Read, review, and select from the list of top paid and free E-Signature Software and Apps that meet your requirements:
Electronic signature apps allow you to sign your digital documents. The e-signature software verifies the signer’s intent to sign the document. You can use e-signature software to speed up the document verification process.
A lot of e-signature apps are available in the market which makes it difficult to select the best one.
We have reviewed the top paid and free electronic signature software so that you can select one that meets your requirements.
Let’s start!
Table of Contents:
E-Signature Software and Apps – Review
Global Digital Signature Market Size Increase 2024 – 2030
Expert Advice: You should consider factors such as user interface (UI), usability, and integration when selecting e-signature software. The best e-signature app has an easy user interface with key features required to sign the document.
How Does Electronic Signature Software Work
Electronic signature software uses algorithms to create hashes that identify users who signed the document. Hashes are in the form of numbers and characters. These are encrypted using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) cryptography techniques.
The PKI encryption method involves two keys: a private and a public key. A person uses a private key generated by the e-signature software to sign electronic documents. The public key is readily available that anyone can use to validate the authenticity of the signed documents.
PKI enforces certain requirements for signing, renewing, and revoking digital keys and certificates. The algorithm also enforces additional requirements for security, such as a digital certificate like the Certificate Authority (CA) to authenticate electronically signed documents.
How to Select the Best Electronic Signature Software
The selection of the best digital signature software depends on the end user. Individuals can use signature software with a simple identity validation feature. On the other hand, businesses should select software not just with validation features, but also with workflow automation features that facilitate the submission, approval, and authentication of documents in bulk.
Branding is also an important feature that businesses should consider in an e-signature app. The software must allow customization of an electronic signature to match the corporate brand.
Other important features businesses should look for in an e-signature app include audit trails, encryption, and digital pen support.
List of Best E-Signature Software
A popular list of software for electronic signature:
- SignNow
- Adobe Acrobat E-Signature
- DocHub
- PandaDoc
- eSignatures.io
- Dropbox Sign (Previously HelloSign)
- DocuSign
- Preview for macOS
- Signeasy
- eversign
- Secured Signing
- OneSpan
- KeepSolid Sign
- MySignature
Comparison Table of Top Digital Signature Software
Tool Name | Best For | Platforms Supported | Integrations | Price | Trial | Ratings ***** |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SignNow | Retail businesses | Web, iPhone, Android | SalesForce, Google, Microsoft | Starts at $8/user per month | Yes | 7 days | |
Adobe Acrobat E-Signature | Small businesses for signing PDF contracts in bulk using Adobe Acrobat software. | Windows and MacOS | Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, and other CRM, HR, and CLM software | Acrobat Standard: $12.99 per month Acrobat Pro: $19.99 per month | Yes | 30 days | |
DocHub | PDF Editing and Management | Web based | Google, Box, Edge, OneDrive | Pro version starts at $14/month | Yes | 30 days | |
PandaDoc | Businesses for automating document workflows by signing electronic signatures of proposals, quotes, and contracts. | Windows, iOS, Android, and web browser | Salesforce, CRM, and Zapier with paid plans | • Basic: Free • Essentials: $19 per month per user • Business: $49 per month per user • Enterprise: Custom quote | Yes | 14 days | |
eSignatures.io | Businesses for sending mobile contracts in bulk | Web browser | Integromat, Zapier, and API | $0.49 per contract sent | No | Demo available | |
Dropbox Sign (Previously HelloSign) | Online businesses that want to automate document processing and send large contracts each month. | Windows, iOS, Android, and web browser | Dropbox, GSuite, Zapier, Salesforce, and more. | Essentials: $15 per user Dropbox + eSign: $24.99 per month Standard: $25 per month per user Premium: Custom quote | Yes | 30 days | |
DocuSign | Businesses and individuals to make the digital document signing process easier and faster | Windows, iOS, Android, and web browser | CRM platforms including Salesforce | Personal: $10 per month Standard: $25 per user per month Business Pro: $40 per month per user Enhanced Plus: Custom quote | Yes | 30 days |
Detailed review:
#1) SignNow
Best for retail businesses to collect signatures from customers at the store.
