Business owners often have to make important decisions that can impact their company’s future. One of the most common decisions business owners face is whether or not to use electronic signature software. This type of software has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it allows for a more efficient and secure way to sign documents. However, with so many different electronic signature services available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your business. In this blog post, we will compare some of the most popular electronic signature software services and help you decide which one is best for you!
Electronic Signature Software and How Does It Work
Electronic signature software is a type of computer program that allows users to electronically sign documents. This can be done using a mouse, stylus, or touchscreen to create a digital version of your handwritten signature. Once the document is signed, it can then be sent electronically to the recipient.
Let’s begin our investigation of e-signature software by first comprehending what an electronic signature is, and what is difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature as well.
What Is an Electronic Signature
An electronic signature, or e-signature, is a legal way to get someone’s agreement to something in an electronic format. An e-signature can be as simple as a typed name at the end of an email or as complex as a digital certificate that uses biometrics, like a fingerprint, to verify the identity of the signer.
E-signatures are legally binding in many countries and are generally accepted as a valid substitute for paper signatures. In fact, the European Union has even passed a law, called the Electronic Identification and Authentication Services Regulation (eIDAS), that requires member states to accept electronic signatures that meet certain standards.
In order for an electronic signature to be legally binding, it must meet three criteria:
- It must be unique to the signer and incapable of being reused by someone else.
- It must be attached to the document in such a way that any changes to the document are detectable.
- The signer must be able to demonstrate that they intended to sign the document.
Find out more information about electronic signatures legality you can in this review.
Difference Between Digital Signature and E-signature
While digital signatures and electronic signatures may appear to be similar, there are actually some key differences between the two.
A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that uses encryption to verify the identity of the signer. A digital signature can be used to sign any kind of document, including contracts, tax forms, and email messages. An electronic signature, on the other hand, does not use encryption and is typically used for documents that do not need to be secure, such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or permission slips.
Digital signatures are more secure than electronic signatures, as they are much harder to forge. In addition, digital signatures can be used to verify the identity of the signer, while electronic signatures cannot. As a result, digital signatures are often used for important legal documents, while electronic signatures are more commonly used for everyday communications.
The Benefits of Using Electronic Signature Software
There are many benefits of using electronic signature software. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it saves time. Rather than printing out a document, signing it, and then scanning it back in, you can simply sign the document electronically. This can save a significant amount of time, particularly if you need to sign multiple documents.
Another benefit of electronic signature software is that it increases security. When you print out and sign a document, that document is then vulnerable to being lost or stolen. If someone were to find your signed document, they could forge your signature and use it for their own purposes. However, when you sign a document electronically, that document is stored securely and can only be accessed by those who have the proper authorization. This helps to prevent fraud and identity theft.
Finally, electronic signature software is simply more convenient than traditional methods of signing documents. Rather than having to track down a printer and scanner every time you need to sign something, you can do it all from your computer. This can save a lot of hassle, particularly if you travel frequently or work remotely.
Overall, electronic signature software provides a number of benefits over traditional methods of signing documents. If you’re not already using such a service, it’s worth considering for your business.
How Does Electronic Signature Software Work
If you’re not familiar with electronic signature software, you might be wondering how it actually works. In short, electronic signature software allows you to sign documents electronically, using your computer or mobile device.
This is typically done by first creating an account with an electronic signature service provider. Once you have an account, you can upload the document that you need to sign. The service will then generate a unique link that you can send to the other party involved in the document.
When the other party receives the link, they can click on it to access the document. They will then be able to add their own electronic signature to the document. When both parties have signed the agreement, it is considered enforceable.
There are many different electronic signature software services available, so it is important to do your research to find the one that best meets your needs.
Top Characteristics of a Great E-signature Software
When choosing an electronic signature software solution, there are a few key features to look for.
- First, the software should be compatible with a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. This will ensure that you can sign documents using your preferred device.
