Best Free E-Signature Software in 2025

A signature confirms decisions and affirms accuracy and trust on a document that it is affixed to. Digital signatures hold the same level of authority that written signatures have and promote convenience in more ways than one. Thanks to today’s e-signature apps, signatures can be supplied with just a few clicks onto any type of document, from contracts to application forms. The best free e-signature software offer more than just that. Some offer toolsets that automate and allow users to configure contract and approval workflows. Others carry features that store and track documents while offering a measure of security. Moreover, there are those that consolidate all these functionalities into a central hub. This guide serves as a bird’s eye view of ideal free e-signature software and what they bring to the table.

Free trials provide an overview of a platform’s capabilities and let users experience how much of a difference it makes in an organization. As such, it is wise to leverage these offers to see if a particular product is a perfect fit for the company’s operational needs. This process is simpler with free e-signature software since it costs nothing to install and operate them. However, trying an ocean of products is simply too time-consuming, thus centering on the highest rated products shortlists your options. Based on the score given by our experts and their Customer Satisfaction Ratings, PandaDoc, Juro, Oneflow, SignWell, Encyro, and Signaturely are worth a try.

Signatures are ubiquitous in business operations, given the number of forms, contracts, certificates, and other documents that necessitate them. With this, free e-signature platforms have proven to be useful to any company regardless of industry. For instance:

• Small businesses that spend too much time signing and tracking signed documents. Writing a signature may not take too much time on its own, but if we’re talking about dozens of documents daily, stroking a pen onto a huge pile of paper suddenly becomes a headache. There’s also the chance of losing paperwork. With free e-signature software, managers can easily sign documents even if they’re away from the office. What’s more, some platforms send notifications regarding the status of each document, which can be accessed via email or within the interface.
• Mid-sized firms with archiving concerns. Let’s face it, loose papers are easy to lose. It just so happens that most mid-sized firms are often buried in paperwork. In lieu of this, the best free e-signature software are equipped with document management tools with which managers can store and organize files, especially signed documents. Some platforms even have document builders, so you can create documents and have them signed in one location.

• PandaDoc. A scalable solution designed for businesses of all sizes that allows users to manage documents, supports a range of document forms, and accelerates signing documents. Aside from electronic signatures, it also comes equipped with tools for contract lifecycle management, document building, document analytics, branding options, and content locking, among others.
• Juro. A feature-rich solution that streamlines contract and signing workflows through functionalities like e-signatures, self-serve contracts, and no-code workflow builder. With this, users can easily automate contract management, roll out dynamic approval processes, as well as handle all negotiations in one hub.
• Oneflow. A sales proposal automation platform that automates contract workflows, facilitates e-signings and enables users to prepare contracts. With this, users can create digital, responsive contracts, set automatic reminders for contracts, set interactive fields within contracts, and more. It also has API capabilities, allowing it to connect with your current software ecosystem.
• SignWell. Formerly known as Docksetch, SignWell is a handy e-signature software that simplifies the e-signing process and enables users to document their audit trail. Among its tools are template creation, simplified sending, and document sharing. It can also support a multiple signatories workflow.
• Encyro. A multipurpose file-sharing system known for its 16 layers of security, streamlined signing process, and organized file management. With Encyro, not only do you get dynamic electronic signature support, you can also customize e-signature request expiration dates, leverage auto-encryption technology, and add PDF annotations.
• Signaturely. With 45 free contract templates, this e-signature platform lets users build contracts, collect signatures, and organize digital paperwork. It comes with an audit log and history as well as notifications and reminders to help users keep tabs on all activity within the platform. It also integrates with popular document management platforms for your convenience.

There are three general types of free e-signature platforms based on deployment. One entails elaborate installation procedures while another sees providers as the sole developers, both of which are less likely to offer free programs. Meanwhile, there is also a type of platform that comes as a reliable source of free programs.

• Open-source e-signature platforms. This open-source model does not require providers to solely maintain and develop software. In fact, the programs are built to be customized by end-users. Therefore, many of the products in this category are free or charge a minimal fee.
• Software-as-a-service (SaaS) e-signature platforms. In this type, the software provider solely develops and updates applications that are deployed on the cloud. The end-user is not responsible for the said actions. Given the labor, these platforms often come with monthly or annual subscriptions, but there is also a fair amount of free software that belongs to this category.
• On-premise e-signature platforms. Programs belonging to this category are to be downloaded to a computer, often with complex installation procedures. These are hosted on a local server, covered with a license, and sometimes require hardware. It’s rare to find free programs that have an on-premise deployment model since providers have to deal with license costs.

Considering that the basic function of e-signing documents is flexible, the best free e-signature software may carry a diverse set of features. There are certain functionalities that are considered vital to most, if not all, businesses.

