Any sales person trying to close a deal knows that signing online documents can be time-consuming without an electronic signature app. You have to open your digital document, change its format, print it, sign it, scan it back into your computer, and reformat it again all before sending it to the recipient. Then, your client has to complete the same time-consuming process on their end.
This is where electronic signature apps — or eSignature apps — come to the rescue. They allow you to sign and send documents in a matter of seconds which results in a smoother sales process for your clients and a faster close for you.
In this blog post, we'll cover the benefits of using signature apps as well as a list of the best electronic signature tools on the market.
What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature is a digital mark indicating an agreement to a contract or document. For example, when you sign your name for a purchase or to receive a package — that's an electronic signature.
Electronic signature software makes it easy to collect and store these kinds of signatures by enabling you to add entry forms to your documents. They also add an extra level of security by ensuring signatures can be verified.
Are electronic signatures legally binding?
In a word, yes.
There are many cases in which judges have ruled in favor of the veracity of electronic signatures. Whenever there's consent and intent, which is almost always the case, eSignatures are legally binding.
What is a digital signature?
But what about digital signatures? Are the terms interchangeable?
A digital signature is not the same as an electronic signature. It's an encrypted "packet" associated with a document.
Digital signature software creates a condensed version of a document — called a hash — which is encrypted using a specific key. This encrypted "hash" is the signature. To validate the signature, the hash is decrypted with the key and compared to the original document.
Many of the signature apps we'll cover below offer features for both electronic and digital signatures, so you don't have to pick between the two.
How do you create an electronic signature?
Step 1: Choose an electronic signature app like HubSpot's SalesHub eSignature tool powered by HelloSign.
Step 2: Upload or create your document that will need to be signed
Step 3: Create and save your signature by drawing it with your mouse or a trackpad.
Step 4: Attach your signature to the document
Step 5: Invite other signers to sign your document or send them a link to the document via email.
Step 6: Save your signed document digitally and physically in a secure location for the required amount of time specified by your industry.
Free Electronic Signature Apps
- DocuSign
- eversign
- Jotform Sign
- SignWell
- Smallpdf
- GetAccept
1. DocuSign
Mobile app: iOS | Android
DocuSign is one of the better-known eSignature platforms on the market and it includes a free option if you're not ready to commit to a subscription. The tool is intuitive and easy-to-use and it integrates with a wide range of third-party tools for increased customizability. Additionally, a suite of APIs allows for custom integrations with your current systems.
DocuSign also places a strong emphasis on security, both for the storage of data and the eSignature process, and has many high-level security certifications in both the U.S. and Europe. There are also plenty of DocuSign alternatives that could work as well.
2. eversign
Mobile app: None, web-based
In addition to managing electronic signatures for free, eversign offers a robust document management solution. Meaning, sending documents off for signature is a straightforward process with the tool. Other notable features include secure document storage, a document editor, the ability to manage documents for multiple businesses, and custom templates.
The contact management feature is especially helpful for organizations that are not ready to implement a full CRM solution but want to maintain contact records for document signers.
3. Jotform Sign
Mobile app: iOS | Android
Jotform Sign is an electronic signature solution that allows you to fully automate your document process. You can collect legally binding signatures from your signers and store all the data you gathered securely. The tool offers 600+ readymade templates you can choose from in order to save time and speed up the signing process.
You can share documents with your signers by sending them via email, embedding the forms on your website, or generating a public link.
Jotform Sign is a great option if you are looking for a solution that will help you eliminate manual tasks and automate your workflow. It offers a limited free plan as well as paid plans with higher limits.
4. SignWell
Mobile app: None, web-based
Small business owners who need to send and receive electronically signed documents will love SignWell's software. The free version includes one sender seat, one template, up to three documents per month, plus reminders and notifications of outstanding signatures.
Even though it's a free platform, you won't have to compromise cost for security with SignWell. All of the documents you send and receive are secured through an encrypted SSL connection.
5. Smallpdf
Mobile app: iOS | Android
No login, no password, no problem. Smallpdf's eSign feature is an online electronic signature platform that allows you to drag and drop your documents onto the page and sign them. With this PDF signature app, you can add your initials, an additional text field, checkboxes, and more. When you're ready, you can invite others to sign your document. You and your signers are protected with eIDAS-compliant timestamps and a document timeline that tracks activity.
