# Best E-Signature Software - Page 25

  *By [Julie Jung](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/julie-jung)*

   E-signature software allows organizations to gather legally valid signatures on electronically shared documents, encrypting and distributing contracts, employment paperwork, and other sensitive agreements for signature while meeting local and federal legal requirements to guarantee legitimacy.

### Core Capabilities of E-Signature Software

To qualify for inclusion in the E-Signature category, a product must:

- Allow both sender and recipient users to sign documents on a variety of devices and operating systems
- Encrypt and secure communications and shared documents between users
- Track document status and notify users when actions are required such as signing or approving
- Enable users to define user roles and permission rights for both internal and external users such as contractors, partners, and customers
- Offer built-in document creation and storage capabilities or integrate with third-party solutions that provide these features

### Common Use Cases for E-Signature Software

Sales, HR, legal, and procurement teams use e-signature software to eliminate paper-based document workflows and accelerate agreement cycles. Common use cases include:

- Collecting client signatures on sales contracts and proposals
- Managing employment offer letters, NDAs, and onboarding paperwork digitally
- Streamlining supplier and partner agreement processes with role-based signing workflows

### How E-Signature Software Differs from Other Tools

E-signature software is purpose-built for legally compliant electronic signature collection, distinguishing it from general document management tools. It frequently integrates with [CRM software](https://www.g2.com/categories/crm), [ERP systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp-systems), [HR management suites](https://www.g2.com/categories/hcm-software), and [accounting software](https://www.g2.com/categories/accounting) to facilitate quote, contract, and supplier management workflows end to end.

### Insights from G2 on E-Signature Software

Based on category trends on G2, ease of document setup and cross-device signing stand out as standout features. Faster contract turnaround times and improved compliance stand out as primary outcomes of adoption.




  ## How Many E-Signature Software Products Does G2 Track?
**Total Products under this Category:** 407
  ### Category Stats (May 2026)
  - **Average Rating**: 4.58/5
  - **New Reviews This Quarter**: 919
  - **Buyer Segments**: Small-Business 49% │ Mid-Market 29% │ Enterprise 22%
  - **Top Trending Product**: FormSwift (+0.034)
  *Last updated: May 13, 2026*

  
## How Does G2 Rank E-Signature Software Products?

**Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:**

- 30 Analysts and Data Experts
- 54,000+ Authentic Reviews
- 407+ Products
- Unbiased Rankings

G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category.

  
## Top E-Signature Software at a Glance
| # | Product | Rating | Best For | What Users Say |
|---|---------|--------|----------|----------------|
| 1 | [Adobe Acrobat](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (4,527 reviews) | PDF editing with signature support | "[OCR and Page Management Are Genuinely Useful, Performance Could Be Better](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/adobe-acrobat-review-12780255)" |
| 2 | [PandaDoc](https://www.g2.com/products/pandadoc/reviews) | 4.7/5.0 (3,306 reviews) | Proposal and contract workflows | "[Time-Saving Templates with Few Limitations](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pandadoc-review-12240403)" |
| 3 | [Jotform Sign](https://www.g2.com/products/jotform-sign/reviews) | 4.7/5.0 (1,594 reviews) | Form-based signature collection | "[Affordable and Feature-Rich with Remote Signature Ease](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/jotform-sign-review-11412266)" |
| 4 | [Foxit PDF Editor](https://www.g2.com/products/foxit-pdf-editor/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (3,388 reviews) | Cost-conscious PDF editing | "[Fast, Familiar PDF Workflow with Smooth Performance and Easy Markup](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/foxit-pdf-editor-review-12616048)" |
| 5 | [Docusign](https://www.g2.com/products/docusign/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (2,505 reviews) | Standardized digital agreements | "[Secure, Simple Contract Management with a Premium Client Experience](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/docusign-review-12685372)" |
| 6 | [Adobe Acrobat Sign](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat-sign/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (1,015 reviews) | Agreement tracking and approvals | "[Fraud-Proof Document Signing, Easy Setup](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/adobe-acrobat-sign-review-12723943)" |
| 7 | [BoldSign](https://www.g2.com/products/boldsign/reviews) | 4.7/5.0 (310 reviews) | Affordable compliant signature workflows | "[Exactly what I needed for API-based proposals](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/boldsign-review-12781355)" |
| 8 | [Xodo Sign](https://www.g2.com/products/xodo-sign/reviews) | 4.8/5.0 (2,740 reviews) | Simple contract signature workflows | "[Reliable and Straightforward for Managing Agreements](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xodo-sign-review-12496997)" |
| 9 | [dotloop](https://www.g2.com/products/dotloop/reviews) | 4.3/5.0 (172 reviews) | Real estate transaction management | "[Why you should use Dotloop over any other e-signature/transaction platform.](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/dotloop-review-12713442)" |
| 10 | [GetAccept](https://www.g2.com/products/getaccept/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (1,224 reviews) | Digital sales room document workflows | "[Seamless Onboarding, Helpful Team, and a Clean, Reliable Dashboard](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/getaccept-review-12682321)" |

