12 Best Legal Electronic Signature Software For 2024
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12 Best Legal Electronic Signature Software
After exploring countless options, I've handpicked the 12 best electronic signature software, each primed to solve your signing woes. Let's dive in!
- Signaturely - Best for seamless integration with your workflow
- SignWell - Best for intuitive interface and user experience
- Legal Files - Best for legal-specific document handling and management
- Secured Signing - Best for top-notch security and authentication features
- Adobe Acrobat Sign - Best for broad compatibility and format support
- Fill - Best for quick document completion and efficient processing
- Dropbox Sign - Best for seamless integration with Dropbox cloud storage
- SignNow - Best for affordable yet robust functionality
- Signaturit Solutions - Best for advanced compliance and legality features
- PandaDoc - Best for template creation and collaborative signing
- Skribble - Best for multi-country legal validity and language support
- ZOOM Signature - Best for integration with video conferencing platforms
Immersing myself in the world of legal electronic signature software, I've seen the impact these tools can have. These e-signature solutions and signature apps are also designed to manage permissions and expedite signature requests, serving as a conduit between signers. With API capabilities, HIPAA-Compliant, and SOC 2 compliant, these platforms easily integrate into existing systems, whether they're cloud-based, Mac, or Windows-compatible.
The fundamental benefit of e-signature software is its ability to streamline contract management and document workflows. It also caters to a multitude of business needs including SMS-based contracts, adapting to your business plan, and creating an environment of efficiency and ease of use. If you're also struggling with time-consuming paper trails, delays in signature collection, or issues with document security, this is where e-signature software shines. It directly addresses these pain points, offering a faster, more secure method for handling important documents.
What is a Legal Electronic Signature Software?
Legal electronic signature software is a digital document tool utilized to capture, authenticate, and manage electronic signatures on legal documents. Also used by lawyers, business professionals, real estate agents, and any individuals or organizations needing to sign or collect signed legally binding signatures, these platforms offer a secure, efficient alternative to traditional pen-and-paper signatures.
They're particularly useful for handling contracts, agreements, or other legal documents that require formal consent or acknowledgment. Moreover, the software ensures the signature's legality, traces its origin, has reusable templates, and secures it against unauthorized changes, which is paramount in maintaining the integrity and validity of legal processes in a digital environment.
12 Best Legal Electronic Signature Software Overview
1. Signaturely - Best for seamless integration with your workflow
Signaturely is an electronic signature software that simplifies signing tasks by facilitating smooth integration with everyday workflows. The platform also suits businesses and individuals who are looking for an efficient tool that can effortlessly merge with their existing work processes.
Why I Picked Signaturely:
In my quest for the ideal electronic signature software, Signaturely caught my attention due to its distinctive emphasis on user workflow integration. I chose this platform because it understands that businesses need a tool that doesn't disrupt but rather enhances their operational flow. This edge also makes it ideal for those seeking to streamline their signing processes without complicating their work routine.
Standout features & integrations:
Signaturely offers numerous helpful features such as bulk sending, custom branding, and real-time notifications. What's more, it provides a detailed audit trail, allowing users to track the signing process efficiently.
In terms of integrations, Signaturely works harmoniously with popular platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. Moreover, these integrations make it easy for users to import or export documents without the need for additional steps or software.
Pricing:
Pricing starts at $10/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Efficient workflow integration
- Detailed audit trail
- Wide range of integrations with popular storage platforms
Cons:
- No free version
- Some features only available in higher-tier plans
- Requires annual billing for the lowest rate
2. SignWell - Best for intuitive interface and user experience
SignWell is an e-signature software designed to offer an easy-to-navigate interface and superior user experience. It caters to businesses and individuals who prefer a straightforward, uncomplicated signing process, thereby living up to its 'best for' statement.
Why I Picked SignWell:
I included SignWell in this list because its simplicity and intuitiveness stood out among its peers. I judged this tool based on the ease of its use and its potential to make electronic signing less intimidating, especially for beginners. It's not just about functionality; user experience carries significant weight, and that's why SignWell is the best choice for those who value an intuitive interface.
Standout features & integrations:
SignWell offers a variety of features such as document tracking, bulk sending, and custom branding. Its standout feature, though, is its well-designed, intuitive interface that makes the entire signing process less daunting and more efficient.
