How to Pick the Best Electronic Signature Software

Electronic signature apps have grown substantially in popularity over recent years. And there are many good reasons for this. They help organizations of all sizes cut down on wasted resources while saving money and employee time. 

If your organization is thinking about implementing a digital signature solution, it’s worth spending a little time sifting through the different options before taking out a paid plan. While all apps offer the same basic functionality, differences between secondary features, along with supplementary services like ongoing support and dedicated account management, can make a big difference in the long term. 

In this article, we’re going to give you a foolproof three-step strategy for finding the best e-signature platform. We’ll also take a look at some of the top providers. 

How to Pick the Best Electronic Signature Software in Three Easy Steps

Follow the steps below to ensure you pick electronic signature software that’s an ideal fit for your business:

1. Determine your organization’s document volume – How many documents will you need to sign on a monthly basis? Some providers levy additional charges based on document volumes, while others offer unlimited e-signing. If you operate a small business and only send a few documents for e-signatures every month, a fixed plan may provide cost savings. Larger enterprises with high document turnovers, however, should opt for an uncapped package. 
2. Evaluate different feature sets – Are you looking for a straightforward electronic signature app that allows clients to sign documents quickly, or do you need a more comprehensive management solution that includes an editor, payment integrations (for settling invoices within a document), team management tools, and so on? Apps sit at both ends of this spectrum in terms of features, with many options in between. Be clear about what your organization needs so that you can properly evaluate alternatives.
3. Take advantage of free trials and demos – Because an app looks good on paper doesn’t mean it will automatically perform well. Issues often only become apparent when software is taken for a test drive. Before committing to a solution, sign up for a free trial and, preferably, a guided demo. If a free trial isn’t offered, reach out and ask for one, especially if you are subscribing for a higher-priced, premium package. 

Best Electronic Signature Apps on the Market: Top 3 Picks

In our estimation, the following three applications represent the best of what the market has to offer:

• PandaDoc – PandaDoc is a complete document management solution that offers (among other features) an intuitive editor, secure online storage, a vast library of templates, integrations with third-party services, analytics, and 24/7 phone and email support. For those individuals and organizations looking for a pared-down electronic signature solution, PandaDoc’s free plan allows for unlimited e-signatures and document uploads.
• DocuSign – DocuSign is one of the oldest and best-known brands in the e-signature space. Functionality is limited compared to some other providers, and the basic plan has a cap on the number of monthly e-signatures. Still, it does offer a reliable set of core features, with more advanced additions, like payment integrations, on premium plans. 
• HelloSign – Another well-known name in the space, HelloSign is owned by DropBox. All paid plans include basic e-signature functionality, templates (although there is a limit to the number of templates you can create), and an audit trail for documents. A premium plan, with multi-team management and bulk sending tools, is available for enterprises.