why the right customization tools can make all the difference for your business.
PandaDoc
PandaDoc has a rich library of over 450 templates that you can customize for proposals, contracts, or invoices. You can also upload and edit Word files to make them fit your needs. Users can also use forms to create dynamic documents easily.
DocuSign
DocuSign also supports templates, but the customization options are not as powerful as PandaDoc’s. It works well with PDFs and Word files but lacks advanced editing tools.
3. Pricing and Cost Effectiveness
Let’s take a look at how PandaDoc and DocuSign compare when it comes to pricing.
PandaDoc
The Pricing for PandaDoc starts at $19/user/month for the Essentials plan, and the Business plan offers advanced features at $49/user/month.
DocuSign
Pricing for DocuSign begins from $10/user/month for the Personal plan, but prices go up quickly if you need extra features like advanced integrations and workflows. Enterprise plans can cost between $40 and $60 per user.
According to G2 reviews, PandaDoc is rated 4.7/5 because it is more cost-effective for small and medium businesses than DocuSign, which got 4.5/5.
4. Integration with CRM Tools
PandaDoc is an excellent choice for sales-focused businesses as it integrates with over 25 CRM tools, including Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive. Businesses that use these integrations have seen a 15% increase in sales efficiency.
DocuSign also supports integrations but requires additional configurations for advanced CRM workflows. Keep in mind that DocuSign’s setup isn’t as sales-focused as PandaDoc’s.
Why Sales Teams Love PandaDoc?
What if you had a tool that not only helped you create stunning proposals but also made it easier to track and close deals? Let’s learn about PandaDoc’s sales-focused features.
1. Document Analytics
PandaDoc provides detailed analytics, including who viewed your document, when, for how long they spent on it, and whether they’ve shared it. So, salespeople follow up at just the right time. Verified PandaDoc users report a 20% improvement in follow-up timing.
2. Payment Processing
You don’t need a separate payment tool. You can close deals faster by allowing clients to sign and pay within the same document. PandaDoc integrates with Stripe, PayPal, and Square to facilitate smooth transactions. This is super handy for small businesses.
3. Real-Time Collaboration
PandaDoc’s collaboration tools let sales teams and clients work on documents simultaneously to reduce delays and ensure transparency. Few PandaDoc customers have reported a 30% reduction in negotiation time due to this cuts down on the back-and-forth email feature.
4. Generative AI Features
You can use PandaDoc’s generative AI to create sales proposals in minutes. Thus, the document creation time significantly reduces.
DocuSign’s Strengths in Compliance and Security
Have you ever thought about why so many businesses love using DocuSign? It’s easy to see why: it’s secure, simple to use, and trusted worldwide. Let’s explore DocuSign’s strengths in compliance and security.
1. Regulatory Compliance
DocuSign complies with global standards such as GDPR, the US ESIGN Act, and ISO 27001, which means your documents are very secure. It’s a top choice for legal and financial industries.
2. Advanced Authentication Options
DocuSign offers multiple authentication methods, such as SMS, email, and ID verification, e sure the right person signs your document. This is especially useful for sensitive contracts. That’s how DocuSign eSignature sets a benchmark for reliability in industries like law and healthcare.
3. Mobile-Friendly Interface
It has a great mobile app that lets you sign and send documents from anywhere. Over 85% of users rate the mobile app highly.
4. Collaboration and Web Forms
DocuSign web forms are faster and more accurate in data collection, such as client intake and contract initiation. Businesses say this feature reduces errors and saves time on manual data entry by 40%.
Why Choose PandaDoc Over DocuSign?
If your primary goal is to drive sales, PandaDoc’s advanced features have more to offer:
Sales-Focused Tools: Things like analytics, payment collection, and templates are built specifically for sales teams.
Cost Efficiency: PandaDoc offers more features for the price, especially in its Business Plan.
Ease of Use: The drag-and-drop editor is easier for anyone, and its intuitive interface simplifies document creation.
Companies using PandaDoc have reported a 28% increase in document closure rates compared to those using DocuSign.
Are PandaDoc Signatures Legal?
Yes, PandaDoc signatures are fully legal. The platform complies with global eSignature laws, including the US ESIGN Act and European eIDAS regulations. So, the contracts signed on PandaDoc are valid and enforceable. The platform also keeps an audit trail for every document, which means there’s a record of who signed it and when. This helps if there’s ever a dispute.
PandaDoc vs. DocuSign Alternatives
While PandaDoc and DocuSign are leaders, alternatives like HelloSign, Adobe Sign, and Zoho Sign offer competitive features. Each has unique strengths, such as advanced document management or lower pricing, but PandaDoc remains the top choice for sales-focused teams.
If neither tool works for you, which tools are for you?
HelloSign: Great for small teams.
Adobe Sign: Perfect for creative workflows.
Zoho Sign: Budget-friendly for startups.
Conclusion
Both PandaDoc and DocuSign are excellent tools, but the right choice depends on what you need. If you’re all about driving sales and need advanced tools like analytics and payment processing, go with PandaDoc. If you need strong security and compliance, DocuSign is the better option. Either way, these platforms will make managing your documents much easier.
So, Evaluate your goals, budget, and required integrations to make the best decision for your business. If you need consultancy on any of the tools, contact the Axis Consulting team for more personalized, data-driven suggestions.
FAQs
Which is more cost-effective, PandaDoc or DocuSign?
PandaDoc gives you more features for your money, but DocuSign’s basic plan is cheaper if you only need simple eSignatures.
Can PandaDoc integrate with my CRM?
Yes, PandaDoc integrates with popular CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive.
Is DocuSign better for legal documents?
DocuSign’s compliance with global standards makes it ideal for industries like law and healthcare. Its security features make it perfect for sensitive documents.
Does PandaDoc support real-time collaboration?
Yes, you can edit documents with your team and clients in real time.
Are eSignatures legally valid worldwide?
Both PandaDoc and DocuSign comply with international eSignature laws, so their signatures are legally valid across countries.