Government · head to head
Laserfiche vs OnBase
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Laserfiche self-hosted deployment requires dedicated IT resources and infrastructure management; OnBase pricing starts at 2,000 USD per month, making it expensive for small agencies
- They diverge on capability: Laserfiche covers Document Capture, OnBase covers Content Management.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Laserfiche and OnBase actually diverge.
| Attribute | Laserfiche | OnBase |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $50/month | $400/month |
| Platforms | Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux | Web, Mobile |
| Founded | 1976 | 1991 |
Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Government).
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
- Electronic Forms
- Process Automation
- Microsoft Office
- SharePoint
Only in OnBase
- Content Management
- Case Management
- Intelligent Capture
- Microsoft 365
- Epic
Both cover
- Workflow Automation
- Records Management
- Salesforce
- 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
OnBase
- 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
OnBase
- Pricing starts at 2,000 USD per month, making it expensive for small agencies
- Complex implementation and configuration required for government-specific workflows
- Requires significant IT resources for deployment and ongoing management
Pricing, plan by plan
Laserfiche
$50/month- Cloud$50/month
- Document Management
- Workflow Automation
- Records Management
OnBase
$400/month- Government$400/month
- Content Management
- Process Automation
- Case Management
Which should you pick?
Choose Laserfiche if
- You need document capture.
- You work on Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want electronic forms.
Choose OnBase if
- You need content management.
- You work on Web, Mobile.
- You also want case management.
Questions people ask
- Is Laserfiche or OnBase better?
- Neither clearly leads. Laserfiche starts at $50/month and OnBase at $400/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Laserfiche or OnBase?
- Laserfiche starts at $50/month and OnBase at $400/month.
- Does Laserfiche or OnBase run on more platforms?
- Laserfiche runs on Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux. OnBase runs on Web, Mobile.
- 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 OnBase cannot?
- Laserfiche covers Document Capture, Electronic Forms, Process Automation, Microsoft Office. OnBase covers Content Management, Case Management, Intelligent Capture, Microsoft 365. Both handle Workflow Automation, Records Management, Salesforce, 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.
SourceOnBase: What is OnBase used for in government?
OnBase is used for digital permitting, inspections, and plan review processes. Government agencies use it to streamline workflows, enable online forms, automate approvals, and provide citizen access to application status.
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.
SourceOnBase: Does OnBase support mobile access?
Yes. Mobile access is a key feature of OnBase, allowing users to manage documents and cases on the go.
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.
SourceOnBase: What document management capabilities does OnBase provide?
OnBase provides centralized document storage with version control, search and retrieval tools, records management across physical and electronic lifecycles, and compliance with policies and regulations.
SourceOnBase: Can OnBase workflows be customized?
Yes. OnBase is flexible and configurable with user-defined workflows for case management, streamlining processes like accounts payable, employee onboarding, and contract management.
SourceRelated pages
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