SignNow is a great digital signature software for retail companies. The app is scalable and customizable to the needs of the business. It allows you to create agreements, accept payments, and negotiate contracts with vendors and customers.
Features:
- Send reminders
- Mobile integration
- Unlimited templates
- Cloud storage
- Kiosk mode
Pros:
- You can send notifications and request payments.
- The premium version allows you to send link invites in bulk.
- All plans support unlimited templates.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features such as automating specific contractual processes.
Verdict: SignNow is a good digital signature app for small businesses. The app supports features that can help improve productivity and collaboration between teams.
Price:
- Business: $8 per user per month
- Business Premium: $15 per user per month
- Enterprise: $30 per user per month
- Business Cloud: $50 per user per month
- Trial: Yes | 30 days
#2) Adobe Acrobat E-Signature
Best for small businesses to sign PDF contracts in bulk using Adobe Acrobat software.
Acrobat Sign is a robust digital signature software. The digital signature feature requires that you buy either Acrobat Standard or Acrobat Pro software. You can use the software for editing, converting, and signing PDF documents.
Adobe Acrobat Standard allows you to collect unlimited signatures from users. You can add a business stamp and password to protect the PDF files. The standard version keeps audit trails that comply with e-signature laws. You can also select from 34 languages to edit and sign documents.
With Acrobat Pro, you collect signatures directly from websites. The Pro version also has advanced forms and language support. In addition, it lets you scan documents as PDF files and send them in bulk to vendors and customers.
Features:
- Automated Reminders
- Signable online forms
- Custom branding
- Bulk signatures
- Payment collection
Pros:
- Integration with popular apps including Dropbox, Salesforce, MS Word, Teams, and PowerPoint.
- Collect signatures faster with no sign-ups or downloads required.
- Sign in from anywhere on a desktop or mobile.
- Get an instant notification when documents are signed.
- Create reusable templates.
Cons:
- A standalone package is not available and Acrobat Standard or Acrobat Pro is required for signing documents.
Verdict: Acrobat Sign is a professional digital signature solution for businesses. The app has a straightforward document signing process.
Price:
- Acrobat Standard: $12.99 per month
- Acrobat Pro: $19.99 per month
- Trial: Yes | 30 days
#3) DocHub
Best for PDF Editing and Management.
DocHub is perhaps best known for being an online PDF editing solution. However, the platform offers a myriad of other features. One of those features includes e-signing. You can use the platform to type, draw, and upload a signature onto a PDF document. You can also use the software to share the PDF file with other authorized parties to get their signature on it.
Features:
- E-Sign PDF
- Merge PDF Documents
- Add Comments
- Add fillable fields
- Convert files to PDF.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Industry standard compliance assurance
Cons:
- The customer support could be stronger
Verdict: With DocHub, you get a web-based PDF editor that makes signing and sharing of a PDF document over the internet a lot simpler. Easy to use and affordable, DocHub is definitely one of the best e-signature software you’ll find online.
Price: The software is free to use. The Pro version will cost you $14/month. A 30 free trial is also available.
#4) PandaDoc
Best for automating document workflows by signing electronic signatures for proposals, quotes, and contracts.
PandaDoc is one of the best free electronic signature software. The app supports unlimited legally binding digital signatures. Moreover, you can upload unlimited documents online. The e-signature app is also compatible with iOS and Android phones.
One of the unique features of the e-signature app is that it supports payment integration. You can receive payments through PayPal, ACH, or credit cards once the document is signed. The digital signature created using the app is legally binding as it complies with UETA and federal ESIGN laws.
The electronic signature software supports 256-bit SSL encryption and is compliant with SOC 2 Type 2 security standards. In addition, all data is stored in FISMA, SOC, and PCI DSS Level 1 cloud storage. Businesses can rest assured that digitally signed documents stored in online storage comply with HIPAA and GDPR standards.
