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The Best Digital Signature Software Companies of 2021
How We Chose the Best Digital Signature Software
Digital signature software can help you save time and money by cutting out time-wasting manual signing and filing processes. You can keep your documents secure, track contracts and tasks, and offer your clients a quick, convenient and safe way to sign contracts and agreements online.
However, not all platforms have the same features and capabilities. We want to help you find the right option for your business, and that’s why we’ve evaluated several of the top providers in the industry. Here are the criteria we used to determine the best digital signature software of 2021.
Signature Features
Digital signature software can have various features to help you get the most out of the service. However, while there are many bonus functions, the system must have a few essential ones. For example, security, authentication, and compliance features are vital components in these solutions.
The best digital signature software should include the following critical features:
- Mobile compatibility
- Parallel and sequential signing
- Multi-party signing
- Authentication
- Security and legal compliance
Bonus Features
Some platforms offer only the bare bones of capabilities. However, many include bonus features to make the service more appealing and comprehensive. From tracking tasks to sending reminders, bonus features are how one provider can make itself stand out from its competitors.
Look for bonus features such as:
- Task tracking
- Automatic reminders
- Customizable templates
- Document analytics
Integrations
The best digital signature software will have pre-built integrations for popular CRM, accounting and online filing systems. When choosing a digital signature platform, you need to consider which integrations it supports. For example, you might want to analyze compatibility with your existing:
- CRM systems
- Accounting software
- Auditing platforms
- Payment platforms
- Digital filing systems
The 15 Best Digital Signature Software of 2021
Adobe Sign
Part of the Adobe Document Cloud suite, Adobe Sign is an e-signature platform built for professionals and businesses. The system can help you manage sales contracts, legal documents, applications and orders, and even employee onboarding forms.
Adobe Sign offers customizable templates to streamline your processes. Additionally, it allows documents to be scanned and signed on mobile. Finally, it stores signed records automatically and keeps auditable trails while complying with various global e-sign laws.
Features include:
- Electronic signatures
- Authentication
- Mobile compatibility
- Multi-party signing
- Third-party integrations
- Audit trail
- Contract/document management
- Automatic records
Adobe Sign also uses encryption technology and public key infrastructures (PKIs), making it a real digital signature solution. When you or a client add your John Hancock to the document, a secure hash is generated. If the agreement was altered or a signature is fake, the key won’t authenticate. These features lower the risk of fraud and increase your security.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Small Business: $20.99/license/month Sign Business & Enterprise: Custom Quote | 14-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS, Android, iPhone/iPad >Support: 24/7 (live rep), online >Mobile platform compatible >More features at Adobe Sign |
Pros & Cons of Adobe Sign Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >PKIs and encryption >Multi-platform compatible >Automatic record keeping | >Can be an expensive solution for smaller businesses >Additional fees apply for enhanced authentication |
Docsketch
Create branded documents, assign signees, track progress, and send reminders, all with a few clicks. These are just some of the features that make Docsketch one of the best digital signature software platforms. The system uses data validation to make sure all required fields are completed. It also tracks every edit, alteration, and action, creating auditable digital trails to prevent tampering.
Other features include:
- Task tracking
- Automatic reminders
- Templates
- Custom branding
- Data validation
- Multi-sign
- Audit trails
Docsketch is so confident in its service that it offers a free forever plan. While its features are severely limited, you can try out the platform before moving on to one of the paid plans. If you need to send sales documents such as proposals and estimates, you can add conditional approval. A client won’t be requested to add their digital signature unless they indicate accepting the file.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan: Free Personal: $10/month, $8/month billed annually Business: $30/month, $24/month billed annually | Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support: Online >Legal document management >More features at Docsketch |
Pros & Cons of Docsketch Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Unlimited templates >Data validation >Multi-signing and flow | >Business plan limited to 3 senders |
DocuSign
DocuSign is an end-to-end contract, e-signature, and payment solution platform. However, its focused digital signature platform, called eSignature, can be purchased as a stand-alone product. You can import documents, convert files, send bulk agreements, and even manage signature flows in various ways.
