10 Best Document Security Software Solutions in 2025: Free and Paid Compared

Are you looking for reliable document security software to protect your sensitive business information? With data breaches costing an average of $4.45 million in 2025 and 72% of breaches involving unprotected documents, choosing the right security solution is critical for your organization.

We'll explore 10 leading solutions that offer robust security features, access controls, and document protection capabilities. Let's find the right security solution for your needs and budget.

Quick Recap of Document Security Software Solutions

1. Peony: Modern secure document sharing platform with watermarking, analytics, and access controls at $40/user/month

2. FileCloud: Enterprise-grade security solution with DRM and compliance features with self-hosting ability

3. Notion Enterprise Security: Specialized workspace security with advanced compliance features

4. Digify: Document protection with dynamic watermarking and remote file deletion

5. PandaDoc: Advanced document security with eSignature and workflow automation

6. Atlassian Cloud Enterprise: Advanced security controls across Jira, Confluence, and Atlassian products

7. Confluence Advanced Security: Comprehensive workspace security integrated across Atlassian ecosystem

8. Box Shield: Cloud content security with advanced threat protection

9. Adobe Document Cloud: Integrated security features with PDF protection

10. Microsoft Information Protection: Comprehensive document protection within Microsoft 365

Types of Document Security Software and Use Cases

1. Document Protection and Access Control

Platforms like Peony excel in this category, offering secure document sharing, watermarking, and granular access controls. These solutions focus on preventing unauthorized access and maintaining document integrity.

Key features:

• Password protection
• Email verification
• Access permissions
• Watermarking
• Screenshot prevention
• Download controls
• Expiration dates
• Access analytics

Best for:

• Professional services
• Sales teams
• Legal firms
• Startups and SMBs
• Client-facing document sharing
• Fundraising and M&A

2. Digital Rights Management (DRM) Systems

Tools like Notion Enterprise Security and FileCloud specialize in DRM, controlling how protected content can be used, shared, and accessed after distribution.

Key capabilities:

• Usage rights management
• Persistent protection
• Offline access control
• License management
• Revocation capabilities
• Compliance reporting

Best for:

• Publishing and media
• Intellectual property protection
• Licensed content distribution
• Enterprise content management
• Regulated industries

3. Enterprise Document Security Platforms

Solutions like Atlassian Cloud Enterprise and Microsoft Information Protection provide comprehensive security features integrated with enterprise workflows.

Enterprise features:

• Centralized administration
• Integration with IT systems
• Advanced compliance
• Scalability for large organizations
• Extensive audit capabilities
• Role-based access control

Best for:

• Large enterprises (500+ employees)
• Complex organizational structures
• Multi-system integration needs
• Strict compliance requirements
• Global operations

Detailed Software Reviews

1. Peony - Best Overall Document Security Software

Website: peony.ink

Peony leads the document security space with modern approach to document protection, combining comprehensive security features with user-friendly interface and affordable pricing at $40 per month.

The platform is designed for businesses requiring robust document protection without complexity, making it ideal for professional services, sales teams, startups, and any organization handling sensitive information.

Peony Security Features

Core Protection:

• End-to-end encryption (AES-256)
• Dynamic watermarking with viewer information
• Screenshot prevention technology
• Granular access controls and permissions
• Real-time activity monitoring
• Email verification requirements
• Allow and block list management
• Audit logs and comprehensive analytics
• Password protection
• Expiration dates and time-based access

Advanced Features:

• Custom domain support (docs.yourcompany.com)
• Custom branding throughout viewer experience
• Virtual data rooms for multiple documents
• Version control and history
• Bulk operations and batch processing
• Team collaboration tools
• API for integrations

Peony Screen Protection

Peony's screenshot protection provides innovative defense through blocking main screenshot commands and detecting screen capture attempts.

How it works:

• Detects screenshot attempts across platforms
• Blocks common screenshot shortcuts
• Blurs content when screen capture attempted
• Logs all prevention attempts for audit
• Works on desktop and mobile devices
• Protects against print screen functions

Peony Dynamic Watermarking

Peony's dynamic watermarking adds unique watermarks to each viewer, making every viewing session traceable.

