Concord vs. DocuSign CLM: Which Contract Management Tool Is Better?

The bottom line

DocuSign CLM offers enterprise-level contract management tied to their e-signature platform — but at a substantial cost in both price and complexity.

Concord delivers complete contract lifecycle management with advanced features that won’t overwhelm your team:

Set up in as little as a day (compared to months for typical enterprise platforms)
Intuitive interface that feels like using Gmail
Built-in e-signature with no additional fees
AI that extracts key contract data automatically

For organizations seeking a powerful contract solution without six-figure implementation costs and multi-month deployment timelines, Concord hits the sweet spot of capability and usability.

How they stack up: Concord vs. DocuSign CLM

Feature	Concord	DocuSign CLM
Templates	✓	✓
Approval workflows	✓	✓
Audit trails	✓	✓
Internal/public discussion	✓	✓
Integrations with Salesforce, Google Drive, Box, and Dropbox	✓	✓
Open API	✓	✓
Unlimited storage	✓	✗
Universal easy-to-learn interface	✓	✗
Generate and send multiple contracts at once	✓	✓
Clause library	✓	✓
Edit in-app	✓	✓
Native e-signature	✓	✓
Transparent pricing	✓	✗
File formats supported	.docx, .pdf, .html	.docx, .pdf
Implementation time	1-2 days	2-6 months
Starting price	$399/month	Enterprise pricing (contact sales)

Features: What can they actually do?

Concord and DocuSign CLM serve different contract management needs:

Feature comparison table

Feature	Concord	DocuSign CLM
Contract repository	✓ Secure, centralized storage with unlimited capacity	✓ Secure, centralized storage with volume limits
Document search	✓ Advanced search with intuitive filtering	✓ Complex search functionality
OCR technology	✓ Intelligent document processing	✓ Intelligent document processing
Email alerts	✓ Comprehensive alert system	✓ Basic notification system
Contract creation	✓ Intuitive template-based authoring	✓ Template-based authoring
Negotiation tools	✓ Real-time collaboration & redlining	✓ Limited real-time collaboration
E-signature	✓ Built-in e-signature at no additional cost	✓ Native integration with DocuSign (may require separate license)
Workflow automation	✓ User-friendly custom workflows	✓ Technical workflow configuration
AI capabilities	✓ Agreement Intelligence platform	✓ Contract analysis tools
Analytics	✓ Advanced analytics & actionable insights	✓ Complex reporting system
Mobile access	✓ Intuitive mobile applications	✓ Mobile applications with enterprise focus
API access	✓ Developer-friendly API ecosystem	✓ Complex API requiring technical expertise
File formats supported	.docx, .pdf, .html	.docx, .pdf

DocuSign CLM: The enterprise behemoth

DocuSign CLM extends the company’s e-signature business with:

Document storage and organization
Integration with the DocuSign platform
Automated workflows and approvals
Pre-built enterprise connectors
Complex security configuration options

Where organizations often encounter challenges:

Steep learning curve for non-technical users
Lengthy implementation (typically 3-6 months)
Significant implementation and training costs
Cumbersome collaboration during negotiations

According to market research, DocuSign CLM holds approximately 6.18% of the contract management market share as of 2025, while being primarily focused on large enterprises.

One DocuSign CLM reviewer notes: “Implementation was difficult for us. It was down to our set up and having very detailed requirements, however the system need to have a technical product expert / coding expert in place to develop.” (Capterra UK, 2025)

Concord: Complete contract management

Concord delivers end-to-end contract management software that covers:

Intuitive contract creation with templates and clause libraries
Seamless real-time negotiation with comments and tracked changes
Integrated electronic signature at no additional cost
Straightforward approval workflows
Actionable analytics and reporting

The most significant differentiator? Concord offers an intuitive user experience with implementation measured in days rather than months, while delivering the comprehensive capabilities that modern organizations need.

As one customer explains: “The velocity of our organization has improved dramatically since we adopted Concord.” (Concord.app, 2025)

Implementation: How fast can you get started?

