Software · head to head
Laserfiche vs DocuWare
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Laserfiche self-hosted deployment requires dedicated IT resources and infrastructure management; DocuWare complex setup requiring significant IT effort before full functionality is achieved
- They diverge on capability: Laserfiche covers Document Capture, DocuWare covers Document Storage.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Laserfiche and DocuWare actually diverge.
| Attribute | Laserfiche | DocuWare |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $50/month | On request |
| Pricing model | subscription | Unknown |
| Platforms | Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux | Web, iOS, Android |
| Founded | 1976 | 1988 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Laserfiche
- Document Capture
- Records Management
- Electronic Forms
- Process Automation
- Microsoft Office
- SharePoint
- Salesforce
Only in DocuWare
- Document Storage
- Intelligent Indexing
- Mobile Access
- Electronic Signatures
- Microsoft 365
- SAP
- QuickBooks
Both cover
- Workflow Automation
- Web support
- Desktop support
- Ios support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Laserfiche
- Citizen Services
- Records Management
- Public Safety
- Civic Engagement
DocuWare
- Citizen Services
- Records Management
- Public Safety
- Civic Engagement
Both are used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Laserfiche
- Self-hosted deployment requires dedicated IT resources and infrastructure management
- Complex implementation often requires significant upfront customization
- High total cost of ownership for on-premises deployments due to infrastructure needs
DocuWare
- Complex setup requiring significant IT effort before full functionality is achieved
- Limited user interface customization restricting tailored workflows and branding
- Performance slowdowns when processing large document volumes or handling many simultaneous users
- Search requires exact matches and is case-sensitive, limiting usability
- Limited offline access with mobile app offering reduced functionality
- Integration challenges with major ERP platforms
- Steep initial investment, particularly for migrating older systems
Pricing, plan by plan
Laserfiche
$50/month- Cloud$50/month
- Document Management
- Workflow Automation
- Records Management
DocuWare
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the DocuWare review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Laserfiche if
- You need document capture.
- You work on Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want records management.
Choose DocuWare if
- You need document storage.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
- You also want intelligent indexing.
Questions people ask
- Is Laserfiche or DocuWare better?
- Neither clearly leads. Laserfiche starts at $50/month and DocuWare at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Laserfiche or DocuWare?
- Laserfiche starts at $50/month and DocuWare at On request.
- Does Laserfiche or DocuWare run on more platforms?
- Laserfiche runs on Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux. DocuWare runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- What is Laserfiche best used for?
- Laserfiche is most often used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement.
- What can Laserfiche do that DocuWare cannot?
- Laserfiche covers Document Capture, Records Management, Electronic Forms, Process Automation. DocuWare covers Document Storage, Intelligent Indexing, Mobile Access, Electronic Signatures. Both handle Workflow Automation, Web support, Desktop support, Ios support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Laserfiche: Does Laserfiche offer both cloud and self-hosted options?
Yes. Laserfiche Cloud offers three tiers (Starter $53/user/month, Professional $73, Business $93). Laserfiche 12 provides self-hosted deployment for organizations requiring on-premise infrastructure or with strict security and regulatory constraints.
SourceDocuWare: Is DocuWare available as cloud or on-premises?
DocuWare is available as both a cloud-based SaaS solution and as an on-premises deployment option.
SourceLaserfiche: What does Laserfiche capture from documents?
Laserfiche provides document capture, electronic forms, workflow automation, case management, mobile access, and government-certified records management with automatic filing and retention schedules.
SourceDocuWare: What platforms does DocuWare support?
DocuWare is available as a web-based platform accessible via browser, with mobile apps available on iOS and Android.
SourceLaserfiche: Can Laserfiche track document workflows automatically?
Yes. Laserfiche includes workflow automation that tracks and fulfills processes like FOIA requests, with access controls, audit trails, and automated recordkeeping for compliance.
SourceDocuWare: Does DocuWare offer offline access?
DocuWare has limited offline access capabilities. The mobile app offers fewer features compared to the desktop version.
Source