  
## Which E-Signature Software Is Best for Your Use Case?

- **Leader:** [Adobe Acrobat](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat/reviews)
- **Highest Performer:** [DocuSeal](https://www.g2.com/products/docuseal/reviews)
- **Easiest to Use:** [DocuSeal](https://www.g2.com/products/docuseal/reviews)
- **Top Trending:** [SignWell](https://www.g2.com/products/signwell/reviews)
- **Best Free Software:** [PandaDoc](https://www.g2.com/products/pandadoc/reviews)

  
## Which Type of E-Signature Software Tools Are You Looking For?
  - [E-Signature Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/e-signature) *(current)*
  - [Contract Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/contract-management)
  - [Proposal Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/proposal)
  - [Document Generation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/document-generation)
  - [Online Form Builder Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/online-form-builder)
  - [Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/contract-lifecycle-management-clm)
  - [E-Signature APIs Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/e-signature-apis)
  - [Document Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/document-management)

  
---

**Sponsored**

### Signify

Signify is a digital contracting platform that helps teams manage, automate, and track documents in one place. From sending and signing to organizing and archiving, it supports the full document workflow. Signify combines e-signatures, workflow automation, a team workspace, and a searchable archive. Set signing order and recipient roles, assign documents to folders with team-based permissions, and use structured templates to keep processes consistent across the company. You can see exactly what’s signed, pending, or in progress - and who’s involved. Permissions are clear, templates are shared with built-in rules, and folder access is controlled by team roles. Over 4.5 million documents have been sent through Signify, with 80% finalized in under 24 hours. Signify is built to support both the people who manage documents and those who sign them - making the entire process simple and efficient.



[Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=152&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=152&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=152&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=1450270&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=152&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fe-signature&secure%5Btoken%5D=e8cc2dc6797a3725442f3344d6d643db8b74fa9f5a75aa8e2e114f82136c3ef7&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fsignifyapp.com%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url)

---

  
## Buyer Guide: Key Questions for Choosing E-Signature Software Software
  ### How should I choose E-signature software?
  For me, the strongest e-signature software is the kind that removes friction from the document process without adding unnecessary complexity. When easy signing, document preparation, completion tracking, templates, PDF features, integrations, and admin controls work together, e-signature software becomes a dependable system for getting approvals completed faster.


  ### What does E-signature software do?
  When I explain e-signature software, I frame it as a system that helps teams move documents from preparation to approval in a more structured way. These platforms bring document sending, digital signing, PDF handling, form completion, approvals, storage, and workflow tracking into one process. Instead of relying on printing, scanning, email follow-ups, or manual file management, teams can complete agreements faster, keep signed documents accessible, and reduce the extra steps around approvals.


  ### Why do businesses use E-signature software?
  From the G2 reviewer patterns I evaluated, businesses use e-signature software to reduce delays in getting contracts, forms, agreements, and other documents signed. Users often mention that these tools replace printing, scanning, mailing, and repeated follow-up with a clearer digital process.

Common benefits reviewers highlight include:

- Faster completion of contracts and client forms.
- Easier document sending, signing, and storage.
- Less dependence on paper-based processes.
- Better visibility into document status.
- Simpler collaboration with clients and internal teams.
- More organized handling of PDFs, forms, and agreements.


  ### Who uses E-signature software primarily?
  After examining G2 profiles, I found that e-signature software supports multiple roles across document approval and signing workflows.