- Second, an e-signature solution should allow users to sign documents electronically with just a few clicks. This way, you can get work done faster and move on to other tasks. Plus, it’ll be more convenient since you won’t have to print out the document and sign it physically.
- Third, the software should be able to track when and where documents were signed and provide a secure storage option for completed documents.
- Fourth, it is important to choose a solution that is compliant with e-signature laws. These laws vary from country to country, so it is important to choose a software solution that meets the requirements of the jurisdiction in which it will be used.
- The fifth important point is the accessibility of small and medium-sized enterprises. Some software solutions are only accessible to enterprise-level businesses with large budgets.
- Sixth, customer support is crucial when choosing an electronic signature software solution. If you have any questions or problems, you should be able to quickly get in touch with a customer support representative who can help you resolve the issue.
- Finally, the free-trial period offered by the electronic signature software provider is another important factor to consider. This will allow you to test out the features of the software and make sure it is the right fit for your business before you commit to a long-term contract.
Best Electronic Signature Software Services
Now that you know what to look for in an electronic signature software service, here are the best providers of this service on the market:
DocuSign
DocuSign is a popular electronic signature software solution that offers a free trial period and excellent customer support. It is used by businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
DocuSign’s electronic signature software is simple to use, reliable, and legally binding. It’s the most widely used eSignature solution in the world, trusted by over 300,000 companies and 500 million users in 188 countries.
It has an intuitive interface and easy-to-use features making it the perfect solution for businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.
DocuSign proposes integration with Microsoft, Google, Oracle, SAP, and others.
With DocuSign, you can sign documents electronically from anywhere, at any time, on any device. Plus, you can track and manage your agreements easily and securely online.
And because it’s a cloud-based solution, there’s no software to install or maintain. That means you can get up and running quickly and start benefiting from the time and cost savings of electronic signatures right away.
In addition, DocuSign’s digital signatures are legally binding in most jurisdictions. This gives businesses a high degree of confidence when entering into contracts electronically.
The price of DocuSign’s plans varies depending on the features you need $10 for individual users, $25 per month for the Standard Plan, and $40 per month for Business Pro. They also offer a free plan for individual users who just need to sign documents electronically.
PandaDoc
PandaDoc is another popular electronic signature software service. PandaDoc offers a similar set of features to DocuSign, including the ability to electronically sign documents and track document status.
PandaDoc also includes built-in templates for standard business documents, such as NDAs and sales contracts. This can save businesses time when creating new documents.
PandaDoc’s pricing is based on the number of active users, making it a more affordable option for small businesses. The prices start at $15 per month for up to five users.
Overall, PandaDoc is a good choice for businesses that need electronic signature capabilities and are looking for an affordable solution.
Adobe Sign
Adobe Sign (formerly EchoSign) is another top electronic signature software service. Adobe Sign offers all of the same features as DocuSign and PandaDoc, such as the ability to create legally binding signatures, track document progress, and add fields to documents. It also offers a free trial period and has excellent customer support.
Adobe Sign offers a few unique features, such as the ability to sign documents offline and integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.
Pricing for Adobe Sign is subscription-based, with three tiers: individual, business, and enterprise. Individual plans start at $9.99 per month, while business plans start at $16.99 per month. Enterprise plans are customized and priced based on the needs of the business.
Adobe Sign is a good choice for businesses that need electronic signature capabilities and want additional features not offered by other services. The main downside of Adobe Sign is its price; it is one of the most expensive electronic signature software solutions on the market.
If you are looking for an electronic signature software solution, Adobe Sign is a good option to consider. It offers a wide range of features and integrations at a reasonable price. However, if you are on a tight budget, there are other options available that may be a better fit for your needs.
Eversign
Eversign is a product built and maintained by Stack Holdings, a European technology company focused on building productivity-boosting application programming interfaces (APIs) and Software-as-a-Service products.
