Sfax vs WestFax

When comparing WestFax vs Sfax, it’s crucial to consider their key differences and whether they align with your specific needs.

HIPAA Compliance and Security

All WestFax plans include HIPAA features and a BAA. The Internet fax platform prioritizes advanced security features to ensure data privacy and HIPAA compliance. It employs TLS 1.2 and AES 256 encryption, ensuring sensitive information is kept safe from eavesdroppers. Moreover, it includes additional features for administrative control like user activity logs, unique user identification, and automatic log-offs. 

The WestFax alternative, Sfax, adopts similar encryption methods for heightened security. However, it omits single sign-on (SSO) to allow multiple users to utilize one fax line. Sfax securely stores data within SSAE16 Type II certified Tier III or IV data centers. 

Mobile Apps

WestFax provides convenient mobile faxing through Android and iOS apps. The iOS app garnered acceptable to high ratings on the Apple store. However, since its last update in 2020, the Android app has received less than favorable reviews. 

Sfax offers dedicated apps for Apple and Windows devices. Unfortunately, Android users must make do with a web browser since Sfax doesn’t have an Android app. Web browsing seems satisfactory, but the mobile app’s low ratings suggest that it needs updates and enhancements to address security concerns and compatibility with various devices. However, there have been no recent reviews since its last update in 2022.

ESignatures

Sfax ensures the credibility of fax documents with secure digital signatures. When you sign through Sfax, the platform generates a certificate from SecureCare technologies, confirming the signature’s authenticity. The platform lets you sign and provide supporting annotations using any internet-enabled device. No one can change the fax contents when you use a digital signature, as even minor changes can invalidate the signature.

Regrettably, WestFax is not the best alternative to Sfax for users seeking the convenience of electronic document signing. To sign faxes, you either do it the traditional way and write the signatures by hand or use another service, which entails additional effort and time.

API and Developer Support

If you use a CRM or EHR in your healthcare organization, you’ll be happy to know that Sfax provides a RESTful API. You can configure the API to send and receive a fax, alert you of incoming faxes, and download faxes in TIF or PDF format. Unfortunately, the API is an expensive alternative to Westfax’s API, as it’s only available in the $99 per month Contender subscription.

In contrast, WestFax extends API access to users with Fax 1500 plans and above. The Basic plan, which is the most affordable, doesn’t incorporate API access. Its API lets you add faxing to enterprise apps, send and receive faxes, check for new faxes, and more. It’s adaptable to various programming languages, including PHP, .NET, Java, and HTML.

Number Porting

Number porting in Sfax costs $10 for each fax line and usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to process. To port your number, you will need to complete a porting form. 

Outbound porting, where you transfer your number from Sfax, is also available at no extra cost. If you want to stop your Sfax subscription and move your number to a new provider, you have to keep your number active until your subscription ends. 

As for WestFax, you will receive a temporary placeholder number until it successfully ports your number to their service. Unlike Sfax, Westfax doesn’t charge for number porting. 

Pricing and Plans

Sfax provides a range of pricing plans tailored to meet different business requirements: 

• Standard at $29 per month for 350 fax pages
• Plus at $49 per month for 700 pages), and
• Contender at $99 per month for 1,500 pages)

HIPAA compliance is only included in the Plus and Contender plans. 

On the other hand, WestFax offers four internet fax plans: 

• Basic at $8.99 per month for 500 pages
• Fax 1500 at $29.95 per month for 1,500 pages
• Fax 3k at $59.95 per month for 3,000 pages, and
• Enterprise with custom pricing

Any page exceeding the limit will cost you $0.03.