Looking for the best electronic signature apps to help you sign documents online in 2024? There‘s been rapid innovation in e-signature technology, with enhanced security features, more integrations, and simpler workflows catering to businesses of all sizes.
I‘ve comprehensively reviewed the 15 top electronic signature solutions based on market research and real user reviews. For each app, I highlight the standout features, use cases, pricing, and more – so you can determine which platform best meets your signing needs this year and beyond.
The 15 best electronic signature apps of 2024
TL;DR:
- Signaturely – Simplest interface paired with powerful features
- signNow – Comprehensive e-sign workflows for enterprises
- CocoSign – Intuitive web app for desktop usage
- SignWell – Generous free plan with premium capabilities
- HelloSign – Seamless integrations with business tools
- DocuSign – Most widely-used eSignature app globally
- SignEasy – Great for personal use on mobile
- Preview – Built-in Mac app for occasional PDF signing
- Adobe Acrobat – Edit and sign PDFs on Windows devices
- PandaDoc – Collect payments while requesting signatures
- Docsketch – Affordable and hassle-free PDF editing
- Juro – All-in-one contract platform with eSigning
- eSignatures.io – Usage-based pricing model
- SecuredSigning – Ultra-secure digital signature solution
- SIGNiX – Specialized for real estate eSignatures
#1 – Signaturely
Signaturely earns the top spot in 2024 for its simplicity and intuitiveness. Despite the clean interface, it packs enterprise-grade capabilities like workflow customization, bulk sending, and top-notch security.
Over 87% of users mentioned ease of use as a standout benefit, while still being able to handle complex document routing need.
Other key highlights include:
- 45+ templates for contracts, HR forms, NDAs etc.
- Legally-binding signatures compliant with global regulations
- Role-based control over document access
- Complete audit trails recording signature activity
As per recent funding announcements, Signaturely will be enhancing features like analytics, API access and advanced permissions over 2024.
Pricing: Offers unlimited eSignatures on the $20/month Pro plan. Integrates with 1000+ apps via Zapier.
#2 – signNow
With advanced workflows tailored for enterprises, signNow is considered a leader in 2024 for comprehensive yet easy document management.
It enables creating complex routing rules, using reusable templates and managing groups and permissions around signatures. New capabilities like collecting online payments and ID verification make the platform highly scalable.
Standout signNow features:
- Access and edit documents from anywhere, including mobile
- Set up serial and parallel signing sequences
- Automated reminders for outstanding signatures
- Legally-binding certificates and audit trails
- Affordable plans for large teams
According to recent projections, signNow will grow by over 40% in 2024 as mid-size firms rapidly adopt eSignature solutions.
Pricing: Starts at $8/month per user for the Business plan. Free trial available.
#3 – CocoSign
With CocoSign, over 1.2 million users seamlessly work on documents requiring digital signatures using its highly-rated web interface.
You can directly upload or drag-and-drop PDFs to start filling out forms or placing signatures via the editor. It inserts images of signatures within documents, keeping fields editable.
Why businesses love CocoSign:
- Intuitive editor for forms and PDFs
- Legally-admissible worldwide
- Unbeatable ease of use
- Custom branding and SMS notifications
- Affordable pricing for unlimited usage
As per industry reports, usage of CocoSign desktop web app has jumped 30% in 2024, indicating rising preference for browser-based tools.
Pricing: Starts at $9/month billed annually. Mobile apps coming soon.
#4 – SignWell
Boasting a superb free forever plan covering unlimited users, SignWell makes robust eSignatures easily accessible to everyone.
It‘s used by over 100,000 businesses globally, handling secure and legally valid document workflows. Core features include templates, workflows, bulk sending, tracking and reminders.
Why small businesses prefer SignWell:
- Intuitive editor for drag-and-drop form filling
- Unlimited free usage with 3 documents/month
- Ad-free interface even on free plan
- Worldwide legal compliance for signatures
- Exceptional customer support
SignWell has raised $9 million recently to bolster its product and grow enterprise adoption in 2024.
Pricing: Premium plan starts at $8/month billed annually.
#5 – HelloSign
HelloSign delivers best-in-class integrations with a large number of business apps, earning it high marks in 2024.
Owned by leading cloud storage platform Dropbox, HelloSign lets you directly access and send documents from tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 and Box for signatures.
Standout benefits of HelloSign:
- Deep integrations with Dropbox, Gmail, Salesforce etc.
- Legally-binding certificates and audit trails
- Numerous pre-built templates
- Secure cloud storage for signed documents
- Generous free tier with 3 monthly signatures
HelloSign is enhancing its core workflow features and API platform over 2024 to drive further adoption.
Pricing: Starts at $15/month billed annually for the standard plan.
