DocSend is the go-to document sharing platform for tracking who views your files. But it's not the best fit for everyone.
Document tracking platforms let you see exactly how people engage with your content - which pages they read, how long they spend, who they forward it to. This data transforms how teams share pitch decks, proposals, and confidential documents.
But getting value from document tracking requires the right platform.
DocSend works well for basic tracking needs. But teams often need more - proper data rooms for due diligence or simply better pricing as they scale.
That's why we've compiled 8 DocSend alternatives, each solving different problems.
We've tested them for the features that matter in fundraising - investor tracking, security controls, pricing that doesn't punish growth, and actual data room capabilities when you need them.
Here's what we found.
DocSend alternatives overview
Here are the best DocSend alternatives in 2025 for fundraising (in our opinion)
- Ellty - Secure document sharing with tracking and data rooms
- Papermark - Open-source document sharing
- Firmex - Enterprise virtual data rooms
- Ansarada - AI-powered deal rooms
- iDeals - Full-featured virtual data rooms
- Digify - Document security platform
- FirmRoom - M&A focused data rooms
- DealRoom - Agile M&A platform
What are the best DocSend alternatives?
The best DocSend alternative depends on your fundraising needs.
For most startups: Ellty gives you everything DocSend does - secure sharing, page-by-page insights - plus data room features when investors need them. Built for the fundraising workflow.
Open source route: Papermark if you want to self-host. Free, customizable, but you manage everything yourself.
Security-first: Digify when every document is sensitive. Watermarking, screenshot protection, remote wipe. VCs know and trust it.
Later-stage rounds: Ansarada, Firmex or iDeals when you're past Series B. Full data rooms with Q&A, compliance certs, everything for proper due diligence.
Types of DocSend alternatives
DocSend alternatives aren't all the same beast.
Secure document sharing with analytics - The DocSend model. Share a link, track views, get notifications. Ellty, Papermark, and basic Dropbox do this well. Perfect for pitch decks, proposals, marketing materials.
Virtual data rooms - The full arsenal. Q&A modules, bulk operations, permission matrices, audit logs. Ansarada, Firmex and iDeals territory. Built for when lawyers get involved.
The 8 best DocSend alternatives in 2025
1. Ellty
Ellty is the best DocSend alternative for startups and VCs who want professional document sharing at better prices.
Ellty is a secure document sharing platform with built-in analytics and data room functionality. Track who views your documents, manage investor due diligence, and share sensitive files with confidence.
Like DocSend, you can see page-by-page analytics, set up expiring links, and create a data room. But Ellty is built specifically for the startup ecosystem - from pitch decks to LP updates to board management.
The platform serves both sides of venture deals. Founders use it for fundraising. VCs use it for LP communications and deal flow management. Same powerful features, more reasonable pricing.
Ellty vs DocSend: key differences
Built for venture: DocSend serves everyone from real estate to healthcare. Ellty focuses exclusively on startups and investors. The interface, features, and workflows match how venture actually works.
Pricing philosophy: DocSend's pricing jumps are legendary. $15 to $65 trials to enterprise. Ellty offers the same features at each tier, just with different usage limits.
Customer support: DocSend reserves real support for enterprise customers. Ellty provides human support at every level. Not revolutionary, just right.
User experience: DocSend acquired by Dropbox in 2021. The product shows its age. Ellty launched recently with modern design and different angle.
What users say
Startups appreciate the straightforward pricing. No surprises when they need to add team members or unlock features for due diligence.
VCs like having one platform for both sides of their business - sharing documents with LPs and receiving them from portfolio companies.
"We switched from DocSend when our team grew. The per-user pricing was killing us. Ellty gave us the same features for half the cost." - Series A founder
Pricing and support
- Pricing: Plans start lower than DocSend and scale more reasonably.
- Support: Email and chat support included on all plans. No chatbots. Real humans who understand venture capital and fundraising.
The best DocSend alternative for venture
Ellty works best for venture capital firms and venture-backed startups who need professional document sharing without enterprise overhead.
Perfect for emerging managers setting up their first data room. Ideal for startups who've outgrown free tools but can't stomach DocSend's pricing jumps.
Not trying to be everything to everyone.
2. Papermark
Papermark is the best DocSend alternative for teams who want open-source document sharing they can control.
Papermark takes a different approach. It's open-source software you can self-host or use their cloud version. Full document analytics, link tracking, and visitor insights - but you own the data.
Founded by Mark and Iuliia, they're building what they wished existed - document sharing that respects privacy and developer needs. Active on GitHub, shipping features weekly, actually responding to user feedback.