Steps to Use PandaDoc for Electronic Signature of Documents:
Step #1: Select New Document from the main screen.
Step #2: Choose a file from the computer, Google Drive, or Dropbox. You can also drop a file into the selection area.
Step #3: Add the name and email of the recipient, and then click Next.
Step #4: Drag the Signature box from the Widgets on the right to the signature section of the document.
Step #5: Click on Send to send the document to the recipients for signature.
Features:
- Unlimited document uploads
- Unlimited e-signatures
- Mobile app integration
- Templates
- CRM and Zapier Integration
Pros:
- Supports rich media drag and document.
- The paid version supports custom branding.
- Businesses can carry out approval workflows.
- The enterprise version supports an unlimited number of team workplaces.
- Supports bulk sending of digital documents.
Cons:
- Advanced features such as templates, audit trails, and drag-and-drop editor are only available in paid versions.
Verdict: PandaDoc offers a comprehensive package for businesses to go paperless. The app allows you to sign and store digital documents.
Price:
- Basic: Free
- Essentials: $19 per month per user
- Business: $49 per month per user
- Enterprise: Custom quote
- Trial: Yes | 14 days
#5) eSignatures.io
Best for businesses to send mobile contracts in bulk.
eSignatures.io is a simple electronic signature app that will meet the requirements of most businesses. The digital signature apps support mobile contracts. You can send and sign lots of documents using your mobile phones with ease.
Businesses will find a lot of useful features with the e-signature app. The app supports an audit trail feature that lets you see the status of the signing process. You can also send reminders to other parties to sign the document. The app also allows businesses to customize their digital signatures with custom fonts.
The electronic signature app supports the legal requirements in the US, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It supports dozens of languages, making it the perfect e-signature app for multinational companies.
Steps to use eSignature.io for Electronic Signature of Documents:
Step #1: Click on Templates from the home page, and then select New template.
Step #2: Enter the contract title and clauses and format the contract using the formatting options on the right. You can Preview the contract template once done.
Step #3: Save the template. A signature field will be created at the end of the contract when the contract is signed.
Step #4: Now go back to the Dashboard page and select Send a new contract. Select a contract template you had to create from the ‘using this template’ drop-box menu, and click Start.
Step #5: Add the recipient’s name, email, and company name. You can also add yourself as a signer. Click Send once done.
Features:
- SMS-only contract
- Bulk sending
- Business branding
- Audit trail
- Supports 22+ languages
Pros:
- Complies with ESIGN (US), UETA (US), UECA (Canada), ETA (Australia & New Zealand), ECTA (South Africa), and EU eIDAS and GDPR laws.
- Meets ISO 27001 security standards.
- Automate workflow with apps including Dropbox and Salesforce.
- Add placeholders for highlighting text.
- Two-factor security authentication.
Cons:
- This can be costly for large businesses that send thousands of invoices each month.
Verdict: eSignatures.io is the ideal e-signature app for businesses. The app has a lot of features that will meet the requirements of most businesses. This app allows you to sign and send bulk contracts with a click of a button.
Price:
- $0.49 per the contract signed and sent.
#6) Dropbox Sign (Previously HelloSign)
Best for online businesses that want to automate document processing and send large contracts each month.
Dropbox Sign has an easy user interface for signing documents online. The app allows you to sign different types of agreements including employee agreements, sales invoices, and investment contracts. The app boasts enterprise-level security so you can rest assured of safety and security.
The digital signature app has robust audit tracking ability. You can track the documents that have been signed. This app even lets you send reminders to individuals who haven’t signed the documents. The app also allows you to upload documents to the cloud storage.
One of the convenient features of digital signature software is that it supports integration with dozens of apps. App integration helps in automating the workflows of businesses. The app integration feature helps you to sign bulk documents faster.
Further Reading => Most Popular eSignature APIs to Look For
Steps to Use Dropbox Sign for Electronic Signature of Documents:
Step #1: Upload the document to be signed on Dropbox. Click on Share, and then select Send for signature.
