Quick Overview
- 1#1: DocuSign - Leading electronic signature platform for securely signing PDFs with compliance, templates, and integrations.
- 2#2: Adobe Acrobat Sign - Industry-standard PDF signing solution with seamless Acrobat integration and advanced security features.
- 3#3: Dropbox Sign - Reliable e-signature tool formerly HelloSign for fast PDF signing and cloud storage integration.
- 4#4: PandaDoc - Document automation platform featuring legally binding PDF e-signatures and workflow tools.
- 5#5: SignNow - Intuitive electronic signature software with PDF editing, mobile signing, and team collaboration.
- 6#6: Foxit eSign - Enterprise PDF signing service with digital certificates, audit trails, and bulk sending capabilities.
- 7#7: Nitro Sign - Professional PDF productivity suite including secure digital signing and editing features.
- 8#8: Wondershare PDFelement - Affordable desktop PDF editor with digital signature creation, certification, and e-sign support.
- 9#9: Smallpdf - Online PDF toolkit offering simple electronic signing, editing, and conversion tools.
- 10#10: DocHub - Free PDF signer and editor with Google Workspace integration for quick electronic signatures.
We ranked these tools based on key factors: core performance (seamless signing, security), user experience (intuitive design, accessibility), feature set (compliance, integrations), and overall value, ensuring a balanced list that caters to diverse professional and personal requirements.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading PDF signer software, featuring tools like DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat Sign, Dropbox Sign, PandaDoc, and SignNow, to guide readers in finding the right fit. It highlights key features, usability, and practical considerations, enabling informed choices for secure, streamlined document signing.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DocuSign Leading electronic signature platform for securely signing PDFs with compliance, templates, and integrations. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Adobe Acrobat Sign Industry-standard PDF signing solution with seamless Acrobat integration and advanced security features. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Dropbox Sign Reliable e-signature tool formerly HelloSign for fast PDF signing and cloud storage integration. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | PandaDoc Document automation platform featuring legally binding PDF e-signatures and workflow tools. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | SignNow Intuitive electronic signature software with PDF editing, mobile signing, and team collaboration. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Foxit eSign Enterprise PDF signing service with digital certificates, audit trails, and bulk sending capabilities. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | Nitro Sign Professional PDF productivity suite including secure digital signing and editing features. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Wondershare PDFelement Affordable desktop PDF editor with digital signature creation, certification, and e-sign support. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 9 | Smallpdf Online PDF toolkit offering simple electronic signing, editing, and conversion tools. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | DocHub Free PDF signer and editor with Google Workspace integration for quick electronic signatures. | other | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
Leading electronic signature platform for securely signing PDFs with compliance, templates, and integrations.
Industry-standard PDF signing solution with seamless Acrobat integration and advanced security features.
Reliable e-signature tool formerly HelloSign for fast PDF signing and cloud storage integration.
Document automation platform featuring legally binding PDF e-signatures and workflow tools.
Intuitive electronic signature software with PDF editing, mobile signing, and team collaboration.
Enterprise PDF signing service with digital certificates, audit trails, and bulk sending capabilities.
Professional PDF productivity suite including secure digital signing and editing features.
Affordable desktop PDF editor with digital signature creation, certification, and e-sign support.
Online PDF toolkit offering simple electronic signing, editing, and conversion tools.
Free PDF signer and editor with Google Workspace integration for quick electronic signatures.
DocuSign
enterpriseLeading electronic signature platform for securely signing PDFs with compliance, templates, and integrations.
Legally binding signatures with global compliance across 188 countries and AI-powered contract analytics
DocuSign is the leading electronic signature platform that allows users to upload PDFs and other documents, apply legally binding e-signatures, and manage workflows securely online. It supports multi-party signing, automated reminders, templates, and real-time tracking to streamline agreement processes. With robust security features like audit trails and compliance with ESIGN, UETA, and GDPR, it's trusted by millions for business-critical transactions.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade security with tamper-evident audit trails and multi-factor authentication
- 400+ integrations including Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365
- Mobile app for signing anywhere with offline support
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for advanced features and high-volume use
- Free plan is very limited, pushing users to paid tiers
- Steeper learning curve for complex workflows and custom branding
Best For
Businesses, legal teams, and enterprises needing scalable, compliant e-signature solutions for high-volume PDF signing.
Pricing
Personal ($10/user/mo), Standard ($25/user/mo), Business Pro ($40/user/mo), with Enterprise custom pricing; annual discounts available.
Adobe Acrobat Sign
enterpriseIndustry-standard PDF signing solution with seamless Acrobat integration and advanced security features.
