Introduction
eSignature software allows individuals and organisations to sign documents electronically, eliminating the need for printing, scanning, and physical paperwork. These tools make it possible to send, sign, track, and store legally binding documents entirely online—securely and efficiently. In today’s digital-first business environment, eSignature solutions have become a core part of contract management, approvals, and compliance workflows.
The importance of eSignature software goes far beyond convenience. It accelerates deal closures, reduces operational costs, improves customer experience, and ensures better compliance through audit trails and encryption. From HR offer letters and NDAs to sales contracts, vendor agreements, and government forms, eSignatures are now widely accepted and legally recognised in most regions.
When choosing an eSignature tool, users should evaluate ease of use, security standards, integrations, scalability, compliance certifications, pricing transparency, and long-term reliability. Not every solution fits every organisation—some focus on simplicity, while others excel in enterprise-grade governance and automation.
Best for:
eSignature software is ideal for freelancers, startups, SMBs, legal teams, HR departments, sales organisations, real estate firms, healthcare providers, and large enterprises that manage frequent document approvals and legally binding agreements.
Not ideal for:
These tools may not be necessary for individuals who sign documents very rarely, teams working entirely offline, or organisations that require handwritten signatures by law or tradition in specific jurisdictions.
Top 10 eSignature Software Tools
1 — DocuSign
Short description:
DocuSign is one of the most widely recognised eSignature platforms, built for enterprises that need compliance, scalability, and global legal acceptance.
Key features:
- Legally binding eSignatures across regions
- Advanced workflow automation
- Extensive third-party integrations
- Custom branding and templates
- Mobile-friendly signing
- Detailed audit trails
- Bulk sending and reporting
Pros:
- Industry-leading compliance and trust
- Excellent enterprise scalability
- Strong integration ecosystem
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Can feel complex for small teams
Security & compliance:
SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, encryption, audit logs, SSO
Support & community:
Enterprise-grade support, strong documentation, and onboarding assistance
2 — Adobe Acrobat Sign
Short description:
Adobe Acrobat Sign integrates seamlessly with PDF workflows and is ideal for organisations already using Adobe products.
Key features:
- Native PDF signing
- Microsoft and Adobe ecosystem integration
- Automated workflows
- Mobile and browser signing
- Identity verification options
- Custom templates
Pros:
- Familiar interface
- Strong PDF handling
- Trusted brand
Cons:
- Limited customisation compared to competitors
- Higher cost for advanced plans
Security & compliance:
ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA-ready
Support & community:
Professional support, strong documentation
3 — Dropbox Sign
Short description:
Dropbox Sign (formerly HelloSign) focuses on simplicity and ease of use, making it popular with SMBs and startups.
Key features:
- Clean, intuitive UI
- Templates and reusable fields
- Team collaboration
- Dropbox integration
- API for developers
Pros:
- Easy onboarding
- Developer-friendly
- Affordable for small teams
Cons:
- Limited advanced workflow automation
- Fewer compliance options
Security & compliance:
SOC 2, GDPR, encryption, audit trails
Support & community:
Good documentation, responsive support for paid plans
4 — PandaDoc
Short description:
PandaDoc combines eSignatures with document creation, making it ideal for sales and proposal-driven teams.
Key features:
- Document builder with templates
- Embedded eSignatures
- CRM integrations
- Analytics and tracking
- Payment collection
Pros:
- Strong sales enablement features
- All-in-one document platform
- Visually appealing documents
Cons:
- More features than needed for simple signing
- Learning curve for new users
Security & compliance:
SOC 2, GDPR, encryption
Support & community:
Strong onboarding, sales-focused support resources
5 — SignNow
Short description:
SignNow offers cost-effective eSignature solutions with robust workflow automation for growing businesses.
Key features:
- Bulk send and sign
- Conditional workflows
- Mobile signing
- API access
- Cloud storage integration
Pros:
- Competitive pricing
- Strong automation features
- Scales well
Cons:
- UI feels dated
- Limited branding options
Security & compliance:
SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA-ready
Support & community:
Standard support, documentation is adequate
6 — Zoho Sign
Short description:
Zoho Sign is a lightweight eSignature tool designed for businesses already using the Zoho ecosystem.
Key features:
- Zoho app integrations
- Automated workflows
- Multi-language support
- Mobile signing
- Audit trails
Pros:
- Excellent value
- Easy for Zoho users
- Simple interface
Cons:
- Limited outside the Zoho ecosystem
- Fewer advanced features
Security & compliance:
ISO 27001, GDPR, encryption
Support & community:
Good documentation, Zoho community support
7 — SignEasy
Short description:
SignEasy is optimised for mobile-first users who need quick, on-the-go document signing.