Eversign is a versatile platform that helps businesses electronically sign, send, track, and manage documents. The platform is easy to use and offers a free trial so you can try it out before committing to a paid plan. Paid plans start at $15/month for a single user and go up to $79.99 /month for advanced requirements.
With Eversign, you can track the status of your documents, set up automatic reminders, and get legally binding signatures from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re looking to streamline your contract management process or just want an easier way to get signatures, Eversign is worth considering.
In addition, Eversign offers integrations with popular business applications, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Salesforce, making it easy to use with existing workflows. Eversign also offers advanced features such as biometric signatures, dynamicForms, and iOS and Android apps.
HelloSign
HelloSign is a handy tool that allows companies and businesses to manage and sign documents digitally. It is very user-friendly and easy to use.
The free trial allows customers to explore the features of the product and see if it meets their needs before committing to a paid subscription. The customer support is excellent, and the prices are very reasonable, starting at $20 per month per user.
The platform is compliant with eDAS and ESIGN Act, which makes it a very safe and reliable tool to use. It is also available on all major platforms, including online, Android, and iOS.
One of the best features of HelloSign is that documents are stored behind a firewall and authenticated against the sender’s session every time a request for that document is made. This adds an extra layer of security to the already secure platform.
Overall, HelloSign is an excellent choice for businesses and individuals who need a reliable way to manage and sign documents digitally.
Another unique feature is HelloSign’s ability to add fields to documents that must be completed by multiple signers. This can save businesses time when collecting information from multiple parties.
If you’re looking for an electronic signature software service, HelloSign is definitely worth considering.
OneSpan Sign
OneSpan Sign (formerly eSignLive) is another top electronic signature software service.
The Professional Plan starts from $20 per person/month (billed annually). However, the price grows depending on transaction volume. There is also a free trial available.
OneSpan Sign helps businesses keep their customer data safe using the most advanced encryption technology available. OneSpan Sign complies with ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27017, ISO/IEC 27018, SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, FedRAMP, and other stringent industry security and privacy requirements.
In addition, OneSpan Sign offers superior customer support, making it easy for businesses to get the help they need to protect their data.
As a result, OneSpan Sign is the most trusted solution for keeping customer data safe. If you are looking for an electronic signature software service that is affordable and easy to use, OneSpan Sign is a good option.
SignNow
SignNow is a good choice for businesses that need to sign a lot of documents.
SignNow’s pricing is based on the number of functions you allowed, with prices starting at $8 per month per 1 user and decreasing to $50 for big enterprises.
The cheapest plan offers up to 10 users online; sending documents for signing; basic fields; mobile app; unlimited templates; and advanced threat protection. The service offers a free trial, so businesses can try it out before committing to a subscription.
With SignNow, you can easily get documents signed from anywhere, at any time. The mobile app makes it easy to sign documents on the go. And the advanced threat protection helps to keep your documents safe from malware and phishing attacks.
SignNow includes document storage, the ability to electronically sign documents, and real-time document tracking.
One of the unique features of SignNow is the ability to automate all of your pre and post-signature processes, including configuring notifications, reminders, and conditional routing.
Plus, with airSlate Bots, you can automate routine tasks so that you can focus on more important things. Overall, SignNow is a powerful and versatile solution that can save you a lot of time and hassle.
KeepSolid Sign
KeepSolid Sign is the ideal solution for anyone who needs to collect signatures quickly and efficiently. The app allows users to create document templates and receive real-time status notifications.
Plus, its offline mode allows users to continue working even if they are not connected to the internet. And if users need to collaborate with others, its team management features make it easy to keep track of progress and deadlines.
KeepSolid Sign eliminates the need for time-consuming and expensive paper-based procedures. Users may accomplish their tasks more quickly and accurately, with less quality or accuracy loss than previously possible.
Overall, its intuitive interface makes it easy to use, even for those who are not familiar with electronic signature software.