6. GetAccept
Mobile app: iOS | Android
GetAccept allows you to integrate with CRM platforms, like HubSpot, to make the process of record-keeping seamless while your sales reps are building and closing deals. Create signing sequences and add mandatory signing fields to documents to ensure they're signed in the correct order. The tool also ensures your documents are compliant with all signature laws including eIDAS, ESIGN, and UETA.
Best Electronic Signature Apps
- PandaDoc
- Papersign
- HelloSign
- AdobeSign
- Signaturely
- OneSpan Sign
- SignNow
- SignEasy
- RightSignature
- Signable
- SCANSimpli
- Secured Signing
- Contractbook
- Lightico
- Formstack Sign
- SignRequest
- SnapSign
- Scrive
1. PandaDoc
Mobile app: iOS | Android
Price: Starting at $19/user/month
Award-winning online software PandaDoc is known for its streamlined user interface and ease of use. Its eSignature solution is offered as part of a larger document management tool that includes drag-and-drop form integration, automated workflows, and full audit histories. A number of integrations are also available, including CRM, payment, and file storage apps.
If you're looking for a comprehensive solution for the management of contracts and documents, all with a built-in eSignature feature, PandaDoc is worth considering.
2. Papersign
Mobile app: None, web-based only
Price: Free plan available, Paid plans starting at $20/user/month (Pro plan)
Papersign makes creating, sending and signing documents a lot faster and easier. The powerful editor lets you upload PDFs, create documents from scratch, or mix and match the two and add your own logos, photos, custom fonts and colors.
Papersign has robust security measures and complies with the requirements of several eSignature legislation in the US, EU, UK, Australia, and New Zealand to ensure the privacy of your information.
3. HelloSign
Mobile app: None, web-based only
Price: Starting at $15/user/month
HelloSign brings a unique angle to the eSignature market by combining customization, customer service, and flexible and competitive pricing.
HelloSign's powerful API allows you to embed and fully brand signing options in your documents. The company is also compliant with all major worldwide eSignature laws and offers an array of extensions and integrations, including one with HubSpot.
Pro tip: Send contracts directly from your HubSpot CRM platform and Sales Hub software with HelloSign.
4. Adobe Sign
Mobile app: iOS | Android
Price: Starting at $14.99/month
Adobe is a feature-rich eSignature platform that gives you the power to manage signing workflows from any location via any device.
Adobe Sign is known for its breadth of integrations with third-party tools (such as Microsoft, Salesforce, Workday, and more) as well as its emphasis on global compliance. Adobe Sign offers features for both electronic and digital signatures.
5. Signaturely
Mobile app: None, web-based only
Pricing: Starting at $10/user/month
Signaturely is a great option for users and businesses looking for a simple platform to create and upload documents to easily and legally be signed online.
When the documents are ready, Signaturely guides the signers through the whole signing process, from creating their online signature, to adding the last signature on the document, all while keeping the sender informed on each step of the process.
6. OneSpan Sign
Mobile app: iOS | Android
Price: Contact OneSpan Sign for a quote.
OneSpan Sign (formerly eSignLive) works for both small and enterprise businesses that have a need for strong security features. There's an option for businesses to use the software on their premises or as part of a cloud-based service. Many integrations and APIs are offered, and the software is both mobile and desktop compatible. The tool's mobile apps are also particularly easy to use.
7. SignNow
Mobile app: iOS | Android
Price: Starting at $8/user/month
SignNow has garnered numerous awards for its simple, mobile-friendly software. It's a reliable option for small businesses because of the straightforward interface, the extent of its integrations (including a custom API), and its focused set of features.
SignNow's main USP, however, is its price. At $8/month per user for unlimited document sending and templates, it's easily the best-priced option on this list. The more feature-rich "Business Premium" plan comes in at only $15/month per user.
SignNow's apps for Android and iOS are used by over 40% of Fortune 1000 companies, for good reason. If you're intending to use eSignature software on your phone, you won't find a better solution.
8. SignEasy
Mobile app: iOS | Android
Price: Plans starting at $8/user/month
SignEasy has a straightforward interface intended to be easy to use (as you may guess based on the tool's name).
SignEasy's features allow you to create documents from within the platform or integrate drag-and-drop functionality with a variety of third-party tools. There are also options for self-signing, in-person signing, and remote signing.
