Best Electronic Signature Software Shortlist
Here’s my list of the best electronic signature software tools that I’ll cover in detail this article:
Electronic signature software is changing the way that business gets done. Forget sending, signing, scanning, and storing huge quantities of paper-based documents. Nowadays, a quick online signature is all it takes to seal a deal.
Because electronic signatures are so useful, many tools have been developed to facilitate the process. In this article, I’ll review the most popular options in this software niche. I’ll show you the top-ranking tools and tell you what's great about each one.
Comparison Criteria
Wondering how I selected the best electronic signature software for this list? Here’s a summary of my evaluation criteria:
- User Interface (UI): I look for intuitive tools so that people easily understand how to sign electronic documents.
- Usability: I’m seeking software that offers key features that are easy to use.
- Integrations: I expect electronic signature software to work natively with popular business platforms.
- Value for $: I prefer tools that are affordable on a per-user basis, regardless of the size of the organization.
Electronic Signature Software: Key Features
When evaluating tools in this niche, I look for software that offers the following core benefits:
- Capture of electronic signature: The software should record signatures from users wherever they may be located.
- Authentication: Good identity proofing ensures the correct signature is captured.
- Annotation: The best tools offer the ability to add notes and comments or make edits as required.
- Templates: There should be standard signatures in various styles and formats that signers can use.
- Workflow automation: The software should offer procedures facilitating submission, approval, and confirmation.
- Branding: I expect to find options to customize designs to match corporate branding.
- Archiving: Good software offers automatic storage of signed documents for future reference.
- Audit trails: There should be systems in place for tracing signatures and documents throughout their lifecycle.
- Digital pen support: The top tools allow users to sign with physical and digital signing tools.
- Encryption: I’m looking for high-level security that includes encryption of documents to keep data safe.
People Managing People is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click through links on our site — learn more about how we aim to stay transparent.
Overviews of the 10 Best Electronic Signature Software
Here’s a brief description of each electronic signature software to showcase each tool’s best use case, highlight some noteworthy features, and explain their pros & cons. I’ve also included screenshots to give you a snapshot of the user interface too.
Jotform Enterprise
Best enterprise electronic signature software to automate form building
Jotform Enterprise is a form-builder and e-signature software solution that utilizes automation to help its users create, share, and digitally sign documents. With Sign, you can create new e-sign documents from scratch or use one of our ready-made templates to get started. This software offers various e-sign templates across different industries and integrations, including Slack, Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Asana, and PayPal.
With powerful automation, users can leverage the software to automate the e-signing process from beginning to end by adding documents and signers to an approval flow. The software can automatically upload the signed documents to the cloud using online storage integrations. The document-sharing process can also be automated—you can send your document to the designated signers through email, by embedding an e-sign form, or by sharing it by copy-pasting a link so recipients can sign the document later. Create, customize, and send e-sign documents from your Enterprise account and automatically get notifications when users fill out and e-sign them.
You can create a new form from scratch or convert existing PDFs into legally binding e-sign documents. You can also create and customize forms once and send them multiple times to different recipients. When creating the form, you simply have to add their custom form fields, assign the signer roles, and gather the signatures. This build-and-send document structure can reduce the manual work required for form and contract building.
Additional features include workflow automations, conditional logic, e-sign documents with automated signing orders, webhooks, API, and helpful ways to integrate feedback into your workflow.
Jotform Enterprise integrates with Box, OneDrive, Airtable, Google Drive, PayPal Business, Google Sheets, Google Calendar, Slack, HubSpot, monday.com, and other apps.
Pricing details are available upon request.
HelloSign
Faster completion rates for documents and agreements
HelloSign offers an intuitive way to sign and request signatures securely online. You can add legally valid signatures to any agreement, from new-hire offers to non-disclosure agreements. Features include robust admin controls, document tracking, and enterprise-grade security.
You can upload electronic documents from cloud storage or a local drive, then drag and drop the fields you need. Signers are notified with a link to sign the document on their device. The HelloSign dashboard tracks the progress of signature requests and sends automatic reminders to signers as necessary.
This tool integrates with applications such as Dropbox Business, HubSpot, Microsoft Word, Oracle, Slack, and Salesforce.
HelloSign costs from $15/user/month. A 30-day free trial is also available.
PandaDoc
Offers real-time access to approvals, comments, and version tracking
PandaDoc is a cloud-based system that aids in creating proposals, quotes, and contracts. Users can select from a range of proposal templates, as well as change the language and currency used in documents. Thanks to their collaboration feature, teams can work together on a single document.