The specialized software includes other features like:
- File conversions
- Cloud storage integration
- Automatic tags
- Mobile signing
- Signature routing
- Bulk send
- Reminders
- Real-time tracking
- Third-party integration
- Mobile signing
The software includes various authentication measures, from email-based keys to phone and Federated Identity authentication. You can also get several add-ons, including payment processing, AI-driven analytics, and document centralization.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan: Free Personal: $15/month Standard: $40/user/month Business Pro: $60/user/month Custom Plan: Custom Quote | 30-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS, Android, iPhone/iPad >Support: 24/7 (live rep), phone during business hours, online >PKI digital signatures >More features at DocuSign |
Pros & Cons of DocuSign Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >PKI digital signatures >Multi-party signatures >Signer authentication | >Paid plans are limited to 5 users |
DocVerify
DocVerify isn’t just an e-signature platform but a specialized solution for digital notaries. While the system includes a standard e-sign package, the enterprise subscription for notaries features customized reporting, batch document sending, API access, and real-time tracking.
There are a few other notable features:
- Audit trails
- Third-party integration
- Digital signature certification
- Batch documents
- Multi-sign
- Customizable
- Alerts and reminders
- Authentication
Additionally, the system offers custom support plans, document sending capacity, and reporting. By working with the DocVerify team, you can build an environment or package that’s specifically suited to your business needs.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Business E-sign: $30/license/month Enterprise: $75/license/month Custom Plan: Custom Quote | 14-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support: Online, phone during business hours >Audit trails >More features at DocVerify |
Pros & Cons of DocVerify Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Secure encryption >Real-time tracking >Audit trails | >Business accounts are restricted to 10 users >API integration and digital certificates only available on enterprise plans >Digital certificates and authentication cost additional fees |
DottedSign
DottedSign is an e-signature platform that can be deployed on the cloud and mobile devices. The system offers to optimize business workflows, making it easy to get contracts and documents signed with legally binding digital signatures.
You can send customized, branded templates or track teams, tasks, and progress via the admin console. Other features include:
- Task management
- Templates
- Mobile signing
- Customization
- Certified digital signatures
- Real-time tracking
Additionally, DottedSign uses SSL encryption to verify documents and authenticate signatures. However, you can also add secure passwords to keep your files safe. Digital certificates are issued by a supported Certification Authority (CA), ensuring all signed agreements are valid.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan: Free Pro: $4.99/month Business: $47.49/5 users/month Enterprise: Custom Quote | 14-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS, Android, iPhone/iPad >Support: Online, phone during business hours >Mobile signature feature >More features at DottedSign |
Pros & Cons of DottedSign Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Status checks >Real-time tracking >Digital audit trail | >Business plans are limited to 5 users |
eSign Genie
eSign Genie is a web-based e-signature platform that’s user-friendly and offers digital certificates. You can create reusable templates or manage detailed signature flows if there are multiple parties involved. The system is robust and secure, delivering a good balance between features and cost.
Some of the software’s features include:
- Signature flow
- Third-party integration
- Digital signature certification
- Multi-party signing
- Automatic reminders
- Task tracking
- Reusable templates
Additionally, eSign Genie allows you to embed forms on your website and the system will generate the rest. You can add features such as email authentication, additional signers, and digital security certificate verification.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pay-As-You-Go: $2/document, $10 minimum Professional: $10/sender/month Business Premium: $25/sender/month Enterprise: Custom Quote | 14-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS, iPhone/iPad >Support: 24/7 (live rep), phone during business hours, online >Digitally certified PDF >More features at eSign Genie |
Pros & Cons of eSign Genie Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Signature flow >Embed forms >Digital signature certificate | >Some paid features are only available if you have 2+ users |
Formstack Sign
Although Formstack Sign is one of the best digital signature software providers of 2021, it’s primarily a forms platform. Its complete solutions offer excellent document and form management tools that aren’t included in the stand-alone e-sign service.
The software does include encryption and authorization features. You can use passwords to secure files, and all digital signatures on the platform are legally binding. It also integrates with several CRMs, payment processing platforms, subscriber lists, and email systems.
Other available features include:
- Mobile signing
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Customizable templates
- Automatic reminders
- Third-party integration
- Audit trails
- Digital signature security
- Workflow management
You can manage the workflow in various ways. The system supports in-person and mobile signing, making it easy to get signatures at any time. Additionally, you can set up redirection and referrals, all while the software tracks every action for auditing purposes.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Only: Starter: $20/user/month Pro: $32/user/month Enterprise: Custom Quote | 14-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS, Windows, Mac >Support: Online, phone during business hours >Multi-party signing support >More features at Formstack Sign |
Pros & Cons of Formstack Sign Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Signature workflows >Third-party integration >Digital signature security | >Several integrations restricted to higher-tier subscriptions >Document management and analytics aren’t included with the stand-alone e-sign platform |
HelloSign
HelloSign is a web-based tool that lets users upload documents and request legally binding e-signatures. It features a simple, easy-to-use drag-and-drop builder, allowing you to customize your forms and templates. You can import your files from almost any system, including DropBox and Google Drive, or integrate the software with your preexisting apps and environment.
