DocuSign vs. Smallpdf

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
DocuSign
Score 8.8 out of 10
N/A
DocuSign supports transactions with document sharing and electronic signature, as well as automated and guided data collection and entry, record updating across disparate systems and payment collection upon agreement, as well as analytics and reporting.
$15
per month
Smallpdf
Score 5.6 out of 10
N/A
Made in Switzerland, Smallpdf is a company that offers a suite of document management tools for everyone-for work, for home, for life. Founded in Switzerland in 2013, Smallpdf provides what they describe as a simple, secure, and reliable answer to the world's PDF challenges. Smallpdf boasts serving over a billion users in 24 different languages since 2013, and in every country in the world.
$0
Pricing
DocuSignSmallpdf
Editions & Modules
Personal
$15
per month
Real Starter
$15
per month
DocuSign for Realtors
$35
per month
Standard
$40
per month
Business Pro
$60
per month
Advanced Solutions
Custom Pricing
Smallpdf Basic
$0.00
Smallpdf Pro
$12.00
per month
Smallpdf Pro
$108.00
per year
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
DocuSignSmallpdf
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoYes
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsDiscounts are available for bulk purchases
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
DocuSignSmallpdf
Considered Both Products
DocuSign
Chose DocuSign
I don't think I've seen anything like DocuSign in the market. Well I think now Acrobat has a product similar to it, but it's not exactly same people can use it to sign. But it has come recently, not a long back. DocuSign has been in the market since long, so it still has the …
Chose DocuSign
I've worked with documents such as Oracle, Google Forms, and software of that nature. I believe that DocuSign is, has a good reputation and has been reliable for many companies. That's one of the reasons why we have adopted it in our own infrastructure. I believe that compared …
Chose DocuSign
Very similar but did not have the backing of SAP SuccessFactors in terms of Integration. The Developer Environment allowed us to test and practice on very easily compared to Adobe Acrobat Sign. Both products can be connected to via Microsoft Power Platform to aid automation …
Chose DocuSign
Adobe was not a good experience despite the lower cost. Constant crashing, slow to load and a simple feature like copy and pasting the same fields across pages was non existent. Our team celebrated the decision to move back to Docusign from Adobesign. We have never looked back …
Chose DocuSign
Adobe Acrobat Sign is less user-friendly and more suited to small scopes, or one-off documents. It lacks the use of templates that DocuSign has, which is what ultimately streamlines and delivers the consistency and efficiencies for the business.
Chose DocuSign
Deal hub is a relatively complicated software, my company requirement was limited to getting the document verifed and then get it signed from the right set of designation after the verification The evaluation process of DocuSign was also smooth and it was very simple to …
Chose DocuSign
No other documents like DocuSign have I had experience with or have I used.
Chose DocuSign
HelloSign was like a breath of fresh air compared to the corporate feel of DocuSign. Their salespeople were not pushy, their pricing is fantastic, and the features are just what we need.
Chose DocuSign
There has never been anything that we could really compare to Docusign. We have tried sending documents in a PDF version, but that was not nearly as efficient. DocuSign saves your signature in the system and uses that as it goes through your documents.
Chose DocuSign
I actually have both. Docusign has better features. Signnow was a little cheaper so I kept them.
Chose DocuSign
DOcusign is quite old and reliable in respect of other vendors available in the market. There is no complexity in signing which is generally faced while using Authetisign and also it has no problem in inserting big text which other apps have this issue.
Chose DocuSign
I prefer DocuSign to Adobe Sign because of the workflow process. To me, DocuSign flows much easier and the interface is easier for me to locate the things I need. I also appreciate the templates that DocuSign allowed, especially because Egnyte had a direct integration with …
Chose DocuSign
DocuSign is pretty much the only signing product that I have used to complete paperwork and have them signed over to our customers. It is a great product and is very efficient.
Chose DocuSign
DocuSign is so much more widely used and I think reliable. Who knows where HelloSign will be in a few years and I don't think they have nearly the funding to compete with DocuSign. Also, everyone uses DocuSign and it makes clients feel secure knowing the name of software …
Chose DocuSign
When viewing other competing products they didn't have the superior functionality that DocuSign had, nor the admin control. However, it should be noted that since making the selection, competing products have greatly improved.
