The best e-signature software allows companies to capture, collect, and even securely store digital signatures for a range of legally binding documents.
As the world becomes increasingly digitized, this type of software has become extremely valuable. In fact, by 2040, the market is expected to reach a value of $43.14 billion!
After all, getting names on physical contracts is much harder now that many companies are managing sales, accounts, and even workforces online. We even use digital signature software ourselves when it comes to collecting signatures for our custom store setup or growth consultancy services.
The trouble is, choosing the right e-signature software can be difficult when there are so many versatile options to explore. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you, testing a number of highly-rated solutions ourselves, to determine which options are best in 2024.
Our Pick signNow Pricing 9/10 Features 10/10 Customer Support 9/10 Try signNow signNow ReviewSignNow, a product of airSlate, is an electronic signature solution that offers various features. These include storing documents in the cloud, editing PDFs, and functionalities for requesting signatures on contracts, sending invoices, and soliciting payments.
Table of contents: What is an E-Signature? The Best E-Signature Software for 2024 Choosing the Best E-Signature Tools in 2024 FAQ Toggle What is an E-Signature?An e-signature, or electronic signature is essentially a digital version of a signature, used on electronic documents, like contracts and purchase orders. In today’s world, a contract doesn’t have to be printed and physically signed to be legally binding.
As long as you have an approved e-signature on a digital document, you’re protected by the same legal guidelines you would be if you were using a physical contract. However, it’s still important to ensure you follow a few key compliance guidelines. That’s why e-signature software exists, to ensure the contracts you collect, and store are secure, and legally binding.
Go to the top The Best E-Signature Software for 2024The best e-signature software for your needs will depend on a range of factors, from your budget, to your security requirements. We evaluated each of the options carefully, looking at their ease of use, versatility, adherence to compliance guidelines, pricing, and more. Here are our top picks for the best e-signature software in 2024.
1. SignNowBest for: Small teams
SignNow is a reliable e-signature solution that makes it easy to sign documents, generate agreements, accept payments, and negotiate contracts online. The platform actually includes a variety of features alongside e-signature tools, such as document templates, and team collaboration tools.
You can use the comprehensive platform to create online surveys, manage contracts in a central cloud hub, and even automate certain tasks, like approval workflows.
Plus, there are some great PDF editing tools included in the mix too. One thing we loved about SignNow is how intuitive the experience really is. You don’t need to download any complex software to get started.
In fact, you can even add your own signature to a variety of documents with just a couple of clicks. The reusable templates, conditional workflows, and integrated team collaboration tools make managing your documents simple. Plus, you can even add custom branding to forms.
PricingUsers can try SignNow for free for up to 7 days. After that, there are four paid pricing options to choose from, with a 60% discount for users who pay annually. Prices start at $20 per user per month for essential e-signature functionality for desktop and mobile users.
You can also purchase a site license for SignNow, which allows you to add the functionality to your own website. With this method, you pay $1.50 per signature invite.
Pros 👍 Cons 👎 Pros 👍 Excellent reusable templates Cloud contract management and negotiation Workflow automation to save users time Integrations with a variety of tools Easy to use for beginners Cons 👎 No free plan for personal use Limited text formatting options Go to the top 2. DocHubBest for: Signing and annotating PDFs
DocHub is a PDF editing, annotation, and e-signature platform that makes signing and managing contracts a breeze. You don’t need to download anything to use the service. Instead, you can simply add an extension to Google Workspace, and collect signatures for your Google Docs.
This also means you can manage all of your signed documents and PDFs with your existing Google account. Alongside e-signature capabilities, DocHub features PDF editing and annotation tools, so you can add text, images, comments and highlights to various contracts and files.
There are reusable templates for beginners, with the option to add your own branding. Plus, DocHub supports multiple “signers” per workflow, so you don’t have to create a separate contract for multiple people in the same team. The solution even integrates with tools like Gmail and Dropbox.
PricingThere’s a free version of DocHub for beginners, which includes support for 3 sign requests and 5 e-signatures per month, and 3 email attachments per day. Alternatively, the paid plan, for $14 per month supports unlimited documents, e-signatures, sign requests, and premium tools.
Pros 👍 Cons 👎 Pros 👍 Excellent integration options Ease of use with no need for a download Reusable templates PDF editing tools built-in Multiple signers per workflow Cons 👎 Limited free plan No collaboration tools Go to the top 3. DocuSignBest for: Larger businesses
DocuSign is one of the most popular e-signature solutions for a reason. It’s easy to use, secure, and brimming with useful features. The solution works with all of the apps you already use, thanks to extensive integrations with tools like Google Drive and Microsoft Office.
Plus, it supports AES, QES, and eIDAS signature types, making it applicable to a wide variety of business workflows. With DocuSign, you can generate agreements in an instant, using convenient templates, implement identity verification tools, and review and negotiate contract terms.
While there aren’t a lot of customization elements available on DocuSign, there are some fantastic features that definitely benefit bigger brands.
For instance, you can create automated workflows with unique triggers, build your own retention policies, and implement access management and SSO for security and compliance purposes.
PricingPrices for DocuSign start at $15 per month, and range up to $65 per month, depending on the number of security features and customization options you need. There’s also the option to apply for an “enhanced plan” tailored to your specific needs, for a custom price.
Another option is to access the DocuSign Developer API, which allows you to add all of the features DocuSign offers to your existing app or website.