The software supports commenting and audit trails with a step-by-step history of document status changes. Documents can be signed anywhere in real-time using the built-in e-signature feature. PandaDoc analytics provide statistics concerning who has viewed the proposal, how many times they saw it, and how much time was spent on it.
This tool integrates with popular tools such as HubSpot, ProsperWorks, Salesforce, and SugarCRM.
PandaDoc costs from $19/user/month. A 14-day free trial is also available.
DocuSign
An e-signature solution that makes documents easy to sign and send
DocuSign helps organizations automate how they prepare, sign, act on, and manage agreements. Contracts are held in the DocuSign Agreement Cloud and can be signed using an e-signature on any device.
The software standardizes the agreement process and helps users send, sign, and track agreements. They can assemble documents, secure data, and authenticate users.
DocuSign adheres to rigorous security and compliance standards. As a result, it's a good match for every organization, from small startups to large enterprises.
This tool integrates readily with software such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, NetSuite, and Salesforce.
DocuSign costs from $10/user/month. A 30-day free trial is also available.
DocuWare
Digitally sign documents using multiple workflows or software integrations
DocuWare is a document management and workflow automation platform that enables businesses of all sizes to transfer and optimize all digital and paper-based assets on a secure, unified system. DocuWare supports on-premise and cloud-based deployment, offering a wide range of tools and capabilities. One of these capabilities is electronic signatures, which give users the ability to sign documents with an electronic signature and ensure the legitimacy of vital corporate paperwork and information.
DocuWare offers the option to embed electronic signature providers, such as Validated ID or DocuSign, in order to sign documents in a DocuWare workflow. With Validated ID/VIDsigner, there are three options available as far as the e-signature procedure is concerned: remote, biometric, and centralized. The remote option is used when a document is sent over to Validated ID within the DocuWare workflow. The user will then receive a message and releases the e-signature from their smartphone using an SMS code, for instance.
The biometric option is very useful for digital sign-offs as it gives users the ability to let customers do it on a tablet or smartphone using biometric data. The centralized option, on the other hand, involves the user having to provide a one-time certificate to Validated ID to confirm their identity. This enables the user to authenticate and sign documents digitally from anywhere at any time.
The DocuWare Signature Service supports all security levels: simple, advanced, and qualified. It can be used for many use cases, including contracts, receiving packages, license agreements, and travel expenses. It is native to the cloud and mobile-ready.
DocuWare boasts over 500 available integrations, using a combination of native connectors, URL integrations, iPaaS Connectors, their API/SDK, or through their DocuWare Smart Connect service.
Pricing for DocuWare is only available upon request. They also offer a 30-day free trial as well as a free demo.
MSB Docs
Embeds an electronic signature solution directly into your applications
MSB Docs helps organizations create documents, send these to signers for e-signatures, then archive the completed agreements. Every part of the signing process is recorded and time-stamped. In addition, the comprehensive audit trails provide data and transparency for regulatory compliance and legal evidence. Electronic signatures can be embedded directly into applications such as Sharepoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams.
Their document signing software complies with both the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) and the United States Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN). Data is subject to 256-bit SSL encryption both in transit and at rest. All agreements are stored at ISO 27001-certified data centers.
This tool integrates with business applications such as Box, Freshworks, Salesforce, and Sharepoint.
MSB Docs costs from $25/user/month. A 15-day free trial is also available.
Concord
A one-stop solution for all contract management processes
Concord is a contract management system that facilitates managing the lifecycle of contracts, from creating contracts to managing renewals. Users can draft a contract that deploys legally-binding electronic signatures. Signers can comment, redline, and chat as the agreement progresses.
Using the approval workflows, admins can enable multi-step and conditional approvals for any contract type. Other features include deadline and renewal alerts, bulk upload of legacy documents, automatic document versioning, and role-based permissions.
You can automatically route documents to the right person, depending on the value of any field. Plus, you can use automated email alerts and reporting to help you proactively manage upcoming terminations and renewals.
This tool integrates with cloud storage platforms such as Box, Dropbox, and Google Drive, as well as with business software such as Slack, Salesforce, and Typeform..
Concord costs from $17/user/month. A free trial is also available.
Formstack Sign
An FDA-compliant e-signature solution
Formstack Sign is a digital document signing app that aims to eliminate the bottlenecks associated with waiting for signatures. Using the app, anyone can e-sign documents on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
The software offers drag-and-drop fields for preparing documents. Finished documents can be sent to signers by email or text message for signature. Admins can also create automated e-signature workflows that let you work with several signers and approvers. You can also set automatic text and email reminders to speed up signature collection.
Formstack integrates with popular business tools such as Airtable, Dropbox, HubSpot, and Salesforce.