The price depends on the number of users and features, but it is generally more affordable than other similar software on the market. It starts from $9.99 per user/month and goes up to $64.99 for an enterprise plan/month. It is also possible to get a 25% discount for annual payments.
KeepSolid Sign allows you to take advantage of a free trial. Once you’ve created an account using KeepSolid Sign, install the necessary apps, login, and you’ll be given a free 14-day trial. A free trial implies that you may add up to 10 users to your team and use all of our app’s features without limitations.
If you’re looking for an electronic signature software that is easy to use and offers a variety of features, KeepSolid Sign is a good option to consider. With its affordable price and a free trial, it’s worth checking out to see if it meets your needs.
To Sum Up
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Free Trial | ||||||||
| Customer Support | ||||||||
| Tracking | ||||||||
| Law Compliance | ||||||||
| Plan Sizes | Only businesses of all sizes | Individuals and businesses of all sizes | Only businesses of all sizes | Only businesses of all sizes | Only businesses of all sizes | Individuals and businesses of all sizes | Only businesses of all sizes | Individuals and businesses of all sizes |
| Platforms | Online, all devices | Online, iOS, Android | Online, all devices | Online, no app deployment | Online, Android, IOS | Online, Android, IOS | Online, Android, IOS | Online, Android, IOS |
| Security | DocuSign uses AES 128-bit encryption and SSL 256-bit encryption to ensure documents in the system are encrypted at all times. Any unauthorized changes in the underlying document will be detected and identified as evidence of tampering | PandaDoc stores document data such as metadata, activity, original files, and customer data in different locations while also compiling and generating documents when requested. All data in each location is encrypted at rest with AES-256 and sophisticated encryption keys management | Adobe Sign employs PCI DSS approved encryption algorithms to encrypt documents and assets at rest with AES 256-bit encryption and uses HTTPS TLS v1. 2 to protect data in transit | Each data stream going into or out of Eversign is secured by industry-standard 256-bit HTTPS encryption, documents are encrypted using unique hash keys, each signing process is accompanied by a tamper-evident Audit Trail carrying a detailed log of all transactions related to the document being signed, and as an additional security safeguard ensuring the security of client data, our entire data-set is stored in two separate secure locations | Documents are stored behind a firewall and authenticated against the sender’s session every time a request for that document is made. We enforce the use of industry best practices for the transmission of data to our platform (Transport Layer Security TLS) and data is stored in SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type I, and ISO 27001 certified data centers. Your documents are stored and encrypted at rest using AES 256-bit encryption | Keep your company and customer data safe using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit encryption. OneSpan Sign complies with ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27017, ISO/IEC 27018, SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, FedRAMP, and other stringent industry security and privacy requirements | SignNow operates according to SOC 2 Type II certification, which guarantees compliance with industry standards for continuity, protection, availability, and system confidentiality. The electronic signature service is secure, with safe storage and access for all industries | KeepSolid Sign uses a PGP encryption, meaning your data is safe not only while on our servers but during transmission as well. When KeepSolid Sign sends your data to another user, it is encrypted by a special AES encryption key. And then the key itself also gets encrypted, this time with an RSA protocol. We believe there’s no such thing as overexerting when our clients’ security is at stake |
| Integrations | Integrations with Microsoft, Google, Oracle, SAP, and others | Integrates with Salesforce, Google Workspace, Slack, Zapier, CRM systems and others | Integrates with Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Google Drive, Workday, Notarize, and Veeva workflows for life sciences companies around the world, different CRM and HR systems | Can be integrated with popular cloud storage systems (Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox), document processors (Google Docs, Evernote), Google Chrome, and the ubiquitous Zapier | Can be integrated with SharePoint, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Google Docs, Slack. | Can be integrated with Salesforce, Microsoft SharePoint, and others | Can be integrated with Salesforce, Microsoft 365, Box, Google Drive, and others | KeepSolid Sign can’t integrate with third-party packages |
| Price | $10 for individual users. $25 per month for the Standard Plan and $40 per month for Business Pro | Start at $19 a month per user and growth to 49. And more opportunities – for teams that require more capabilities including integrations like Salesforce and API | $9.99 for individual users, $14.99 per month for Acrobat Pro DC with e-sign, or $19.99 per month for Acrobat Pro DC with advanced e-sign. Team plans include $16.99 per month for Acrobat Pro DC with e-sign, $21.99 – with advanced e-sign features, Adobe Sign for business and enterprise – custom price | Starts at $15/month for a single user and goes up to $$79.99 /month. Custom solutions for advanced requirements | $20 – to $30 per user/month and custom price for enterprizes | Starts from $20 per person/month (billing annually) for the Professional Plan and grows depending on transaction volume | Starts at $8 per month per 1 user and decreases to $50 for big enterprises | $9.99 per user/month and goes up to $64.99 for an enterprise plan/month. It is also possible to get a 25% discount on annual payments |
Each of these electronic signature software services has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to decide which features are most important to your business before choosing a service. Once you have selected a service, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up.