SignWell integrates effectively with CRM platforms like Salesforce, Zoho, and HubSpot. This seamless integration also allows users to easily manage their contacts and documents without the need to switch between apps.
Pricing:
The pricing for SignWell starts from $8/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Efficient CRM integrations
- Features like document tracking and bulk sending
Cons:
- No free plan
- Lower-tier plan limits access to advanced features
- Annual billing requirement for lower rates
3. Legal Files - Best for legal-specific document handling and management
Legal Files is an electronic signature solution uniquely tailored for legal document management. Its superior legal document handling abilities make it an ideal choice for legal professionals who need a tool specifically designed for their unique needs.
Why I Picked Legal Files:
In my comparison of different signature software, Legal Files emerged as the best for its specialized approach to legal document management. I selected this platform because of its unique focus on addressing the needs of legal professionals. Moreover, its specialization in legal-specific document handling makes it the best choice for law firms, attorneys, and paralegals who deal with a significant volume of legal documents.
Standout features & integrations:
Legal Files offers impressive features like case and matter management, document assembly, and an extensive legal-specific template library. The software's ability to handle complex legal documents efficiently and systematically sets it apart. As for integrations, Legal Files seamlessly also integrates with Microsoft Office and various email clients, ensuring smooth document handling and management within familiar work environments.
Pricing:
Legal Files' pricing starts from $25/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Specializes in legal-specific document handling
- Rich legal template library
- Smooth integration with Microsoft Office
Cons:
- No free plan
- Higher starting price compared to other tools
- Advanced features limited to higher-tier plans
4. Secured Signing - Best for top-notch security and authentication features
Secured Signing, as its name suggests, prioritizes security and authentication in its electronic signature solution. If your operations require enhanced security features, Secured Signing is the choice for you.
Why I Picked Secured Signing:
I picked Secured Signing for this list due to its uncompromising focus on secure digital signature handling. It also stands out for its superior security features, including advanced PKI technology and a comprehensive authentication system. In my opinion, it's best for businesses and individuals needing top-notch security in their electronic signature processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Secured Signing shines with its robust set of security features, including two-factor authentication, time-stamped audit trails, and identity verification. It also offers a Video Confirmation feature, which further enhances the security of the signing process. Integration-wise, Secured Signing fits in smoothly with business workflows by connecting with common tools such as Salesforce, Google Workspace, Dropbox, and Microsoft Office.
Pricing:
Secured Signing offers plans starting from $9.95/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Advanced security and authentication features
- Video Confirmation feature adds an extra layer of security
- Strong integrations with popular business tools
Cons:
- No free plan available
- Some features may be overkill for small businesses
- Pricing can get expensive for larger teams
5. Adobe Acrobat Sign - Best for broad compatibility and format support
Adobe Acrobat Sign is a prominent name in the electronic signature market, offering a vast array of features and extensive format support. It proves itself as an all-inclusive solution for those needing to process a wide range of document types for signing.
Why I Picked Adobe Acrobat Sign:
Adobe Acrobat Sign made the list due to its expansive compatibility with different file formats, a result of Adobe Sign’s long-standing leadership in document technology. This breadth of compatibility sets it apart. It's also best for businesses and individuals who deal with diverse document formats, not just the typical PDFs, and want a single tool to manage all these signing processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Adobe Acrobat Sign allows users to send, sign, track, and manage signature processes with a simple and clear workflow. It's standout features include flexible signing options, robust workflow customization, and automatic archiving. Moreover, it integrates seamlessly with a wide array of software including Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Workday, and Dropbox, allowing businesses to incorporate electronic signatures into their existing workflows easily.
Pricing:
Adobe Acrobat Sign has a starting price of $14.99/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Wide format support accommodates various document types
- Seamless integration with many business tools
- Comprehensive workflow customization
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other tools
- UI might be complex for new users
- No free plan available
6. Fill - Best for quick document completion and efficient processing
Fill is an electronic signature tool that prioritizes speed and efficiency, enabling users to fill out, sign, and send unlimited documents without unnecessary delays. It aligns perfectly with businesses and individuals who value quick turnaround times and efficient processes.
Why I Picked Fill:
I picked Fill for its strong emphasis on time-saving features and quick document processing. This focus also distinguishes it from many other tools on the market. It is, in my judgment, best for those looking to expedite their document signing and delivery process, reducing the time spent waiting for signatures or manually filling out forms.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of Fill include the ability to import documents from various sources, auto-fill documents, request signatures, and track document status. It also boasts a high level of security with encryption to ensure data privacy. Moreover, Fill integrates with many platforms, including Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Gmail, allowing users to easily import and export documents for signing and management.