Pros 👍 Cons 👎 Pros 👍 Excellent security and business management features Convenient and easy-to-use platform Good number of features for larger teams Integrations with workflow tools Support for a range of content types Cons 👎 No free plan Limited customization and formatting tools Go to the top 4. SignWellBest for: Ease of Use
SignWell is an e-signature solution that puts simplicity first. The company built its software to streamline the document signing process, so you can collect legally binding signatures in just a few clicks.
You can access templates for documents, which are customizable to suit your brand. For instance, you can change font size, color, and other factors.
There’s also the option to create comprehensive document workflows, for tracking your contacts. You can monitor which contracts are in progress, which need to be stored for compliance purposes, and which are still waiting to be sent.
Plus, you can set up instant notifications for when a document’s status changes.
SignWell even comes with fantastic auditing reports, which can improve your security, privacy, and governance strategies. This is ideal if you need to collect a lot of contracts for purchases. What’s more, the solution integrates with a range of tools, from Slack, to Gmail.
PricingLike many e-signature solutions, SignWell gives companies a few different pricing options. There’s a free plan, which supports 1 sender, 1 template, and 3 documents per month. Alternatively, paid plans start at $10 per month and range up to $30 depending on the features you need.
You can also request custom enterprise plans, tailored to your requirements, or you can purchase the SignWell API to add the functionality to your existing app or website.
Pros 👍 Cons 👎 Pros 👍 Excellent design and branding options Free version for beginners Easy to use platform Great automation options for workflows Fantastic tech support Cons 👎 Limitations on basic plans for things like data validation Formatting limitations Go to the top 5. PDFFillerBest for: Document management.
PDFFiller is more than just an e-signature solution. It’s actually a comprehensive document management system, which allows you to store and organize all kinds of documents in one secure environment, from different channels.
The platform comes with a fantastic cloud-based PDF editor and creator, so you can design comprehensive contracts and documents with minimal effort.
There are collaboration tools built-in, so multiple employees can work on contract workflows at the same time. Plus, you can even use PDFFiller to transform your document into different file types.
The enterprise-grade signature solution also comes with automated workflow options, and integrations for a wide range of tools. There’s also an eSignature API solution for developers.
PricingUsers can test PDFFiller for free with a 30-day free trial. After that, paid plans start at $8 per month for individuals, or basic Enterprise users. Plans range up to $15 per month, with extra features on higher-tier plans, such as advanced workflows and access to a legal forms library.
Notably, if you opt for an annual plan, you’ll save anywhere up to 70% on the overall cost of your software each year.
Pros 👍 Cons 👎 Pros 👍 Excellent collaboration tools Fantastic PDF editing on every plan Fast-paced customer support and service Convenient integrations with existing tools Reusable templates Cons 👎 Minimal customization options for some documents Customer support can vary depending on your plan Go to the top 6. Adobe SignBest for: Security and Compliance
Overall, Adobe Sign is one of the best e-signature solutions available for small and large business owners alike. Built into the Acrobat PDF solution, the technology offers companies a highly accessible and powerful digital signature tool they can access on any device via the cloud.
With Adobe Sign, you can edit, convert, e-sign, and share documents, without having to switch into different apps.
Plus, there are some fantastic security features built-in, such as the ability to add passwords to PDF files, and prevent other users from editing your documents.
Like most of Adobe’s software, the Sign tool is easy to use, and it comes with excellent features for customization.
You can create entirely branded and unique documents, featuring your own logo. Plus, the system integrates with tools like Microsoft Power Automate, so you can create custom workflows and perform actions automatically based on triggers.
PricingAdobe Sign offers users a 30-day free trial so you can test out all of the features with minimal effort. To access the full solution, you’ll need a subscription for “Acrobat”, which starts at around $12.99 per month for the Standard plan, and $199.99 for the Pro plan. There are also dedicated license options available for Teams, which include accounts for more users.
Pros 👍 Cons 👎 Pros 👍 Excellent integrations with leading tools Well-organized and straightforward interface Great customization options for documents Included security and privacy tools Easy document editing features Cons 👎 Subscription options can be complex Focused specifically on PDFs Go to the top Choosing the Best E-Signature Tools in 2024If you’re looking for an e-signature software solution to streamline your document and contract management processes in 2024, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Our top 6 picks above represent some of the best options on the market for companies in search of security, simplicity, ease-of-use, and affordable pricing.
Most of these solutions also come with free trial options, so we definitely recommend testing the software before you make your final choice.
FAQ Is there a free eSignature program?There are various e-signature software solutions that offer free plans or trials. DocuSign has its own free plan, as does SignWell. Just keep in mind some free solutions will offer limited access to customization, storage, and collaboration tools.
Is DocuSign better than Adobe Sign?Adobe Sign is a fantastic, user-friendly, and secure e-signature software. DocuSign, however, is a little more flexible and a slightly cheaper option for solo users and businesses. The right option for you will depend on your specific needs.
What’s the best way to create an electronic signature?The best way to create an electronic signature is to use an e-signature software program to upload a version of your signature to a document. With some solutions you can sign your name using a pen and upload a photo. With others, you’ll need to sign your name using your finger on a smartphone or a mouse.
The post 6 of the Best E-Signature Software Solutions for 2024 appeared first on Ecommerce Platforms.