Chose DocuSign
I would say that DocuSign's biggest competitor and a most similar product is Adobe Sign. They both offer almost identical features with Adobe offering a slightly better interface. Adobe sign is also less costly than DocuSign while offering templates that can be useful for …
Chose DocuSign
I've used Hellosign and DocuSign at the company. DocuSign has an easier UX and ability to use with multiple users. Also links and partners with a lot more external tools.
Chose DocuSign
We used home grown electronic signatures and were not pleased with the maintenance required.
Chose DocuSign
I didn't make the decision myself on why we selected DocuSign so hard to say but bottom line is a lot of them do the same thing... e-signature. Pretty straightforward stuff! I think it really comes down to personal preference, perhaps user interface, and what just feels most …
Chose DocuSign
I have not used any alternatives. DocuSign is the leader in this space from my opinion.
Chose DocuSign
DocuSign is the one we went with because of the majority of people who use it regularly. It's the first one that comes to mind when you think of electronic signatures. We do use AdobeSign with our HR platform because that is the one that is integrated with it, but standalone …
Chose DocuSign
I have not used any other but I know there are other cheaper tools out there but it depends how many documents a company is dealing with and need signatures. We use it both for our own use with our employees and for any contracts we handle with consultants and customers.
Chose DocuSign
Adobe Sign has closed the gap between it and DocuSign in recent years. I still think DocuSign outclasses Adobe's offering in ease of use, and it makes less sense to go with Adobe Sign unless you are already steeped in the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, …
Smallpdf
Chose Smallpdf
We actually never used other products like this. When we found SmallPDF it met our needs instantaneously. The only thing I can compare it to is Adobe and the features they provide, however, SmallPDF is more cost-effective for our team. It allows us to do most of the same …
Chose Smallpdf
I have not really used anything exactly like this tool because this was the first one I found and it worked great, and also the cost was not high.
Chose Smallpdf
Smallpdf is a basic PDF editor platform. Overall, it is best for beginners and those who only need a PDF editor to make simple edits and changes. Would also recommend it to those with a smaller budget. If you prefer an advanced, all-in-one PDF editor and also use other Adobe …
Chose Smallpdf
Almost all software's are based on a similar platform. We use them in turn according to our comfort level and ease of use.
Chose Smallpdf
As per my understanding, Smallpdf stacks up against the above tool because it is easy to use, the targeted goal only for pdf, handy, and one more thing is that small pdf has created the application for android and iOS. I really found Smallpdf helpful when using it on the fly. …
Chose Smallpdf
Adobe is not so quick. It takes a lot of effort to do a job in it. but small PDFs do the same job as in the second. Even adobe acrobat does not have as many features as Smallpdf. Smallpdf is like an ocean because you don't know ocean depth so a small pdf has so many features.
Chose Smallpdf
Smallpdf has a wonderful free version and is extremely simple to use. Adobe Acrobat can be a bit jumpy and heaven forbid you click on the wrong icon and it will ask you to sign in over and over again. Smallpdf isn't always the prettiest to use, but it is the best to get the job …
Chose Smallpdf
I think that Smallpdf stacks up against its competitors in terms of easiness of use. The tool is very user-friendly, every feature is communicated in an efficient way and very simple to user so the user doesn't have to be particularly good at using software. Its features are …
Chose Smallpdf
This is a more ethical decision. Adobe tends to lock you into their products and then charge you to end your contract. Smallpdf allows us to remain flexible and do our work at a lower cost.
Chose Smallpdf
Smallpdf has had a great impact on our business since we moved to this software from Adobe which is more expensive, so we managed to save a lot of money for using it.
Chose Smallpdf
While extremely useful and feature rich, PDF xChange does not have the ability to work with multiple files at the same time as efficiently as Smallpdf. It is also a traditional desktop software which means being constrained to one specific PC.
Chose Smallpdf
PDFfiller has other functions that make it a bit more complicated to use, it is also slower than Smallpdf when it comes to any type of conversion. I even had to close the page when I tried to use PDFfiller because it remains frozen and does not It advances, so much so, that I …
Chose Smallpdf
Smallpdf is accessible online as a web-based .pdf solution not like many software that must be installed on a computer.