Although it’s a more straightforward, focused digital signature platform, HelloSign also offers several additional features:
- Team management tools
- Customizable templates
- Branding options
- API integration
- Flexible workflows
- Mobile compatibility
- Notifications and alerts
- Encryption and security
- Audit trails
Additionally, the platform supports 17 file types, two-factor authentication, and bank-level encryption. While some of the compliance and security features are restricted to higher-tier paid plans, all subscriptions include audit trails and data validation.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan: Free Essentials: $20/month Business: $50/month Enterprise: Custom Quote | 30-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS, Android, iPhone/iPad >Support: 24/7 (live rep), phone during business hours, online, email >Easy-to-use drag-and-drop templates >More features at HelloSign |
Pros & Cons of HelloSign Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Free plan >Template builder >Mobile signing | >Some integration features are limited to enterprise plans >Paid plans are restricted to 5 custom templates |
Legalesign
Legalesign is a specialized e-signature platform and contract management system. Customers can sign your documents from anywhere, increasing productivity and streamlining internal processes. It offers both standard and custom plans, allowing you to design a unique environment suited to your business needs.
The system also offers several other features:
- Third-party integration
- Certified authentication
- Multi-party signing
- Automatic reminders
- Real-time tracking
- Audit trails
- Scalable
Additionally, Legalesign is ISO and Cyber Essentials certified. Not only are your documents secure and signatures verifiable, but all online files are protected against external attacks. Finally, all contracts and agreements are encrypted and include long-term validation (LTV). Essentially, your documents are tamper-proof.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Spring: £6+VAT/user/month Rap4ids: £15+VAT/user/month Surge: £35+VAT/user/month Waterfall: £49+VAT/user/month Tide: Custom Quote | 14-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support: Online, phone during business hours, phone, email >Audit trail and compliance >More features at Legalesign |
Pros & Cons of Legalesign Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Real-time tracking >Automated reminders >Unlimited sending | >24-hour support is limited to custom enterprise plans >Unlimited send isn’t available for bulk or direct links |
PandaDoc
While PandaDoc includes e-signatures in its offer, that’s only a fraction of what the system can do. Plans include several additional services, including quote generation, document sharing, contract management, and payment support. It also integrates with accounting and CRM platforms, making it one of the best digital signature software options for businesses that need an end-to-end solution.
Some of its top features include:
- Secure encryption
- Authentication
- Process tracking
- Audit trails
- Document management
- Mobile compatibility
- Third-party integration
- Actionable insights
PandaDoc includes powerful analytics and reporting. You’ll receive a notification when someone opens your document, how long they view it, whether they leave comments, and more. Additionally, the system will inform you if a client signs an agreement, making sure no deal lies forgotten.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan: Free Essentials: $25/user/month Business: $59/user/month Custom Plan: Custom Quote | 14-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS, Android, iPhone/iPad >Support: 24/7 (live rep), phone during business hours, online >Activity tracking and notifications >More features at PandaDoc |
Pros & Cons of PandaDoc Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Free plan >Activity tracking >Encrypted signatures | >API and bulk sending features result in volume fees |
PDCflow
Robust financial capabilities are what make PDCflow unique. Rather than serving only as digital signature software, the system comes ready to create bills and accept various forms of payment. It offers specialized solutions for businesses in the healthcare, legal, debt, and consumer goods industries.
The system also offers other features:
- Digital signature authentication
- Attachments
- Workflow management
- Customizable templates
- Task management
- Mobile signatures
Some industries, like insurance and healthcare, often require photo ID or proof of damage. PDCflow allows your clients to attach images to their documents and return them to you once signed. With the software, you can streamline your process, speed up claims, and get records of visual evidence or identity.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Quote | Free Demo Only | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support: Online, phone during business hours >Audit trail >More features at PDCflow |
Pros & Cons of PDCflow Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Mobile compatible >ID Verification >Online payment ready | >Pricing isn’t listed publicly on the website >No free trial available |
RightSignature
RightSignature digital signature software is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Mac, and mobile. It can also be deployed on the cloud, making it one of the most versatile options on this list. The system takes full advantage of its mobility by also supporting biometric signatures.
