signNow vs pdfFiller Comparison

For example, pdfFiller is packed with document editing tools, while signNow offers stronger cybersecurity. What they have in common is that both go easy on the wallet, and it takes no effort getting used to them.

Electronic signatures come in many forms with both signNow and pdfFiller, as they allow users to draw, type, or upload the image of a signature. signNow offers eight fonts for typed signatures and supports in-person signing through its mobile app.

signNow’s document customization is similarly straightforward. Besides the must-have placeholders like signature fields, the software also supports custom watermarks.

Unfortunately, a document’s text can’t be edited with signNow. However, the platform makes up for it with a vast library of forms for various industries. Better yet, templates can be downloaded and edited in a third-party word processor.

While pdfFiller supports the same e-signature types as signNow, it lacks in-person signing and has only three fonts for typed signatures. However, it’s fair to say that the tide turns with pdfFiller’s robust text editing tools that far outshine those of signNow.

In particular, pdfFiller can remove or copy and paste whole chunks of text. The platform also has signature placeholders, text boxes, checkboxes, and payment collection fields. Moreover, the software also supports custom watermarks, just like signNow.

Unfortunately, pdfFiller’s library of forms is a bit behind signNow’s. While the platform does offer a fine selection of industry-specific templates, it conducts a targeted Google search instead of providing the forms directly.

Regarding contact management, signNow has no limit on third-party signers, while pdfFiller draws the line at 20 recipients. Additionally, both platforms offer deadlines and reminders to make the signing process as streamlined as possible.

Privacy and security

signNow and pdfFiller ensure total document protection, with both platforms offering bank-level encryption by following the AES protocol. They also protect files with passwords.

signNow’s cybersecurity takes document protection to the next level by conducting automated malware scans every time a file is uploaded, looking for various cyberthreats within a file. The software also uses one-time passcodes to authenticate recipients.

pdfFiller goes one step further by offering encrypted and password-locked folders. To put it another way, a single document can be protected by two passwords: one for the file, and one for the folder the document is in.

Furthermore, users must verify themselves with a code sent in SMS to access folders. pdfFiller can also confirm third-party signers’ identities by scanning their social media accounts and photos.

Both signNow and pdfFiller offer the means to create legally-binding signatures. They also comply with various regulations besides the electronic signature acts ESIGN and eIDAS, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, and Soc 2 Type II.

Ease of use

signNow and pdfFiller are equally effortless to use. Both solutions have user-friendly, logically designed dashboards, where it takes minutes to figure out where everything is. Furthermore, adding signature fields and sending signature requests are similarly straightforward.

It’s also handy that both signNow and pdfFiller send documents via a signature link, which third-party signers just need to click on and create their signatures to sign without requiring an account.

pdfFiller also has a mobile app, but it could use some improvement, as it tends to misplace signatures and break up a document’s text. The same can’t be said for signNow’s mobile app, which works smoothly and comes with extras like samples for practicing e-signing. Of the two platforms, only pdfFiller has a desktop app, which is a carbon copy of the web app but can be used for signing offline.

Pricing

Both platforms are relatively affordable compared to industry standards. signNow follows a user-based pricing policy, and it’s also pricier than pdfFiller since the latter supports unlimited users without requiring an extra payment. Having said that, signNow’s prices can be significantly reduced with annual billing.

As usual, signing up for more expensive plans is essential for unlocking the platforms’ advanced tools. A significant difference is that pdfFiller offers custom branding for its mid-tier plan, whereas signNow locks this feature behind its top-tier subscription.

When it comes to special offers, pdfFiller is a clear winner. The software’s subscriptions start with a 30-day free trial, followed by an incredible 180-day money-back guarantee. Meanwhile, signNow’s free trial lasts only seven days, and its paid subscriptions are eligible for a refund within the first 30 days.

signNow and pdfFiller do everything to support their customer bases. They offer 24/7 live chat and answer submitted support request tickets within a short time. Additionally, they have various social media pages like Facebook and Twitter, as well as YouTube channels with video tutorials.

The platforms also offer additional support channels. For one, signNow operates a blog with frequently updated articles regarding the ins and outs of electronic signing. People can also enroll in e-signature courses through signNow Academy for free.

As for pdfFiller, it has a detailed FAQ section and a separate blog. Unfortunately, the platform’s features page could use a thorough edit. It’s quite unorganized and the descriptions of the platform’s tools are long-winded.

Conclusion

Picking a clear winner is nearly impossible, as signNow and pdfFiller are excellent platforms in their own right. Both are user-friendly and offer numerous methods to create legally-binding electronic signatures.

Although pdfFiller evidently takes the prize in document editing, signNow pays more attention to securely storing and sending documents. When it comes to industry support, both platforms have an extensive forms library, although only signNow offers forms on the spot.

As such, choosing between these two e-signature platforms ultimately comes down to the type of user. For one, pdfFiller helps law firms find templates and contract forms effortlessly. Meanwhile, signNow is a better fit for real estate agents due to its in-person signing tool.

If you’re still indecisive, consider conducting extra research to find out more about the platforms. Reading our comprehensive reviews of signNow and pdfFiller can be great for learning their ups and downs in more detail.