Native PDF rendering and in-document editing, ensuring pixel-perfect signatures without compatibility issues
Adobe Acrobat Sign is a robust electronic signature solution integrated with Adobe Document Cloud, enabling users to send, sign, track, and manage PDF documents securely from any device. It supports advanced workflows including templates, bulk sending, automated reminders, and detailed audit trails for compliance. With strong emphasis on legal validity, it caters to businesses handling high-volume or regulated signing needs.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Adobe Acrobat and Document Cloud for superior PDF handling
- Enterprise-grade security, compliance (e.g., eSign Act, GDPR, HIPAA), and audit trails
- Advanced automation features like templates, conditional logic, and API access
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to simpler alternatives
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited customization in free or basic plans
Best For
Enterprises and teams needing legally binding e-signatures with deep PDF workflow integration and compliance requirements.
Pricing
Free limited plan; Business starts at $9.99/user/month (annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Dropbox Sign
enterpriseReliable e-signature tool formerly HelloSign for fast PDF signing and cloud storage integration.
Native Dropbox integration allowing one-click signing and automatic saving of signed PDFs to your Dropbox account
Dropbox Sign, formerly HelloSign, is a robust electronic signature platform designed for signing, sending, and managing PDF documents securely online. It supports features like reusable templates, automated reminders, mobile signing, and detailed audit trails for compliance. Tightly integrated with Dropbox, it allows seamless document storage, sharing, and signing workflows directly from the cloud storage service.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Dropbox for effortless document management
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop signing and mobile support
- Strong compliance features including SOC 2, GDPR, and audit trails
Cons
- Limited free tier (only 3 documents per month)
- Higher pricing for unlimited sending and advanced team features
- Fewer native integrations compared to top competitors like DocuSign
Best For
Teams and businesses already using Dropbox who need reliable, integrated e-signing for PDFs without complex setup.
Pricing
Free (3 docs/mo); Standard $25/user/mo (100 docs/mo, annual billing); Premium $40/user/mo (unlimited docs); Business plans custom.
PandaDoc
enterpriseDocument automation platform featuring legally binding PDF e-signatures and workflow tools.
Real-time document analytics that track opens, views, and time spent on each section
PandaDoc is a comprehensive document automation platform that enables users to create, customize, and send professional documents like proposals and contracts with integrated e-signature functionality. It supports legally binding electronic signatures compliant with ESIGN and UETA, allowing multiple signers, sequential signing, and real-time tracking. Beyond basic PDF signing, it offers advanced features like templates, automation workflows, and viewer analytics, making it a full-fledged solution for sales and business teams.
Pros
- Integrated document creation, editing, and e-signing in one platform
- Powerful analytics for tracking document views and engagement
- Extensive integrations with CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit users needing only basic PDF signing
- Steeper learning curve for advanced automation features
- Limited free plan with basic functionality only
Best For
Sales, marketing, and business development teams requiring end-to-end document workflows with e-signatures.
Pricing
Essentials starts at $19/user/month (billed annually), Business at $49/user/month, Enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial available.
SignNow
enterpriseIntuitive electronic signature software with PDF editing, mobile signing, and team collaboration.
SignNow Widgets for embedding customizable signing forms directly on websites or emails
SignNow is a cloud-based e-signature platform specializing in PDF signing and document management, allowing users to upload PDFs, add legally binding signatures, and route documents for multiple signers. It supports customizable templates, fillable fields, and workflow automation to streamline signing processes. The tool integrates seamlessly with services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Salesforce for efficient document handling.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick PDF signing
- Strong mobile app for signing on the go
- Unlimited templates and robust integrations with cloud storage
Cons
- Limited features on the free plan (e.g., only 3 documents/month)
- Pricing scales up quickly for high-volume users
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and teams needing affordable, user-friendly PDF e-signing with basic workflow automation.
Pricing
Free plan (limited to 3 docs/month); Personal: $10/user/month (annual); Standard: $20/user/month; Business: $30/user/month; Enterprise: Custom.
Foxit eSign
enterpriseEnterprise PDF signing service with digital certificates, audit trails, and bulk sending capabilities.
Reusable Power Forms for creating interactive, self-service signing templates that streamline repetitive workflows.
Foxit eSign is a cloud-based electronic signature platform designed for signing, sending, and managing PDF documents securely. It offers features like drag-and-drop signing fields, reusable templates, automated workflows, and mobile apps for on-the-go use. Compliant with ESIGN, UETA, and GDPR standards, it provides audit trails and integrations with tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with unlimited envelopes on paid plans
- Strong compliance and security features including audit trails
- Intuitive interface with mobile support and easy integrations
Cons
- Fewer advanced automation options than top competitors like DocuSign
- Customer support can be slower for non-enterprise users
- Limited free tier with restrictions on documents and features
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing cost-effective, compliant PDF e-signing without complex enterprise requirements.
