DocuSign is the most recognised name in e-signatures. They pioneered the category and process millions of documents annually. NomaSign is smaller, newer, and built specifically for small businesses. So how do they compare?
This comparison is written by the NomaSign team, so take it with appropriate skepticism. We have tried to present facts accurately and let you draw your own conclusions.
The quick comparison
| Feature | DocuSign | NomaSign |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $10/month (billed annually) | R99/month (~$5.50) |
| Document limits | 5 envelopes/month on Personal | Unlimited |
| Document storage | DocuSign servers | Your OneDrive/Google Drive |
| Email sender | dse@docusign.net | Your email domain |
| Signer account required | No | No |
| Audit trail | Yes | Yes |
Pricing: the real picture
DocuSign offers several tiers. The Personal plan at $10/month gives you 5 envelopes per month. For most small businesses, that is not enough. The Standard plan at $25/user/month gives you unlimited envelopes but requires a minimum of 5 users on the Business Pro plan to access certain features. These tiered structures often come with hidden costs that add up quickly.
NomaSign has one plan: R99/month (annual) or R149/month (monthly). That includes unlimited documents and all features. No tiers to compare, no calculator needed.
What is an envelope?
Document storage: a meaningful difference
With DocuSign, signed documents are stored on DocuSign's servers. You can download them, but the primary copy lives in their system. If you cancel your subscription, you need to export everything first.
NomaSign takes a different approach. Signed documents are saved directly to your OneDrive or Google Drive. You are not dependent on NomaSign for access to your files. If you decide to leave, your documents are already in your own cloud storage.
For businesses that care about data ownership or have compliance requirements about where files are stored, this matters.
Where signature requests come from
When you send a document through DocuSign, your recipient gets an email fromdse@docusign.net. The email mentions your name, but it comes from DocuSign's domain.
NomaSign sends signature requests from your own email domain through your Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace account. To your client, it looks like a normal email from you.
The practical difference: emails from unfamiliar domains sometimes end up in spam folders or raise suspicion. Emails from your own domain are more likely to be opened and trusted.
When DocuSign makes more sense
DocuSign is a mature platform with capabilities that NomaSign does not match. If you need any of these, DocuSign is probably the better choice:
- ✓Integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, or industry-specific software
- ✓Advanced workflow automation with conditional routing
- ✓Enterprise-grade compliance certifications (FedRAMP, SOC 2 Type II)
- ✓High-volume API access for custom applications
- ✓In-person signing on shared devices (kiosk mode)
DocuSign has spent years building an ecosystem. If you need that ecosystem, the price is justified.
When NomaSign makes more sense
NomaSign is built for small businesses that need straightforward e-signatures without enterprise complexity. It fits well when:
- ✓You send contracts, proposals, and agreements regularly
- ✓Your team already uses Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
- ✓You want documents stored in your own cloud, not a third-party system
- ✓Predictable, simple pricing matters more than feature count
- ✓You want signature requests from your own email domain so they don't land in spam
What both platforms do well
On the core functionality, both platforms deliver:
- ✓Legally valid electronic signatures (ECT Act, eIDAS, ESIGN)
- ✓Complete audit trails with timestamps and IP addresses
- ✓Mobile-friendly signing experience
- ✓No account required for signers
- ✓Template support for frequently-used documents
- ✓Share signing links via email or WhatsApp
The signing experience for your clients is comparable. They receive an email, click a link, and sign in their browser. Neither requires app downloads or account creation.
The bottom line
DocuSign is the industry standard with deep integrations and enterprise features. It costs more and stores your documents on their servers.
NomaSign is simpler, less expensive, and keeps your documents in your own cloud storage. It works best for small businesses already using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.
The right choice depends on what you need. If you are looking for straightforward e-signatures without complexity, NomaSign is worth considering. If you need deep integrations with enterprise software, DocuSign has a head start there. For a step-by-step approach to adopting e-signatures, see our practical guide for small businesses.
NomaSign offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. See pricing or learn how it works.