The best e-signature signature for a small business can save you precious time and money when your business signs a lot of documents, creates a ton of forms, and negotiates contracts.
These are our best picks.
How did we choose these products?
It seems like every day there is a new service or app created for businesses, but not all of them will always fit the bill when it comes to your company’s specific needs.
Acrobat Standard DC
Individual price: $12.99/monthTeam price: $14.99/mo. per userPopular features: Unlimited signatures, send and track agreements, create and edit PDFsCompatibility: Windows
Acrobat Pro DC
Individual price: $14.99/mo.Team price: $16.99/mo. per userPopular features: All of the above, plus Mac access, advanced PDF toolsCompatibility: Mac, Windows
At a glance
Acrobat is well-known in both professional and personal circles for its document creation and signing abilities. Its clients number over 300,000 and feature big names like Microsoft, HSBC, Groupon, and Tesla. There is document signing via two plans: Acrobat Standard DC and Acrobat Pro DC plans. Scanning and uploading forms are made simple when you use the free Adobe Scan companion app. Signing is also available by both mobile and desktop access, and your clients will not have to download or sign-up to complete the form. There is customized branding available, plus the ability to send and track reminders in case your clients forget. If you use Microsoft 365, Acrobat will integrate at no additional charge with the option to add on Acrobat PDF tools, if needed. Upgraded security protocols include enterprise-level security with compliance regulations that include HIPAA, FERPA, GLBA, and FDA 21 CFR part 11. Pros:
Enhanced security protocolsMultiple integrationsCustom plans and pricing
Cons:
No payment processingSubpar customer serviceNo edits to sent files
Free Edition
Monthly cost: $0Annual cost: $0Key features: Unlimited signing
Personal
Monthly cost: $10Annual cost: $120Key features: 5 signatures per month
Standard
Monthly cost: $25 (up to 5 users)Annual cost: $300Key features: Customized branding
Business Pro
Monthly cost: $40Annual cost: $480Key features: Collect payments
At a glance
DocuSign offers the ability to send and receive documents known as envelopes. The number of envelopes you can use each month varies and depends on the plan you choose. For example, while the Personal plan includes just five envelopes, you can use up to 100 envelopes each month with the Standard and Business Pro plans. Plans with over 100 envelopes or more than five users are available but require personalizing pricing based on your specific needs. A free edition also allows unlimited signing with additional cloud storage. However, while you are limited to a specific number of envelopes each month, you can sign an unlimited amount of documents each month. Special protocols are available to help with security, such as FedRAMP, BAA, HIPAA, 21 CFR Part 11), and an eNotary. Pros:
Unlimited signing Built-in cloud storageAdditional security protocols
Cons:
A limited number of envelopesAdditional cost for many features Subpar customer service
e-Signature Plans: Essentials
Monthly cost: $15Annual cost: $180Users: 1Templates: 5
Standard
Monthly cost: $25Annual cost: $600Users: 2-4Templates: 15
Premium
Monthly cost: VariesAnnual cost: VariesUsers: VariesTemplates: Varies
Bundle plans
Dropbox Professional + eSign Bundle
Monthly cost: $31.99/mo.Annual cost: $24.99/mo.Users: 1Encrypted cloud storage: 3TB
Plus - 2 TB
Monthly cost: $11.99/mo.Annual cost: $9.99/mo.Users: 1Encrypted cloud storage: 2TB
Plus - 3 TB
Monthly cost: $19.99/mo.Annual cost: $16.58/mo.Users: 1Encrypted cloud storage: 3TB
Family
Monthly cost: $19.99/mo.Annual cost: $16.99/mo.Users: 6Encrypted cloud storage: 2TB
At a glance
HelloSign works like many of the other small business signing services, allowing customers to sign your documents without an account. All parties will receive a copy once the document is signed. HelloSign uses templates, which provides an easy way to recycle repeat forms to the same or different parties. It significantly simplifies signing, allowing for far more efficient processing. There are several different plans that include individual, family, and business plans to support your home or workplace. Multiple users can easily share documents and connect with individual accounts. Encrypted cloud storage is included with some plans and is available in either 2TB or 3TB of encrypted cloud storage. For greater features, HelloSign offers its Professional + eSign bundle. However, payment processing is not available. Pros:
Several plans to choose fromCustom brandingUnlimited signatures
Cons:
Can only sign in black inkNo payment processingNo dedicated app