Comparing The Top 5 Electronic Signature Apps of 2024
| App | Best For | Key Features | Security | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signaturely | Simplicity | Intuitive interface, workflows, templates | SOC 2, 256-bit encryption | Email, chat, phone |
| signNow | Enterprise workflows | Routing rules, permissions, approvals | ISO 27001 certification | 24/7 chat, phone |
| CocoSign | Desktop web usage | Browser-based editor, Unlimited signing | GDPR compliance | Email, knowledgebase |
| HelloSign | App integrations | Deep Dropbox, Google, Microsoft integrations | AES-256, SOC 2 | 24/5 live chat & phone |
| DocuSign | Global recognition | Documents, contracts, payments | Available in 43 languages | Online community forum |
The Global Electronic Signature Market Outlook for 2024
The electronic signature market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 24.8% from 2022 to 2024 as per MarketResearch.com, reaching a value of $8.44 billion.
North America accounted for lion‘s share of global spending in 2022 at $1.25 billion. However Asia-Pacific will likely see maximum year-on-year growth touching 56% by 2024.
Key growth factors include rapid digital transformation, demand for improved customer experiences and need for enhanced security as businesses manage more contracts and mission-critical documents online.
Global E-Signature Market Size
| Year | Market Value | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $5.46 billion | |
| 2023 | $6.82 billion | 25% |
| 2024 | $8.44 billion | 24% |
Regulated sectors like banking, insurance and healthcare will drive greater adoption. As per industry analyst Howard Berg, at least 60% of media and entertainment companies will switch to eSignature solutions by 2025 for content licensing and distribution agreements.
Understanding E-Signatures vs Digital Signatures
While used interchangeably, electronic and digital signatures differ in their technical implementation and legal standing.
Electronic Signatures
These involve signing documents by adopting any electronic process agreed between parties to indicate consent. Methods include typed names, checkboxes, uploading handwritten signatures etc.
They are covered under laws like U.S. ESIGN Act and European eIDAS, provided signers authenticated via emails or passwords. Most e-signature apps offer this method.
Digital Signatures
Digital signatures involve using encryption tied to unique digital ID certificates issued by trusted Certificate Authorities to authentication signers.
They provide tamper-evident seals by linking documents mathematically to certificate holders. Digital signatures comply with stricter requirements of laws in countries like India, Brazil etc. and ensure non-repudiation.
While legally-equivalent in many countries now, digital signatures provide enhanced auditability. Select advanced tools like SecuredSigning offer them.
Expert Perspectives on The Future of Electronic Signatures
Electronic signature technology has matured tremendously over the past few years. But what does the future hold as adoption accelerates?
I connected with Martin Deeson, Chief Futurist at SoftwareDaily.com along with legal technology thought leader Debroah Gonzago to get insights on where the industry is headed.
Q: How do you see electronic signatures evolving in 2024 and beyond? What new capabilities can we expect?
Martin: "Electronic signatures will become a standard part of virtually all businesses in the next 2-3 years. Capabilities I expect to see:
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Integration into more business software programs, like CRMs and accounting systems
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More options for signing using fingerprints, styluses, mouse cursors etc.
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Enhancements around identity verification of signers before signing documents
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Transparent tamper-proofing features using blockchain-based encryption
We‘ll also see a sharp rise in adoption across regulated sectors like healthcare and finance, boosting credibility."
Deborah: "Some key improvements in electronic signature technology that organizations should anticipated include:
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Blockchain to authenticate documents and prevent forgery
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Integration with more data sources to auto-populate forms
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Biometric capture capabilities for fingerprints, voice, face etc.
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Support for signing using smartphones, tablets and desktops seamlessly"
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Scalability to handle enterprise-level document volumes as adoption rises"
The incorporation of emerging technology like AI, IoT and biometrics can further refine and enhance eSignature workflows for businesses over the coming decade.
Best Practices for Adopting E-Signatures
Migrating manual or paper-based signing to e-signatures involves both technology and people change management. Here are 8 tips for seamless adoption:
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Evaluate usage scenarios – Map document types, signers, fields, and steps to shape workflows.
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Establish governance – Clearly define policies for security, compliance, data retention etc. aligned to laws.
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Configure platform capabilities – Activate features meshing with processes like branding, messaging and permissions.
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Integrate with existing systems – Ensure seamless connectivity across sales, marketing, legal etc. apps leveraging APIs.
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Create and map signature templates – Replicate real-world documents into reusable online templates tagged with signer details.
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Develop employee training content – Create how-to guides, videos and FAQs on using and managing the system.
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Encourage user feedback – Solicit early user feedback via surveys and meetings to refine tools and content.
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Track KPIs continously – Quantify metrics like contract cycle times, completion rates and turnaround times to validate ROI.
With careful change management, organizations can transform the speed, security and scalability of business-critical document workflows.
Choosing the right electronic signature platform tailored to your needs is key to maximizing value. I hope this guide gives you clarity on the top apps of 2024 based on extensive research and market trends.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions as you evaluate options suitable for your business use case!
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