- **Day-to-day users** who need to send, sign, approve, and track documents quickly.
- **Administrators** who need to manage setup, user access, templates, permissions, and process consistency.
- **Small businesses and independent users** who need a simple way to complete contracts, forms, and agreements without manual paperwork.
- **Mid-sized teams** who need repeatable signing workflows across departments, clients, vendors, and employees.
- **Technology and marketing teams** who need to manage approvals, service agreements, campaign documents, and vendor paperwork.
- **Accounting, financial services, and legal teams** who need secure signing workflows for client forms, contracts, disclosures, and compliance documents.
- **Real estate, construction, healthcare, education, staffing, and nonprofit teams** who need to collect signatures, store signed files, and keep document workflows moving.


  ### What types of E-signature software should I consider?
  From the G2 feedback I evaluated, buyers should consider these common types:

- **Standalone e-signature tools:** Best for sending, signing, tracking, and storing agreements.
- **PDF-centered tools:** Best when reviewers need editing, form filling, preparation, and signing together.
- **Document workflow platforms:** Best for contracts, proposals, templates, approvals, and customer-facing documents.
- **Form-based signing tools:** Best for structured forms, intake documents, or repeatable client submissions.
- **Sales and proposal tools with e-signature:** Best when signing is part of quoting, proposals, or client acceptance.


  ### What are the core features to look for in E-signature software?
  I found that G2 reviewers value practical features that reduce friction:

- Simple document sending and recipient routing that help teams move documents to the right people quickly.
- Fast signing experiences that help internal and external users complete approvals without confusion.
- PDF editing, form filling, and reusable templates that help teams prepare documents with fewer manual steps.
- Status tracking, reminders, and notifications that help users see where documents stand and follow up on incomplete signatures.
- Secure storage and access to completed documents that help teams find signed files when they need them.
- Integrations with CRM, cloud storage, and productivity tools that help connect signing workflows to existing business systems.
- Admin controls for users, permissions, and workflows that help teams manage access and keep processes consistent.
- Reliable support and clear onboarding resources that help users set up workflows and solve issues faster.
- Pricing and plan fit that help teams choose software that matches their document volume and budget.


  ### What trends are shaping E-signature software right now?
  G2 reviewer sentiment points to several active trends:

- **Document workflows are expanding** beyond signing to include preparation, tracking, storage, and follow-up.
- **PDF editing and signing are becoming more connected** as users look for one place to prepare and complete documents.
- **Recipient experience** is becoming a major buying factor because clients and external users need signing to feel simple.
- **Integrations are helping teams** connect signed documents with sales, operations, CRM, storage, and productivity workflows.
- **Pricing and plan limits** remain important as buyers evaluate seats, usage caps, advanced features, and extra fees.
- **Reliability and interface clarity** continue to shape satisfaction through load speed, navigation, and overall ease of use.



---

  
    ## What Is E-Signature Software?
  [Sales Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/sales-tools)
  ## What Software Categories Are Similar to E-Signature Software?
    - [Contract Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/contract-management)
    - [Proposal Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/proposal)
    - [Document Generation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/document-generation)
    - [Online Form Builder Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/online-form-builder)
    - [Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/contract-lifecycle-management-clm)
    - [E-Signature APIs Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/e-signature-apis)
    - [Document Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/document-management)

  
---

## How Do You Choose the Right E-Signature Software?

### What You Should Know About E-Signature Software

### E-signature software overview 

E-signature software allows users to receive, sign, and send documents virtually, eliminating the need for physical distribution. Sending a contract or another document requiring electronic signatures becomes even more convenient when one can ensure that those documents are shared and stored securely. 

Aside from the paperless work environment that e-signature software helps create, the tool also alleviates the burden of waiting for the recipient to sign and send the contract without confirming if the document has been received or sent. 

According to the[](https://esignrecords.org/who-we-are/)[Electronic Signature & Records Association](https://esignrecords.org/who-we-are/), it can be a sound, symbol, or process. E-signatures can be captured on a computer, tablet, or mobile device. They verify and validate the intentions of the signer while also providing records retention. 

Since signing and tracking documents on the go can be convenient or perhaps a necessity, e-signature providers continue to add greater functionality to their products through native iOS, Windows, Android apps, or mobile browsers. 

E-signature software provides users with an efficient alternative to the traditional methods of preparing, sending, signing, and verifying documents, agreements, and contracts. It provides an enhanced customer experience, improved workflow efficiencies, and an effective method to stand up to legal muster. 