All e-signatures done via RightSignature are secure, legally binding, and encrypted. The system can integrate with various other platforms to create a seamless client-facing experience. Other notable features include:
- Administrative dashboard
- Handwritten signatures
- Performance statistics
- Third-party integration
- PDF website embedding
- Authentication
- Audit trails
- Document management
RightSignature combines functionality with design, with features focused on creating a beautiful and practical system. You can customize all document templates to suit your business brand. Additionally, the platform offers e-signatures that look more authentic and hand-drawn rather than digitally generated.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard: $15/month Advanced: $75/month | 14-Day Free Trial or 5 Documents | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS, Android, iPhone/iPad, Windows, Mac >Support: 24/7 (live rep), phone during business hours, online >Advanced authentication and security >More features at RightSignature |
Pros & Cons of RightSignature Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Multi-platform compatible >Multi-party signing >Biometric support | >Free trial limits signed documents to 5 |
SignNow
Streamline your process with SignNow, one of the best digital signature software platforms. The system lets you send and request documents and contracts, allowing customers to sign them electronically. All e-signatures are certified and legally binding.
The software is deployable on the cloud, but it also has native Android and iOS apps, so you can send contracts to customers to sign on their mobile devices. Other excellent features include:
- Team collaboration
- Branded templates
- Customized signing orders
- Third-party integration
- Document security
- Signature authentication
- Mobile applications
SignNow has several additional capabilities that come with its airSlate Business Cloud. Features include process automation, enterprise-grade e-signature software, payments, contract management and negotiation, and web-form integration.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Business: $20/user/month Business Premium: $30/user/month Enterprise: $50/user/month airSlate Business Cloud: $50/user/month, minimum 10 users | 7-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS, Android, iPhone/iPad >Support: 24/7 (live rep), phone during business hours, online, phone >Personalized branding >More features at SignNow |
Pros & Cons of SignNow Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Document management >Customized reminders >Contract negotiation | >Only airSlate Business Cloud includes all features >Free trial is limited to the Business Premium plan |
SignRequest
SignRequest lets you send and receive electronic documents and allows clients to add a legally binding digital signature. The software makes it easy to manage your documents, speed up approvals, and enhance your sales and revenue.
It’s relatively affordable compared to most other platforms, making it an ideal choice for SMBs and medium enterprises. However, it’s also scalable so that you can have a solution tailored to your individual business needs.
Other features include:
- Task management
- Automatic reminders
- Bulk send
- Multi-party signing
- Authentication
- Audit trails
One of its top features is how it seamlessly integrates with various third-party applications. You can use it alongside G Suite, Dropbox, Microsoft Flow, and Zapier, to name a few. If you need a digital signature solution that fits in with your current environment, SignRequest ticks the box.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan: Free Professional: €9/month Business: €15/month Custom Plan: Custom Quote *Pay-as-you-go options available | 14-Day Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS >Support: 24/7 (live rep), phone during business hours, online, email, phone >Task progress tracking >More features at SignRequest |
Pros & Cons of SignRequest Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Digital certificate >Sequential signatures >Task and action tracking | >Professional plan subscribers only get email support |
ZorroSign
ZorroSign is an innovative electronic signature platform. It uses blockchain technology to offer bank-grade encryption and security. The system is designed to eliminate paper-and-pen processes while remaining compliant with international authentication laws.
It also offers advanced workflows, built-in document and transaction management, audit trail, and biometrics. Combined with its mobile compatibility, the software is one of the most secure and comprehensive digital signature systems.
Other excellent features include:
- Advanced authentication
- Workflow automation
- Customizable templates
- Audit trail
- Mobile biometrics
- Document tracking
Additionally, you can manage all your documents in a single, centralized location. Create and customize professional templates, or add a company seal to indicate authenticity. As a bonus, you can bulk send contracts or agreements to several contacts with a single click.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan: Free Professional: $10/month Business: $20/user/month Custom Plan: Custom Quote | Free Trial | >Deployment: Web-based, cloud, SaaS, Android, iPhone/iPad >Support: 24/7 (live rep), phone during business hours, online >Document management system >More features at ZorroSign |
Pros & Cons of ZorroSign Digital Signature Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Blockchain digital signature >Mobile biometric support >Free plan | >All signees require ZorroSign accounts for verification |
What Is Digital Signature Software?
Signing documents online has become significantly more popular in recent years. It helps businesses streamline their processes and close deals without ever needing to meet someone face-to-face. For modern business owners, e-signatures are essential.
As technology evolved, people and governments needed to address the legality of these electronic signatures. Various laws, such as the U.S. E-SIGN Act, made them legally binding. However, it didn’t address the issue of verification. Anyone can add an e-signature to a contract.