Watermark capabilities:

• Viewer email address embedded
• Access timestamp shown
• IP address included
• Custom text or logo option
• Configurable position and opacity
• Automatic generation per viewer
• Discourages unauthorized sharing
• Provides accountability trail

Benefits:

• Identifies source of leaks
• Deters sharing of confidential documents
• Legal protection in disputes
• Compliance with security policies
• Professional appearance

Peony Security Advantages

Why Peony stands out:

• Transparent, affordable pricing ($40/user/month)
• Per-user pricing for team members
• Complete feature set at all plans
• Easy setup and onboarding (under 10 minutes)
• Excellent customer support
• Regular security updates and improvements
• Mobile-responsive viewer
• Fast, reliable performance
• Scalable for growing businesses

Security certifications:

• Industry-standard encryption
• Regular security audits
• Privacy-focused data handling
• Transparent security practices
• Detailed security documentation

Peony Pricing

Transparent, simple pricing:

• Free Plan: $0 - Basic sharing with analytics
• Pro Plan: $40/month - Full features including:
  • Unlimited documents
  • Unlimited viewers
  • Data rooms
  • Custom domains
  • Advanced security
  • All features included
  • Priority support
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for large organizations with specific needs

Value proposition:

• 90-95% cost savings vs. competitors
• No hidden fees or surprise charges
• Simple, predictable pricing
• Scale without cost explosion
• All features at $40/month

Full pricing details

Peony Customer Reviews

⭐⭐⭐️⭐⭐ 5/5 based on customer feedback

Customer testimonials:

• "Perfect alternative to DocSend at fraction of the cost - saved us $9,000/year"
• "Analytics help us understand which investors are truly interested"
• "Custom domain feature makes our sharing look incredibly professional"
• "Best value for money in document security and sharing"
• "Screenshot protection gives us peace of mind with confidential materials"

Highly rated and trusted by thousands of companies for user-friendly interface, robust security features, comprehensive analytics, and exceptional customer support.

Securely share documents with Peony

2. FileCloud - Enterprise Security Software

Website: filecloud.com

FileCloud offers enterprise-grade document security with focus on compliance and regulatory requirements, with both cloud and self-hosted deployment options.

FileCloud Security Features

Enterprise security:

• Military-grade AES-256 encryption
• Automated compliance controls
• Advanced data loss prevention (DLP)
• Secure file sharing and collaboration
• Mobile device management (MDM)
• Remote wipe capability
• Ransomware detection and protection
• Endpoint security

Compliance:

• HIPAA compliant
• GDPR ready
• FINRA/SEC compliant
• FedRAMP authorization
• SOC 2 certified
• ISO 27001 certified

FileCloud Pricing

Enterprise Online:

• Essentials: $12.50/user/month
• Advanced: $18.75/user/month
• GovCloud: Custom pricing

Enterprise Server (Self-Hosted):

• Essentials: $6/user/month
• Advanced: Custom pricing
• Service Provider: Custom pricing

All plans include enterprise-grade security features, unlimited external users, and dedicated support. Minimum user requirements apply and pricing is billed annually.

Cost comparison (20 users):

• FileCloud Online Advanced: $375/month = $4,500/year
• Peony: $40/user/month = $480/user/year
• Savings with Peony: $4,020 annually (89% reduction)

FileCloud Reviews

• G2: 4.5/5 (200+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.6/5 (150+ reviews)

Best for: Large enterprises, regulated industries, organizations requiring self-hosting

3. Notion Enterprise Security

Website: notion.com/enterprise

Notion Enterprise offers comprehensive workspace security with advanced compliance features and enterprise-grade controls for protecting sensitive business information in collaborative environments.

