Want to jump straight to the answer? The best electronic signature software for most people is signNow or SignWell.
Gone are the days of signing documents with pen and paper. Electronic signature software is faster, more convenient, and much more environmentally friendly.
Electronic signatures are legally binding. The best electronic software tracks the entire signing process, automatically generating an audit trail. You can get started for free with many of my recommendations.
The Top 11 Electronic Signature Software
Best of 2023: signNow, SignWell, PandaDoc, SIGN.PLUS, DocuSign, HelloSign, Adobe Sign, Signeasy, KeepSolid Sign, GetAccept, and SignRequest.
All of my top picks make it easy for everyone to sign documents online, but three of them shine above the rest.
Our favorite e-signature tools for 2023 are:
- signNow – Best value electronic signature software
- SignWell – Best free electronic signature software
- PandaDoc – Best for document management
From free and simple to full-fledged document management systems and everything in between, these three options cover the e-signing needs of most.
After reviewing the best e-sign software on the market today, I narrowed down the top options that I can confidently recommend. Use this guide to find the best e-sign software for your business.
signNow — Best Value Electronic Signature Software
- Starts at $8
- Robust API
- Enterprise-grade security
- Simple integrations
signNow is cross-platform e-sign software with a robust API. This makes it easy for businesses to embed electronic signature capability into their websites and apps.
It’s so easy you can create complex e-sign workflows and facilitate online signature requests without writing a single line of code. While there are other e-sign platforms out there that offer similar functionality, none are as straightforward as signNow.
signNow also integrates with a wide range of third-party apps. You can sync it with your CRM, accounting software, payroll system, ERP system, and marketing automation software with ease.
For such a powerful solution, signNow is surprisingly affordable.
- Business – $8 per user per month
- Business Premium – $15 per user per month
- Enterprise – $30 per user per month
- airSlate Business Cloud – $50 per user per month
As you can see, the pricing for the Business Premium plan is almost the same as most other software’s lowest-tier plan in this space. Unlike the Business plan, Business Premium allows users to have personalized branding, send documents in bulk, send signees reminders, and send links for signatures.
All plans come with unlimited templates and the signNow mobile app. signNow also offers enterprise-grade security. It’s GDPR compliant, OAuth 2.0, PCI DSS compliant, HIPAA compliant, and more.
SignWell — Best Free Electronic Signature Software
- Free for 3 docs per month
- Unlimited docs start at $8
- Audit reports
- Document sharing and tracking
SignWell is the ideal choice for business users who only need occasional documents signed. It’s a safe and secure electronic signature solution that works well from any device.
While the software is free, all SignWell signatures are legally binding.
Most importantly, even thought the software is free, all SignWell signatures are legally binding.
Over 61,000 businesses trust SignWell for e-signatures. The software is simple and easy to use but still comes with all of the features you need to sign documents and collect signatures.
- Instant signing
- Document workflows
- Multiple signatures on one document
- Ready-to-use templates
- Audit reports
- Document sharing and tracking
- Form field suggestions
- Sales documents
The free SignWell plan supports up to three documents per month for a single sender. If you need more than that, the Personal plan for a single user starts at $8 per month and supports unlimited signatures. Business plans start at $24 and include three users.
If you only need a few documents signed, the SignWell free plan is perfect, It gives you up to three signatures each month. Check out SignWell today.
PandaDoc — Best for Document Management
- Unlimited free e-signatures
- Workflows and approvals
- Lock legal documents
- Auditable signing process
PandaDoc is a popular document management software (DMS) that gives you the ability to request electronic signatures. As a DMS, you’ll be able to craft great-looking documents, get them signed, and track them every step of the way. That’s why PandaDoc also ranks high on our list of the best contract management tools.
To get started, you can create a free PandaDoc account that will let you upload and request an unlimited number of electronic signatures. Seriously. Put an unlimited number of legally binding signature fields in a Word or Google doc for free.
If you or your clients have ever struggled to get esignatures to work smoothly, PandaDoc is just what you need.
This is an easy interface that anyone on your team can use to create and edit documents. You can start building contracts, proposals, quotes, and more with more than 450 templates.
Or, create your own reusable templates using a drag-and-drop builder. Add signable fields, checkboxes, and images–it’s easy to stay on brand with PandaDoc.
You’ll have the option to lock specific content, which is critical for legally-binding paperwork. Create an entire library of pre-approved contracts that are ready to go whenever your team needs them.
