Adobe Sign vs. DocuSign: Which E-Signature Platform Is Better?

Adobe Sign vs. DocuSign is a common comparison as e-signatures become essential for workflows. Organizations, businesses, and freelancers need secure platforms for signing documents electronically, especially with the rise of remote and global work.

When it comes to these two platforms, Adobe Sign is ideal for teams already using Adobe Acrobat or needing professional-grade features. On the other hand, DocuSign works well for SMBs and enterprises seeking a scalable solution.

In this article, we break down each platform’s features, security, pricing, ease of use, and integrations, so you can choose the one that suits your needs best.

Key Takeaways

• Adobe Sign allows you to sign PDFs and share forms for others to sign via secure links; the platform comes with integrations and automations to streamline your workflow.
• DocuSign’s e-signature platform offers the same capabilities as Adobe, plus more advanced routing and authentication options.
• Both Adobe Sign and DocuSign can be used on mobile devices and ensure security and legality under the ESIGN Act, UETA, and eIDAS.
• You should choose Adobe Sign if your team is already working in Adobe’s ecosystem or needs enterprise-level capabilities.
• DocuSign is better if you are seeking an affordable, scalable e-signature setup with broader integration options.

Overview of Adobe Sign

Adobe Sign, now officially known as Acrobat Sign, is an e-signature solution that lets you send, sign, and share PDFs easily. Moreover, you can fill out forms and create customized, branded templates for collecting signatures.

Additionally, Adobe Sign features:

• Integrations. The platform’s electronic signature tools can be used on Microsoft Word, Teams, Workday, Salesforce, etc., so you won’t have to switch back and forth between tabs. You can also store signed PDFs in Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive if you don’t want to use the built-in Adobe Document Cloud.
• Automations. Acrobat Sign allows you to automate your workflows by using APIs or by routing your documents in the right order. There are options for assigning roles, like signer, approver, acceptor, form filler, and delegator, and setting up reminders and notifications to control the entire process.
• Mobile compatibility. Adobe Sign works on any device, including mobile phones and tablets, which means you can manage your e-signatures anywhere, even on the go. The platform’s ease of use remains the same, whether you are applying a signature, tracking audit trails, or preparing forms for others to fill.
• Security. Acrobat Sign maintains electronic signatures’ legality under the ESIGN Act, UETA, and eIDAS by authenticating users’ identities, certifying documents’ integrity, and logging users’ acceptance or acknowledgment of documents. It encrypts assets at rest with AES 256-bit and uses HTTPS TLS v1.2 to protect them during processing.

The platform focuses on small teams with up to ten members and comes in two plans:

1. Acrobat Pro for teams billed at $23.99 per month
2. Acrobat Studio for teams billed at $29.99 per month

Now, let’s look at Acrobat Sign’s pros and cons:

Overview of DocuSign

DocuSign started as an electronic signature solution and has grown into an AI-powered agreement management platform with 1.7 million customers worldwide. It is also used by 95% of Fortune 500 companies.

Like Adobe Sign, DocuSign features:

• Integrations. You can connect the platform’s signing workflow with countless systems and tools; Salesforce, Workday, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, Google, and Zoom, to name a few. There are also open APIs that you can use to integrate with existing ecosystems.
• Automations. It is easy to create reusable, fillable forms with DocuSign’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Moreover, options for setting serial, parallel, conditioning, mixed, or delayed routing, as well as assigning roles and managing reminders, notifications, and real-time updates, let you automate your workflow easily.
• Mobile compatibility. There is a DocuSign app that you can download on both iOS and Android devices for creating, signing, and sending documents. Aside from the app, you can also use DocuSign on your mobile browser without worrying about lags or crashes.
• Security. DocuSign uses AES 256-bit encryption and is ISO27001 certified, SSAE 16, SOC 1 Type 2, and SOC 2 Type 2 certified. Plus, it is PCI DSS compliant and authorized at the FedRAMP Moderate Impact Level. All documents are tamper-sealed with PKI and accompanied by both an audit trail and a certificate of completion.

There are four pricing plans for you to choose from:

Choosing the right plan depends on whether you prioritise affordability, collaboration tools, or enterprise-level automation. To help you weigh the trade-offs, here’s a quick comparison of DocuSign’s key advantages and potential drawbacks:

Adobe Sign vs. DocuSign: Head-to-Head Comparison

To decide which is the best e-signature software, let’s compare Adobe Sign vs. DocuSign in terms of features, security, pricing, ease of use, and integrations.

#1. Features

Adobe Sign lets you create reusable, fillable forms and share them with one or multiple signers at once via PDF link. When they are viewed or signed, you will receive notifications, and there will also be an audit trail for tracking every action taken. Plus, the platform has three authentication methods—the Adobe ID, Acrobat Sign ID, and SSO—ensuring the safety of your e-signatures.

Furthermore, your forms can be branded with elements, like logos and taglines, and they can even be embedded on websites. If your forms were scanned or created in Microsoft Word or Excel, you can use Adobe Sign to convert them into the PDF format for sharing and collecting signatures.

DocuSign provides many of the same capabilities. You can create PDF forms and brand them by changing the colors and adding logos or slogans. After you share them, individually or in bulk, there will be real-time updates and an audit trail. You can also control what others are allowed to do within your e-signature workflow.