Step #2: Enter the name and email of the signers. You can also add yourself as a signer. Click Next once done adding the signatories.
Step #3: Now, scroll down to the signature section of the contract. Select Signature from the Signature field on the left, and drop down to the signature field in the contract. Click Next once done adding the signature field.
Step #4: Select the folder in Dropbox where you want to save the contract. Click Next.
Step #5: Enter the name and email address of the recipient. Click Send for signature.
Features:
- Audit trail authenticates documents.
- eSignature API.
- Customized e-signatures.
- Automate the documentation of new employees.
Pros:
- Integration with apps including Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot, MS Word, DropBox Business, Oracle, and more.
- Create legally binding signatures and send them in bulk.
- Salesforce integration improves sales team performance.
- Remove tedious paperwork when dealing with employees and customers.
Cons:
- The monthly package is costly.
Verdict: Dropbox Sign allows you to sign and send bulk agreements quickly. The app supports a lot of useful features that make it ideal for small and big teams.
Price:
- Essentials: $15 per user
- Dropbox + eSign: $24.99 per month
- Standard: $25 per month per user
- Premium: Custom quote
- Trial: Yes | 30 days
#7) DocuSign
Best for businesses and individuals to make the digital document signing process easier and faster.
DocuSign is yet another great electronic signature software. The app has a host of features that make it ideal for different types of users, including individuals and businesses. It has dozens of features that will meet the requirements of both small and large enterprises.
One of the great aspects of the e-signature app is scalability. Businesses can upgrade the package as the document verification needs to increase over time. There are lots of tools that help increase document lifecycle management.
The electronic signature app supports responsive signing and custom branding. You can upload a logo for the email and select colors for the background, text, and buttons. Businesses can also improve the document signing process through shared templates.
Workflows are configurable which allows you to customize the workflow depending on the exact business requirements.
Features:
- Integrates with 350+ apps
- Audit trail
- Mobile app integration
- Automated reminders
- Templates
Pros:
- Easily integrate DocuSign with MS Office 365, Google Drive, Evernote, Dropbox, and more.
- Monitor the status of documents in real-time.
- Allows you to create templates with custom fields and roles for recipients.
- Shared templates and Team reports.
- Identification authentication in compliance with eIDAS with Enterprise version.
Cons:
- Negative online reviews of API integration.
Verdict: DocuSign is the best multi-purpose e-signature software. The versatile app has received positive reviews due to reusable templates, multi-language support, and hundreds of integrations that automate business workflows.
Price:
- Personal: $10 per month
- Standard: $25 per user per month
- Business Pro: $40 per month per user
- Enhanced Plus: Custom quote
- Trial: Yes | 30 days
#8) Preview for macOS
Best for basic PDF document editing and signing for macOS users.
Preview of macOS is a PDF document editor file that lets you preview and sign documents. You can fill out and sign the documents. The app allows you to add notes and speech bubbles to the software. It also allows you to annotate and combine documents.
You can add, delete or move pages in PDF documents. The app also allows you to crop and rotate documents. Also, you can add effects to the documents to make them look appealing and professional. With the app, you can also edit images on your Mac.
Features:
- Open and Edit PDFs and Images.
- Compress and Lock documents.
- Annotate and edit text.
- Crop and rotate the text.
Pros:
- Sign and print PDF forms from your macOS.
- No need for third-party software.
- Secure PDF documents with a password.
- Combine PDFs and convert images into different formats.
Cons:
- Limited features for macOS users.
Verdict: Preview of macOS is the perfect document signing app for Mac users. You can sign and send PDF forms and agreements using the app.
Price: Free
#9) Signeasy
Best for businesses for workflow automation and managing agreements and contracts.
Signeasy is yet another great electronic signature software. The app supports easy-to-use workflow automation. You can sign and manage different types of business documents using the app. This allows you to simplify the document signing process with flexible workflows.
The app allows you to sign documents sequentially or in parallel. It also supports multi-document envelopes for sending bulk documents. You can collect signatures in bulk using Signeasy links. There is no need to create individual signature requests for documents.