Getting contract software up and running is where many companies experience their first significant investment of time and resources:

Implementation comparison table

Implementation Aspect	Concord	DocuSign CLM
Average setup time	1-2 days	2-6 months
Technical expertise required	Minimal	Significant
Implementation process	Streamlined with success team guidance	Complex, consultant-driven
User training requirements	Intuitive interface with minimal training	Extensive training required
Data migration complexity	Automated data mapping	Lengthy manual configuration
Custom configuration	User-friendly configuration	Technical configuration requiring specialists
Time to first value	1-3 days	Often 3+ months
Implementation resources	Dedicated success managers, efficient training	Technical consultants, extensive training program

DocuSign CLM implementation typically represents a major project, with deployments averaging 2-6 months. The process requires significant technical resources, consultant engagement, and substantial budget allocation.

One reviewer notes about DocuSign CLM: “The system needs to have a technical product expert / coding expert in place to develop.” (Capterra UK, 2025)

Concord takes a fundamentally different approach with 1-2 day implementation that includes proper workflow setup and integration with existing systems. This dramatic efficiency difference delivers immediate business value without the extended deployment timeline.

A Concord user highlights the onboarding experience: “It’s very easy to track contracts throughout the writing, negotiation, signing, & execution process. The on-boarding process was made very easy, thanks to our Account Manager who walked us through that process and went the extra mile to make sure it was setup perfectly for our needs.” (G2, 2025)

The choice significantly impacts how quickly your organization can begin realizing value from your contract management investment.

User experience: Will people actually use it?

Even the most powerful software fails to deliver value if user adoption is weak:

User experience comparison table

UX Aspect	Concord	DocuSign CLM
Interface design	Clean, intuitive layout	Complex, feature-heavy interface
Learning curve	Low to moderate	Steep
User onboarding	Self-guided with support options	Requires consultant-driven training
Mobile experience	Fully-featured mobile apps	Limited mobile functionality
Personalization	User-friendly configuration	Technical configuration process
Accessibility	Enhanced accessibility options	Basic accessibility features
Interface feedback	“Intuitive like Gmail”	“Powerful but complex”
User adoption challenges	High adoption rates	Significant training requirements
Support resources	Interactive guides, responsive support	Technical documentation, tiered support

DocuSign CLM offers extensive functionality wrapped in an enterprise-focused interface. The complexity often leads to adoption challenges, with users requiring significant training to navigate the platform effectively.

As one reviewer on G2 noted, “The interface is dated and inconsistent. Icons are the opposite of intuitive…” (G2, 2025)

Concord takes a different approach by balancing power with usability:

An interface that “feels like Gmail” according to users
Intuitive navigation that reduces training requirements
Mobile apps designed for productivity on-the-go
Contextual guidance that helps users accomplish tasks

As one G2 reviewer summarized: “I like that the format is similar to gmail, so it is simple, and intuitive to use.” (G2, 2025)

AI capabilities: Smart contract management

AI is transforming contract management in 2025, with significant differences in implementation approach:

AI capabilities comparison table

AI Capability	Concord	DocuSign CLM
Data extraction	✓ Comprehensive extraction with validation	✓ Basic data extraction
OCR technology	✓ Advanced intelligent document processing	✓ Standard OCR capabilities
Risk identification	✓ Automated risk flagging and scoring	✓ Manual risk identification
Compliance monitoring	✓ AI-powered compliance checking	✓ Basic compliance validation
Contract analysis	✓ Deep semantic analysis	✓ Surface-level contract analysis
Obligation extraction	✓ Comprehensive obligation management	✓ Basic obligation tracking
Performance analytics	✓ AI-driven performance insights	✓ Standard performance reporting
Benchmarking	✓ Industry-specific benchmarking	✓ Limited benchmarking capabilities
Processing speed	Seconds per document	Variable processing times
Accuracy improvement	90%+ accuracy with continuous learning	Requires manual verification
AI training model	Industry and customer-specific learning	General purpose model

DocuSign CLM applies AI primarily for:

Basic contract analysis
Term extraction
Workflow automation

Their documentation states that AI-Assisted Review can help “handle a 30% spike in contract volume,” though many customers report requiring significant configuration to achieve these results.

