Termly vs Iubenda: Best Privacy Policy Tool for SaaS & Mobile App Publishers
If your SaaS platform manages user accounts, processes payments, tracks in-app behavior, or your mobile app requires specific permissions, you are collecting significant data. In the US, EU, and with app stores, you legally need a solid privacy policy. Hiring a legal team can cost thousands; here's how to stay compliant with a tool costing $20-50/month.
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The quick answer
Termly is the best starting point for most US-based SaaS platforms and mobile app publishers – strong GDPR and CCPA coverage, automatic updates when data laws change, and a clean cookie consent banner tool. iubenda is the stronger choice for EU-based software companies, or platforms with significant international users or complex data processing agreements (DPAs). Free generators are only acceptable for static pre-launch landing pages with no user data collection and minimal analytics. For any live software collecting user information, they lack the ongoing compliance monitoring crucial for app stores and enterprise sales.
Side-by-side breakdown
Termly: $10-50/month for most SaaS startups, covering GDPR, CCPA, COPPA, and other major regulations. Auto-updates ensure your policy evolves with data laws, protecting your user registration and payment data. It includes a cookie consent banner, and generates privacy, terms of service, and cookie policies. Strong for US-focused B2B SaaS or mobile apps where US user data is primary. iubenda: $9-70/month depending on your platform's complexity and features. Built in Italy, with EU compliance as its core focus, offering multi-language support. IAB TCF certified, which is vital for mobile apps or SaaS platforms that monetize with advertising or share data with ad networks. Excellent for software with significant international users, especially within the EU, or those needing robust Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) for enterprise clients. Free generators (PrivacyPolicies.com, Termly free tier): Adequate only for a basic marketing site that *doesn't* collect user data, process payments, or track in-app behavior. They offer no auto-updates or ongoing compliance monitoring, which is critical for dynamic software and evolving data regulations. They will likely fail to meet app store requirements or enterprise client vendor assessments.
When to choose Termly
Choose Termly when your SaaS platform or mobile app is primarily focused on the US market, and you want a straightforward setup for standard data collection like user registrations, marketing analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel), and basic payment processing. Termly ensures your cookie consent banner meets CCPA and GDPR requirements for your US user base, helping you pass app store reviews. Its interface is user-friendly, allowing you to quickly deploy compliant policies without deep legal knowledge.
When to choose iubenda
Choose iubenda when a significant portion of your SaaS or mobile app users are in the EU or other international regions. It's also critical if you engage in complex data processing, handle sensitive data, or require IAB TCF consent framework compliance for in-app advertising or data sharing. iubenda's strength in multi-language support and its robust legal monitoring team, tracking regulations across dozens of jurisdictions, makes it ideal for global software publishers or B2B SaaS platforms needing detailed Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) for enterprise clients.
When a free generator is acceptable
Use a free generator *only* if you have a static landing page for a pre-launch software product that collects no user data (not even an email list), runs no advertising, and uses no analytics beyond basic server logs. This describes very few real-world SaaS platforms or mobile apps. If your software uses Google Analytics, user authentication, or a payment gateway, a free generator is not sufficient and will expose you to compliance risks and potential app store rejections.
The verdict
For US-focused SaaS platforms or mobile apps, Termly is the go-to. For software with an EU or international audience, complex data handling, or enterprise clients, choose iubenda. Either solution should take less than an hour to set up. Publish your privacy policy, terms of service, and cookie policy *before* launching your platform or submitting to app stores. Many app stores and ad platforms will reject your submission if these are missing or incomplete.
How to get started
1. Map your data: List every type of data your SaaS platform or app collects: user account info (name, email), payment details, in-app usage data/telemetry (e.g., Mixpanel, Firebase Analytics), device IDs, cookies, third-party integrations (CRM, marketing automation). 2. Choose your tool: Select Termly or iubenda based on your primary user geography and complexity of data processing. 3. Generate policies: Use the wizard to generate a comprehensive privacy policy, terms of service (often your End-User License Agreement or EULA), and a detailed cookie policy. 4. Publish and link: Publish all three pages on your platform (e.g., in your footer, settings menu) and ensure they are linked during user onboarding, payment flows, and within app store listings. 5. Enable consent: Activate the cookie consent banner and any necessary data consent checkboxes *before* launching, running paid ads, or collecting any user data.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
Termly
Privacy policy + cookie consent banner — best for US businesses
iubenda
Best for EU compliance and international audiences
PrivacyPolicies.com
Free generator for simple sites
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a privacy policy if I do not sell products online?
Yes, if your website collects any data — including email addresses, contact form submissions, or analytics. GDPR applies to any business that collects data from EU residents regardless of where the business is located. CCPA applies to businesses collecting data from California residents above certain thresholds.
What is a cookie consent banner and do I need one?
A cookie consent banner informs visitors that your site uses cookies and, in many jurisdictions, requires their consent before non-essential cookies are set. GDPR requires explicit consent for analytics and advertising cookies. CCPA requires a Do Not Sell My Personal Information option. If you run Google Analytics or any advertising, you need a compliant banner.
How often should I update my privacy policy?
Update it whenever you add a new data collection method, change a third-party service that handles user data, or when a new privacy law takes effect in a jurisdiction where you have users. Paid tools like Termly and iubenda alert you when updates are needed.
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