Pricing
Starts at $10/user/month (billed annually) for Basic plan; Business at $16/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial.
Nitro Sign
enterpriseProfessional PDF productivity suite including secure digital signing and editing features.
Seamless integration with Nitro PDF Pro for in-app editing, form-filling, and signing without exporting files
Nitro Sign is an electronic signature platform from Nitro Software designed specifically for PDF documents, allowing users to sign, request signatures, and manage workflows securely. It integrates seamlessly with Nitro PDF Pro for editing, converting, and signing in one ecosystem. Key capabilities include templates, bulk sending, audit trails, and compliance with eIDAS, ESIGN, and UETA standards.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick setup
- Robust PDF integration for editing and signing without switching apps
- Strong compliance and security features with detailed audit logs
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers for advanced features limit accessibility for solos
- Free plan restricted to 5 documents per month
- Fewer native integrations with non-PDF tools compared to leaders like DocuSign
Best For
Small to medium businesses handling high volumes of PDF contracts that need integrated editing and reliable e-signing.
Pricing
Free plan (5 docs/month); Personal unlimited at $9.99/user/month; Business from $19.99/user/month (billed annually).
Wondershare PDFelement
otherAffordable desktop PDF editor with digital signature creation, certification, and e-sign support.
Seamless digital signature certification with PAdES compliance and easy certificate import
Wondershare PDFelement is a versatile PDF editor that excels as a PDF signer software, allowing users to create electronic signatures via drawing, typing, or image upload, and apply secure digital signatures with certificates. It supports batch signing, request signatures from others, and ensures compliance with standards like PAdES for legal validity. Beyond signing, it integrates seamlessly with editing, conversion, and form-filling tools, making it a comprehensive solution for document workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for quick signature creation and application
- Supports both electronic and digital signatures with certificate integration
- Batch signing and workflow automation for efficiency
Cons
- Full signing features require paid license; free version limited
- Subscription model may not suit occasional users
- Less specialized than dedicated e-signature platforms like DocuSign
Best For
Small businesses and professionals who need reliable PDF signing alongside editing and collaboration tools.
Pricing
Free version available with limits; paid plans start at $79.99/year (Individual) or $129 one-time purchase; Business plans from $159/user/year.
Smallpdf
otherOnline PDF toolkit offering simple electronic signing, editing, and conversion tools.
Integrated PDF editor alongside signing, enabling edits and signatures in one workflow without switching tools
Smallpdf is a web-based PDF toolkit that includes robust electronic signing capabilities, allowing users to draw, type, or upload signatures onto PDFs with legal compliance under ESIGN and eIDAS standards. It supports single and multi-party signing workflows, form filling, and integration with cloud storage like Google Drive and Dropbox. As part of a broader suite, it combines signing with editing, conversion, and compression tools for comprehensive PDF management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick signing
- Legally binding e-signatures with audit trails
- No installation required; works on any device
Cons
- Free plan limited to 2 tasks per day
- Advanced collaboration features require paid Pro plan
- Online-only nature raises minor data privacy concerns for sensitive documents
Best For
Freelancers and small teams seeking a simple, no-install PDF signer for occasional use.
Pricing
Free (2 tasks/day); Pro: $12/month or $108/year; Teams: $15/user/month.
DocHub
otherFree PDF signer and editor with Google Workspace integration for quick electronic signatures.
Real-time collaborative editing and signing directly in the browser
DocHub is a web-based PDF editor and e-signature platform that enables users to upload, edit, sign, and share documents securely without installing software. It offers tools for adding electronic signatures, filling forms, annotating, and merging pages, with support for legally binding signatures compliant with eIDAS and ESIGN standards. Integrations with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Gmail make it convenient for quick workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive browser-based interface with no downloads needed
- Seamless integrations with Google Workspace and cloud storage
- Affordable pricing with a functional free tier
Cons
- Free plan adds watermarks to exported documents
- Lacks advanced enterprise features like bulk sending or API access in basic plans
- Limited template library compared to competitors
Best For
Freelancers and small teams seeking a simple, cost-effective PDF signing solution for everyday use.
Pricing
Free plan with limits; Pro at $4.99/user/month (annual); Business at $12.50/user/month.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top PDF signers shows DocuSign as the clear leader, excelling with robust security, compliance, and integrations. Adobe Acrobat Sign and Dropbox Sign follow, offering strengths like seamless Acrobat integration and fast cloud storage ties. Together, these three cover diverse needs, making them top choices, with DocuSign standing out as the best overall.
Ready to streamline your PDF signing? Start with DocuSign to experience secure, efficient e-signatures that simplify your workflow and meet your unique needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison