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Best Electronic Signature Software

Best Electronic Signature Software

Electronic signature or e-signature software lets people sign contracts digitally with a formal signature, speeding up contractual processes. However, most solutions provide much more than that. From form libraries to PDF editing and cloud storage, e-signature software makes document management more straightforward – especially for companies that handle contracts involving remote parties.

Best electronic signature software of 2025

Editors' choice

signNow

Editor's rating:
Flexible for all workflows
Reuse and personalize documents
Keeps data safe and private
Automates your document tasks
Small businesses

DocHub

Editor's rating:
Tailor documents to your needs
Easy editing for everyone
Access core features at no cost
Seamless workflow connectivity
Real estate

Sign.Plus

Editor's rating:
Easy to manage documents
Flexible signing experience
Legally binding and secure
Sign documents on-the-go
Law firms

pdfFiller

Editor's rating:
Easy for all skill levels
Flexible signing workflows
Personalize any document
Ready-to-use templates
Accountants

PandaDoc

Editor's rating:
Create professional documents easily
Get paid through your documents
Speed up document creation
Maintain brand consistency
Microsoft 365
Adobe Acrobat Sign logo

Adobe Acrobat Sign

Editor's rating:
Streamlines agreement workflows
Collect signatures online easily
Keeps documents safe and compliant
Supports face-to-face approvals
Editors' choice

signNow

Editor's rating:
Starting price: $8/user/mo
Main features
  • Flexible for all workflows
  • Reuse and personalize documents
  • Keeps data safe and private
  • Automates your document tasks
  • Various signing options
  • Template customization
  • Robust security
  • Numerous integrations with Zapier
  • Basic text-editing tools
  • Outdated FAQ
Summary
View summary

To sign or not to sign? That’s the question that runs through everyone’s mind when presented with a contract. This is usually because there’s not enough time to read it through.

Moreover, traditional wet signatures can be easily forged. Thankfully, this is impossible with electronic signature software like signNow, as all of the software’s customizable signatures are legally binding, where a number of compliances protect documents from signature forgeries.

Furthermore, the company provides robust malware security for any uploaded document and lets users define the authentication methods for signers. The multiple integrations signNow supports elevate the experience to the next level.

All this is offered for reasonable prices, starting at $8 a month per user, and subscriptions always kick off with a 7-day free trial.

Special offers
View offers
Up to 60% off signNow
Free 7-day trial of signNow
30-day money-back guarantee with signNow
Small businesses

DocHub

Editor's rating:
Starting price: $10/mo
Main features
  • Tailor documents to your needs
  • Easy editing for everyone
  • Access core features at no cost
  • Seamless workflow connectivity
  • Thorough customization
  • Intuitive PDF editor
  • Free version
  • Google and Microsoft integration
  • Limited customer support
  • Lacking templates
  • No location restriction
Summary
View summary

An intuitive PDF editor with comprehensive e-signature functionalities, DocHub stands out in the electronic signature industry as reliable and secure software. It provides a high level of personalization with several custom fields, as well as a quick way to bulk-send sign requests for up to 50 people. Moreover, it integrates with several apps for an even more streamlined workflow.

DocHub is available for free, but it’s worth forking out for a paid subscription due to its unlimited access and extra features. Opting for an annual billing cycle rewards users with a discount of 29%, and the company provides 210 days to test the software risk free through its 30-day free trial and 180-day money-back guarantee.

Special offers
View offers
29% discount on DocHub
50% off DocHub for charities and nonprofits
Free e-signature software with DocHub
30-day free trial of DocHub Pro
180-day money-back guarantee of DocHub Pro
Real estate

Sign.Plus

Editor's rating:
Starting price: $9.99/mo
Main features
  • Easy to manage documents
  • Flexible signing experience
  • Legally binding and secure
  • Sign documents on-the-go
  • User-friendly dashboard
  • Wide variety of signature options
  • Compliant with numerous regulations
  • Handy mobile app
  • Pricey
  • Limited customer support
Summary
View summary

Signing documents electronically saves both time and paper, so it’s not surprising that wet signatures are fading into the background. Developed by the same Swiss team behind FAX.PLUS, one of the most reliable online fax services, Sign.Plus is a relative newcomer in the world of e-signature software. Every aspect of the platform speaks of Swiss precision, especially how documents are edited and signed. Users can create their own reusable templates, eliminating the hassle of recreating the same documents over and over again. The software is also secure, as signatures created are legally binding, and it’s compliant with numerous regulations, such as HIPAA and PCI DSS. Moreover, Sign.Plus integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, letting you sign documents directly from Gmail. Most importantly, it’s possible to use the software for free if it’s mainly you signing documents.