• Audit Trail. This feature enables you to monitor document activity such as all the parties who have signed and not signed documents as well as when and where the signings took place. Signatures can be verified by checking the log.
• Security. Signatures are legally binding and affirm approval of any action, making them powerful instruments. As such, they should be safeguarded with encryption, user access controls, and proactive security policies.
• Compliance. Digital signatures are subject to strict rules and policies that may consequently lead to penalties if they aren’t compliant. Ideally, the workflows of free signature software integrate compliance requirements to make their usage worry-free.
• Scalability. Free e-signature software are intrinsically scalable, given that businesses of all sizes need to have documents like forms, contracts, and other agreements signed. As such, many platforms surround an e-signing functionality with other features or leverage it as an element of bigger systems.
• Approval Workflows. Optimizing the signing workflow to account for all parties and the order in which they sign speeds up the process and ensures that all the necessary signatures are collected.
• Notifications. One of the biggest headaches in collecting signatures is the availability of people. Having notifications that remind signees of their obligations and update document owners on the progress of signature collection guarantees completion since the documents can be signed online.

Signing documents is a critical part of any organization, so having a solution that streamlines this process greatly helps. Delving deeper, we have identified the central benefits that the best e-signature software have on offer:

• Assured signings. An e-signature software curbs proximity concerns since it doesn’t require signees to be in the office to write their signatures. They can sign anywhere where there is an internet connection. In addition, most platforms send notifications to remind signees that they have documents to sign. 
• Compliant and orderly signings. As the best free e-signature software are often equipped with configurable workflows, you can arrange the order of signees and other related processes. These platforms are typically compliant with digital signature regulations, so you can avoid legal repercussions in using them. 
• Improved security. Many e-signature systems afford protection to users through encryption and user access controls. These measures prevent hackers and other fraudulent individuals from illicitly using your signature or obtaining sensitive information. 
• Easily locating documents. Some highly regarded platforms come as document management systems that organize files and display audit trails. Documents, whether signed or to be signed, are sorted and tracked, which makes verifications easy. You’ll also know the parties who have yet to sign the documents.
• Save money and space. Many free e-signature software enable offices to go paperless, with digital documents filed and signings conducted online. Besides their zero price tag, these platforms also eliminate the need for reams of paper, bulky filing cabinets, and costly renovations due to space concerns. 

E-signatures will figure more in contract proceedings. With a lot of e-signature platforms enabling users to configure approval workflows, these would likely become staples in contract processes. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited staff mobility, contracts will still need to be signed for deals to be closed and parts of operations to fully function. The software allows for contract signings to be conducted online with no physical human contact.

Since contracts are legally binding, signatures and other sensitive information require protection, an aspect that many e-signature platforms cover. Encryption and adjustable access levels keep all sensitive data safe. Some even push the envelope by incorporating biometric signing, ensuring that only relevant individuals will have access to the contracts.

More emphasis on collaborations: As most economies have reopened following the lowered threat of COVID-19, the hybrid work arrangement has become common in the business landscape. This has made e-signature programs more relevant than ever since they foster contactless signings of forms and contracts. As such, the development of more collaboration features makes perfect sense.

Currently, most e-signature platforms enable multiple users to sign and view pertinent documents at varying access levels as well as the customization of workflows. It is likely for these systems to incorporate other functionalities to further simulate on-ground signings such as live chat and video conferencing.

Adoption as a company-wide solution. E-signatures are often treated as a team-wide tool, with its use sometimes at the sole discretion of team managers. After all, departments like HR, IT, and legal typically deal with bulks of forms, contracts, and other paperwork daily. But every department in an office needs to have its shared documents signed to enact some of their functions. 

In lieu of this, e-signature programs would likely be adopted as a company-wide solution for a lot of firms in the near future. Such a move would centralize the whole signing process of an organization and streamline the workflows of contracts and forms that need to go through multiple departments for approval. The same goes for document management and the creation of workflows, two common features of advanced e-signature platforms. 

Software vulnerability: While e-signature platforms normally carry features that safeguard information, hackers may still find ways to bypass the security measures in place. This could lead to digital forgeries and significant financial losses.

Some systems offer multilayered security and that can work wonders in keeping fraudulent individuals at bay. To further stonewall hackers, additional security measures should be applied like two-step sign-ins and the incorporation of mobile code access.

Denials and compliance issues: An individual may deny that they appended their signature for any number of reasons, and this may compromise operations or compensation. Meanwhile, non-compliance with electronic signature laws potentially leads to nullified contracts and possible penalties. These are potential headaches to those whose e-signature platforms do not cover such concerns.

As such, it is good practice to see if an e-signature platform is compliant with the latest digital signature policies and has an audit trail feature. An audit trail verifies the time, place, and identity of all individuals who appended signatures. As for compliance, an e-signature solution should adhere to relevant legislation like ESIGN and eIDAS.

Implementation cost and labor: Some e-signature platforms can break one’s back when it comes to implementation cost and labor. The sticker price may appear cheap from the outset, but when expenses are computed, the total sum might be staggering. In regard to labor, the use of a software solution might entail training and the heavy adjustment of existing workflows, causing serious delays for the business.

If you cannot afford to spend on new solutions, you can go for free e-signature software. These products offer a host of features that streamline the signing process at no cost. You can try several ones and settle on what works best for your operations. For those who have budgets allocated to new tech, you can take advantage of the free trials or free plans offered by e-signature brands until you find the one that suits your exact needs.