Best e-Signature Software

How We Rank the Best E-Signature Software

At SaasGenius, we use a comprehensive rating methodology to rank e-signature software vendors. Our evaluation is based on several factors, including features, pricing, user reviews, and customer support. We also conduct thorough research and testing of each software to ensure that our rankings represent the best value e-signature software on the market. Our goal is to help users find the most efficient, secure, and affordable e-signature solutions that meet their specific needs and requirements.

What Is a Document Signing App?

As mentioned, a digital signature app streamlines the process of authorizing documents. Instead of having to print out, send, and wait for the recipient to sign and return the document, a digital signature app can do all that in minutes. These solutions provide all who have access to the document with the option to sign onto the document directly, save and send it back. The process can take mere seconds and ensures workflow continues without any breaks.

Depending on the document signing app you are using, there are a number of additional features available. Some are compatible with Microsoft Office. Others are easier to use with other software. Most will have strong authentication features too. That way you can ensure that the documents meet any legal requirements and can be trusted. Many allow personalization of signatures, access to the service via a mobile device, and a whole lot more.

By using app sign documents software, you can streamline your business all while using a trusted encryption protocol to ensure everything is above board.

What Does An e-Signature App Do?

All the top free document signing solutions offer much the same in the way of basic features. However, some have more integration options, higher levels of encryption, or a range of other features. Here are some of the top features that all digital signature app solutions have:

• Document signing — the main feature of any sign app is the ability to sign any type of document in a secure way. The digital signature app should also allow the document to be imported, exported, saved, and more, all through the same system.
• Signing workflows — a top e Signature app will allow the users to define the signing order when sending it out to a number of different recipients. This is an important feature to enable users to keep track of all the different documents and make sure the right person is signing online.
• Notifications — receiving notifications and reminders through the electronic signature app is a great way to inform people that have requested a document, or those that need to sign it, what stage the process is at. These reminders can be to sign the document or to provide updates regarding where the document is in the signature process.

Main features of the best e-Signature software

Each document signing app has a range of features that are similar to those of other electronic signature app solutions. Features such as security, signing, and notifications are generally similar across all sign app options. However, some offer additional features. These include bulk sending options, higher standards of security, options to rebrand, and even integration with other software. Depending on your company, you may need all or just some of these app sign documents features. Here are a few of the top functions you should consider in a sign app.

• Bulk sending — If you are a larger business, then the ability to send documents to multiple recipients is a must.
• Regulatory compliance — With laws changing in regard to e-signatures, and the laws differing across countries, being able to adhere to the latest regulations is a must. By using some of the best e-Signature software apps, you can rest assured that not only will the documents be safe and secure, but they meet all legal requirements too.
• Rebranding — some of the best e-Signature software also allows the option to customize the document. For example, you can create email templates specific to your company, through which documents can be sent.
• Integrations — top eSignature apps also integrate well with other apps and software applications. In so doing, there are often APIs available to build customer integration options and thus continue to improve workflow and efficiency.
• Mobile app — With everyone using mobile devices, it is important that the best e-Signature software is available for users to sign from their mobile devices not just on a desktop.

Benefits of using the best e-Signature software

By using an eSignature app, there are a number of benefits to be found for your company. Of course, the main ones are that you improve turnaround time for a document, increase workflow, and maintain high-security levels throughout.

The ability to send and receive signed documents within minutes is a great way to boost productivity in the workplace. It’s also a lot more efficient and still maintains high levels of security. There are more benefits too, such as:

Improved Security

Through the app sign documents software you can be sure that all documents are going to the right people. There are also independent verifications in place to keep these documents secure.

Global Applications

Another benefit to this type of signing is that it is used around the world. Instead of waiting for days to send a document overseas, clients in other countries can sign it right then and there.

Workflow Tracking

This allows you to actually see the process of the signing. It’s possible to track the document and see who has opened it, signed it, approved it, and where it’s also being held up. Getting the complete “paper trail” of the document is essential to many businesses, and it’s all done without the need for actual paper.

Convenience and Speed

By using an app sign documents solution, you increase the convenience for all involved. Not only that, but it speeds the process up. There’s also no need to print any documents either making the whole process more environmentally friendly.

