jSign vs pdfFiller Comparison

Fortunately, both jSign and pdfFiller are affordable solutions, but they have significant differences in their free trials and offers. The same applies to their customer support, as direct contact options resemble each other, but additional help like guides couldn’t be more dissimilar.

jSign comes with a number of trustworthy tools without being overwhelming. For instance, the platform offers many ways to create an e-signature. It’s possible to use an external sign pad, type with one of the four fonts available, draw using a mouse or touchpad, or upload a photo of a handwritten signature.

Furthermore, customizing documents with jSign takes minimal effort. Despite the lack of a text editor, documents can still be prepared easily, as signature fields are added with the drag-and-drop tool.

Unfortunately, the software doesn’t offer any pre-made, industry-specific forms, but it does let you create and store your own templates. While only three templates can be active at once, they’re easily deactivated and put back into storage to make room for others.

By definition, pdfFiller is more of a text editor than an e-signature platform, with its tools mostly focusing on document customization. Still, the platform provides e-signature services seamlessly. With the exception of supporting a sign pad, signature creation options are the same as offered by jSign, even down to the number of fonts available.

Editing, however, is a whole other story. In addition to placeholders, like signature fields and text boxes, pdfFiller offers tools for removing and replacing parts of the text. The company even goes a step further by supporting payment collection fields and custom branding.

Finally, the software has an online library of forms for occasions when the user quickly needs a type of document. This eliminates the need to leave the platform to look for a specific form.

Privacy and security

What jSign lacks in document customization, it makes up for in robust security. The software uses blockchain technology that continuously timestamps every step of the signing process. Furthermore, it’s impossible to tamper with signatures or documents since blockchain data can’t be modified. jSign doesn’t store documents in a central location either. Plus, files that aren’t converted into templates are deleted from your account after one day.

Working with third-party signers is also secure with the software. Documents are encrypted, and users can restrict or specify signing locations. Another option is to ask for two-factor authentication (2FA) from signers. When everyone has signed, jSign issues a completion certificate that validates the document and every signature.

pdfFiller also has several ways to protect users and documents. The software applies the advanced encryption standard (AES) protocol as its primary means of cybersecurity. Meanwhile, audit trails reveal signing locations, and third-party signers can authenticate themselves via their social media accounts. To keep documents extra secure, pdfFiller allows users to lock them away in encrypted, password-protected folders that support 2FA.

What jSign and pdfFiller have in common is that both provide the means to create legally binding e-signatures. They’re also both HIPAA-compliant, making them a safe choice for medical professionals.

Ease of use

jSign and pdfFiller have well-designed dashboards and interfaces, so it’s not surprising that both platforms triumph when it comes to ease of use.

Configuring accounts, as well as uploading, signing, and sending documents are logical and straightforward processes. The last one is especially noteworthy, as whichever software you use, recipients don’t require an account for signing. There’s a difference in the number of third-party signers, however. While jSign supports unlimited signers, pdfFiller limits the number to 20.

On-the-go signing is where both platforms need to catch up. jSign doesn’t have a mobile app, but its website is mobile-optimized. The drag-and-drop tool comes in particularly handy on a mobile device since it’s easier to use your finger than a mouse or touchpad.

On the other hand, pdfFiller does have a mobile app, but it could use some improvement. For example, editing documents on the smaller screen with pdfFiller’s mobile app isn’t so smooth, considering fields are often misplaced due to the small font size.

Still, it would be an overstatement to say that the platforms don’t operate well on-the-go. They do, but both have space to improve.

Pricing

Both jSign and pdfFiller are well-priced. In fact, jSign is among the cheapest e-signature platforms on the market. All features are available off the bat, but pricier plans increase the monthly quotas of the already present features, such as the number of envelopes.

Unfortunately, jSign offers no refunds and is only available with monthly billing cycles. However, it does let you try its services for free for 14 days. Additionally, there’s a 14-day free trial.

pdfFiller also goes easy on your bank account. Even so, more advanced features are locked behind a paywall. Unlike jSign, you need to subscribe to the higher-priced plans to unlock pdfFiller’s full set of tools. Moreover, pdfFiller does allow users to sign up for a plan with annual billing, which can yield a discount of up to 63%.

pdfFiller’s deals for newcomers make the service stand out even more. New users get a 30-day free trial and a 180-day money-back guarantee, offering them seven months to try out the platform risk free.

Customer support

There’s minimal difference between jSign and pdfFiller’s customer support – especially when comparing their communication channels. Both offer 24/7 live chat and are also available via email. Having said that, jSign’s live chat tends to disappear from the website from time to time. Nevertheless, jSign is available via the phone while pdfFiller is on social media and YouTube.

For additional support, both e-signature platforms operate regularly updated blogs. Users can also turn to jSign’s guides for more help. Unfortunately, pdfFiller is a bit disappointing in this regard, as its features page isn’t neatly organized, and the descriptions of the tools are outdated.

jSign, however, has customization hints that appear when adding placeholders to documents. Its FAQ page is also praiseworthy, offering an answer to almost any question you may have.

Conclusion

Deciding between jSign and pdfFiller ultimately comes down to personal preference. jSign is a more secure platform due to its use of blockchain technology and authentication methods. Meanwhile, pdfFiller offers significantly more text editing tools.

At the same time, both are easy to use, offer similar signature creation methods, and are reasonably priced. They also go the extra mile by providing practical advice for kicking off your e-signing journey.

The type of business is another factor to consider. For one, accountants and self-employed professionals are better off with jSign, since they don’t need numerous user accounts.

On the other hand, pdfFiller is a better fit for those focusing on one business area while still having numerous types of customers. For example, clients of a law firm come from different places and various backgrounds, so the platform’s extensive library of legal forms comes in particularly handy.

If you’re still hesitant to choose, it’s worth going one step further to find out which software fits the business better. We recommend reading our reviews about jSign and pdfFiller to learn about their ins and outs and make an educated decision.