Some of the other great, time-saving tools PandaDoc offers include:
- Mobile electronic signatures
- Audit trails
- PandaDoc API
- Role-based access control
- Approval workflows
- Automated notifications
- Document analytics
PandaDoc’s free version is all you need to start adding electronic signature fields to your docs. It also comes with the ability to accept payments upon getting a signature.
Paid subscriptions to PandaDoc’s robust document management software starts at $19/month per user. I’d recommend exploring these premium plans if your business needs electronic signatures routinely across a range of documents and departments.
You can take a 14-day free trial of the entire PandaDoc platform to see it for yourself. If you just need electronic signatures, create a Free eSign account on PandaDoc today.
More Good Electronic Signature Software
In my hunt to discover the top options, I encountered a lot of other really great electronic signature software. Some were powerhouses in a particular niche, others were not great for day-to-day business, but they’ll work in a pinch.
Here are the other solid options I found.
SIGN.PLUS — Best electronic signature app
- First 3 signature requests are free
- Modern interface for web and mobile
- Google Workspace integration
- Compliant with SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and more
SIGN.PLUS is a full-service electronic signature software that stacks up nicely against our other top recommendations in terms of price and performance. Where it steps apart are the mobile apps for Android and iOS.
A lot of otherwise great electronic signature software has a terrible mobile experience, but SIGN.PLUS just works. Android and iPhone users rave about how easy it is for their businesses to use.
You get a completely secure, auditable, and legally-binding way to request signatures no matter where you are. Seamless integration with Google Workspace makes things even more flexible.
You’re not going to have to change much to include SIGN.PLUS as part of your workflows, and you will instantly be able to:
- Sign documents yourself
- Request signatures from multiple recipients
- Create signing steps
- Set expiration dates and automatic reminders
- Validate electronic signature authenticity
- View time-stamped audit logs
It’s very simple and dependable. You’ll be able to track what stage of the process people are in, whether they have viewed, signed, voided, and so on.
SIGN.PLUS offers a free version of their software that allows you to self-sign documents and send up to three signature requests. It’s a good way to test-drive the interface because it includes all of the core features that you would want to validate, such as the cloud storage integration and the audit trail.
Here’s a closer look at the paid plans and pricing:
- Personal – $14.99 per month
- Professional – $29.99 per user per month
- Business – $49.99 per user per month
These rates are based on month-to-month pricing. You can save up to 40% with an annual contract.
The Personal plan is only available for one user and up to ten signature requests per month. The Professional package supports up to five users and unlimited signature requests. There’s also an Enterprise solution for larger teams that require additional capabilities and advanced integrations.
SIGN.PLUS is a solid all-around option, and I would definitely consider it if you want something that’s mobile-friendly. Get started with SIGN.PLUS for free today.
DocuSign — Best Multi-Purpose Electronic Signature Software
- Safe and secure
- 350+ integrations
- Supports 43 languages
- Contract lifecycle management (CLM)
DocuSign is one of the world’s most popular electronic signature solutions. More than 500,000 individuals and businesses across the globe trust this platform.
As a pioneer in the e-sign industry, the software has facilitated millions of signatures over the years.
DocuSign is one of the most versatile solutions in this category. It’s used in industries including financial services, real estate, government, education, healthcare, and insurance. The software is trusted by human resources departments, sales teams, and legal teams alike.
With DocuSign, you’ll enjoy features like:
- 350+ integrations
- Instant visibility statuses
- Support in 43 languages
- Reusable templates
- 99.99% uptime
- Mobile app signatures
The software is safe and secure. It has compliance certifications, including GDPR, ISO 27001, PCI data security, CSA STAR, SSAE 16, FedRAMP, and HIPAA, just to name a few.
DocuSign has solutions for individuals, small businesses, and global enterprises. Whether you need to collect signatures on a daily basis or sign only the occasional contract, DocuSign is a scalable solution. It also has tools for complete contract lifecycle management, contract negotiation, and AI agreement analytics.
Here’s an overview of DocuSign’s plans and pricing:
- Personal – $10 per month
- Standard – $25 per user per month
- Business Pro – $40 per user per month
Try DocuSign free for 30 days.
HelloSign — Best For Legally Binding Documents
- Unlimited signature requests
- Free for 3 signatures
- Add e-sign to your app
- Audit trail and status notifications
If you need an iron-clad agreement signed electronically, HelloSign is a top option to consider.
The software makes it easy for anyone to add a legally binding signature to any document. From new employee onboarding to NDAs and loan agreements, HelloSign accommodates a wide range of needs.