Nevertheless, due to the sensitivity of the documents exchanged and signed with an electronic signature solution, most products adhere to strict industry standards for authenticity, security, and encryption. 

Some e-signature solutions come equipped (or facilitate the integration) with solutions that offer e-notary functionality. While both solutions support the data integrity of sensitive documents, electronic notarization goes beyond encrypting and securing electronic signatures. Both solutions support sharing and storing documents, but document generation further allows users to create complex document types, including text-based and graphics. 

Additionally, many e-signature products offer out-of-the-box integration with popular[](https://www.g2.com/categories/crm)[CRM](https://www.g2.com/categories/crm) or document management tools. Integrating an e-signature product with the user's CRM software or[](https://www.g2.com/categories/content-management)[content management system](https://www.g2.com/categories/content-management) can make the contract signing process more efficient and easier to manage.

### Who uses e-signature software? 

Given the vast applicability e-signatures offer to businesses, a wide variety of stakeholder groups leverage this software. Below are a few examples:

- **Sales teams:** E-signature software assists sales teams in quickly sending sales agreements, purchase orders, or contracts to vendors and increases the efficiency of the signing process. Sales professionals are tasked daily with communicating with prospective clients and sharing sensitive sales contract documents. 
- **HR teams:** E-signature software allows human resource professionals to efficiently interact with potential employees by sharing, reviewing, and receiving employment offers and other HR documents directly with the prospect. HR professionals can easily send documentation to potential employees with e-signature platforms and track where potential employees are in the signing process.
- **Legal teams:** Legal professionals constantly send and receive legal documents. E-signature software allows legal teams to effectively access the plethora of documents they regularly require to take action and tailor them accordingly.  
- **Property management professionals:** Real estate and property management professionals are tasked with sending, reviewing, and receiving several different types of documents daily to perform their duties. This software allows property management workers to quickly send lease agreements, among other industry-relevant documents, to current or future tenants and track the tenant’s progress in signing documents. 
- **Procurement and supply chain teams:** Among their responsibilities, supply chain professionals are consistently tasked with reviewing and signing documents such as contracts, licenses, and purchase agreements. E-signature solutions enable supply chain professionals to streamline their contract management processes and consolidate all document signing activities to one location. 
- **Insurance professionals:** Insurance professionals are constantly tasked with providing customers with applications, insurance claims, and renewals, among other documents, which can be inconvenient to deliver and receive in physical forms. E-signature software enables insurance workers to quickly provide their customers with digital copies to expedite the document signing process and ensure that customers are adequately protected. 
- **Financial services:** In the financial services sector, workers are required to review agreements or financial documents regularly. These tools allow finance workers to easily review and sign documents in a remote setting, including on a mobile device, which helps them streamline the process for what can be complex financial deals. Financial services professionals must adhere to various industry regulations, and e-signature software seamlessly ensures compliance, saving workers time and resources. 

### What are the types of e-signature software?

There are three main types of e-signature software. They are: 

- **Simple electronic signatures (SES):** SESs are the most basic type of [e-signature](https://www.g2.com/articles/e-signature). They include a scanned image of a handwritten signature, a checkbox, or a typed name at the end of an electronic document. They are often considered less secure compared to the other types since they don’t provide a strong level of authentication or verification of the signer’s identity. SESs are not legally binding as they provide little to no protection against fraud. However, they may be used across various low-security signing scenarios. 
- **Advanced electronic signatures (AES):** AESs are more secure than simple e-signatures and have additional features to enhance the authentication and integrity of the signed electronic document. They incorporate cryptographic techniques that help secure the signer’s identity and may use digital certificates, biometrics, or other advanced authentication methods. Many countries recognize them as legally binding. 
- **Qualified electronic signatures (QES):** QESs are the highest level of e-signature in terms of security and legal standing. They meet the regulatory requirements and standards set by authorities in various jurisdictions. QESs typically involve stringent authentication procedures and may even require the use of secure signature creation devices (SSCDs) such as USB tokens or smart cards. They are widely recognized as an equivalent to handwritten signatures and are used for transactions that require a high level of trust and security. 