Features:
- Unlimited templates
- Contact in-person signatures
- Share templates
- Sign through QR code or link
- Team usage reports
Pros:
- You can customize the documents with custom branding.
- Collect in-person signatures using mobile apps.
- Integrate with Google Workspace, Outlook, and Teams.
- Get insights with team usage reports.
Cons:
- Integration with third-party apps is limited.
Verdict: Signeasy is a versatile digital signature app with useful features. Businesses will find all the useful features to sign and authenticate documents.
Price:
- Team: $15 per user per month
- Business: $30 per user per month
- Business+: $60 per user per month
- Trial: Yes | 14 days
#10) eversign
Best for small businesses for signing documents online.
eversign is a scalable digital signature software. The app supports basic features for businesses to sign and authenticate documents. The e-signature app allows you to create up to 25 templates for common processes. It also supports audit trails that help in complying with e-sign laws.
With eversign, you can integrate the digital signature process. Website owners can integrate the app, allowing users to sign forms. The app meets the legal requirements for digital signatures in the US and Europe.
Features:
- API integration
- Audit trail
- In-person signing
- Up to 25 Templates
- Team management
Pros:
- API integration allows connection with multiple websites.
- Legal validity in the US and Europe.
- Draw a custom signature.
- Schedule form to auto-expire.
- Built-in editor for PDF documents.
Cons:
- Limited templates for recurring tasks.
Verdict: eversign is a good app with basic digital document signature features. It is best suited for businesses with small teams that want to automate the document signing process.
Price:
- Lite: Free
- Basic: $9.99 per month
- Professional: $39.99 per month
- Professional Plus: $79.99 per month
- Enterprise: Custom Pricing
#11) Secured Signing
Best for the secure signing of online digital documents with API integrations.
Secured Signing offers a comprehensive digital signature solution. The app has advanced collaboration and security features that meet enterprise needs. It supports advanced authentication using SMS, passcode, and even video confirmation.
The digital signature apps allow sequential and non-sequential order of digital signature workflow. The free version supports signing and sending up to 3 documents per month. You can create a fillable online forum with custom fields.
Features:
- Supports Doc/Docx, PDF, ODS, ODT, Xls/Xlsx, and RTF documents.
- Multi-factor authentication with passcodes, passwords, face matching, SMS, and knowledge-based authentication.
- X509 PKI digital signature.
- Branding and customization.
Pros:
- Supports Smart tag feature for PDF and MS Word documents.
- The audit trail keeps logs of steps in signing documents.
- Secured online verification of signatures.
- Adds a video confirmation to document signatures.
- Support face-to-face signatures for more secure signings.
Cons:
- The user interface is a bit complex.
Verdict: The secure signature is an intuitive digital signature app. The software supports advanced features required by enterprises. The pricing of the e-signature solution is also affordable for most people.
Price:
- Basic: Free | 1 sender with 3 documents per month
- Business: Starts at $9.95 per month per sender for up to 10 documents | $1.50 per excess document
- Enterprise: Custom Pricing
#12) OneSpan
Best for large businesses that want to automate document processing.
OneSpan is the best digital signature software for large businesses. The white-label solution is used by many renowned brands including NASA, Clarien, IBM, USDA, Munich RE, TATA, TUI, and more. It boasts enterprise-level security to prevent breaches of confidential documents.
Features:
- Unlimited templates
- Bulk sending
- Video signing
- Audit trail
- Email and Q&A authentication
Pros:
- Supports REST APIs and SDKs for advanced integration.
- Workflows can be customized based on requirements.
- Developers can test APIs and SDKs for free with a free Sandbox account.
- Supports authentication of documents and emails.
- Features real-time reporting and analysis.
Cons:
- Not suitable for individuals and small businesses.
Verdict: OneSpan is best suited for large businesses that sign and send bulk agreements. The digital signature software has several unique features not found in alternatives.