Centralized Document Storage

You can integrate a variety of eSignature apps with storage services too. This means that you can keep all these documents in a central place. There’s no need for huge filing cabinets anymore.

Go Paperless

Using eSignatures also means that you don’t have any paper. This can save costs as there’s no need for a printer, scanner, or any other office equipment.

Increase Collaboration

This process can also improve collaboration as multiple parties can be accessed at any one time. Everyone can help keep projects moving in a more efficient way.

Which Companies Should Use e-Signature Software

Any company that engages in activities that need legal signatures will benefit hugely from an app sign documents solution. By opting for an eSignature app, they can streamline their workflow. Here are some companies that will benefit from it.

Sales and Marketing

This is a great option for businesses needing a signature during product signup. It’s also great for signing press releases, adding or terminating vendors, or even for signing a partnership agreement.

Human Resources

In this area, eSignatures are great when hiring new employees. It’s also useful for signing NDAs, applying for or accepting leave, and signing policy documents for the company.

Finance and Legal

Both financial and legal firms will also benefit from some of the stronger security eSigning options out there. This can involve signing expense reports, loan agreements, contracts, policy management documents and so much more.

How Much e-Signature Software Cost?

How much an app sign documents solution costs really depends on the features you need. Most offer a free trial period to get to grips with the system. However, the greater the level of security you need, the more it will cost. Generally, top eSignature apps will also have a tiered pricing system based on the number of users and the security level you need. You can expect to pay around $10 per month for a basic, personal option, but more than $40 a month for a business plan, but it will be even more if you need QES signing capabilities.

Types of Document Signing Software

There are a number of different e-sign app solutions out there. Not all of them have the same services though, as some are free document signing apps, others are more expensive but offer certain specifications.

As with any software, depending on your company’s needs, the type of electronic signature app you need will differ. You may find you need an electronic identifier for standard documents, or you might need something more legally binding such as the equivalent of a witnessed signature. Here are some of the different types of e sign app options available to you when signing online documents.

Simple Electronic Signature (SES)

This is the most common option and is usually an email with an attachment. The document will be prepopulated with a name where it needs to be signed. You can simply choose a generated signature image and click the button to confirm you are happy with the document before it then gets returned. It’s electronically signed regardless of who actually clicked the button. However, this can expose someone to fraud as it doesn’t have strict security in place, so you don’t know if the right person actually signed. However, it is fast and efficient.

Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)

For added security AES requires a key or certificate with it that is then linked to the electronic identity of the signatory. This is usually an app on your mobile that the signatory has to use to validate that signature on the document and prove that it really was done by them. Think of this as more of a two-step authentication process. This is a much more advanced level of security, the only risk here is if someone else has access to the signatory’s phone and accesses their linked electronic identity.

Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)

The strongest document signing app option is QES. It’s the signing online equivalent to having a witness see who did the signature. In fact, it’s like AES but has the added benefit of using a third-party Trust Service Provider who validates the signature provided by the signatory. This is done by using an app that uses matching criteria to ensure that everything is in order. Each country has its own TSP.

Trends in e-Signature Software

Using an app sign documents online solution has grown in popularity in recent years. Consequently, the technology used in an e Signature app has dramatically improved. With that being said, it is still important to keep up to date with the laws surrounding what can and can’t be done when using a digital signature app for official documents.

On top of that, changes in these legal requirements have necessitated changes with the options that an e sign app can provide as well. This means that it is incredibly important to make sure that the electronic signature app you have chosen is meeting your needs. Technology in this area is continuing to evolve too, so it’s important to keep an eye on the latest trends in app sign documents software.

• Biometric eSignatures — the latest trend is to have even more secure signature options. And this has taken the form of biometric signature options in app sign documents solutions. The type of biometric eSignature differs, with some e sign app solutions offering handwritten biometric options as they most closely resemble the original thing. Others are opting for fingerprint-based eSignatures which also can’t be faked, though these need fingerprint readers to work.
• Improved identity checks — Some of the best e-Signature software is upping the ante when it comes to the security checks it uses. Many of the newer digital signature app options are incorporating email access, passwords, credit report checks, identity proofing documents, and more, to ensure the right person is signing the document.