Unlike Adobe Sign, there is no direct option to post signable forms on websites. DocuSign does, however, offer more advanced routing options: serial, parallel, conditioning, mixed, or delayed. Additionally, it supports a wider range of authentication methods to protect your electronic signatures: email-based, knowledge-based, access code, SMS code, phone code, federated identity verification, etc.

#2. Security & Compliance

Both Adobe Sign and DocuSign use AES 256-bit encryption, which is an FIPS-approved cryptographic algorithm for protecting electronic data, and provide certifications. Adobe Sign uses PKI to certify PDFs, while DocuSign provides certificates of completion, including PDF timestamps.

Moreover, you can configure Adobe Sign and DocuSign to meet local and regional regulations, such as Health Information Protection Act (HIPAA) and FDA CFR 21 Part 11 in the U.S., and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU when used under the appropriate enterprise plans and agreements. As for FedRAMP, Adobe Sign is authorized at the Tailored Level, while DocuSign is authorized at the Moderate Impact Level.

#3. Pricing

Adobe Sign offers two plans at $23.99 and $29.99. DocuSign, by contrast, has three pricing tiers—$10, $25, and $40. With both platforms, you have the option to contact the sales teams for a custom package. The free trial for Adobe Sign lasts 14 days, whereas DocuSign’s extends to 30.

When it comes to value, DocuSign tends to be more cost-friendly for small businesses, while Adobe Sign appeals more to mid-size companies and enterprises.

#4. Ease of Use

Both Adobe Sign and DocuSign have an intuitive interface, but the latter’s learning curve is not as steep. On DocuSign’s e-signature page, there is a detailed walkthrough of how to use the platform. You can also look at resources from DocuSign University and enlist others' help through the DocuSign Community.

Adobe doesn’t have a demo, so it is harder to navigate, especially if you are a first-time user or not too tech-savvy. However, since it has been around for a long time, it is easy to find YouTube tutorials from others. Adobe Learn and the Adobe Community are also available for support.

#5. Integrations

Having options for integrations is essential for streamlining workflows; that’s why Adobe Sign and DocuSign offer plenty of them. Here are some platforms and tools that you can connect with on both platforms:

• Salesforce
• Oracle
• Workday
• ServiceNow
• Google Workspace
• Microsoft
• SAP

In addition, you can use APIs to integrate Adobe Sign or DocuSign’s e-signing functionality into your existing ecosystem. Beyond that, DocuSign lets you build extension apps for deeper customization.

Adobe Sign vs. DocuSign: A Short Overview

Now, let’s recap our e-signature software comparison to help you decide on the best way to sign documents online.

#1. When to Choose Adobe Sign

You should choose Adobe Sign if your team is already using Adobe Acrobat. It is more convenient and cost-effective because everything connects seamlessly, and the learning curve won’t get in your way.

Adobe Sign is also the better option if you are seeking enterprise-level e-signature capabilities and PDF management. Its tools are built to handle high volumes of documents and complex processes.

#2. When to Choose DocuSign

DocuSign is preferable if your business needs a scalable signing workflow that is easy to roll out across teams.

The platform works smoothly with CRM systems, cloud storage services, project management tools, and more. Therefore, it is easy to adopt across different departments and business sizes.

Both SMBs and enterprises can rely on DocuSign. A few names featured in DocuSign’s Customer Stories are Vestwell, Sojern, Calendly, AstraZeneca, and Cox Automotive.

PDF.net - A Simple Alternative for E-Signing PDFs

If you just want a simple, streamlined solution for signing PDFs electronically, PDF.net is the perfect option. Our editor is fully browser-based, so you don’t have to download anything. You can use it without registering for an account first, and all tools are available for you to try.

All you need to do is upload your form, apply your signature, and download the signed PDF. Everything works online and in just a couple of minutes. PDF.net is loved by small teams, businesses, and freelancers who need a fast, fuss-free way to sign PDFs.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to the choice between Adobe Sign vs. DocuSign, think about what matters most to your workflow. Adobe Sign is the better fit if you work heavily with PDFs or already use Adobe’s tools, while DocuSign is ideal if you want broader integrations and a setup that scales across different platforms. However, if you aren’t part of a team and just need to occasionally sign PDFs securely, you can use PDF.net.

Adobe Sign vs. DocuSign FAQs

#1. Is Adobe Sign legally binding?

Yes, Adobe Sign is legally binding as long as you meet the requirements of the ESIGN Act and UETA, or eIDAS in the EU. These regulations give electronic signatures the same legal standing as wet signatures.

#2. Is Adobe Sign free?

No, Adobe Sign is not free. You need to purchase an Acrobat Pro or Acrobat Studio plan, which is $23.99 and $29.99, respectively. However, you can try Adobe Sign for free; the trial lasts 14 days.

#3. Is an email from DocuSign legit?

An email from DocuSign is legit if it is sent from an official DocuSign domain and relates to a document you are expecting. You might receive a DocuSign email for signing forms or for verifying your identity before signing with an authentication code.

#4. Can I integrate these tools with Google Drive or Office 365?

Yes, you can integrate both Adobe Sign and DocuSign with Google Drive and Office 365. This allows you to pull documents directly and send them for signing without switching between platforms.

Related Articles

Best Way to Sign Documents Online: 7 Top PDF Signing Tools

How to Sign PDFs Digitally

Differences Between Electronic & Digital Signature + Usage Tips