Software · head to head
Laserfiche vs OpenGov
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Laserfiche self-hosted deployment requires dedicated IT resources and infrastructure management; OpenGov custom pricing only, no transparent public pricing
- They diverge on capability: Laserfiche covers Document Capture, OpenGov covers Budgeting & Planning.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Laserfiche and OpenGov actually diverge.
| Attribute | Laserfiche | OpenGov |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $50/month | $1000/month |
| Platforms | Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux | Web |
| Founded | 1976 | 2012 |
Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), 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
- Workflow Automation
- Records Management
- Electronic Forms
- Process Automation
- Microsoft Office
- SharePoint
- Salesforce
Only in OpenGov
- Budgeting & Planning
- Financial Reporting
- Permitting & Licensing
- Asset Management
- Transparency Portal
- Tyler Technologies
- Munis
- Microsoft Excel
Both cover
- Web 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
OpenGov
- 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
OpenGov
- Custom pricing only, no transparent public pricing
- No free tier available
- Requires vendor contact for quotes
Pricing, plan by plan
Laserfiche
$50/month- Cloud$50/month
- Document Management
- Workflow Automation
- Records Management
OpenGov
$1000/month- Government Cloud$1000/month
- Budgeting & Planning
- Reporting & Transparency
- Citizen Services
Which should you pick?
Choose Laserfiche if
- You need document capture.
- You work on Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want workflow automation.
Questions people ask
- Is Laserfiche or OpenGov better?
- Neither clearly leads. Laserfiche starts at $50/month and OpenGov at $1000/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Laserfiche or OpenGov?
- Laserfiche starts at $50/month and OpenGov at $1000/month.
- Does Laserfiche or OpenGov run on more platforms?
- Laserfiche runs on Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux. OpenGov runs on Web.
- 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 OpenGov cannot?
- Laserfiche covers Document Capture, Workflow Automation, Records Management, Electronic Forms. OpenGov covers Budgeting & Planning, Financial Reporting, Permitting & Licensing, Asset Management. Both handle Web 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.
SourceOpenGov: What does OpenGov provide?
OpenGov is government budgeting and planning software for municipalities and public sector organizations. It helps with budget planning, financial management, and government transparency.
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.
SourceOpenGov: How much does OpenGov cost?
OpenGov pricing is custom and quote-based. There is no public pricing listed. Organizations need to contact OpenGov directly for a proposal based on their specific needs.
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.
SourceOpenGov: Is there a free tier?
No. OpenGov does not offer a free plan. Pricing requires direct vendor contact and is procurement-led.
SourceRelated pages
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