Chose Smallpdf
I used to convert my PDF files with LightPDF software. But It was slightly difficult for me to navigate on that software. The interface of that software was not very easy to understand. And compression result quality was also not satisfactory. So I selected Smallpdf for all my …
Chose Smallpdf
When comparing Smallpdf to Adobe Acrobat the first thing that comes to mind immediately is how much cheaper Smallpdf is compared to Adobe. The difference has been huge for our company and has allowed us to save money while keeping the same quality level for the products …
Chose Smallpdf
Smallpdf is a cheaper alternative. There is no additional software to purchase, so no need to pay to upgrade licensing every year. I think it is easier to use, although it doesn't have as many tools or options as Adobe. Depending on what you use it for, I think it is a great …
Chose Smallpdf
As it is a web-based software, it helps me avoid installing any software program for managing PDF related work. It has many more functions than my previous PDF program. It helps me in all kind of Office file conversions. I also found it very reasonable in terms of subscription …
Chose Smallpdf
Its easy setup and easy user interface makes it easy to operate for many of my colleagues. I don't need to train them much for this software. So I started using it in my organisation.
Chose Smallpdf
I've been using it for quite some time and I think that's why I'm fond of it since sometimes it has not behaved how I would like, however, and yet I must admit that Smallpdf is one of the best and fastest PDF file converters. It also surprises me that it is almost the only …
Chose Smallpdf
I prefer Smallpdf, due to the ease of use and good results I have had during the time, both when creating pdf files and also to reduce the weight of the files I created and all this in just a few seconds.
Best Alternatives
DocuSignSmallpdf
Small Businesses
Foxit eSign
Foxit eSign
Score 9.2 out of 10
Square 9 Softworks
Square 9 Softworks
Score 9.3 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
MSB Docs
MSB Docs
Score 9.4 out of 10
MSB Docs
MSB Docs
Score 9.4 out of 10
Enterprises
Conga Sign
Conga Sign
Score 8.6 out of 10
M‑Files
M‑Files
Score 8.9 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
DocuSignSmallpdf
Likelihood to Recommend
8.8
(0 ratings)
8.7
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
7.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
8.3
(0 ratings)
9.5
(0 ratings)
Availability
10.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Performance
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.4
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.9
(0 ratings)
Online Training
10.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
10.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
6.8
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
10.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
DocuSignSmallpdf
Likelihood to Recommend
I am going to speak of a personal experience- on multiple occasions: I need my husband to sign documents during the day and I don't need him here- physically. He sometimes works in different parts of the state as well at his own company. There is no problem at all, as long as he has access to his cell phone, email, and cell phone service- he can sign the documents I need him to. It is AMAZING- I can't speak highly enough of Docusign.
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I would suggest Smallpdf for simple needs in terms of PDFs management that can be [easily] resolved such as: size compression, deleting of pages and file conversions. This tool is very user-friendly and easy to use, it is available online so the user doesn't need to download any software. In case of heavy files compression, the tool isn't appropriate since it doesn't support heavy documents.
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Pros
  • Ease of sending the same document out to multiple recipients, at multiple locations, for multiple signatures
  • Quick turnaround - once the recipient signs the document, we receive notification and the document back immediately
  • Can resend, alter, change, and/or add to the email and/or document that is sent out very easily
  • The recipient can save the document after signing, so they too have their own electronic copy for their records
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  • One of the best things that Smallpdf does is pdf conversion both to and from pdf. It is especially great to transform pdf tables into Excel documents.
  • PDF splitting is really great since allows for cropping large files and just keep the information necessary; something that comes really handy when presenting information to your supervisors.
  • PDF merging also works wonders, it allows for mixing several different pdf documents into just one of them. It is extremely easy to set up.
  • This a really fast pdf reader, it feels really fast compared to other options that tend to feel clunky. Its workspace is super comfortable and well organized so finding a tool you need is always a simple task.
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Cons
  • You have to purchase a subscription and unless you really need to originate a lot of documents, it's not cost-effective to maintain the subscription. It would be better to have a subscription that allows you to purchase a bundle of say, ten documents and then use them as needed for the occasional user.
  • You'll be hard-pressed to find anything negative from users other than the price.
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  • It has everything I'm not sure what I will say. E-sign, Share, convert. You can give an option in upload priorities features which I can see later.