Teams choose Papermark for two reasons: cost (free if self-hosted) and control (your data, your servers). The trade-off? You need technical skills or a cloud subscription.
Papermark vs DocSend: key differences
Data ownership - Your documents stay on your servers. Critical for companies with strict security requirements.
Customization - Need a specific feature? Build it. DocSend says "feature request noted." Papermark says "here's the GitHub repo."
Pricing flexibility - Self-host for free or use their managed cloud. DocSend has one model: monthly subscriptions forever.
For a detailed comparison, check out our Papermark vs DocSend breakdown.
What users say
Papermark scores 4.8/5 on Product Hunt with users praising the open-source approach.
"Finally a document sharing solution we can customize and control. The analytics are on par with DocSend but we own everything." - verified Product Hunt review
Pricing
Self-hosted: Free forever. Need a server and DevOps knowledge.
Cloud version: Managed hosting with support. Cheaper than DocSend, more about Papermark pricing.
The best open-source DocSend alternative
Technical teams who value control over convenience. Companies with strict data residency requirements. Startups with more engineering time than budget.
Perfect if you've ever thought "I could build this myself" while using DocSend.
3. Firmex
Firmex is the best DocSend alternative for companies running complex M&A transactions and due diligence processes.
Firmex specializes in virtual data rooms for high-stakes deals. While DocSend handles document sharing, Firmex built their platform specifically for M&A, corporate development, and litigation support.
The platform includes features deal-makers expect: Q&A modules, detailed permission matrices, and compliance certifications. It's overkill for sharing a pitch deck. It's essential when managing a billion-dollar acquisition.
Firmex vs DocSend: key differences
Built for transactions - Firmex assumes you're running due diligence. Bulk uploads, automatic indexing, watermarking - everything optimized for deal flow.
Security certifications - SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, HIPAA compliant. DocSend has some certifications. Firmex has them all.
Professional services - Dedicated project managers help set up your data room. Not self-serve. Full white-glove support for complex deals.
Pricing model - Project-based pricing starting around $2,400/month. DocSend charges per user. Firmex charges per data room.
What users say
Firmex holds a 4.4/5 rating on G2 with over 700 reviews. Users consistently mention responsive support and reliable platform performance during critical deal phases.
"Used Firmex for our Series C due diligence. The Q&A feature saved dozens of email threads. Support team knew exactly how to structure our data room." - verified G2 review
Pricing and support
Pricing: Custom quotes based on project scope. Typically $2,400-5,000/month for standard data rooms. Annual contracts available.
Setup: Professional onboarding included. Firmex team helps structure your data room and train users.
Support: 24/7 phone and email support. Dedicated project manager for enterprise accounts.
For startups weighing enterprise features against simplicity, see our Ellty vs Firmex comparison.
The best M&A DocSend alternative
Mid-market and enterprise companies managing formal transactions. Investment banks running multiple simultaneous deals. Law firms handling sensitive litigation documents.
Not suitable for basic document sharing or early-stage startups. The minimum commitment and setup process assume you're running a serious transaction.
4. Ansarada
Ansarada is the best DocSend alternative for companies that want AI-powered insights during due diligence.
Ansarada goes beyond document sharing. Their platform uses machine learning to analyze deal materials, flag risks, and predict buyer behavior. Think of it as DocSend plus a junior analyst that never sleeps.
Originally built for M&A advisors, Ansarada now serves any complex transaction - fundraising, IPOs, board reporting. The AI components set it apart from traditional data rooms.
Ansarada vs DocSend: key differences
AI-powered analytics - Ansarada reads your documents and identifies red flags. DocSend shows you who opened files. Ansarada tells you what might kill your deal.
Bidder insights - Predict which buyers are serious based on their document behavior. DocSend tracks views. Ansarada analyzes patterns across thousands of deals.
Material information platform - Upload contracts, financials, legal docs. Ansarada extracts key terms and builds a searchable database. DocSend stores files.
Deal workflow automation - Automated NDAs, buyer onboarding, Q&A routing. DocSend requires manual processes for each step.
What users say
Ansarada scores 4.5/5 on Capterra with users highlighting the AI features and time savings during complex deals.
"The AI caught inconsistencies in our contracts we missed during manual review. Saved us from a major issue during due diligence." - verified Capterra review
Pricing and support
Pricing: Starts around $300/month for basic data rooms. AI features and larger deals require custom pricing. Most mid-market deals run $1,000-3,000/month.
Setup: Guided onboarding with deal structuring advice. Takes 1-2 days to fully configure.
Support: 24/7 support across time zones. Regional teams in Sydney, London, Chicago.