Price:
- Professional Plan: $22 per user per month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- Developer Sandbox: Free
- Trial: No | Demo available
#13) KeepSolid Sign
Best for signing and collecting signatures from anywhere including online and offline.
KeepSolid Sign offers a comprehensive package for creating digital signatures. You can draw a signature with a digital pen or import it as an image. The app allows you to sign faster by importing documents. You can add fields, text, and assign roles for signatures.
Features:
- Unlimited Document Signature.
- Multiplatform e-sign application.
- High-grade security, including peer-to-peer encryption.
- Assigning to teams.
- Cross-platform.
Pros:
- Easily customizable based on requirements such as HR, Sales, or Service provisions.
- Get instant notifications on mobile or desktop devices.
- No limitations on signing documents.
- Built as a native app for mobile and desktop devices.
Cons:
- Lacks audit trails and other advanced features required by businesses.
Verdict: KeepSolid is a simple e-signature software. The app will meet the needs of most users. However, businesses should look elsewhere as it does not support audit trials and automated workflow features.
Price:
- Personal: $99.99 per month
- Small Team: $349.99 per month for up to 5 users
- Big Team: $599.99 per month for up to 10 users
- Trial: Yes | 14 days
#14) MySignature
Best for Signature editor and advanced analytics.
MySignature offers you a great editor that will allow you to create and edit compelling signatures that go along well with your emails. You are provided with sufficient templates, which makes the whole process of creating signatures very simple. You can create multiple signatures and manage them all from a central dashboard.
Features:
- Advanced design customization
- Chrome extension
- Professional template library
- Reporting and analytics
- User management
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Works with almost all email services
- Flexible pricing
Cons:
- Would’ve liked more options when it comes to templates.
Verdict: Easy to use, affordable, and rich with features, MySignature is a great platform for folks who wish generate customizable email signatures for a variety of email services.
Price: Subscription plans offered by MySignature is flexible and as follows:
- Professional plan starts at $6/user/month
- Teams plan starts at $2.4/user/month
A free demo is available upon request.
Electronic Signature Apps FAQs
What is an electronic signature?
Electronic signature is used to validate the identity of the person signing the document. An electronic signature can be typed, scanned, or generated by an e-signature application. Whatever type of e-signature is used, it must be attached to the document and stored on a computer.
How to create an electronic signature?
You can use paid or free electronic signature software. The e-signature software uses a public key algorithm such as RSA to validate the integrity and authenticity of digital documents.
Is an e-signature legally binding?
Electronic signatures that meet e-signature laws are granted the same legal status as handwritten signatures. As per the electronic signature laws in the US, an e-signature cannot be denied legal effect due to being in electronic format.
Documents signed using an electronic signature will be legally binding if there is an intent to sign and consent the parties to carry out business electronically.
Is electronic signature software safe?
Electronic signature software is generally safe to sign documents. However, you must only use reliable e-signature software. Always read reviews before using specific software to sign your documents. Make sure that the e-signature software has an audit trace feature that traces who and when the documents were signed.
What are the requirements for an electronic signature to be valid?
The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) and Electronic Signatures and Records Act (ESRA) in the US have specified four requirements for an e-signature to be valid.
The requirements include (1) intent of the parties to sign; (2) consent disclosure to carry out business electronically; (3) record of electronic signature; and (4) electronic retention of the e-signature that must be reproduced whenever required.
Conclusion
The review of the best e-signature software will help you in selecting the best one that meets your requirements. The best overall electronic signature app for businesses is PandaDoc. eSignatures.io is the best app for businesses to sign and send mobile contracts in bulk to customers, vendors, and business partners.
Dropbox Sign (previously HelloSign) is the best e-signature app for online businesses that want API integration of electronic signature apps. The best free digital signature apps include PandaDoc, eversign, and Secured Signing.
Research Process:
- Time Taken to Research this Article: It took about 10 hours to research and write a review on the best e-signature apps so that you can select the best one that meets your requirements.
- Total E-Signature Software Researched: 25
- Top E-Signature Software Shortlisted: 12