Concord’s Agreement Intelligence platform delivers:

Comprehensive data extraction with verification
Automated risk identification and flagging
Continuous compliance monitoring
Complete obligation tracking
Actionable performance insights

As Matt Lhoumeau, CEO of Concord, explains: “By automating the extraction and entry of key terms, our users can focus on strategic tasks rather than tedious administrative work.” (Concord, 2025)

According to independent research, AI-powered contract platforms can reduce review time from 92 minutes to approximately 26 seconds while improving accuracy by over 10%.

Integrations: Playing nice with your tech stack

The ability to connect seamlessly with existing tools drives significant value in contract management:

Integration comparison table

Integration Type	Concord	DocuSign CLM
CRM Systems	✓ Salesforce (bidirectional with advanced workflows)<br>✓ HubSpot (native integration)<br>✓ Microsoft Dynamics 365 (via Zapier)<br>✓ Pipedrive (via Zapier)	✓ Salesforce (complex integration)<br>✓ Limited support for other CRMs
E-Signature	✓ Native e-signature (included)<br>✓ DocuSign compatibility (if needed)	✓ DocuSign (may require separate license)
Cloud Storage	✓ Google Drive (native)<br>✓ Dropbox (native)<br>✓ Box (native)<br>✓ OneDrive (native)	✓ Limited cloud storage options
Collaboration Tools	✓ Slack (native)<br>✓ Microsoft Teams (via Zapier)<br>✓ Asana (via Zapier)	✓ Limited collaboration tool support
Identity Management	✓ SAML 2.0, LDAP, Azure AD	✓ Enterprise SSO with complex setup
Automation Platform	✓ Zapier integration to 7000+ apps	✓ Limited middleware options
API Access	✓ Developer-friendly API	✓ Complex API requiring technical expertise
Implementation Complexity	Low – connects in minutes	High – requires technical resources

DocuSign CLM offers integration focused primarily on:

Salesforce (with complex configuration)
DocuSign e-signature
Selected enterprise systems
Limited collaboration tools

Concord provides an extensive integration ecosystem:

Straightforward Salesforce connection with bidirectional data flow
HubSpot integration for marketing and sales alignment
Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive for document storage
Slack integration for real-time notifications
Microsoft Teams connectivity
Zapier connection to 7,000+ apps
Developer-friendly API

According to market intelligence from 6sense, Concord has captured a 19.62% market share in the contract management space compared to DocuSign CLM’s 6.18%, partially due to this integration flexibility.

For teams with diverse tech stacks, Concord’s integration capabilities create a more seamless workflow across different business functions.

Pricing: What will it cost?

The financial impact of contract management platforms extends far beyond the monthly subscription:

Pricing comparison table

Pricing Aspect	Concord	DocuSign CLM
Pricing model	Transparent, predictable structure	Complex enterprise licensing
Starting price	$399/month	Enterprise pricing requiring sales engagement
Entry-level plan	Essential: $399/month	Not available to small businesses
Mid-tier plan	Professional: Custom pricing	Custom pricing only
Advanced plan	Enterprise: Custom pricing	Custom pricing only
User limitations	Flexible user model	Significant per-user fees
Contract volume limits	Flexible scaling options	Tiered volume pricing
Additional costs	Minimal implementation costs	Substantial implementation, consulting, training fees
Pricing transparency	Published pricing structure	Limited transparency, enterprise sales model
Free trial	Demo available	Demo only
Annual discount	Available	Available

DocuSign CLM employs a complex enterprise pricing model that typically requires engaging with sales for a custom quote. Implementation costs, training, and ongoing consulting often represent a substantial portion of the total investment, frequently reaching six figures for mid-sized deployments.

This approach presents predictability challenges for organizations without large, dedicated budgets.

Concord starts at $399/month with a transparent structure based on your specific requirements. All plans include unlimited e-signatures and document storage, with features that scale as your organization grows.

For detailed pricing information tailored to your organization, you can explore Concord’s pricing details.

ROI and business impact

The ultimate measure of any software investment is its impact on business outcomes:

ROI comparison table

ROI Factor	Concord	DocuSign CLM
Time-to-value	Fast (days to weeks)	Slow (months to years)
Implementation costs	Low to moderate	High
Administrative savings	50-70% reduction in admin time	30-50% reduction in admin time
Contract cycle time reduction	40-75% reduction in cycle time	20-40% reduction in cycle time
Renewal opportunity capture	Comprehensive renewal management	Basic renewal tracking
Risk mitigation value	Proactive risk identification	Reactive risk management
Revenue impact	Direct revenue acceleration	Indirect cost efficiency
Compliance benefits	Comprehensive compliance transformation	Basic compliance improvements
Strategic insights	Actionable business intelligence	Limited reporting capabilities
Typical ROI timeframe	3-6 months	12-24 months
ROI multiplier	High (91-183x per dollar invested)	Moderate (3.5x over 3 years)

DocuSign CLM delivers value primarily through:

Enterprise-focused contract management
Basic compliance features
Limited integration with enterprise systems
Administrative time savings
Basic risk reduction

According to Forrester analysis cited by DocuSign, “organizations implementing DocuSign’s CLM solution achieved a 356% ROI over three years,” though this calculation typically doesn’t include the substantial implementation costs.

Concord delivers more rapid returns through:

Complete lifecycle efficiency improvements
Accelerated contract creation and approval
Streamlined negotiation and execution
Significant legal resource optimization
Strategic insights driving business decisions

According to Concord research, “For every dollar invested in contract management software, companies can expect to generate between $91 and $183 in recovered revenue.”

Industry research shows that organizations implementing modern CLM solutions typically aim for a minimum 3:1 benefit-to-cost ratio, though the most successful implementations often exceed 10:1 returns.

Market position and future growth

The contract management software market is experiencing significant growth, with important trends to note:

Market position comparison

Market Aspect	Concord	DocuSign CLM
Market share	19.62% (leading position)	6.18%
Customer base	2,037+ companies (diverse industries)	642 companies (primarily enterprise)
Industry focus	Cross-industry versatility	Limited industry specialization
Target company size	SMB through enterprise	Enterprise focus
Geographic strength	Global presence with strong US coverage	Limited global reach
Growth trajectory	Rapid expansion	Steady but limited
Key competitors	DocuSign CLM, SAP Ariba, Deltek	Concord, Conga, Ironclad
AI development	Industry-leading capabilities	Basic AI implementation
Market perception	Innovative, user-friendly	Complex, technical

The global contract lifecycle management market is projected to grow significantly, with analyst forecasts showing:

Growth from $1.07 billion in 2024 to $3.46 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 12.4% (Fact.MR, 2024)
Market expectations reaching $2.66 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 12.25% (Mordor Intelligence, 2025)
Healthcare CLM specifically projected to reach $9.68 billion by 2032 (Data Bridge Market Research, 2025)

According to Gartner, “half of procurement contract management will be AI-enabled by 2027,” highlighting the increasing importance of advanced AI capabilities in contract management platforms.

Which one is right for you?

The best contract lifecycle management software depends on your specific requirements:

Overall comparison: At-a-glance decision matrix

Factor	Concord	DocuSign CLM
Best suited for	• Full lifecycle contract management needs<br>• Organizations valuing rapid implementation<br>• Teams seeking intuitive user experience<br>• Businesses requiring comprehensive integrations<br>• Companies of all sizes	• Large enterprises with significant DocuSign investment<br>• Organizations with extensive technical resources<br>• Companies with multi-month implementation timelines<br>• Businesses with large CLM budgets
Implementation time	1-2 days	2-6 months
Pricing model	Transparent, flexible structure	Complex enterprise model with hidden costs
Starting price	$399/month	Enterprise pricing (contact sales)
User experience	Intuitive, Gmail-like interface	Complex with steep learning curve
AI capabilities	Comprehensive Agreement Intelligence	Basic contract analysis
Integration breadth	Extensive ecosystem (7000+ apps)	Limited enterprise integrations
Customization	User-friendly configuration	Complex technical setup
Mobile support	Fully-featured mobile applications	Limited mobile capabilities
Customer support	Responsive success team	Enterprise-focused support model
ROI timeline	Rapid value realization	Extended payback period

DocuSign CLM might be appropriate if:

You have a significant existing DocuSign investment
Your organization has dedicated technical resources for implementation
You can accommodate a 3-6 month deployment timeline
Your budget can absorb substantial implementation and training costs
Your contracts require only basic automation

Concord is ideal for:

Organizations seeking end-to-end contract lifecycle management
Teams valuing rapid implementation and time-to-value
Businesses requiring intuitive user experience
Companies needing comprehensive tech stack integration
Organizations focusing on user adoption and productivity
Teams looking for advanced AI-powered insights

Most growing organizations find that Concord delivers significantly more value without the implementation complexity and budget concerns associated with traditional enterprise CLM platforms.

Want to see Concord in action? Request a demo tailored to your specific use cases and requirements.

Frequently asked questions about Concord vs. DocuSign CLM

How long does implementation typically take?

DocuSign CLM deployments average 2-6 months, requiring significant technical resources and consultant involvement. Concord implementation typically completes within 1-2 days, reflecting its user-centric design and streamlined onboarding process. This dramatic difference has substantial implications for how quickly your organization can begin realizing value from your contract management investment.

Can both platforms handle the full contract lifecycle?

While both platforms address the contract lifecycle, Concord provides a more comprehensive and intuitive end-to-end approach, from creation through execution and renewal. DocuSign CLM focuses primarily on workflow and approval processes connected to their e-signature platform, often requiring technical configuration to achieve full lifecycle capabilities.

Which platform offers better AI capabilities?

DocuSign CLM provides basic AI for contract analysis and workflow automation. Concord’s Agreement Intelligence platform delivers more comprehensive capabilities including automated risk identification, compliance monitoring, obligation tracking, and performance analytics. Both platforms continue to evolve their AI offerings, though Concord maintains a significant edge in user-friendly AI implementation.

How do the pricing models differ?

DocuSign CLM employs an enterprise pricing model with significant hidden costs for implementation, training, and ongoing support – frequently reaching six figures for comprehensive deployments. Concord offers transparent pricing starting at $399/month with predictable scaling based on your specific needs. For many organizations, the total cost disparity can be substantial, even before considering implementation timeframes.

Can I try the software before making a decision?

DocuSign CLM typically offers limited demos through their enterprise sales team, focusing on generic capabilities rather than your specific use cases. Concord provides a comprehensive personalized demo that showcases how the platform would work for your unique requirements, giving you a more accurate picture of the solution’s value to your organization.

Which integrations do the platforms support?

DocuSign CLM primarily integrates with Salesforce and their own e-signature platform, with limited support for other business tools. Concord provides native integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Slack, and more, plus Zapier connectivity to over 7,000 applications – delivering a significantly more versatile ecosystem that adapts to your existing workflows rather than forcing you to adapt to the CLM.

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What you get when you use Concord

Get set up in days, not months

Agiloft’s deep customizability means it takes organizations months to implement. Concord onboards most customers in under 3 weeks, so teams can start streamlining processes quickly.

Unlimited e-signature, at no extra cost

Agiloft integrates with several e-signature providers but does not offer a native e-signature. Concord’s native e-signature is secure and legally binding, so while you can integrate with DocuSign or another e-signature platform, you won’t have to.

Automatically send signed contracts to Google Drive, Box, or Dropbox

Agiloft enables users to download all contracts and attached files. Concord’s out-of-the-box integrations with Google Drive, Box, and Dropbox automatically sends signed contracts to these additional storage systems.

Simple approval workflow editor

Agiloft’s graphical workflows give administrators a visual way to organize their approvals, but its complexity is time-intensive. Concord’s approval workflows are designed to quickly route the contract to the right person or team based on company-wide rules or the value of a field.

Get started with Concord today

Request a demo