HelloSign is feature-rich and built for business. It gives you the ability to collect signatures from up to 20 people on a single document, either simultaneously or in a designated order. You can start collecting signatures in minutes with bank-level security.
You’ll also get business-class features like:
- Team management tools
- Custom templates
- Custom business branding
- Google integrations (Gmail, Drive, Docs, etc.)
- Audit trails
- Status notifications
- 2FA (two-factor authentication)
- Support for 17 file formats
HelloSign has exceptional customer support, and you can use the API to build e-sign functionality into your own app.
Here’s a closer look at the HelloSign plans and prices:
- Essentials – $15 per month
- Dropbox Pro + eSign – $24.99 per month
- Standard – $25 per user per month
All of the plans come with unlimited signature requests. Try HelloSign free for 30 days.
Adobe Sign — Best For Small Businesses
- 30% off small business plan
- Automated reminders
- Custom branding
- Signable website forms
Adobe is a name that’s synonymous with high-quality software. Many of you have likely used Adobe Acrobat to view, create, print, and edit PDF files. So it’s no surprise to see Adobe Sign rank so high on our list.
Adobe Sign is perfect for small businesses that need a simple, straightforward, and secure way to sign documents.
The software comes with features and benefits that include:
- E-signature requests
- Automatic notifications and signature reminders
- Custom branding
- User management
- Bulk signature
- Signable website forms
- Payment collection
- Enhanced authentication
Adobe Sign integrates with Microsoft Teams, Word, Powerpoint, Dropbox, Salesforce, and other popular business tools. Check out our complete Adobe Connect review to see what you can do with this tool beyond electric signatures.
Acrobat Sign is priced upon consultation, but you can try it for free for 30 days. If you want basic signature collection, you can try Acrobat Pro DC free for 7 days, and then subscribe for $14.00 per month.
Signeasy — Best For Individual and Personal Use
- Starts at $10
- Mobile signatures
- Multi-person approvals
- Up to 40% off with year contract
Lots of electronic signature tools are marketed toward business users. But in addition to the 43,000+ organizations that rely on Signeasy, the software is used by over ten million people for personal use.
This software definitely lives up to its name. Signeasy is one of the fastest and simplest ways to sign documents online—even if you’ve never used an electronic signature solution before.
For professionals with occasional electronic signature needs, Signeasy should definitely be taken into consideration.
One unique standout of Signeasy is its ability to collect in-person signatures. With the iOS and Android mobile apps, you can use Signeasy as a replacement for carrying paperwork for in-person meetings. The app can also be used for virtual signing between remote parties as well.
Whether you just need a simple NDA signed or you’re going through a multi-person approval process, Signeasy gets the job done.
It’s affordable and even provides great value for solo users. Here’s a closer look at the Signeasy pricing:
- Essential — Starts at $10 per month
- Team — Starts at $15 per month
- Business — Starts at $30 per month
The rates above are all based per-user with an annual contract. Month-to-month rates are available as well, but the price is $5 to $10 higher, depending on the plan.
The Essential plan is best for single users, while the Team plan is designed for small teams of up to five people. You can try any Signeasy plan for free with a 14-day trial—no credit card required.
KeepSolid Sign — Best For Signing Documents Offline
- Starts at $9.99
- Offline mode
- Personal signature storage
- Free for signers
KeepSolid Sign is a multiplatform e-sign solution. The software has a unique feature compared to other tools on our list—offline signatures.
You can access documents and prepare everything, even when your device is offline. Everything will be sent automatically as soon as you get an Internet connection.
The software allows you to create your own unique electronic signature and store it for future use. Draw it on the app, import it as a picture, or take a photo of your actual signature.
Other top benefits of KeepSolid Sign include:
- Support for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and web browsers
- Team collaboration tools
- Status notifications
- Document templates
KeepSolid Sign is used by real estate businesses, HR departments, sales teams, and service industries.
Pricing starts at $9.99 per month for single users. The software is always free for third-party signers. You can save 25% with an annual contract. Try KeepSolid Sign free for 14 days.
GetAccept — Best For B2B Sales
- All-in-one sales tool
- Video and live chat
- Proposal templates
- Contract management
GetAccept is a bit unique compared to other solutions on our list. This electronic signature software is designed specifically for B2B sales.
It’s an all-in-one solution for closing deals. In addition to e-sign capabilities, GetAccept has tools for live chat, video, proposal designs, contract management, and more. This is by far the best way to engage with your B2B clients remotely.
