Software · head to head
Laserfiche vs PublicInput
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Laserfiche self-hosted deployment requires dedicated IT resources and infrastructure management; PublicInput all three plans, Listen, Engage and Engage Plus, are listed as Request Pricing with no published rate, minimum or cost driver
- They diverge on capability: Laserfiche covers Document Capture, PublicInput covers Virtual Public Meetings.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Laserfiche and PublicInput actually diverge.
| Attribute | Laserfiche | PublicInput |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $50/month | $400/month |
| Platforms | Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux | Web, Ios, Android |
| Founded | 1976 | 2014 |
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 PublicInput
- Virtual Public Meetings
- Online Surveys
- Comment Management
- Multi-language Support
- Engagement Analytics
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- GovDelivery
Both cover
- Web support
- Ios support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Laserfiche
- Citizen Servicesnot PublicInput
- Records Managementnot PublicInput
- Public Safetynot PublicInput
- Civic Engagementnot PublicInput
PublicInput
- Running public comment and community engagement programmes for local governmentnot Laserfiche
- Collecting resident feedback across surveys, interactive maps and project websitesnot Laserfiche
- Compliant public meeting management for transit agencies, DOTs and MPOsnot Laserfiche
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
PublicInput
- All three plans, Listen, Engage and Engage Plus, are listed as Request Pricing with no published rate, minimum or cost driver
- HTML and CSS customization, custom workflows and approvals, and external system integration with Accela and ESRI are listed as Enterprise Capabilities rather than core platform features
- Public meetings functionality is sold under a separate Meetings plan rather than being included with the Engagement plans
- Getting a plan requires booking a consultation and a tailored demo rather than self serve signup
Pricing, plan by plan
Laserfiche
$50/month- Cloud$50/month
- Document Management
- Workflow Automation
- Records Management
PublicInput
$400/month- Enterprise$400/month
- Virtual Meetings
- Surveys
- Comment Management
Which should you pick?
Choose Laserfiche if
- You need document capture.
- You work on Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want workflow automation.
Choose PublicInput if
- You need virtual public meetings.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android.
- You also want online surveys.
Questions people ask
- Is Laserfiche or PublicInput better?
- Neither clearly leads. Laserfiche starts at $50/month and PublicInput at $400/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Laserfiche or PublicInput?
- Laserfiche starts at $50/month and PublicInput at $400/month.
- Does Laserfiche or PublicInput run on more platforms?
- Laserfiche runs on Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux. PublicInput 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. Of those, citizen services and records management are not what PublicInput is typically brought in for.
- What can Laserfiche do that PublicInput cannot?
- Laserfiche covers Document Capture, Workflow Automation, Records Management, Electronic Forms. PublicInput covers Virtual Public Meetings, Online Surveys, Comment Management, Multi-language Support. Both handle Web support, Ios support, Android 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.
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.
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.
SourceRelated pages
More on PublicInput
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