Digital signature software was the answer. Although digital and electronic are often used interchangeably when referring to online signatures, there’s a notable difference between the two.
While an e-signature is legally binding, it’s superficial. Essentially, it’s a visual representation of a signature and can be scanned, digitally generated, or even drawn on a notepad. However, it’s difficult to maintain and nearly impossible to authenticate.
Digital signatures are like a fingerprint. They work with PKIs or public key infrastructure.
When you digitally sign a contract, the software generates a private and a public encryption key. To verify your identity, the person opening it must provide your public code. If anything has been tampered with, the unique hash will have changed.
As a result, the key won’t authenticate the document. While it’s not foolproof, it’s one of the most secure and legally binding ways to sign and verify an electronic contract.
The two types often work hand-in-hand, and e-signature platforms will either include the service or offer it as an add-on. You’ll still get to add your symbolic John Hancock to the document. The backend adds the encryption, generates the hash, and gives the signature your digital fingerprint.
Benefits of Digital Signature Software
Digital signature software comes with many benefits, from securing your documents to streamlining your sales process. Various services can increase your productivity and your bottom line:
- Create legally binding online agreements: Some business owners still doubt that electronic signatures are legal. If the software complies with international regulations, you have nothing to worry about. Several governments around the world have recognized e-signatures as legally binding since the early 2000s.
- Simplify processes and save time: Before the prevalence of digital signature software, businesses were required to either mail or hand-deliver documents to be signed. Now, you can quickly send papers and contracts to receive an electronic John Hancock. Simplifying your acceptance process with e-signatures saves significant time.
- Save money: Time is money, and cutting down on manual signing and filing systems can save you a lot of both. However, going paperless also cuts down on office costs. As a bonus benefit, you’ll also cut down on your company’s environmental impact by cutting out one of the most significant pollutants.
- Document security and fraud prevention: Digital signatures work with encryption keys and hash technology to keep a document secure. About one in 15 people has been a victim of identity fraud. Using PKIs, these systems eradicate fraud, making it almost impossible to fake an e-signature or tamper with a document.
Must-Have Features for Digital Signature Software
We evaluated the best digital signature software for your business in 2021 against critical criteria before making our recommendations. Here are the crucial features you should look for in a platform:
- Multi-platform support: When you need an urgent document signed, waiting for someone to reach their desktop isn’t ideal. With multi-platform support, clients can add their John Hancock from anywhere, at any time.
- Sequential and parallel multi-party signing: Sometimes you’ll need a document to be signed by several people. With this feature, they can sign in parallel or sequentially. It eliminates the need to wait for an updated copy to be passed around after each individual added their e-signature.
- Authentication and PKIs: Fraud prevention is one of the most essential and powerful capabilities of the best digital signature software. By using PKIs, you can secure your documents and authenticate the identity of the signee.
- Task progress tracking: Sometimes approval is as easy as adding a signature. Other times, there are a few key steps you need to follow along the way. The best digital signature software will give you the ability to track the approval process. Others have the added option of sending you reminders and notifications, making sure no document is forgotten.
- Third-party integration: Most businesses already use several web apps, CRMs, or other platforms to manage their processes. It’s essential for your signature software to integrate seamlessly with these platforms.
- Audit trails and legal compliance: It’s imperative for an e-signature provider to be compliant and provide auditable digital paper trails. Despite moving your process online, you still need to obey the audit and compliance laws of your country or state.
- 24/7 live customer support: When you run into a problem with your software, you want to receive a quick and helpful response. That’s why you need a provider with 24/7 live support.
The Cost of Digital Signature Software
The price of the best digital signature software can vary wildly, as you might notice from the amounts we’ve listed above. Most models work with monthly or annual subscriptions, with fees set per user. However, features and add-ons can have a significant impact on the price tag.
Many platforms do offer a free plan but with minimal capabilities. The lowest-paid plans start at $10 per month. However, fees can go as high as $209 per user per month or more. While basic e-signature plans can be very affordable, an end-to-end solution can require a significant financial investment.
To give you a preview of their capabilities, almost all software providers have free trials available. Most only let you use the system for a week or two. However, two of our selected platforms grant you an entire month to experiment with their platforms. Only one doesn’t include a trial period, but it offers a free demo instead.
When you’re comparing several of the best digital signature software providers, take advantage of the free trial. Each one has unique features and capabilities. By trying out a paid plan gratis, you can get a good idea of whether the platform is right for you and your business.