Pricing:
Fill's pricing starts from $6/user/month.
Pros:
- Speedy document processing for fast turnaround times
- Useful integrations with popular platforms
- High level of security with encryption
Cons:
- The user interface could be more intuitive
- Lack of advanced features compared to other tools
- Customer support may not be as robust as some competitors
7. Dropbox Sign - Best for seamless integration with Dropbox cloud storage
Dropbox Sign is an e-signature tool that works natively within the popular cloud storage platform, Dropbox. It's designed to simplify the document signing process for those who are already using Dropbox for file storage and collaboration.
Why I Picked Dropbox Sign:
I selected Dropbox Sign due to its excellent integration with Dropbox. The tool stands out by seamlessly incorporating electronic signature functionality within an existing platform, providing a significant advantage for existing Dropbox users. This makes it a prime choice for those seeking to combine document storage and signing processes in one place.
Standout features & integrations:
Dropbox Sign's main feature is its ability to add and request signatures directly from within Dropbox. It also provides a detailed audit trail for each document, ensuring a transparent signing process. Since Dropbox Sign is a feature within Dropbox itself, it integrates perfectly with the platform. Users can easily sign any document stored in their Dropbox account and also share signed documents through Dropbox.
Pricing:
Pricing for Dropbox Sign starts from $12/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Excellent integration with Dropbox
- Transparent audit trail
- Simplified document signing process for Dropbox users
Cons:
- Limited standalone functionality outside of Dropbox
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
- Lacks advanced features found in dedicated e-signature tools
8. SignNow - Best for affordable yet robust functionality
SignNow is an e-signature solution known for delivering robust functionality at a relatively lower price point. It allows users to send, track, and manage signature processes, all while being cost-effective.
Why I Picked SignNow:
I picked SignNow for its combination of affordability and feature-rich offering. It stands apart from its competitors because it delivers advanced e-signature capabilities without the premium pricing often associated with such functionality. Therefore, I determined it as the best for organizations seeking budget-friendly yet comprehensive e-signature solutions.
Standout features & integrations:
SignNow offers various valuable features, including custom templates, document groups for sending multiple docs at once, and the ability to set signing order for multiple recipients. It also provides robust audit trails for compliance. Moreover, SignNow connects with many productivity and business tools, including Google Workspace, Office 365, Salesforce, and many more, making it easy to fit into existing workflows.
Pricing:
SignNow's pricing starts at $8/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Affordable pricing with robust features
- Extensive third-party integrations
- Supports multiple document such as pdf documents handling and custom templates
Cons:
- The user interface might seem less modern compared to competitors
- Some users report a learning curve in fully leveraging all features
- Mobile app on android and iOS experience may lack some desktop functionalities
9. Signaturit Solutions - Best for advanced compliance and legality features
Signaturit Solutions provides a comprehensive e-signature service with a strong focus on legality and compliance aspects. It also offers multiple types of electronic signatures and adheres to the most stringent regulations, making it a reliable choice for companies with significant legal compliance requirements.
Why I Picked Signaturit Solutions:
In my selection process, I judged Signaturit Solutions to be unmatched in its focus on advanced compliance and legality features. This distinction also makes it an ideal choice for businesses with complex compliance needs. The tool's commitment to legal adherence and the robustness of its compliance features are what position it as "Best for advanced compliance and legality features".
Standout features & integrations:
Signaturit Solutions delivers multiple types of electronic signatures, including simple, advanced, and qualified signatures. It also provides strong legal validity by complying with EU and international regulations such as eIDAS. Moreover, it has integrations with key business tools like Salesforce, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics, which allow companies to incorporate the e-signature process seamlessly into their existing workflows.
Pricing:
Pricing for Signaturit Solutions starts from $15/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Strong focus on compliance and legality
- Offers multiple types of electronic signatures
- Integrates well with major business tools
Cons:
- Higher starting price compared to some competitors
- User interface may be less intuitive than other options
- Potentially limited functionalities in the lower pricing tiers
10. PandaDoc - Best for template creation and collaborative signing
PandaDoc is an electronic signature tool known for its robust template creation capabilities and collaborative signing feature. It allows businesses to streamline their document processes, making it particularly useful for teams that frequently work with templates and need a tool that facilitates collaboration in signing documents.
