Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Acrobat Sign - Industry-leading PDF e-signature solution offering secure, compliant digital signing with audit trails and integrations.
- 2#2: DocuSign - Comprehensive e-signature platform for legally binding PDF signatures with automation, templates, and API access.
- 3#3: Dropbox Sign - User-friendly e-signature tool integrated with Dropbox for quick, secure PDF signing and storage.
- 4#4: PandaDoc - Document workflow platform with advanced PDF e-signing, proposals, and real-time collaboration features.
- 5#5: SignNow - Mobile-first e-signature app for fast PDF signing with fields, templates, and multi-signer support.
- 6#6: DocHub - Free online PDF editor and signer with drag-and-drop e-signature tools and Google Drive integration.
- 7#7: Smallpdf - Web-based PDF toolkit featuring simple e-signing, encryption, and conversion for everyday use.
- 8#8: SignWell - Affordable unlimited e-signatures for PDFs with customizable workflows and compliance standards.
- 9#9: Eversign - Cloud e-signature service compliant with ESIGN and eIDAS for secure PDF document signing.
- 10#10: OneSpan Sign - Enterprise-grade digital signature solution for PDFs with identity verification and high-volume signing.
Tools were ranked based on key metrics including security and compliance, ease of use across platforms, feature richness, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs from small teams to large organizations.
Comparison Table
Explore the landscape of PDF signing software with our detailed comparison table, featuring tools such as Adobe Acrobat Sign, DocuSign, Dropbox Sign, PandaDoc, SignNow, and others. This resource outlines critical features, pricing structures, and user experiences to help readers identify the ideal solution for their signing requirements, whether for individual or professional use.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Acrobat Sign Industry-leading PDF e-signature solution offering secure, compliant digital signing with audit trails and integrations. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | DocuSign Comprehensive e-signature platform for legally binding PDF signatures with automation, templates, and API access. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Dropbox Sign User-friendly e-signature tool integrated with Dropbox for quick, secure PDF signing and storage. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | PandaDoc Document workflow platform with advanced PDF e-signing, proposals, and real-time collaboration features. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | SignNow Mobile-first e-signature app for fast PDF signing with fields, templates, and multi-signer support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | DocHub Free online PDF editor and signer with drag-and-drop e-signature tools and Google Drive integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Smallpdf Web-based PDF toolkit featuring simple e-signing, encryption, and conversion for everyday use. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | SignWell Affordable unlimited e-signatures for PDFs with customizable workflows and compliance standards. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | Eversign Cloud e-signature service compliant with ESIGN and eIDAS for secure PDF document signing. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | OneSpan Sign Enterprise-grade digital signature solution for PDFs with identity verification and high-volume signing. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
Industry-leading PDF e-signature solution offering secure, compliant digital signing with audit trails and integrations.
Comprehensive e-signature platform for legally binding PDF signatures with automation, templates, and API access.
User-friendly e-signature tool integrated with Dropbox for quick, secure PDF signing and storage.
Document workflow platform with advanced PDF e-signing, proposals, and real-time collaboration features.
Mobile-first e-signature app for fast PDF signing with fields, templates, and multi-signer support.
Free online PDF editor and signer with drag-and-drop e-signature tools and Google Drive integration.
Web-based PDF toolkit featuring simple e-signing, encryption, and conversion for everyday use.
Affordable unlimited e-signatures for PDFs with customizable workflows and compliance standards.
Cloud e-signature service compliant with ESIGN and eIDAS for secure PDF document signing.
Enterprise-grade digital signature solution for PDFs with identity verification and high-volume signing.
Adobe Acrobat Sign
enterpriseIndustry-leading PDF e-signature solution offering secure, compliant digital signing with audit trails and integrations.
Native PDF integration allowing in-document editing, fillable forms, and visual signing experiences without external tools
Adobe Acrobat Sign is a premier cloud-based e-signature platform that allows users to send, sign, track, and manage PDF documents securely from any device. Deeply integrated with Adobe Document Cloud and Acrobat, it combines powerful PDF editing, form creation, and conversion tools with legally binding electronic signatures compliant with global standards like ESIGN, UETA, and eIDAS. It excels in automating workflows, supporting bulk signing, custom branding, and extensive API integrations for enterprise-scale deployments.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance with audit trails and multi-factor authentication
- Seamless integration with Adobe Acrobat for native PDF editing and form handling during signing
- Advanced automation features like templates, conditional workflows, and bulk sending for high-volume use
Cons
- Premium pricing that may be steep for small teams or individuals
- Complex setup for advanced enterprise features requiring IT involvement
- Limited customization in lower-tier plans
Best For
Large enterprises and teams needing robust, compliant PDF-centric e-signing with deep workflow automation and Adobe ecosystem integration.