Key features:
- Mobile-first design
- Offline signing
- Cloud storage integration
- Team management
- Simple templates
Pros:
- Excellent mobile experience
- Very easy to use
- Fast setup
Cons:
- Limited enterprise controls
- Basic automation
Security & compliance:
GDPR, encryption, audit logs
Support & community:
Email support, clear documentation
8 — OneSpan Sign
Short description:
OneSpan Sign is built for regulated industries requiring advanced identity verification and security.
Key features:
- Advanced authentication
- Secure signing ceremonies
- On-premise and cloud options
- API-driven workflows
- Compliance reporting
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade security
- Strong compliance focus
- Flexible deployment
Cons:
- High cost
- Not beginner-friendly
Security & compliance:
ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, strong cryptography
Support & community:
Dedicated enterprise support
9 — Sertifi
Short description:
Sertifi specializes in agreement workflows for hospitality, events, and sales-driven industries.
Key features:
- Contract and payment workflows
- CRM integrations
- Real-time tracking
- Secure approvals
Pros:
- Industry-specific features
- Streamlined workflows
- Strong compliance
Cons:
- Limited general-purpose use
- Smaller ecosystem
Security & compliance:
PCI DSS, GDPR, encryption
Support & community:
Industry-focused support
10 — RightSignature
Short description:
RightSignature is a straightforward eSignature tool aimed at SMBs needing reliable document signing.
Key features:
- Custom templates
- Team collaboration
- Mobile signing
- Document tracking
Pros:
- Easy setup
- Affordable
- Reliable performance
Cons:
- Limited automation
- Fewer integrations
Security & compliance:
GDPR, encryption, audit trails
Support & community:
Standard support and documentation
Comparison Table
| Tool Name | Best For | Platform(s) Supported | Standout Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DocuSign | Large enterprises | Web, Mobile, API | Global compliance | N/A |
| Adobe Acrobat Sign | PDF-heavy teams | Web, Mobile | Native PDF workflows | N/A |
| Dropbox Sign | SMBs & startups | Web, API | Ease of use | N/A |
| PandaDoc | Sales teams | Web, Mobile | Document automation | N/A |
| SignNow | Growing businesses | Web, Mobile | Affordable automation | N/A |
| Zoho Sign | Zoho users | Web, Mobile | Ecosystem integration | N/A |
| SignEasy | Mobile users | Mobile, Web | Offline signing | N/A |
| OneSpan Sign | Regulated industries | Web, On-prem | Advanced security | N/A |
| Sertifi | Hospitality & sales | Web | Payment workflows | N/A |
| RightSignature | Small teams | Web, Mobile | Simplicity | N/A |
Evaluation & Scoring of eSignature Software
| Criteria | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Core features | 25% | Signing, workflows, templates |
| Ease of use | 15% | UI, onboarding, learning curve |
| Integrations & ecosystem | 15% | CRM, ERP, APIs |
| Security & compliance | 10% | Encryption, certifications |
| Performance & reliability | 10% | Speed, uptime |
| Support & community | 10% | Help resources, SLAs |
| Price / value | 15% | Cost vs benefits |
Which eSignature Software Tool Is Right for You?
- Solo users: Simple, affordable tools like SignEasy or Dropbox Sign
- SMBs: Zoho Sign, SignNow, RightSignature
- Mid-market: PandaDoc, Adobe Acrobat Sign
- Enterprise: DocuSign, OneSpan Sign
Budget-conscious users should prioritize ease of use and pricing, while enterprises should focus on compliance, integrations, and scalability. Feature-heavy platforms may be unnecessary if basic signing is the only requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are eSignatures legally valid?
Yes, in most countries eSignatures are legally recognized under digital signature laws.
2. Do recipients need an account to sign?
Usually no—most tools allow guest signing.
3. Are eSignature tools secure?
Reputable tools use encryption, audit logs, and compliance standards.
4. Can I sign documents on mobile?
Yes, most platforms support mobile signing.
5. Do these tools support bulk sending?
Many enterprise and mid-tier tools do.
6. Can eSignatures replace handwritten signatures?
In most business cases, yes.
7. What industries use eSignature software most?
Sales, HR, legal, real estate, healthcare, finance.
8. Are there offline signing options?
Some mobile-first tools support offline signing.
9. How long does implementation take?
From minutes for small teams to weeks for enterprises.
10. What is the biggest mistake buyers make?
Overpaying for features they don’t need.
Conclusion
eSignature software has become an essential part of modern business operations, enabling faster approvals, better compliance, and improved customer experiences. While tools like DocuSign and OneSpan Sign dominate enterprise use cases, simpler platforms such as Dropbox Sign and SignEasy excel for smaller teams.
The best eSignature software is not universal—it depends on your organization’s size, budget, security needs, and workflow complexity. By focusing on what truly matters for your use case, you can choose a solution that delivers long-term value rather than unnecessary complexity.