Why I Picked PandaDoc:
In determining my list, PandaDoc stood out due to its strong emphasis on template creation and collaborative signing. I believe it offers a distinct set of features that cater particularly to teams that depend heavily on templates and need to manage document signing in a collaborative manner. This makes it "Best for template creation and collaborative signing".
Standout features & integrations:
PandaDoc shines with its dynamic, customizable template creation and user-friendly interface that allows multiple parties to sign a document collaboratively. It also offers a document tracking feature, providing insights into the document process.
PandaDoc integrates seamlessly with many CRM platforms like Salesforce and Zoho, as well as cloud storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox, offering flexibility in terms of workflow.
Pricing:
PandaDoc pricing starts from $19/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Robust template creation
- Facilitates collaborative signing
- Wide range of integrations
Cons:
- The collaborative signing feature might be overwhelming for some users
- Could be considered pricey for small businesses
- Limited features in the basic pricing tier
11. Skribble - Best for multi-country legal validity and language support
Skribble is an e-signature solution known for its support for multiple languages and its legal validity across many countries. It also ensures that documents signed through its platform are legally binding, with a special focus on supporting a diverse range of languages, making it a suitable choice for international businesses.
Why I Picked Skribble:
Skribble was chosen for its commitment to multi-country legal validity and expansive language support. I judged it to stand out in its provision for global businesses, taking into consideration diverse needs. For companies operating in various countries and in multiple languages, I believe Skribble is the "Best for multi-country legal validity and language support".
Standout features & integrations:
Skribble's most notable features include its international legal compliance and wide language support. It adheres to eIDAS, Swiss law, and GDPR, ensuring that signatures obtained are legally binding worldwide. For integrations, Skribble can be connected with tools such as Microsoft Office, G Suite, and Salesforce, allowing for efficient workflow across different platforms.
Pricing:
Skribble's pricing begins from $10/user/month.
Pros:
- Legal validity across various countries
- Extensive language support
- Broad integration with popular platforms
Cons:
- The user interface may not be as intuitive as competitors
- The focus on legal validity might be unnecessary for some users
- Pricing may be a bit high for smaller organizations
12. ZOOM Signature - Best for integration with video conferencing platforms
ZOOM Signature is a prominent electronic signature solution from the widely known video conferencing platform, Zoom. It's also designed to seamlessly integrate e-signing capabilities into the video conferencing environment, which positions it as an optimal solution for teams frequently using video calls.
Why I Picked ZOOM Signature:
The selection of ZOOM Signature for this list was a straightforward decision given its unique integration with video conferencing. Not only does it facilitate the usual e-signing features, but it also excels at integrating these into an environment that many businesses have become familiar with. In this context, ZOOM Signature is the "Best for integration with video conferencing platforms".
Standout features & integrations:
ZOOM Signature's key feature is its seamless integration with Zoom's video conferencing service, allowing for real-time signing during meetings. It also provides secure and verified signing processes, ensuring document integrity.
In terms of integrations, ZOOM Signature syncs with other services offered by Zoom, including Zoom Chat and Zoom Rooms, further bolstering its collaboration capabilities.
Pricing:
Pricing for ZOOM Signature starts from $14/user/month.
Pros:
- Excellent integration with Zoom's video conferencing platform
- Secure and verified signing processes
- Real-time signing during meetings
Cons:
- Limited value for those not using Zoom's other services
- Lacks some advanced features found in dedicated e-signature tools
- May require additional learning for those unfamiliar with Zoom's ecosystem
Other Legal Electronic Signature Software
Below is a list of additional legal electronic signature software that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- OneSpan Sign - Good for businesses seeking top-notch security and audit trails
- Right Signature - Good for providing customers with an intuitive and simple signing experience
- Zoho Sign - Good for businesses already using Zoho's suite of productivity tools
- Otter Waiver - Good for industries needing quick, mobile-friendly waiver signatures
- sproof sign - Good for organizations requiring blockchain-based, tamper-proof signatures
- Legalesign - Good for large teams needing advanced admin controls and bulk-sending options
Selection Criteria for Legal Electronic Signature Software
In my extensive experience evaluating electronic signature tools, I've tested a wide range of software solutions and delved into the functionality and features that stand out. While I've evaluated dozens of digital signature tools, my main focus is on the tools that provide top-notch security, smooth user interface, and great integration capabilities.