### Which e-signature platform is best for contract signing?

If you are looking for the best e-signature platform for contract signing, here is a list of e-signature software to make contract signing fast and convenient for you:

- [**DocuSign**](https://www.g2.com/products/docusign/reviews): Offers excellent third-party app compatibility and is ideal for businesses managing numerous documents and signees.
- [airSlate](https://www.g2.com/products/airslate-signnow/reviews)[SignNow](https://www.g2.com/products/airslate-signnow/reviews): Offers a user-friendly interface with features like bulk sending, in-person signing, and document tracking.
- [**HelloSign (also known as, Dropbox Sign)**](https://www.g2.com/products/dropbox-sign-formerly-hellosign/reviews): Known for its simplicity and ease of use. It's suitable for teams seeking a straightforward solution for document signing.

### Which e-signature app is best for legal documents?

Compliance and Security features are important when it comes to looking for the best e-signature app for legal documents. Here are a few options for you:

- [**Secure Signing**](https://www.g2.com/products/secured-signing/reviews) - Stands out for its top-notch security and authentication features
- [**Adobe Acrobat Sign**](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat-sign/reviews) - Known for its high compliance with legal standards and rich feature set.
- [**PandaDoc**](https://www.g2.com/products/pandadoc/reviews) - Known for its strong security measures and ease of use.

### Benefits of e-signature software 

E-signature software can have its own set of benefits, as mentioned below.

- **Increase workflow efficiencies:** E-signature solutions allow users to create and share documents digitally with the signer, enabling the workforce to focus on more strenuous tasks. E-signature tools enable users to leverage already created templates, send documents virtually through cloud-based solutions, and get notified when documents have been seen, signed, and returned, saving time and manual effort.
- **Improve customer experience:** Rather than constantly checking physical mailboxes, meeting with the signatory, and ensuring receipt of the agreement, these automation solutions enable the signer to virtually receive, review, and sign the document, providing a better user experience to all parties involved. 
- **Provide audit trail and compliance:** E-signature tools provide businesses with an easy method for tracking the movement of their documents and detecting changes or edits made to documents and agreements. These tools provide an audit trail where companies can see who signed the document, when it was signed, where it was signed, and who it was shared with. 
- **Increase cost efficiency:** E-signature solutions eliminate the paper trail of contracts, which reduces printing and physical file storage needs. This reduces the environmental impact businesses have and allows businesses to save on office and administrative expenses such as paper, printers, fax machines, and pens. 
- **Improve productivity:** Another key benefit of electronic signature software is improving productivity by allocating less time to sign, send, and process contracts or agreements in person. In addition to the reduced time needed to sign and process documents, e-signature platforms help businesses cut administrative expenses and allow employees to focus on high business priorities rather than shipping and receiving contracts.
- **Allow ease of scalability:** E-signature software allows businesses to easily scale up software usage to additional users, teams, or the entire enterprise due to its ease of use. Because signing documents electronically is relatively easy to train users on, compared to more in-depth software, businesses can scale up their software usage to increase productivity in other business areas. 

### What are the features of E-signature software?

The following are some core features within e-signature platforms that can help users make the most of them:

- **Document signing:** The tool lets the signer easily and intuitively sign documents virtually. This feature enables businesses to focus on higher-priority tasks rather than obtaining, reviewing, signing, and sending documents. E-signature solutions are user-friendly and expedite the signing process. 
- **Progress tracking:** This technology allows interested parties to track documents and identify if the document has been received, opened, and signed in real-time. This feature provides businesses greater visibility into the signer’s activities and allows them to understand when agreements will be signed and delivered more accurately. 
- **Regulatory compliance:** Signatures often adhere to strict regulations, permissions, and legal standards. E-signature software allows signers to focus on work tasks rather than worry about regulatory compliance of an agreement, as these tools typically have regulatory compliance embedded within the software.
- **Document creation and templates:** Agreements and documents often have nuanced differences and vary depending on their use case. However, e-signature solutions allow users to use premade templates or create templates to customize agreements for the individual signer quickly.
- [Mobile accessibility](https://www.g2.com/categories/e-signature/f/mobile-signatures) **:** Users can easily send, review, and sign documents on mobile devices or mobile apps. This allows users to freely review and sign agreements independently, rather than being physically present in front of the interested parties or on a computer. 
- [Bulk digital signatures](https://www.g2.com/categories/e-signature/f/bulk-digital-signatures) **:** Users can send documents and agreements requiring thousands of signers simultaneously. E-signature platforms enable businesses to send documents in bulk to various parties, increasing the efficiency of the signing process and enhancing document management processes. This feature saves companies countless hours of sending, receiving, and tracking the status of documents.
- **Document repository:** Another key feature of e-signature tools is retaining all documents or agreements and storing them within the solution or on a third-party platform. Businesses can enhance their document management capabilities by having a solution that stores all documents securely and is accessible for future use cases such as contract negotiations, renewals, or legal matters. 
- **Signature creation:** A core feature of e-signature software is creating and customizing signature blocks and initials for signers to use. Signature creation can occur on all required electronic document types or forms and can be individualized for the user. This allows businesses to sign documents electronically and create an authentic signature at any point in the document workflow. 
- **Custom branding:** Many e-signature solutions allow businesses to implement custom branding in the various types of documents that will be shared, signed, and stored. This feature enables businesses to leverage their brand in documents or agreements and have consistent brand marketing throughout their documents. 
- **File sharing:** Besides signing documents, e-signature tools enable businesses to quickly share files with multiple parties in real-time. This allows companies to efficiently share and send any type of document to interested parties without physically moving.  
- **API integrations:** E-signature software can also leverage API integrations to enable users to create and update documents, forms, or templates and integrate them into other business processes or workflows by leveraging an all-in-one e-signature system. API integrations provide businesses with an effective way to seamlessly integrate the document signing process into any other core aspect of their business. 
- **Reminders and expirations:** Another feature offered within e-signature solutions is the ability to remind signers of documents or agreements waiting to be signed and notify them of expiration dates for digital documents. Users can be notified through various mediums, including SMS and email. This feature assists in progressing the document signing process, increases turnaround time, and ensures interested parties do not miss contract renewals or offer period expirations. 

### E-signature software pricing

E-signature software is often priced in tiers, with lower-tier options providing a limited number of users and, in some cases, limited documents and restricted access to all the features encompassed within the tool. 

The tiers are typically structured, with the lowest tier offering a single-user license and the ability to sign and upload a specific volume of documents. As the tiers increase, businesses are typically offered additional licenses and features to leverage, such as additional templates, integration options, or custom branding. 

The ongoing cost is the subscription cost to use the e-signature software. These tools usually run on a subscription model, meaning users will pay a monthly or annual rate. Furthermore, some vendors charge for additional per–usage features, such as API document capabilities (charged per document) or bulk document signings. 

Additionally, when considering implementing e-signature software, businesses should take advantage of the free trials offered by vendors to access the features provided by each e-signature software solution before making a purchasing decision.

Pricing for e-signature software ranges based on the number of users and desired features. Still, some providers offer a free plan with limited functionality, while others provide a basic plan that can be charged as low as $10 per month per user. 

As the tiered plans increase in functionality and number of users, so does the pricing, with plans going upwards of $80-$140 a month with the potential to further increase based on a business’ needs or the number of users. Businesses should consider the number of users that intend to use the e-signature solution, as this may be a good negotiating strategy when discussing pricing plans. 

### How to choose the best e-signature software

#### Requirements gathering (RFI/RFP) for e-signature software

Requirements gathering for an e-signature solution is critical to ensure the business is leveraging a product that meets its needs. To do so, companies must evaluate the software based on their critical needs, as given below.

#### Compare e-signature software products

**Create a long list**

Long lists are created by eliminating software options that do not provide critical functionality. To make a long list for an e-signature vendor, a buyer should look at the essential functionalities and determine which products provide the necessary functionality. Common functionalities provided by e-signature software include document creation and templatizing, the ability to integrate with existing software, mobile accessibility, scalability, customization, and reporting. 

A typical long list should not contain more than 10 products unless there are many similar options. In this case, buyers can use additional details, such as the geographical presence or industry regulations and standards, to eliminate vendors. 

**Create a shortlist**

From the long list of vendors, it is helpful to narrow down the list and develop a shorter list of contenders, preferably no more than three to five. With this list in hand, businesses can produce a matrix to compare the features and pricing of the various solutions. 

**Conduct demos.**

To ensure the comparison is thorough, the user should demo, or free trial where applicable, each solution on the shortlist with the same use case and datasets. This will allow the business to evaluate like for like and see how each vendor stacks up against the competition. 