9. RightSignature
Mobile app: None, web-based only
Price: Starting at $12/user/month
RightSignature is Citrix's contribution to the eSignature space, and the biggest benefit is the speed at which documents can be sent to clients. RightSignature's apps and desktop solutions enable users to upload, format, and send documents in only a few clicks. A suite of integrations and an API are also offered.
10. Signable
Mobile app: iOS | Android
Price: Starting at $1.50 per envelope
Signable works on a pay-as-you-go basis (along with monthly options) and caters to many U.K. and Europe-based customers, making it a good option for those who want to ensure their documents follow E.U. laws. If you're looking for simple eSignature software with access to U.K. support and the flexibility of a pay-as-you-go model, Signable is ideal.
11. SCANSimpli
Mobile app: iOS
Price: Free
From the creators of the browser-based e-signature solution, PDFSimpli comes with the SCANSimpli mobile app, which allows you to sign PDFs instantly from your iPhone. All you have to do is take a picture of the document, send it to your clients, or sign it yourself with your finger.
SCANSimpli is completely free and allows you to draw on any part of the page. You can even add your initials, revision notes, or today’s date with a single tap. Its easy-to-use interface makes SCANSimpli a joy to use, whether you’re on the go or in the office.
12. Secured Signing
Mobile app: None, web-based
Price: Contact Secured Signing for a quote
Use Secured Signing to complete and sign online and PDF forms with digital signatures. You can customize document workflows, attach files to email invitations, and enable a Notary Public to notarize your documents remotely. Plus, Secured Signing's CrimTrac App allows you to run background checks online and paperless.
13. Contractbook
Mobile app: None, web-based
Price: Plans start at $400/10 users/month
Create and collaborate on from-scratch contracts using Contractbook's free templates. Store all your documents in the cloud so everything is organized and GDPR-friendly. Use the data that your documents and contracts contain to automate contract creation and completion as well as your workflows. There are also over 3,000 apps that Contractbook integrates with to improve accuracy, save you time, and provide better analytics.
14. Lightico
Mobile app: None, web-based
Price: Contact Lightico for a quote
Lightico is a second-generation, web-based eSignature solution that focuses on high-volume B2C transactions. Their eSignature solution is part of a wider customer experience platform that converts documents into smart forms and helps with tasks such as ID verification and payment collection.
Lightico can easily connect to your CRM, call center agent toolbars, websites, and live chat — as well as other business tools — so you can collaborate seamlessly with your customers and your team.
15. Formstack Sign
Mobile app: iOS | Android
Price: Plans starting at $18/user/month
Formstack provides a flexible electronic software solution that can be used by teams across industries. When you upload a document to Formstack along with the signer’s contact information, they will be notified by text or email of the signature request allowing them to sign from anywhere.
This software has notable features such as unlimited eSignatures, document uploads, and templates for use.
16. SignRequest
Mobile app: None, web-based
Price: Starting at $7/user/month
For those who need signatures in a pinch, SignRequest offers free document uploading and electronic signatures through their easy-to-use platform. SignRequest also has an API that can integrate directly with your CRM to store all of your contact and signature data in one place.
17. SnapSign
Mobile app: None, web-based
Price: Starting at $9.99/user/month
SnapSign offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface for collecting eSignatures. The platform is U.S. ESIGN and UETA compliant, making documents legally binding. This tool also has pre-built integrations so you can quickly, easily incorporate signature collection in your current workflow.
SnapSign also has a robust template library for common forms such as Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), sales contracts, and more.
18 . Scrive
Mobile app: iOS | Android
Price: Starting at €50/user/ month
Scrive is an electronic signature and identification tool that allows you to manage documents from anywhere, via any device. Automate the eSignature process by setting up self-service forms and using templates to save your team time. Customize and brand your documents and the eSignature experience for your customers and signees.
Scrive also ensures your documents are secure with tools like BankID, and NemID all built into the tool. You can brand the eSignature experience across all of your documents.
Ditch Paper Signatures for the Faster Alternative
Signature apps are valuable to your team because they save time and streamline an often redundant and time-consuming, yet important, process. They're also beneficial to your customers — by making it easy for them to quickly sign contracts, coupled with your ability to track activity and schedule reminders and follow-ups, you'll improve the buyer's journey and create a more enjoyable customer experience. So, identify the right signature app for your needs and team, and start saving time.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in July 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
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