Free
Cost: $0Key features: Unlimited signatures and document uploads
Essentials
Cost: $19/mo./userKey features: Templates, document editor and analytics
Business
Cost: $49/mo./userKey features: Enhanced integrations, custom branding, and content library
Enterprise
Cost: CustomKey features: SSO support, unlimited team workspaces, Salesforce
At a glance
PandaDoc reports that its signing software has saved users 12 hours per week with a 65% decrease in document creation time and a 28% increase in closing rates. It is used by over 30,000 companies, including AutoDesk, Bonusly, and TomTom. Its traditional e-signature services are combined with bonus features, like more than 450 templates, the ability to custom fields and manage approval workflows. There is also an API available so that you can integrate PandaDoc into your existing site or app. PandaDoc pulls heavy-duty with its services, interactive quotes, pre-approved contracts, built-in signatures, and shareable forms. You can sign documents and forms right within Microsoft Word, or you can use the exclusive mobile app to complete a PDF document. Either way, live analytics show progress as your client views and signs each document. Your security is protected by ESIGN, UETA and HIPAA compliance with a SOC 2 Type II certification. Pros:
Expanded integrationsFree trial with the free planEasy contract negotiation tools
Cons:
It can get pricey with usersLimited mobile app functionalityNo document editing after sending
Business
Monthly price: $20/mo.Annual price: $8/mo.Key features: Unlimited templates
Business Premium
Monthly price: $30/mo.Annual price: $15/mo.Key features: Personalized branding
Enterprise
Monthly price: $50/mo.Annual price: $30/mo.Key features: Bulk sending, specialized fields
airSlate Business Cloud
Monthly price: $50/mo.Annual price: $50/mo.Key features: HIPAA compliance and SSO
At a glance
signNow is made for businesses by offering several key features, including document signing, agreement creation, and contract negotiation. It offers many features that other services do not, such as demo templates, permission-based roles, document merging, and private cloud eSignature management. It also gives you the ability to process payments while automating business workflows. In addition to document signing, there is also tracking and storage to keep you organized. All in all, there are over 100 features designed to support both small businesses and large enterprises. No downloads are required, but new visitors will need to create an account in order to access documents. Pricing runs the gamut from the cheapest on our list to one of the most expensive, depending on the plan you choose. Regardless, there is enterprise-grade security with built-in GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA compliance with PCI DSS and SOC 2 Type II certifications. Pros:
Unlimited templates and signingExtended security protocolsAffordable plans
Cons:
Limited 7-day trialCustom plan for over 10 usersSome snags with the editing tool
To find today’s best e-signature service for small businesses, we considered several factors that may aid in your search.
Security: When you have sensitive documents and contracts, you want to protect them. The right security from your e-signature service can keep your company’s proprietary information out of the wrong hands. Ease of use: A program is only good if you can use it, so consider how simple it is to sign and send your documents. Cost: While some services offer free plans, others may require you to purchase a pricey plan to use an e-signature service for small businesses. Features: In addition to an e-signature service, there may also be other features to help, such as cloud storage, custom plans, and free templates. Integrations: Several programs can integrate with your e-signature services, such as Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Google Drive, and Workday.
When searching for the right e-signature service, consider these features to best determine which one is right for you.
Which is the right one for you?
There are many candidates for the best e-signature service for small businesses, but not all of them offer the kind of services, integrations, and pricing that our best picks offer. When narrowing your search, these expert tips can help you find the right signing service for your company.
Are there alternatives worth considering?
In our search for the best e-signature service for small businesses, there were many other services that we considered. These other options almost made our list.
BoxeSignatures.io
For more expert tips, check out our recommendations for business services, such as the best phone plans, best CRM software, and the best internet service provider.