#### Selection of e-signature software

**Choose a selection team**

E-signature software can be widely used across an organization, from the HR department to sales, marketing, and legal teams. It is important to consider input from a member of each employee group that intends to leverage the software, as each group may have differing needs and applications for the software. 

The selection team for the e-signature tool should include a senior member from each department that will leverage the software, such as a senior sales member, a legal representative, an HR employee, and an IT professional to ensure software compatibility. This selection team will ensure that all use cases and potential applications of the software can be assessed and ensure the compliance of a potential e-signature solution. 

**Negotiation**

When negotiating a software contract, it is crucial to minimize risk in terms of performance or security and accurately assess the business needs relating to this software. As most solutions are priced based on the number of licenses, with the potential for additional charges based on desired features, businesses need to estimate the number of licenses they may require. If the company has cash flow, it may behoove them to ask for a discount in return for an annual upfront payment rather than a monthly fee. 

Buyers should also determine if they need assistance implementing or integrating the e-signature software with another system. Lastly, businesses should also decide how long they will need this software to better negotiate with longer-term contracts. 

**Final decision**

The final decision should be made based on all the information gathered previously. Businesses should seek to prioritize needs and select the tool that meets most of, if not all of, their requirements. Companies should remember that there is likely no perfect software, but there is likely one that best meets the needs of their business.

### E-signature software trends  

#### Increased focus on security and compliance 

To promote acceptance of e-signature technology, many vendors strive to meet or exceed industry security standards such as the[](https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/FIPS/NIST.FIPS.186-4.pdf)[Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA)](https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/FIPS/NIST.FIPS.186-4.pdf), a Federal Information Processing Standard for digital signatures adopted in 1993. Measures such as these ensure guidelines for the secure transferral and signature of contracts using modern encryption technologies.

Companies using e-signature software are subject to a variety of compliance requirements. Per the E-SIGN Act, financial institutions must maintain accessible electronic records of documents for a period of time. HR departments also must ensure that their use of electronic signatures for employee onboarding is compliant with the[](https://www.cms.gov/regulations-and-guidance/administrative-simplification/hipaa-aca)[Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)](https://www.cms.gov/regulations-and-guidance/administrative-simplification/hipaa-aca) of 1996. 

Most e-signature products offer detailed information about their security standards and technology. If security features are the primary concern when choosing an e-signature solution, the buyer should select a product that provides advanced document encryption capabilities and secure access and authentication features. 

#### Artificial intelligence and integration of apps

Many e-signature software vendors have begun to leverage innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence to provide analytics into the document signing process. As businesses continue to aggregate data on the document signing experience, they can begin to analyze their customers’ experience and dissect what areas of the document may be most scrutinized or reviewed the longest. 

The use of this technology is further evidenced by the countless applications that can be integrated with e-signature solutions, which further streamlines the process and helps centralize management. Integrating e-signature software with other business applications may lead to enhanced customer insights, as businesses can analyze which deals were signed the fastest and cross reference that with the customer’s experience through the sales process. 

#### Enhanced authentication

As the world grows increasingly concerned with security and the potential for breaches, e-signature software is also exploring methods to secure the process further and prevent unauthentic signatures. Vendors have begun exploring and leveraging biometric electronic signatures to help prevent a user from faking someone’s signature. 

One form of biometric e-signature is handwritten, meaning a user would manually draw their signature on a touch screen or using a stylus device. Another form becoming more popular is fingerprint-based, in which a reader would use a fingerprint reader to confirm their identity and sign the documents. Unfortunately, these biometric authentication factors still have flaws, like the availability of touch screens or fingerprint scanning devices when the signing process occurs. 

Additionally, the most accessible fingerprint device, a smartphone’s fingerprint reader, leverages a 2D print scan, which is relatively easy to fabricate, leading to concerns about reusable signatures with this technology. More sophisticated fingerprint-reading devices use a 3D scanning process. However, these are less likely to be available during the signing process as they are less commonly used. Nevertheless, as technology continues to advance and the threat of security breaches remains, e-signature software vendors may explore advanced authentication practices to improve security and verify the signing of digital documents.

_Reviewed and edited by_ [_Jigmee Bhutia_](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jigmeebhutia1408/)