Pricing
Free trial available; plans start at $22.99/user/month for Teams, $39.99/user/month for Business, with Enterprise custom pricing.
DocuSign
enterpriseComprehensive e-signature platform for legally binding PDF signatures with automation, templates, and API access.
PowerForms for self-service, reusable signing forms without coding
DocuSign is a leading electronic signature platform specializing in secure PDF signing, allowing users to upload documents, add signature fields, and send them for legally binding e-signatures from any device. It supports complex workflows with templates, conditional logic, and multi-signer routing, ensuring compliance with global standards like ESIGN Act and eIDAS. The platform also provides audit trails, real-time status tracking, and extensive integrations for streamlined document management.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance with detailed audit trails
- Seamless integrations with over 400 apps like Salesforce and Microsoft
- Intuitive mobile app for signing on the go
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for individuals or low-volume users
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Occasional delays in document processing during peak times
Best For
Mid-to-large businesses requiring scalable, compliant PDF signing with workflow automation and integrations.
Pricing
Personal plan at $10/user/month (billed annually); Standard at $25/user/month; Business Pro at $40/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Dropbox Sign
enterpriseUser-friendly e-signature tool integrated with Dropbox for quick, secure PDF signing and storage.
Native Dropbox integration allowing direct signing and management of files without leaving your cloud workspace
Dropbox Sign is a comprehensive e-signature platform designed for signing, sending, and managing PDF documents electronically with legal compliance. It offers seamless integration with Dropbox and other cloud services, enabling users to upload, sign, and track documents effortlessly. Key capabilities include reusable templates, automated workflows, mobile signing, and robust security features like audit trails and SOC 2 compliance.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Dropbox and other cloud storage for streamlined workflows
- Legally binding signatures with detailed audit trails and compliance standards
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support for signing on the go
Cons
- Limited free plan restricted to 3 signatures per month
- Higher pricing tiers needed for unlimited sending and advanced features
- Document storage costs extra beyond signature limits
Best For
Businesses and teams already using Dropbox who need reliable, integrated e-signature tools for frequent PDF signing and approvals.
Pricing
Free (3 signatures/month); Essentials $15/user/month (20 sigs, templates); Business $25/user/month (50 sigs, API, priority support); Enterprise custom.
PandaDoc
enterpriseDocument workflow platform with advanced PDF e-signing, proposals, and real-time collaboration features.
Document analytics that provide real-time insights into opens, views, time spent, and signer behavior
PandaDoc is a comprehensive document automation platform that enables users to create, edit, send, and e-sign PDFs and other documents securely. It excels in streamlining workflows for proposals, contracts, and agreements with features like customizable templates, automated reminders, and legally binding e-signatures compliant with ESIGN and eIDAS. While versatile for sales and business teams, it supports direct PDF uploads for signing with audit trails and multi-party capabilities.
Pros
- Rich integration of document creation, tracking, and e-signing in one platform
- Advanced analytics for document engagement and performance
- Strong security with audit trails, encryption, and global compliance
Cons
- Higher cost compared to dedicated PDF signing tools for basic needs
- Steeper learning curve for full feature set beyond simple signing
- Limited free tier; no perpetual free plan for light users
Best For
Sales, marketing, and legal teams handling proposals, contracts, and agreements that require creation, tracking, and signing in a unified workflow.
Pricing
Starts at $19/user/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $49/user/month (Business); Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial.
SignNow
specializedMobile-first e-signature app for fast PDF signing with fields, templates, and multi-signer support.
Conditional logic fields that automate workflows based on signer inputs
SignNow is a cloud-based e-signature platform specializing in PDF signing, document workflows, and electronic approvals. It allows users to upload PDFs, add signatures, fields, and stamps, then send for multi-party signing with real-time tracking. The tool supports templates, bulk sending, and integrations with services like Google Workspace, Dropbox, and Salesforce for streamlined document management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick PDF editing and signing
- Robust mobile app for signing on the go
- Unlimited templates and strong integrations with productivity tools
Cons
- Free plan has significant limitations like only 2 documents/month
- Advanced automation features require higher-tier plans
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and teams needing affordable, mobile-friendly PDF signing with workflow automation.
Pricing
Free plan (limited to 2 docs/month); Business at $8/user/month (unlimited docs); Premium at $15/user/month; Enterprise custom.
DocHub
specializedFree online PDF editor and signer with drag-and-drop e-signature tools and Google Drive integration.
Seamless in-browser PDF editing and signing with direct Google Drive integration
DocHub is a web-based PDF editor and e-signature platform that enables users to sign documents electronically, request signatures from others, and edit PDFs directly in the browser. It supports features like form filling, annotations, merging files, and seamless integrations with Google Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud services. Ideal for quick document workflows, it offers a free tier alongside paid plans for advanced collaboration.
