Datasite Reviews 2025

Datasite has garnered 260+ reviews across major review platforms, maintaining an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5. These reviews come from leading software review platforms including G2, Capterra, and Software Advice.

What is Datasite?

Datasite (formerly Merrill DataSite) is a leading virtual data room (VDR) platform designed for high-stakes M&A deals, due diligence processes, and secure document sharing. Known for its robust security features and comprehensive functionality, Datasite serves enterprise clients and financial institutions worldwide. The platform combines advanced AI capabilities with traditional VDR features to streamline complex transactions and document management processes.

The platform offers comprehensive features including AI-powered document categorization and smart redaction, end-to-end encryption, custom watermarking, granular access controls, and detailed audit trails. Its document management capabilities include bulk upload functionality, version control, OCR technology, and advanced search features. For analytics, Datasite provides real-time activity tracking, user engagement metrics, and page-level analytics.

Primarily used in M&A transactions and due diligence processes, Datasite also serves various use cases including fundraising, real estate transactions, and corporate document repository management. The platform's security features and comprehensive toolset make it particularly suitable for handling sensitive documentation in high-stakes business transactions.

Datasite Reviews Highlights

• User Interface: Users consistently praise the intuitive interface and easy navigation. The platform is described as very reliable with a small learning curve for new users.

  "Easy to use. Very intuitive. And very reliable. Easy to navigate, learning curve for new users is small."

• Document Management: Users appreciate the seamless process for uploading and downloading files, though some mention the process can become cumbersome when including folder paths.

  "Seamless process associated with uploading and downloading files"

• Security Features: Many users highlight the robust security features, including custom watermarking and granular permissions control.

  "Interface is intuitive and easy to navigate; ability to adjust and manage access for buyers, redaction capabilities are efficient."

Positive Datasite Reviews

Users have highlighted several strengths of the platform:

1. AI-Powered Features: Users praise the AI capabilities for document categorization and smart redaction.

2. Accessibility: The interface is noted as being easy to navigate and user-friendly.

   "Datasite organizes documents in a manner that is easy to find. Appreciate ability to add different security features to different documents."

3. Customer Support: Many users commend the helpful customer support team.

   "Customer Support is always available to answer any questions I've had in the past, and promptly."

4. Document Organization: Users appreciate the platform's ability to maintain organized document structures.

   "Easy to navigate and to be able to either upload or download files. User interface looks nicer than many competitors."

Areas for Improvement in Datasite

While Datasite receives mostly positive reviews, users have noted some areas for improvement:

1. Pricing Complexity: Many reviewers highlight that Datasite's legacy, per-page pricing model can make costs unpredictable, especially for longer projects or larger file volumes. Users point out that Datasite "continues to charge based on page count," making budgeting difficult.

   "Only con to Datasite is pricing. The legacy providers continue to charge based on page count and special media, while new entrants are offering a flat subscription price based on storage needs."

2. Q&A Functionality: Some users find the Q&A functionality can be clunky and hard to follow up if sellers close questions.

   "Q&A functionality can be clunky. Hard to follow-up if sellers closes question out. Email notifications on Q&A don't link back to specific question addressed"

3. File Management: Users mention that moving large numbers of files and folders can feel clunky.

   "Moving large numbers of files and folders feel clunky; the search function is also basic"

4. Notification System: Email notifications could be improved, particularly for Q&A responses and new uploads.

   "The notifications of new file uploads are not separated by the folder they are in, which can be challenging when trying to view bulk new uploads."

Key Features of Datasite

Datasite offers a comprehensive set of features:

1. AI-Powered Tools

   • Automatic document categorization
   • Smart redaction capabilities
   • Content translation features

2. Security Features

   • End-to-end encryption
   • Custom watermarking
   • Granular access controls
   • Detailed audit trails

3. Document Management

   • Bulk upload capabilities
   • Document version control
   • OCR technology
   • Advanced search functionality

4. Analytics and Reporting

   • Real-time activity tracking
   • User engagement analytics
   • Custom report generation
   • Page-level analytics

Use Cases for Datasite

Datasite is commonly used for:

• M&A Transactions: Facilitating secure document sharing during mergers and acquisitions
• Due Diligence: Supporting comprehensive due diligence processes
• Fundraising: Managing investor documentation and data rooms
• Real Estate Transactions: Handling property-related documentation
• Corporate Repository: Maintaining secure corporate document storage

Datasite Pricing

Datasite uses a legacy, quote-based, per-page pricing model. This means your total cost depends on the number of pages uploaded, storage volume, user count, project duration, and any special file types (such as Excel or media files).

• Typical Rate: Around $0.60 per page uploaded.
• Example Costs: A 10,000-page project can cost about $6,000; a 200,000-page project can reach $120,000; and a large 1,200,000-page (≈10 GB) project may cost up to $720,000 per year.
• Hidden Fees: Users report extra charges for Excel/media file handling, project extensions, additional users, and advanced support or training.
• No Public Pricing: Datasite does not publish standard plans or rates; all quotes are custom and require contacting their sales team.
• No Free Trial: Typically, only custom demos are available.

For a detailed breakdown and a cost calculator, see our Datasite Pricing Review.

Datasite VDR alternative

Papermark is a modern virtual data room that delivers enterprise-grade security, AI-powered analytics, and an intuitive interface — all at a predictable flat price. Modern alternatives like Papermark offer flat, transparent pricing (e.g., €99/month for unlimited rooms, storage, and guests), helping teams avoid unpredictable overages and hidden fees.

Why choose Papermark over Datasite

• Flat fee €99 per month for three internal users. No per page or guest fees.
• Unlimited data rooms and storage.
• AI assisted indexing and search.
• Granular permissions, watermarking, and screen protection.
• Page level analytics.
• Create a room in under five minutes.
• Open source core with optional on-prem hosting.
• 24/7 live chat support included.

With Papermark, teams typically cut their data-room spend by 80-90 % while gaining the flexibility to spin up unlimited projects on demand.

Try Papermark data room

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In conclusion, Datasite is a robust virtual data room solution with strong security features and AI capabilities. However, its complex pricing structure and some functionality limitations may lead users to seek alternatives. For those looking for a more modern and cost-effective solution, Papermark Data Rooms offers comparable features with transparent pricing.