Notion Document Security Features

Security controls:

• Workspace-wide security settings
• SAML SSO integration
• Content search across workspace
• Comprehensive audit logs
• DLP and SIEM integrations
• Custom data retention policies
• HIPAA compliance support (with BAA)
• Advanced user provisioning

Certifications:

• SOC 2 Type II certified
• SOC 3 certified
• ISO 27001 certified
• HIPAA compliant with Business Associate Agreement
• GDPR compliant

Key Advantages

• Granular permission controls at page level
• Security and compliance integrations with enterprise tools
• Comprehensive audit logging for all activities
• Content search capabilities across entire workspace
• Enterprise-grade data protection and encryption
• AI security features and controls

Notion Enterprise Pricing

• Team Plan: $15/user/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing (contact sales, typically $20-30/user/month)
• Additional security features included in Enterprise plan
• Annual billing available with discount

Cost comparison (20 users):

• Notion Enterprise: Estimated $400-600/month = $4,800-$7,200/year
• Peony: $40/user/month = $480/user/year
• Savings with Peony: $4,320-$6,720 annually (90-93% reduction)

Best for: Organizations already using Notion, teams prioritizing collaboration, knowledge management needs

4. Digify - Specialized Document Protection

Website: digify.com

Digify combines document security with virtual data room capabilities, offering specialized features like remote file deletion and dynamic watermarking.

Security Capabilities

• Real-time access revocation and control
• Dynamic watermarking on all pages
• Screen capture blocking and prevention
• Time-based access with expiration
• Detailed tracking and analytics
• Integration capabilities with business tools
• Document rights management
• Secure file sharing

Digify Pricing

• Pro: $180/month (1 user)
• Team: $480/month (3 users)
• Business: Custom pricing (contact sales)

Cost comparison:

• Digify Pro: $2,160/year for 1 user
• Peony: $480/user/year
• Savings with Peony: $1,680 annually per user (78% reduction)

Best for: Organizations needing remote file deletion, simple security needs, higher budget

5. PandaDoc - eSignature with Security

Website: pandadoc.com

PandaDoc combines document security with advanced eSignature capabilities and workflow automation.

PandaDoc Security Features

• Document encryption and security
• eSignature compliance (UETA & ESIGN Act)
• Advanced access controls
• Document tracking and analytics
• Audit trails and compliance reporting
• Custom security rules and policies
• Multi-factor authentication
• Version control and document history
• Payment collection security

Industry Recognition

• SOC 2 Type II certified
• HIPAA compliant
• GDPR compliant
• 4.8/5 on G2 (1,000+ reviews)
• Leader in eSignature Security category

PandaDoc Pricing

• Starter: $35/user/month
• Business: $65/user/month (most popular)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

All paid plans include advanced security features, API access, and dedicated support. Annual pricing available with ~20% discount.

Cost comparison (10 users):

• PandaDoc Business: $650/month = $7,800/year
• Peony: $40/user/month = $480/user/year
• Savings with Peony: $7,320 annually (94% reduction)

Best for: Teams focused on document workflow and eSignatures, sales teams, contract management

6-10. Additional Solutions Brief Overview

6. Atlassian Cloud Enterprise ($7-15.50/user/month)

• Enterprise security controls
• Organization-wide audit logs
• SAML SSO and advanced provisioning
• 99.95% uptime SLA
• SOC 2, ISO 27001 certified

7. Confluence Advanced Security ($7-15.50/user/month)

• Team-based security controls
• Knowledge base protection
• AI-driven access management
• Enterprise mobility management

8. Box Shield ($18-42/user/month, 3 user minimum)

• Advanced threat detection
• AI-driven security
• Cloud content protection
• Classification and DLP

9. Adobe Document Cloud ($179-287/year per license)

• PDF security and protection
• Digital signatures
• Permission controls
• Document tracking
• Redaction tools

10. Microsoft Information Protection (Included in E3/E5 or $2/user/month)

• Classification labels
• Encryption controls
• DLP policies
• Integration with Microsoft 365
• Compliance tools

Feature Comparison Matrix

Pricing Comparison for 20-User Team

Peony saves:

• 89-99% vs. most competitors
• $4,020-$42,720 annually for 20-user team
• Transparent per-user pricing
• All features included

Use Case Recommendations

Choose Peony If:

✅ Need comprehensive security at affordable price ✅ Want detailed engagement analytics ✅ Require custom branding and domains ✅ Small to medium business (1-500 employees) ✅ Professional services, sales, legal, startups ✅ Budget-conscious but won't compromise security ✅ Need quick deployment (under 10 minutes) ✅ Recommended for: 80% of organizations

Best for: Startups, professional services, sales teams, legal firms, consultants, agencies, SMBs

Choose FileCloud If:

Require self-hosting option Need specialized compliance (HIPAA, FINRA) Large enterprise with complex requirements Budget available for enterprise solution Existing infrastructure to manage

Choose Notion Enterprise If:

Already use Notion extensively Need workspace security Focus on collaboration and knowledge Team comfortable with Notion Budget for per-user pricing

Choose Others If:

Digify: Remote deletion critical requirement PandaDoc: eSignature primary need Box: Already in Box ecosystem Adobe: PDF-centric workflows Microsoft: Microsoft 365 environment

Implementation Best Practices

Assessment Phase

Evaluate requirements:

• Identify types of sensitive documents
• Determine security level needed
• Assess compliance requirements
• Budget constraints
• User technical skill levels
• Integration needs

Security audit:

• Current security posture
• Known vulnerabilities
• Past incidents
• Risk assessment
• Compliance gaps

Deployment Phase

Setup process:

• Configure security settings organization-wide
• Set up user authentication methods
• Implement monitoring and alerting tools
• Configure audit logging
• Define access policies
• Test security features

User onboarding:

• Security training for all users
• Best practices documentation
• Support resources
• Gradual rollout
• Feedback collection

Training Phase

User education:

• Security awareness training
• Software usage training
• Policy compliance education
• Incident reporting procedures
• Best practices reinforcement
• Ongoing refresher courses

Management training:

• Administrative functions
• Security monitoring
• Audit log review
• Incident response
• Policy management

Conclusion

When choosing document security software, consider these critical factors:

Key decision criteria:

• Security requirements and features needed
• Budget constraints and cost-effectiveness
• Integration needs with existing systems
• User experience and adoption likelihood
• Compliance requirements for your industry
• Scalability for future growth
• Support quality and availability

For most organizations, Peony offers the ideal combination of:

• Comprehensive security features
• Detailed engagement analytics
• Professional presentation
• Affordable pricing at $40/month
• Easy implementation
• Excellent support

While enterprise solutions like FileCloud and Microsoft provide extensive feature sets for large organizations with complex needs, they come with significantly higher costs and complexity. Peony delivers enterprise-level security at startup-friendly pricing, making it the smart choice for the vast majority of businesses.

Ready to secure your documents?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is document security software?

Document security software protects sensitive business documents from unauthorized access, sharing, and theft through features like encryption, password protection, access controls, watermarking, and audit logging. It ensures confidential information remains secure throughout its lifecycle.

Do I need document security software if I use Google Drive or Dropbox?

Yes. While cloud storage provides basic sharing controls, dedicated document security software like Peony offers critical features like password protection, detailed analytics, watermarking, screenshot prevention, and access revocation that cloud storage lacks.

How much does document security software cost?

Costs range from $40/user/month for comprehensive solutions like Peony to $10,000+/year for enterprise platforms. Most tools charge per-user ($10-50/user/month), making them expensive for teams. Peony's competitive $40/user/month pricing provides exceptional value.

Can document security software prevent screenshots?

Yes, advanced solutions like Peony include screenshot prevention technology that blocks common screenshot methods and blurs content when screen capture is attempted. This protects confidential information from unauthorized copying.

Is document security software GDPR compliant?

Reputable document security software should be GDPR compliant. Peony, FileCloud, Notion, PandaDoc, and other leading solutions comply with GDPR requirements for data protection, privacy, and user rights.

What's the difference between document security software and DRM?

Document security software focuses on access control, encryption, and sharing security. DRM (Digital Rights Management) specifically controls usage rights after distribution. Some platforms like Peony combine both approaches for comprehensive protection.

Related Resources

• How to Prevent PDF Forwarding
• Dynamic Watermarking Guide
• Best Data Rooms for Startups
• Document Tracking Software
• How to Password Protect PDF