The best AI-powered DocSend alternative
Ansarada fits companies running sophisticated transactions who want technology to do more heavy lifting. Particularly popular with serial acquirers and PE firms running multiple processes.
Less suitable for simple document sharing or early-stage fundraising. The AI features shine with complex document sets, not 10-slide pitch decks.
5. iDeals
iDeals is the best DocSend alternative for investment banks and private equity firms managing multiple simultaneous deals.
iDeals built their platform for deal professionals who live in data rooms. The interface assumes you're juggling ten transactions, not sharing one pitch deck. Everything optimized for speed when managing hundreds of buyers across multiple processes.
Major PE firms and investment banks standardized on iDeals for a reason. It handles the volume and complexity of professional deal-making without breaking a sweat.
iDeals vs DocSend: key differences
Multi-project management - Run unlimited data rooms from one dashboard. Switch between deals in seconds. DocSend treats each space separately.
Bulk everything - Upload 50,000 files, invite 200 users, set permissions for entire buyer groups. DocSend thinks in single documents.
Advanced Q&A - Route questions to subject experts, track response times, bulk import answers. DocSend doesn't have Q&A.
Eight permission levels - From view-only to full admin, with granular controls at every level. DocSend offers basic sharing options.
What users say
iDeals holds a 4.8/5 rating on GetApp with investment bankers praising the efficiency gains.
"Managed 12 sell-side processes last year through iDeals. The bulk operations alone saved our analysts hundreds of hours." - verified investment banker review
Pricing and support
Pricing: No published rates. Enterprise contracts typically $3,000-10,000/month depending on usage. Volume discounts for firms running multiple rooms.
Setup: White-glove onboarding with industry-specific configuration. Your deal team trained in days.
Support: 24/7 support in 12 languages. Dedicated success manager who knows your deals.
The best professional deal-maker DocSend alternative
iDeals serves investment banks, PE firms, and corporate development teams running multiple complex transactions. Built for professionals who measure efficiency in basis points.
Not remotely suitable for startups or simple document sharing. This is industrial-strength deal management for firms where time literally equals money.
6. Digify
Digify is the best DocSend alternative for companies that need granular document control and self-destruct features.
Digify focuses obsessively on document security. While DocSend tracks who viewed your files, Digify controls exactly what they can do with them. Print disabled. Screenshots blocked. Documents that self-destruct. It's Mission Impossible for business documents.
Popular in Asia-Pacific markets where document security is non-negotiable. Western companies use it when sharing truly sensitive materials - term sheets, acquisition offers, IP documentation.
Digify vs DocSend: key differences
Granular restrictions - Disable printing, copying, screenshots on a per-document basis. DocSend has basic view/download controls.
Self-destruct timers - Documents automatically delete after set time periods. DocSend links expire but files remain.
Watermark customization - Dynamic watermarks with viewer details, timestamps, IP addresses. DocSend offers basic watermarking.
Mobile DRM - Full security controls on mobile apps. DocSend's mobile experience is limited to viewing.
For a detailed comparison, check out our Digify vs DocSend breakdown.
What users say
Digify scores 4.5/5 on G2 with security-conscious companies praising the control features.
"Only platform that actually prevents screenshots on mobile devices. Critical for our IP protection strategy." - verified G2 review
Pricing and support
Pricing: Starts at $96/month for small teams. Most companies pay $200-500/month. More about Digify pricing.
Setup: Self-service with security templates. Takes an hour to configure properly.
Support: Email support based in Singapore. Active during APAC hours, slower response for US/EU.
The best high-control DocSend alternative
Digify works best for companies sharing extremely sensitive documents where tracking isn't enough - you need control. Law firms sharing confidential settlements. Companies negotiating acquisitions. Anyone paranoid about leaks.
Less suitable for general business documents or high-volume sharing. The security features add friction that's worthwhile for sensitive files, annoying for everyday use.
7. FirmRoom
FirmRoom is the best DocSend alternative for companies that want a modern, intuitive interface for M&A transactions.
FirmRoom rebuilt the data room experience from scratch. While traditional VDRs feel like enterprise software from 2005, FirmRoom looks and works like modern SaaS. Same powerful features, without the learning curve.
Founded by M&A professionals frustrated with clunky platforms, they designed everything around actual deal workflows. The result: investment bankers can onboard in minutes, not days.
FirmRoom vs DocSend: key differences
Built-in deal management - Project pipelines, task management, and deadline tracking alongside documents. DocSend just shares files.
Smart request management - Buyers request documents, sellers fulfill in-platform. No more email chains asking for "the updated financials."
