Yousign vs Smallpdf
Both Yousign and Smallpdf are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the document signing space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.
Quick Overview
Yousign
EU- Headquarters
- Paris, FR
- Pricing
- From €9/mo
- Open Source
- No
Smallpdf
EU- Headquarters
- Zurich, CH
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- No
Key Differences
- Smallpdf offers a free tier, while yousign starts at €9/month. If you want to try before you buy, Smallpdf lets you get started without any upfront cost.
- Data residency differs: Yousign hosts data in France, while Smallpdf hosts in Switzerland, EU. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- Each product has unique strengths: Yousign offers Electronic signatures (eIDAS compliant) and Document templates, while Smallpdf provides PDF editor and Compress. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Yousign | Smallpdf |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Yousign | Smallpdf |
| Pricing | From €9/mo | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Paris, FR | Zurich, CH |
| Data Centers | FR | CH, EU |
| Electronic signatures (eIDAS compliant) | ||
| Document templates | ||
| Signature workflows | ||
| Bulk sending | ||
| API | ||
| Audit trails | ||
| Advanced authentication | ||
| Custom branding | ||
| PDF editor | ||
| Compress | ||
| Convert | ||
| Merge/split | ||
| E-sign | ||
| OCR | ||
| Password protection | ||
| Batch processing | ||
| Desktop app | ||
| Team management |
Pricing Comparison
Yousign
From €9/mosubscription
Smallpdf
Freefreemium
Compliance Comparison
Yousign
GDPRISO 27001DPA
Smallpdf
GDPRISO 27001DPA
Get Started
Categories
How to Choose
You're a startup or individual on a budget
Choose Smallpdf
You need enterprise-grade support and stability
Choose Smallpdf
You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support
Choose Yousign
Yousign vs Smallpdf — FAQ
What is the main difference between Yousign and Smallpdf?
Both Yousign and Smallpdf are European document signing solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Yousign uses subscription pricing while Smallpdf uses freemium. Yousign is headquartered in Paris, France, while Smallpdf is based in Zurich, Switzerland. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Yousign or Smallpdf?
Yousign starts at €9/month, while smallpdf offers a free tier. Pricing models differ (subscription vs. freemium), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both Yousign and Smallpdf GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Yousign and Smallpdf are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. Additionally, Yousign and Smallpdf hold ISO 27001 certification. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.