Formstack Sign costs from $20/user/month. A 14-day free trial is also available.
airSlate
e-signature software with automated routing
airSlate allows you to create automated workflows on any device, setting up and deploying legally-binding signatures for documents, contracts, and web forms. You can easily automate, assign steps, and add notifications.
Using the software, you may drag and drop e-signature fields into PDFs, DOCX templates, invoices, quotes, and contracts. You can also assign steps to signers and collect the signed documents.
airSlate bots can also be used to pre-fill and initiate e-signature workflows from CRM software, cloud environments, or other databases. It's easy to extract data and move documents between single or multiple systems of record.
This tool integrates with platforms such as AirTable, Google Workspace, HubSpot, Magento, Microsoft, Netsuite, Salesforce, and Smartsheet.
airSlate costs from $30/user/month. A 30-day free trial is also available.
SignNow
An e-signature solution with a powerful API
SignNow is an online e-signature solution suitable for businesses of all sizes. Features include email notifications, two-factor authentication, and export options.
Setting up documents is easy, thanks to their built-in, customizable templates. The software maintains an audit log that displays the entire document creation and signing history. Viewers can examine details such as IP addresses, the date of signing, and the device used.
Other features include custom branding, bulk sending tools, a kiosk mode for mobile use, and the creation of signing links. Mobile apps are available for both Android and iOS devices too.
This tool integrates with software such as Google Apps, Google Drive, Office 365, and Salesforce.
SignNow costs from $8/user/month and offers a free trial.
The 10 Best Electronic Signature Software Summary
| Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jotform Enterprise Best enterprise electronic signature software to automate form building | Free plan available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 2 | HelloSign Faster completion rates for documents and agreements | 30-day free trial | From $15/user/month | Visit Website |
| 3 | PandaDoc Offers real-time access to approvals, comments, and version tracking | 14-day free trial | From $19/user/month | Visit Website |
| 4 | DocuSign An e-signature solution that makes documents easy to sign and send | 30-day free trial | From $10/user/month | Visit Website |
| 5 | DocuWare Digitally sign documents using multiple workflows or software integrations | 30-day free trial + free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 6 | MSB Docs Embeds an electronic signature solution directly into your applications | 15-day free trial | From $25/user/month | Visit Website |
| 7 | Concord A one-stop solution for all contract management processes | Free trial available | From $17/user/month | Visit Website |
| 8 |  Formstack Sign An FDA-compliant e-signature solution | 14-day free trial | From $20/user/month | Visit Website |
| 9 |  airSlate e-signature software with automated routing | 30-day free trial | From $30/user/month | Visit Website |
| 10 |  SignNow An e-signature solution with a powerful API | Free trial available | From $8/user/month | Visit Website |
Other Options
Here are a few more software options that didn’t make the best electronic signature software list:
- OneSpan Sign
Supports certificate-based IDs issued by trusted authorities and partners
- Adobe Acrobat Sign
Microsoft’s preferred e-signature solution
- Zoho Sign
An electronic signature solution with a simple user interface
- BambooHR
An e-signature system for onboarding new employees
- SignEasy
Easy workflows for sending, signing, and managing electronic documents
- KeepSolid Sign
Collects signatures both online and offline
- Revver
Securely automates work across multiple departments
- FileInvite
Requests documents, signatures, files, and data in a secure, integrated platform
- DigiSigner
Legally-binding e-signature technology
- SutiSign
Dynamic signature verification to prevent signature forgery in real-time
How Can Electronic Signatures Improve Organizational Efficiency?
Electronic signatures remove the need to handle volumes of old-school paper documents when creating contracts. Employees, contractors, and partners worldwide can easily enter into agreements so that business gets done quickly and efficiently.
For example, electronic signature tools can be used with onboarding software to speed up hiring or with board meeting software to finalize agreements. Overall, they help to make everyday business contracts easier to set up and manage.
Are Electronic Signatures Legal?
In most industrialized nations, electronic signatures are granted the same legal status as handwritten signatures. They typically carry the same weight and legal efficiency as a signature on paper.
Please note that laws vary between jurisdictions, so you should always check before committing to using electronic signatures. In most cases, however, electronic signatures are both convenient and legally binding.
The Modern Way to Sign Agreements
So there you have my top picks for the best electronic signature software on the market today. I hope this article will help you select the e-signature software that works best for you.
If you're handling a large volume of electronic documents, you may also want to take a look at our list of the best document management systems too.
While you’re here, take a moment to subscribe to our newsletter. Then we can keep you up to date with tools and tips for managing people better.
Electronic signature software is just one example of how technology makes it easier to do business in a highly-connected world. By finalizing agreements faster, you can set yourself on the road to greater success.