Instead of just sending off a document to be signed, you can be there to offer support to your clients if they have questions or if anything needs to be explained—all from a single platform.
GetAccept integrates with Salesforce, HubSpot, Zapier, Microsoft Dynamics, Slack, and more. They also have an open API that allows for custom integrations.
Here’s a closer look at the plans and pricing:
- Free – $0 per month per user
- Essential – $15 per month per user
- Professional – $49 per month per user
GetAccept also has an Enterprise plan for high-volume developers. You’ll need to contact their team for a custom quote.
For B2B sales teams, this software will definitely be your best option. Book a demo to get started with GetAccept today.
SignRequest — Best For Simplifying The E-Signature Process
- Free for 10 docs per month
- Unlimited docs start at $9
- Video tutorials
- Easy to use
More than 300,000 people across the globe trust SignRequest for e-sign.
It’s not quite as feature-rich as some of the other platforms on our list. But if you’re looking for a simple and straightforward way to get something signed online, you can upload a document and get started in minutes.
Best of all? SignRequest is free.
You can use it for up to 10 documents in a month at no charge.
SignRequest has two paid plans—Professional and Business. Both of these support unlimited documents. They start at $9 and $15 per month per user, respectively. You can try any paid SignRequest plan free for 14 days.
I also like how SignRequest has quick video tutorials on how to use the software. Examples include:
- How to prepare an e-signature request
- How to integrate e-signatures with your systems
- How to place your signature on a Google Doc
- How to send in bulk
- How to customize your e-signatures
- How to sign documents from Salesforce
The list goes on and on. This makes it easy for anyone to get their questions answered quickly.
Try SignRequest free for 14 days.
How to Find the Best Electronic Signature Software For You
Contrary to popular belief, all electronic signature software does not do the same thing. The differences between these software systems can make it tough to find the best option for your business.
Fortunately, there are certain factors that our research team has identified to simplify your search. You can use our methodology below to narrow down your options and find the best electronic signature software for your unique needs.
Cross-Platform Signatures
Your electronic signature software should be compatible with as many platforms as possible. Don’t assume that your recipients are using the same types of devices as you are. So if you’re sending a document from a Mac, make sure it can be signed from Windows computers or Android smartphones.
The software should also support a wide range of document types. Certain formats may not render properly or open on specific devices. But you shouldn’t run into these problems if the software you select supports multiple platforms and file types.
Ensuring your electronic signature software is powerful enough to handle any device or platform gives you peace of mind going into the future as well. If the software doesn’t work with certain devices now, you probably won’t have much confidence that it will be able to add new devices and formats as they appear in the future.
Furthermore, if you often find yourself reviewing documents outside the office, you will want the electronic signature service you select to have a strong mobile app. This will give you the features you need to do all your work while on the go.
Legal and Compliance
Generally speaking, most electronic signatures are legally binding. But it’s better if the software you’re using takes extra steps to protect you. Features like audit trails, two-factor authentication, and other features to help prove intent can be invaluable if you ever have to go to court over one of your contracts.
You should also consider the compliance regulations required for your industry. For example, some solutions offer HIPAA compliance, GDPR compliance, PCI compliance, and more.
Protecting yourself and your business should always be a top priority when it comes to legally binding contracts. If you’re unsure about something, consult with your lawyer.
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to create an electronic signature for more information on solidifying a legally-binding contract.
Document Volume
How often are you sending documents that need to be signed? If it’s just a handful of times per year, you shouldn’t be using the same software as a business that collects hundreds or thousands of signatures per week.
You should also consider whether or not you need multiple people to sign the same document. If so, does it matter which order everyone signs? These are the types of questions you should be asking yourself as you’re evaluating different solutions.
There are plenty of unlimited plans on the market for high-volume users and even some free plans for infrequent use.
API and Integrations
Look for a solution that seamlessly integrates with third-party tools and software that you’re already using. For example, let’s say you’re using Salesforce or HubSpot as a CRM. It will make your life much easier if your e-sign software is compatible with those solutions.
If you need to embed e-sign functionality on your website or applications, then the software must have an open API that you can customize.
Best Electronic Signature Software: Your Top Questions Answered
The Top Electronic Signature Software in Summary
Getting a physical signature on documents requires in-person appointments, printing, scanning, faxing, or mailing paperwork. All of this is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and unrealistic in many scenarios.
If you’re ready to improve your workflows and start signing documents electronically, signNow and SignWell are the best options for most people.