Pros
- Intuitive browser-based interface with no downloads required
- Strong integrations with Google Workspace and cloud storage
- Generous free plan for basic signing and editing needs
Cons
- Limited advanced security and compliance features for enterprises
- Watermarks and usage limits on free plan
- Occasional performance lags with large documents
Best For
Freelancers, small teams, and individuals seeking an affordable, easy-to-use tool for everyday PDF signing and light editing.
Pricing
Free plan available; Pro at $10/user/month (billed annually); Business plans from $25/user/month.
Smallpdf
specializedWeb-based PDF toolkit featuring simple e-signing, encryption, and conversion for everyday use.
Seamless integration of signing with full PDF editing suite for end-to-end document management in one platform
Smallpdf is a web-based PDF toolkit that includes robust electronic signing capabilities, allowing users to fill and sign documents themselves or request signatures from others via email. It supports legally binding e-signatures compliant with standards like eIDAS and offers features such as adding text, dates, initials, and drawings to PDFs. Beyond signing, it integrates with its suite of PDF editing, conversion, and compression tools for a comprehensive workflow.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick signing
- Supports multi-party signatures with tracking and reminders
- No software installation required, works on any device
Cons
- Limited advanced workflow automation compared to enterprise tools
- Free plan restricts usage to 2 tasks per day and lacks signature requests
- Requires internet connection, no offline signing
Best For
Small businesses, freelancers, and casual users needing simple, fast PDF signing without complex setups.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features (limited tasks); Pro at $12/user/month or $108/year for unlimited access and advanced signing.
SignWell
specializedAffordable unlimited e-signatures for PDFs with customizable workflows and compliance standards.
Unlimited signatures and templates with no per-document fees
SignWell is a user-friendly e-signature platform designed for signing, sending, and managing PDF documents electronically. It provides essential tools like reusable templates, automated reminders, sequential signing, and custom branding to streamline document workflows. Suitable for small teams, it emphasizes simplicity and affordability without per-signature fees.
Pros
- Unlimited electronic signatures at no extra per-envelope cost
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick setup
- Robust template library and automation features like reminders
Cons
- Limited advanced workflow automation compared to enterprise tools
- No dedicated mobile app (relies on mobile web)
- Basic analytics and reporting capabilities
Best For
Small businesses, freelancers, and teams needing affordable, straightforward PDF signing without complex enterprise requirements.
Pricing
Free plan with limits; Pro at $8/user/month (annual), Business at $15/user/month, Enterprise custom.
Eversign
enterpriseCloud e-signature service compliant with ESIGN and eIDAS for secure PDF document signing.
Reusable templates with dynamic fields for efficient multi-document workflows
Eversign is a cloud-based electronic signature platform designed for signing, sending, and managing PDF documents digitally with drag-and-drop simplicity. It supports multi-party workflows, reusable templates, audit trails, and integrations with tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Zapier. Businesses can customize branding and automate signing processes to streamline document approval cycles.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick document setup
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for basic use
- Strong integrations with cloud storage and productivity apps
Cons
- Lacks some advanced enterprise features like bulk sending limits on lower plans
- Customer support is email-based without live chat on all tiers
- Mobile app functionality is solid but lacks offline signing
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking a cost-effective, user-friendly PDF signing solution without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Pro at $9.99/user/month (billed annually), Business at $19.99/user/month, and Enterprise custom pricing.
OneSpan Sign
enterpriseEnterprise-grade digital signature solution for PDFs with identity verification and high-volume signing.
Advanced biometric authentication and remote online notarization (RON) for verifiable signer identity
OneSpan Sign is an enterprise-grade electronic signature platform specializing in secure PDF signing with advanced compliance and automation features. It enables users to create signing workflows, embed signatures in PDFs, and ensure tamper-evident seals with detailed audit trails. The solution supports integrations with CRM systems and offers identity verification options like biometrics for high-security needs.
Pros
- Enterprise-level security with PKI, biometrics, and tamper-proof audit trails
- Powerful workflow automation and reusable templates
- Robust integrations with Salesforce, Microsoft, and other enterprise tools
Cons
- High pricing suitable mainly for large organizations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Quote-based model lacks pricing transparency
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and legal requiring top-tier compliance and security.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starts around $15-30 per user/month for basic plans, with volume discounts and per-envelope options for enterprises.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase a range of strengths, with Adobe Acrobat Sign leading as the top choice, boasting industry-leading security, compliance, and integrations. DocuSign and Dropbox Sign stand out as strong alternatives too—DocuSign for its comprehensive automation and templates, and Dropbox Sign for its seamless integration with storage. Each tool offers unique value, catering to different workflow needs.
Ready to enhance your PDF signing process? Start with Adobe Acrobat Sign to experience its robust capabilities, or explore DocuSign or Dropbox Sign to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison