DocSend tracks who reads your documents. PandaDoc creates, sends, and manages them.
Simple difference. But teams still compare them.
Why? Because you start looking for document tracking and find PandaDoc. Or you use PandaDoc but only need the analytics part.
We tested both. Plus newer tools like Ellty that do tracking differently.
Here's what actually matters for your team.
Quick overview
DocSend
- What it does: Tracks document views, time on each page, forwards
- Price: $15-250/user/month
- Best for: Teams that only need analytics
PandaDoc
- What it does: Creates documents, collects signatures, tracks views, processes payments
- Price: $35-65/user/month
- Best for: Sales teams managing entire document workflow
The key difference: DocSend = tracking only. PandaDoc = everything else too.
One isn't better. They solve different problems.
Looking for document sharing & tracking software? Alternatives like Ellty offer DocSend-level analytics with better pricing and features. Free tier includes 50 documents. Try Ellty
Feature comparison
Document Tracking
DocSend built its reputation here. See who opened your document. Which pages they read. How long on each. If they downloaded or forwarded.
PandaDoc includes basic tracking. Document opened. Viewed. Signed. Enough for most sales workflows. Not detailed page-by-page analytics.
Document Creation
DocSend: Upload only. No editing. No templates.
PandaDoc: Full editor. Drag-and-drop builder. Template library. Variables and merge fields. Built for creating proposals from scratch.
E-signatures
DocSend: Basic signing on Advanced plan ($250/month). Works for simple needs.
PandaDoc: Comprehensive e-signature workflow from the start. Multiple signers. Signing order. Legal compliance. Built into every plan.
Integrations
DocSend: Limited. Mostly through Zapier. Basic Salesforce connection on higher plans.
PandaDoc: 30+ native integrations. Deep CRM connections. Payment processors. Accounting software. Built for connected workflows.
Pricing Structure
DocSend: Per user. Gets expensive fast.
- 5 users on Standard: $325/month
- 10 users on Standard: $650/month
- Advanced features need $250/month plan
PandaDoc: Per user but more included.
- 5 users on Business: $245/month
- 10 users on Business: $490/month
- Most features in base plans
Security
Both offer:
- SOC 2 compliance
- Data encryption
- Access controls
- Audit trails
DocSend adds: Virtual data rooms on Enterprise. PandaDoc adds: HIPAA compliance options.
When to сhoose DocSend
You only need to know who's reading.
Perfect for:
- Sharing pitch decks with investors
- Sending board reports
- Distributing sales collateral
- Monitoring content engagement
DocSend works when:
- Documents are already created elsewhere
- You don't need signatures
- Tracking matters more than creation
- Simple sharing is enough
Real use case: Startup founder sends pitch deck to 20 VCs. Sees Investor #3 spent 8 minutes on the financial projections. Investor #7 forwarded to 2 colleagues. Investor #15 opened it 5 times.
That intelligence drives follow-up strategy.
What users say: "Great for tracking engagement, but gets pricey as team grows" - G2 Review
"Love the analytics, wish it had more features for the price" - Capterra Review
Skip DocSend if:
- You need to edit documents
- Signatures are required
- Budget is tight
- You want an all-in-one tool
When to сhoose PandaDoc
You need the complete document workflow.
Perfect for:
- Creating proposals from scratch
- Complex sales processes
- Contract management
- Teams wanting one tool
PandaDoc works when:
- Documents need creation and editing
- E-signatures are mandatory
- Payment collection matters
- CRM integration is critical
Real use case: Sales team creates proposal in PandaDoc. Pulls pricing from CRM. Client reviews, comments, signs. Payment processes automatically. Everything tracked in Salesforce.
One platform. Zero friction.
What users say: "Powerful but takes time to learn all features" - G2 Review
"Great all-in-one solution, sometimes overkill for simple needs" - TrustRadius Review
Skip PandaDoc if:
- You only need tracking
- Simple tools preferred
- Budget is limited
- Team resists complex software
When to choose Ellty
What if you need DocSend's tracking but not PandaDoc's complexity?
Enter Ellty.
Built specifically for teams that want:
- Advanced tracking without the DocSend price tag
- Clean interface without PandaDoc's learning curve
- Features that actually matter for document sharing
What makes it different:
Free tier that works. 50 documents per month. Full analytics. No credit card required.
Pricing that scales. Starts at $29/month. Doesn't jump to $250 like DocSend.
Modern workflow. Upload, share, track in seconds.
Real example: Startup using DocSend at $325/month (5 users) switched to Ellty. Same analytics. Now pays $145/month.
That's $2,160 saved annually. For a seed-stage startup, that's another month of runway.
Best for:
- Fundraising teams
- Sales document tracking
- Anyone who found DocSend expensive
- Teams wanting simplicity
Conclusion
DocSend tracks documents well. PandaDoc manages the entire document lifecycle. Both serve their purpose.
But the market has evolved.
If you just need tracking, paying DocSend prices doesn't make sense anymore. If you need everything PandaDoc offers, it's solid choice.
For most teams, the sweet spot is in between. Tools like Ellty deliver professional document tracking without enterprise pricing or unnecessary complexity.
The best part? You can test all options risk-free.
Start with your actual use case. Upload a real document. Share it with a colleague. Check the analytics. Compare the interfaces.
Your workflow will tell you what matters most.
FAQs
Can I migrate from DocSend to PandaDoc?
Not directly. Different tool types. Export your data from DocSend, but you'll rebuild in PandaDoc.
Which is better for fundraising?
DocSend is traditional choice. Ellty offers same tracking. PandaDoc is overkill for pitch decks.
Do I need both?
Rarely. Pick based on primary need. Some use PandaDoc for contracts, DocSend for marketing materials. But that's two subscriptions.
What about security?
All three offer enterprise-grade security. DocSend and PandaDoc have longer track records. Ellty uses same encryption standards.
Can I white-label these tools?
PandaDoc: Yes, on higher plans. DocSend: Limited branding. Ellty: Custom domains available.