Special offers
View offers
Up to 40% off Sign.Plus
Free e-signature software with Sign.Plus
Law firms

pdfFiller

Editor's rating:
Starting price: $8/mo
Main features
  • Easy for all skill levels
  • Flexible signing workflows
  • Personalize any document
  • Ready-to-use templates
  • User-friendly
  • Various signature options
  • PDF customization
  • Extensive online library of forms
  • Limited fonts for typed signatures
  • Mobile app needs improvement
  • Unorganized features page
Summary
View summary

Signing a contract without thoroughly reading it first can be disastrous. Still, this often happens when others are around and everyone in the room is in a hurry. However, this is no longer an issue with pdfFiller, a document management solution with advanced e-signature features. For as low as $8 per month, it not only lets users peacefully read through and sign a document in their own time, but also allows them to edit any PDF to their liking. Furthermore, documents can be shared with multiple recipients and edited as a team. pdfFiller is secure, too, as it keeps documents safe by providing end-to-end encryption and password protection. Also, the software integrates smoothly with various third-party programs. The best part is that anyone can try pdfFiller without any risk for seven months, as it offers a 30-day free trial followed by an incredible 180-day money-back guarantee.

Special offers
View offers
Up to 63% off pdfFiller
Free 30-day trial of pdfFiller
180-day money-back guarantee with pdfFiller
Accountants

PandaDoc

Editor's rating:
Starting price: $19/user/mo
Main features
  • Create professional documents easily
  • Get paid through your documents
  • Speed up document creation
  • Maintain brand consistency
  • Countless document editing tools
  • Payment collection available
  • Numerous templates and samples
  • Custom branding
  • Complicated website layout
  • Oversimplified mobile app
  • Pricey
Summary
View summary

Creating official forms and tracking down the required signatures is one of those time-consuming activities that businesses could do without. However, if you ditch wet signatures and start using e-signature software, this doesn’t have to be the case. This technology is fast and secure, and most companies provide free forms and templates, removing the task of creating them from scratch.

PandaDoc is a popular choice among e-signers, as it provides document editing tools alongside electronic signature options. Moreover, contact management is a piece of cake with the platform, as it’s possible to request signatures from multiple signers and save recipients’ contact details.

The software provides the means to get legally binding e-signatures and secures documents with various methods, such as two-factor authentication (2FA). What’s appealing for newcomers is that PandaDoc can be used free of charge, letting users experience the platform with no strings attached. If that’s not enough, all paid subscriptions can be tried out for free for 14 days.

Special offers
View offers
Up to 35% off PandaDoc
Free e-signature software with PandaDoc
14-day free trial with PandaDoc
Microsoft 365
Adobe Acrobat Sign logo

Adobe Acrobat Sign

Editor's rating:
Starting price: $12.29/mo
Main features
  • Streamlines agreement workflows
  • Collect signatures online easily
  • Keeps documents safe and compliant
  • Supports face-to-face approvals
  • Numerous contract management tools
  • Web forms
  • Robust security
  • In-person signing
  • Not beginner-friendly
  • Slow
Summary
View summary

From PDF to photo editing, Adobe seems to have a solution for everything. Adobe Acrobat Sign is the company’s take on electronic signature software, and it’s one of the most feature-packed platforms in the industry.

In addition to offering the means to create legally binding e-signatures, Adobe Acrobat Sign also showcases long years of experience in PDF editing with its comprehensive document customization tools. The software’s advanced signature placeholders, such as payment collection fields, are particularly noteworthy.

The platform also helps both individuals and companies with various reusable contract templates. Adobe Acrobat Sign even has a couple of pre-made business form templates, such as W-9 documents.

The e-signature software is secure, too, protecting its users by enforcing strong passwords and offering knowledge-based authentication. The cherry on top is Adobe Acrobat Sign's free trial and fair prices, which start at $12.29 a month.

Other electronic signature software

Benefits of electronic signatures

E-signatures come with plenty of benefits for both individuals and companies. From convenience to higher security and lower costs, there are plenty of reasons to invest in e-signature software:

  • Lower costs: Adopting e-signatures and digital documentation saves money on paper and ink cartridges. More than that, businesses where employees need to go to where signers are to have documents signed also save on travel costs.
  • Time-saving: A lot of the busy work involved in document management and contract signing is cut by using e-signature software, especially if you integrate the platform with other business software.
  • Enhanced security: In addition to e-signatures being highly secure due to the end-to-end encryption, audit trails, and more, documents stored in these platforms are also safer than in a local computer or cabinet.
  • Signature tracking: It’s extremely easy to track who is signing what, where they’re signing, and when they’re signing. It’s also easier to send reminders and get notified when signatures are complete.
  • Remote signing: There’s no need for everyone to meet up to sign a document with e-signature software. This makes it easy for remote employees or clients far from your office to sign documents without much of a hassle. Plus, it’s possible to sign documents anywhere by taking advantage of e-signature mobile apps.

