DocuSeal vs DocuSign eSignature
DocuSeal and DocuSign eSignature are both e-signature software. DocuSeal is open source under AGPL-3.0, with 19k GitHub stars. DocuSign eSignature is a commercial product from Docusign, Inc.
Which to pick
- Pick DocuSeal when
- You want DocuSign-style e-signatures without per-envelope fees and can run a Docker container.
- Pick DocuSign eSignature when
- Your counterparties expect DocuSign, or you need enterprise integrations and compliance features.
Side by side
Creates fillable PDF forms and sends them for online signing on any device, with audit trails, templates, an API and embedding.
Electronic signature service for sending documents, collecting legally binding signatures and tracking status, with many integrations.
Some features such as SSO and advanced branding are in the paid Pro tier; check legal validity of e-signatures in your jurisdiction.
It is the priciest mainstream option, and envelope limits catch out heavy users.
Production-ready (both)
Self-hosted server and cloud service
Cloud service and mobile app
Ruby, Rails, Vue, PostgreSQL and Sidekiq
Not published
Open source, AGPL-3.0 (network copyleft)
Closed source, sold by Docusign, Inc.
Use inside your business is unrestricted. If you change it and let customers use it over the internet, you must publish your changes.
Closed source: you use it under the maker's terms and cannot change or resell the code.
19k GitHub stars
No Wikipedia article of its own
Established: started 3 years ago, latest release 3.3.5.
Not known
Other comparisons
More e-signature apps
Both sides were judged on 2026-11-03 from makers' descriptions, Wikipedia, READMEs and GitHub data. License, age and popularity lines are worked out directly.