The Tide Is Turning
For years, "e-signature" and "DocuSign" were practically synonymous in Australia. The platform became the go-to choice almost by default — it was the name everyone knew, and switching felt unnecessary.
But 2026 is shaping up to be the year that changes. Across industries — from legal firms in Sydney to construction companies in Brisbane — Australian businesses are quietly migrating away from DocuSign. The reasons aren't dramatic; they're practical. And they reflect a broader shift in how Australian businesses think about their software tools.
The Shift Towards Local-First Platforms
If there's one trend defining Australian business technology in 2026, it's the preference for locally built solutions. While DocuSign does offer Australian data centres, it remains a US-headquartered global platform — and that distinction matters to a growing number of Australian businesses.
It's not just about where data is stored. It's about whether the platform is designed with Australian businesses as the priority. Local support during Australian business hours, features like e-witnessing that address specific Australian legal requirements, and a product roadmap shaped by local needs rather than global enterprise demands.
Platforms like AirSign, which are Australian-built from the ground up, are becoming the natural choice for businesses that want a tool designed for how they work — not a global product adapted for the local market as an afterthought.
Pricing Fatigue Is Real
DocuSign's pricing has always been a sore point for small and medium businesses. The per-envelope model sounds reasonable until you're a real estate agency sending dozens of contracts a week, or an HR team onboarding new staff every month. Costs compound quickly, and the annual price increases haven't helped.
In 2026, with cost pressures affecting businesses across Australia, many are looking at their DocuSign invoices and asking: do we really need to pay this much to get documents signed? When alternatives offer starter plans from $5 for 10 documents — with PDF editing included — the maths becomes hard to ignore.
It's not about finding the cheapest option. It's about paying for what you actually use, without subsidising enterprise features designed for Fortune 500 companies.
The Case for Simplicity
DocuSign has evolved into a comprehensive agreement platform with CLM, identity verification, notarisation, and AI-powered contract analysis. For enterprise customers, that's valuable. For an accounting firm in Melbourne that needs clients to sign engagement letters, it's overwhelming.
The businesses switching in 2026 aren't looking for less capability — they're looking for the right capability. They want to upload a PDF, place signature fields, send it, and get it signed. They want templates that work without a training session. They want signers who can complete documents without creating an account or downloading an app.
Sometimes the best tool isn't the one that does the most. It's the one that does exactly what you need, without getting in the way.
Want the full picture? We've put together a detailed feature-by-feature comparison of AirSign and DocuSign.
See our detailed AirSign vs DocuSign comparison →Making the Switch
Switching e-signature providers used to feel risky — what if the new tool doesn't work as well? In 2026, with mature alternatives available, the risk has shifted. The real risk is staying with a platform that doesn't align with your business needs, your compliance requirements, or your budget.
If you're an Australian business still using DocuSign out of habit rather than conviction, now might be the right time to explore what else is out there. You might be surprised at how much simpler — and more affordable — document signing can be.