Benefits of electronic signatures

How to create an electronic signature

There are several ways to create an electronic signature:

  • Scanning a wet signature: Although not the most convenient, signing your name on a piece of paper, scanning it, and uploading it to your computer is a valid approach to creating your e-signature.
  • Drawing with mouse or finger: There are plenty of free signing tools that allow you to draw your signature with your mouse or with your finger, which you can then download as an image. We recommend the second option, as writing your name with a mouse isn’t the easiest thing to do.
  • Using Microsoft Word: Create a signature block, which can be reused anytime with Word’s AutoText. This method converts documents to read-only, preventing tempering.
  • Using e-signature software: By far the best option, most e-signature platforms provide several straightforward methods to create your signature. In addition to the methods already mentioned, you can also type your signature or use a signature pad.

How to create an electronic signature

Free vs paid e-signature software

While many electronic signature services offer free versions, they often have significant limitations. They restrict the number of signatures and document exports and provide only the most basic features available.

Free versions are also less secure since there is no way of verifying signers or requesting further means of authentication. Some apps also add watermarks to documents signed while being free. Ultimately, free electronic signature software only makes sense for people who only need to sign documents occasionally.

On the flip side, electronic signature software shows its full potential when paid for. In addition to significantly upgrading the features offered by free services, paid e-signature software offers unlimited document sending and reusable templates. Furthermore, they protect your privacy in various ways, such as with two-factor authentication, end-to-end document encryption, and document tracking.

Comparing free with paid electronic signature software
Free Paid
Limited signatures Unlimited signatures
Limited document sending Unlimited document sending
Basic features Advanced features
Basic security Advanced security
May sell information to third parties Doesn't sell information to third parties
No collaboration Team collaboration tools

How much does electronic signature software cost?

Electronic signature software is, in general, pretty affordable – especially when you consider that you’re also investing in a cloud-based document management platform. Prices start around $10 per user per month, but the most comprehensive plans can go up to $40 per user per month.

Unfortunately, most e-signature providers have their own way of breaking down their tiers. For example, while custom branding might only be available in the top-tier plans for a few e-signature software templates, others will provide this feature in a mid-tier plan.

Nevertheless, e-signature software companies usually offer two billing cycles – monthly and annually – where the longer you commit, the cheaper the service.

Yes, electronic signatures are legal and are considered legally binding. This is ensured by the electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services (eIDAS) regulation in Europe, and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) in Canada.

Other countries like Japan have their own laws, mostly accepting policies regarding e-signatures. Meanwhile, the U.S. made e-signatures legal through the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act of 2000 – famous for having been signed electronically by then-president Bill Clinton – and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA).

Digital Signature

Electronic signature services must comply with the aforementioned regulations, and many also adhere to additional policies, such as HIPAA, Soc 2 Type II, PCI DSS, and GDPR. They use a digital seal, the electronic equivalent of a physical stamp, to make documents legally binding. Finally, any paper can be notarized either by the app or a third-party service like Notarize.

Therefore, any contract signed with an e-signature is enforceable and serves as admissible evidence in court.

Does the IRS accept e-signatures?

The IRS accepts various types of e-signatures, including typed, scanned (or otherwise digitized ones), and those written with a sign pad, stylus, or electronic signature service.

Is electronic signature software safe?

Yes, electronic signature software is perfectly safe. In fact, when done correctly, e-signatures are considered more secure than wet signatures.

While anyone skilled enough can imitate someone’s wet signature, e-signature software combats con artists with several security features, such as two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, audit trails, and location restriction. Some software even allows for additional safety checks to guarantee security, such as requiring biometric authentication.

Electronic Signing

Audit trails, in particular, are necessary to guarantee that signatures are admissible in court, as they track and timestamp documents to show who (and when) edited and signed them. They also reveal signers’ browsers and IP addresses, providing an extra layer of reassurance.

Best electronic signature software: final verdict

Overall, leaving wet signatures behind in favor of electronic signature software is the way to go. Electronic signature software makes businesses’ workflows more streamlined, as signing processes become quicker and much safer.

Additionally, e-signature platforms also make document management smoother, as providers usually offer cloud storage, user-friendly document management features, and integration with other business software.

While every business (no matter how big or small) can take advantage of electronic signature software, this technology is highly recommended for companies who handle a high volume of contracts and important documents such as:

  • Accounting firms.
  • Real estate.
  • Law firms.
  • Healthcare companies.
  • Non-profit organizations.
  • Banking and finance.
  • Insurance companies.
  • Governmental institutions.

Electronic signature software FAQ

What is an electronic signature?
What are electronic signature levels (simple, advanced, and qualified)?
What is an electronic seal?
When is an electronic signature valid?
What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?
What types of documents can be signed electronically?
How do I choose the best electronic signature software?

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