  • Background remover thing also you can add in it. So I can remove the unnecessary thing from an image.
  • You can add a chatbot for help.
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Likelihood to Renew
The product is a great tool for a remote workforce. As the company gets bigger, adding users to the account can be rather expensive. We considering providing read/sign only access for certain individuals and providing full access to other users as necessary to reduce costs.
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No answers on this topic
Usability
I think I gave their rating like 10 I think for recommendations and because I think when it started it was one of a kind, it was only one in the market to do that kind of functionality and they're improving. Earlier I used to just type my initials or type my name, but now you can actually sign it with additional signature. So I think they're improving.
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Its usability in my work is very important. I have to share various documents with my clients very frequently and most of the documents I send them are in PDF format only. So I use this software very much to convert my Word and Excel files into PDF. And whenever I need to send large file to my clients, I convert them into PDFs and compress them with this tool and then I send those files to my clients.
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Reliability and Availability
It does not go down. I have had zero issues with DocuSign, approaching 4 years.
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No answers on this topic
Performance
Everything loads quickly. Reports are generated in a reasonable time. No noticeable difference in integrated software processing speeds.
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1.- Because it is easy to use and each function is duly indicated so you can not go wrong. 2.- Its service is fast, it takes only a few seconds to transform the files and in less than a minute it is downloaded and you can occupy it without problem. 4.-This IS online so you do not install anything, which is very useful because you can also use it from a tablet or your mobile
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Support Rating
I'd give them a 10, but there has been 1 or 2 small cases that seemed to fall to the wayside, but I was able to call them up and get them resolved. We were having a bad implementation night (after midnight) and we needed assistance from Docusign. They were able to get an engineer to help us in the early morning hours
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Everything is so simple and works so well, you shouldn't need support, but on the one occasion in several years that I needed it, support was quick and courteous.
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Online Training
Docusign is super easy to use, and apart from a few administration details, there was really nothing to train on. Post implementation, there were issues with configuration of auto-filled documents with the integrating 3rd party. That training required some time, because the DocuSign expert took the time to walk me through the 3rd party's configuration (how often does that happen?) so I could see how DocuSign should be best used to overcome weaknesses in the 3rd party platform. 10/10 expert care.
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No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
Until you get the hang of it, I recommend doing several internal tests before sending a document to a client. As I mentioned earlier, you have to go through a bit of trial and error at first to verify that the workflow works as expected.
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No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
I've worked with documents such as Oracle, Google Forms, and software of that nature. I believe that DocuSign is, has a good reputation and has been reliable for many companies. That's one of the reasons why we have adopted it in our own infrastructure. I believe that compared to other products, DocuSign is more catered to the user experience than say, Oracle or Google Forms.
Read full review
As per my understanding, Smallpdf stacks up against the above tool because it is easy to use, the targeted goal only for pdf, handy, and one more thing is that small pdf has created the application for android and iOS. I really found Smallpdf helpful when using it on the fly. Small pdf not only provides for the PDF it also provides the different functions for the other files like excel, HTML, doc, ppt, and many more.
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Scalability
In my years of using DocuSign, I have never had an outage. I haven't even encountered a bug.
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No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
  • Incredibly positive impact on sustainability in reducing our carbon footprint, as we have gone almost 100% fully digital on contract paperwork across the organisation.
  • Positive ROI on efficiencies for the contract team, reduced labour hours and better turnaround time for end-users
  • Increased consistency across the organisation
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  • From an initial cost perspective, we've gone from a collection of free and freemium software products that we used in combination to do what we wanted, to paying Smallpdf's per-user license fee.
  • We estimate that creating the same final product with our old method took about 30 minutes per 1-100 page file. We are now down to approximately 10 minutes, if the input material does not require much manipulation.
  • Around 50% of tasks used to require advice from a highly-technical user to fix unexpected errors. With Smallpdf we estimate we are now down to less than 20%.
  • For things that Smallpdf cannot do we find ourselves falling back to old methods which can sometimes create wasted time when we only realize that Smallpdf is not up to the task in the middle of the job.
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ScreenShots

DocuSign Screenshots

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Smallpdf Screenshots

Screenshot of Desktop AppScreenshot of Homepage