Integrated diligence trackers - Track document completion percentages, outstanding requests, buyer engagement. DocSend shows views, not deal progress.
Modern interface - Feels like Notion or Airtable, not legacy enterprise software. DocSend's UI is functional but dated.
What users say
FirmRoom maintains 4.7/5 on Capterra with deal professionals praising the user experience.
"First data room our junior analysts could use without training. Cut our deal setup time by 70%." - verified M&A advisor review
Pricing and support
Pricing: Starts around $300/month for small deals. Most transactions run $800-2,000/month. Transparent pricing calculator on website.
Setup: Template library for common deal types. Most rooms ready in 2-3 hours.
Support: Chicago-based team provides chat and email support. Phone support for active deals.
The best modern M&A DocSend alternative
FirmRoom fits companies that want powerful M&A features without enterprise complexity. Particularly popular with boutique investment banks and corporate development teams who value efficiency.
Perfect balance between DocSend's simplicity and iDeals' power. Not the cheapest option, but the time savings justify the cost for active deal-makers.
8. DealRoom
DealRoom is the best DocSend alternative for companies that want to combine document sharing with full deal project management.
DealRoom takes a different angle - it's project management software that happens to include a data room. While DocSend shares documents and FirmRoom manages data rooms, DealRoom orchestrates entire M&A processes from LOI to close.
Think Asana meets virtual data room. Tasks, timelines, workstreams, and documents all in one platform. Popular with serial acquirers who treat M&A like any other business process.
DealRoom vs DocSend: key differences
Pipeline to close platform - Manage deal pipeline, diligence requests, integration planning in one tool. DocSend handles one piece of a complex puzzle.
Agile methodology for M&A - Kanban boards, sprint planning, automated workflows. DocSend is static file sharing.
Request management system - Buyers submit diligence requests, assign to workstreams, track completion. DocSend requires external coordination.
Post-merger tools - Integration planning templates, synergy tracking, day-one readiness. DocSend stops at document sharing.
What users say
DealRoom scores 4.6/5 on G2 with corporate development teams highlighting the workflow features.
"Transformed our M&A process from chaos to predictable execution. The diligence tracker alone worth the price." - verified corp dev review
Pricing and support
Pricing: Platform starts around $1,000/month including data room. Scales with deal volume and team size. Annual discounts available.
Setup: Implementation team helps design your M&A workflow. Takes 1-2 weeks for full deployment.
Support: Dedicated customer success manager for active accounts. Based in Chicago with US business hours support.
The best full-lifecycle DocSend alternative
DealRoom works best for corporate buyers, PE firms, and companies doing multiple acquisitions yearly. When M&A is a repeatable process, not a one-time event.
Overkill for simple fundraising or document sharing. Perfect for organizations that want to professionalize their deal execution beyond just sharing files.
How to choose the right DocSend alternative
Start with your use case
Just sharing pitch decks? Ellty or Papermark give you tracking without complexity.
Running due diligence? You need Q&A modules and audit trails. Look at Ansarada or FirmRoom.
Managing multiple deals? iDeals or DealRoom built for volume.
Consider your budget
Under $100/month: Papermark or Ellty starter plans
$100-500/month: Digify, FirmRoom for small teams
$500-2,000/month: Ansarada for growing needs
$2,000+/month: iDeals, Firmex for enterprise scale
Check must-have features
Before comparing, list what you actually need:
- Basic tracking only?
- Q&A functionality?
- Bulk operations?
- Compliance certifications?
- API access?
Most teams overpay for features they never use.
Test before committing
Every platform offers trials. Upload real documents. Run a mock process. Check if your team can actually use it without training.
The best alternative is one your team will actually adopt.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best free DocSend alternative?
Ellty and Papermark offers a free plan with basic document sharing and tracking. Both give you core DocSend features without the monthly bills. For more advanced features, expect to pay.
Can I migrate my documents from DocSend?
Yes. Download your documents from DocSend and re-upload to your new platform. Most alternatives offer migration help for paid accounts. The painful part: updating shared links everywhere.
Which alternative is best for fundraising?
Depends on your stage. Seed rounds: Ellty or Papermark. Series A+: FirmRoom or Ansarada. Just remember - investors care about your business, not your data room vendor.
Make the switch from DocSend
DocSend pioneered document tracking. But the market evolved. Modern alternatives offer better features, fairer pricing, or both.
For most startups and VCs, Ellty provides everything DocSend does at better prices. Need open source? Papermark. Running complex M&A? FirmRoom or iDeals have you covered.
The key: pick based on what you actually do, not what you might need someday.