Some businesses require advanced features that only enterprise-level electronic signature software solutions can provide. However, these solutions are often very expensive and may not be worth the cost for small businesses or startups. If you only need basic electronic signature functionality, there are many great options available that won’t break the bank.
To sum it up, there is no clear answer as to which electronic signature software service is the best. It depends on your specific business needs.
The Risks of Using E-signature Software
Electronic signature software services are becoming increasingly popular as a way to streamline the contract signing process. However, there are some risks associated with using these services that businesses should be aware of.
One of the biggest dangers is the potential for spoofing or man-in-the-middle attacks. This type of attack occurs when a malicious actor intercepts communications between a sender and recipient, doctoring the document so that it appears to be from a trusted source. This can lead to contracts being signed without the proper authority, or with altered terms that favor the attacker.
In addition, e-signature services often store documents in the cloud, which makes them susceptible to hacking. If sensitive information is included in these documents, it could be leaked to unauthorized parties. As a result, businesses should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of using e-signature software before deciding whether or not to use these services.
One of the most important risk is that electronic signatures are not always legally binding. In some cases, courts have ruled that an electronic signature is not valid if the signer did not have a reasonable expectation that their signature would be binding. This can be an issue if there is a dispute over the terms of a contract that was signed electronically.
Additionally, electronic signatures can be forged, and it can be difficult to prove who actually signed a document. As a result, businesses should carefully consider the risks and benefits of using e-signature software services before implementing them.
FAQs About Electronic Signature Software
What are electronic signatures and how do they work?
An e-signature, also known as an electronic signature, is a digitized version of a handwritten signature. E-signatures are typically used to sign documents electronically, in order to speed up the process and reduce paper waste.
What is more secure, an electronic signature or a digital signature?
An electronic signature is simply a picture of your handwritten signature that is placed on an electronic document. A digital signature, on the other hand, is a type of electronic signature that uses cryptographic methods to verify the identity of the signer and ensure that the document has not been tampered with. Because digital signatures use cryptographic methods, they are more secure than electronic signatures.
Do I need to register in order to sign a document with an electronic signature?
No, you do not need to register in order to sign a document with an electronic signature. However, if you want to use a digital signature, you will need to register for a digital certificate.
How much does it cost to use an electronic signature service?
The cost of using an electronic signature service depends on the service you choose. Some services are free, while others charge a monthly or annual fee.
What types of documents can I electronically sign?
Most electronic signature software services allow you to electronically sign any type of document, including contracts, forms, and agreements.
Can I use an electronic signature on a paper document?
Yes, you can use an electronic signature on a paper document. You will need to scan the document into an electronic format before you can sign it.
Are there any risks associated with using an electronic signature service?
There are some risks associated with using any online service, but these risks are typically low. Make sure to choose a reputable service provider and read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up for a service.