Core Functionality:
- Ability to upload and prepare documents for signature: A crucial function is the ability to easily upload documents in various formats and prepare them for signatures.
- Secure and Legal Signatures: The tool should provide a secure platform for signatures and ensure legal validity across various jurisdictions.
- Audit Trails: A significant feature in the case of disputes, tools should provide a comprehensive trail of who signed what and when.
Key Features:
- Integrations: The tool should seamlessly integrate with other tools and platforms commonly used by businesses, like CRM, email, or project management tools.
- Mobile Access: Accessing and signing documents from mobile devices is necessary for today's remote work environment.
- Template Creation: This feature allows users to create and save templates for frequently used forms, enhancing productivity.
Usability:
- Intuitive User Interface: The software should be easy to navigate, with the main functions readily accessible. Users shouldn't need to struggle to upload documents, create templates, or send documents for signing.
- Customer Support: Strong customer support is vital. Users should have access to support through various channels such as email, chat, or phone.
- Onboarding and Training: Tools should offer resources like tutorials, webinars, or knowledge bases to help users understand how to get the most out of the software.
Most Common Questions for Legal Electronic Software
What are the benefits of using legal electronic signature software?
Using electronic signature software brings numerous benefits, including:
- Efficiency: These tools streamline the signing process, eliminating the need for physical documents and in-person meetings.
- Cost Savings: By reducing the need for paper, printing, and shipping, businesses can save significant amounts of money.
- Security: These platforms provide a secure environment for signing, along with features like audit trails to ensure the integrity and legality of signatures.
- Global and Legal Compliance: They ensure compliance with international regulations and provide legally valid signatures across multiple jurisdictions.
- Integration: These tools often integrate with other software, enhancing workflow and increasing productivity.
How much does legal electronic signature software typically cost?
The pricing of electronic signature software varies greatly based on the tool's features, the number of users, and the level of support provided.
What are the typical pricing models for these tools?
Most electronic signature tools follow a subscription-based pricing model, often billed monthly or annually. This usually includes tiered plans, with costs increasing as more features or users are added.
What is the typical range of pricing for electronic signature software?
Paid plans can range from $10/user/month to $40/user/month for standard plans. Enterprise-level plans with advanced features and greater support may cost more, and specific pricing is often available upon request.
What is the cheapest electronic signature software?
Zoho Sign is one of the more affordable options, with pricing starting from $10/user/month.
What is the most expensive electronic signature software?
With its advanced features and robust support, tools like DocuSign tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum.
Are there any free options for electronic signature software?
Yes, several tools offer free plans with basic features. For example, DocuSign and HelloSign offer free plans that are limited in terms of the number of documents you can send per month.
Can these tools integrate with other software?
Yes, most electronic signature tools can integrate with other business software. Common integrations include CRM platforms like Salesforce, communication tools like Slack, and productivity suites like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
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Summary
In conclusion, selecting the best legal electronic signature software is contingent upon understanding your specific needs and expectations. Also, i've navigated through some top-notch platforms, each offering distinct features that cater to different aspects of the electronic signing process. From advanced compliance features to seamless integrations with video conferencing platforms, your choices are broad and diverse.
Key takeaways from this guide:
- Recognize your requirements: Understanding what you require from an electronic signature software is the first step. Whether you need multi-country legal validity, extensive language support, or integration with existing platforms, identifying your needs will streamline the selection process.
- Focus on Key Features and Usability: While all platforms provide the basic function of electronic signatures, the differentiating factors lie in their additional features and usability. Depending on your needs, Tools offering unique features like advanced template creation or document tracking might be advantageous. Similarly, a user-friendly interface, effective customer support, and a smooth onboarding process significantly influence user experience.
- Consider Pricing Models: Electronic signature software platforms come with a variety of pricing models. Some offer a per-user/month rate, others might require a minimum number of seats or have a base fee. It's crucial to understand these models and choose one that fits your budget without compromising on the necessary features.
What Do You Think?
Of course, the field of legal electronic signature software is vast and constantly evolving. We hope this guide has offered valuable insights to assist you in making an informed choice. If you're aware of a tool we might have overlooked, or if you have firsthand experience with a platform you'd like to recommend, we encourage you to share your thoughts. Your contributions help us keep our guide comprehensive and current for all our readers.