Knackly vs. Contract Express

Legal teams are making the switch to Knackly for a reason. Explore how our modern platform compares to Contract Express for both simple and complex document automation.

Knackly icon

Overall

4.6

Stars reviews

Out of 5

Capterra overall review for Knackly
contract-express

4.5

star white 4.5

Out of 5

Capterra white

What's the difference between Knackly and Contract Express?

Knackly gives legal teams the automation capabilities they need without the steep barriers that often come with Contract Express.

more seamless integrations

Flexible integrations

Contract Express works best with Microsoft and Thomson Reuters tools, but connecting anything else often requires custom work. Knackly integrates easily with the platforms you already use.

simple to learn

Simple to learn

Despite being low-code, Contract Express has a steep learning curve and often needs expert help. Knackly's visual builder is easy for any team to use.

better value for growing teams

Cost-effective

At an estimated $195 per user per month, Contract Express is built for large firms. Knackly offers powerful automation at a more accessible price.

6 reasons to choose Knackly over Contract Express

Faster setup

While Contract Express is now cloud-based, many firms still need IT support to configure workflows, manage permissions, or connect external systems; especially in larger deployments. Knackly removes that complexity with a platform that's ready to go out of the box, so your team can start automating right away.

  • No technical expertise required to launch
  • Deploy new workflows quickly without waiting on IT
  • Spend more time automating and less time configuring
Avoid dual automation
Reuse and update information easily

Easier to manage

Contract Express often requires extensive training or specialized knowledge of its scripting and logic structure. Knackly simplifies this with an intuitive visual builder, so legal teams can manage most automation in-house. Plus, you get expert help through optional implementation services.

  • Build and update templates without complex coding
  • Reduce reliance on highly specialized technical skills
  • Access support from Knackly's team for complex workflows

Works with more of your tech stack

Contract Express is designed to work best with Microsoft Word, SharePoint, and Thomson Reuters tools like HighQ and Practical Law. Connecting it to other platforms, such as CRMs, eSignature tools, or custom systems, often requires additional configuration. Knackly integrates seamlessly with the tools you already use, without workarounds.

  • Connect directly with popular legal and business apps
  • Automate data flow between platforms with and without custom APIs
  • Keep your preferred tools and expand automation across systems
Reuse client data with all your templates

Grow your practice through efficiency & accuracy

Draft high-quality, accurate documents in a fraction of the time without spending thousands or hiring more staff. Spend the time you save proactively helping your clients and winning new business. That's how Knackly users grow their practices.

mobile product shot
automate even the most complex workflows

Launch and update workflows quickly

Rolling out workflows or changes in Contract Express can take time, especially when IT or external support is involved. Knackly lets your team build, test, and iterate at their own pace, so your automation can keep up with changing client needs and firm priorities.

  • Launch automation projects in days, not weeks
  • Easily update templates as laws or processes evolve
  • Make changes without downtime or technical delays

Lower total cost of ownership

Contract Express pricing is estimated to start at $195 per user per month, and costs can rise further when you factor in training, configuration, and support. Knackly offers straightforward pricing with no per-user fees, making enterprise-grade automation more accessible to firms of all sizes.

  • Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
  • More affordable for growing teams and smaller firms
  • Better ROI without sacrificing functionality
Create multiple documents from the same intake
Build dynamic forms without complex scriptingBuild dynamic forms without complex scripting

Scales effortlessly as your firm grows

Expanding Contract Express often means adding licenses or investing in new implementation work. Knackly scales naturally as your firm's needs evolve without major reconfiguration or expensive upgrades.

  • Automate everything from standard forms to advanced workflows
  • Expand into new practice areas without rebuilding systems
  • Future-proof your automation as your firm grows

Want a deeper look at why legal teams are moving away from Contract Express?
Read our full breakdown of Contract Express alternatives.

Knackly vs. Contract Express: Feature-by-feature breakdown

Knackly compare logo
contract Export Logo
Ease of Use
 Intuitive visual builder.
Steeper learning curve.
Setup & Deployment
Fully hosted and ready to use.
Cloud-based, but often needs IT support and setup assistance
Template Building
Build and update workflows without specialized skills.
Building advanced templates often requires specialized knowledge.
Integrations
Connects seamlessly with CRMs, eSignature tools, and practice management software.
Works best with Microsoft and Thomson Reuters tools.
Scalability
Scales naturally without major reconfiguration or costly upgrades.
Adding users and expanding automation often means new licenses and implementation work
Pricing
Transparent, flexible pricing with no per-user fees
Starts around $195 per user/month - costs increase with scale

Our customers are happy. Yours will be too!

It's not just us-buyers on Capterra are saying the same thing about their experience with Knackly.

Ease of Use

4.2

Stars reviews

Out of 5

Customer Service

4.2

Stars reviews

Out of 5

Overall

4.6

Stars reviews

Out of 5

Features

4.4

Stars reviews

Out of 5

Value for Money

5.0

Stars reviews

Out of 5

Customer Service

4.2

Stars reviews

Out of 5

Value for Money

5.0

Stars reviews

Out of 5

Knackly trusted by more than 150+ companies across the globe

Trusted by legal teams nationwide

If your automation needs extend beyond the Contract Express ecosystem, Knackly is the clear winner.

"This is a really great product. It is still being refined. Eventually this will be the product to use regardless. There are still some missing features that some people might miss but overall really great."

Michael S.

Operations Manager

"I've been able to do everything I have needed to do in Knackly so far. I like using the external client interviews and look forward to the coming improvements they will release."

Daniel V.

Attorney

"I'm still in the implementation phase but so far it is an amazing product. There is a little bit of a learning curve but the customer support is fabulous!"

Noel M.

Owner

contract express or knackly

Contract Express or Knackly? It's an easy choice!

If you're ready to move beyond steep learning curves and rigid integrations, Knackly is the smarter choice. Knackly's document automation improves how you create legal and business documents. Instead of manually editing templates or copying old files, you fill out a guided form that captures all necessary information. The system then assembles a perfectly formatted document tailored to each client or case - automatically and instantly.

This means fewer mistakes, stronger consistency, and significant time savings. Whether you're creating contracts, estate plans, letters, or intake forms, document automation empowers your team to work smarter and deliver professional results faster than ever before. Getting started is simple with flexible monthly or annual plans, and you can cancel at any time for any reason.
Start building faster, smarter workflows today.