Quick Overview
- 1#1: DigiCert Code Signing - Provides enterprise-grade code signing certificates and a secure cloud platform for signing software binaries with hardware-protected keys.
- 2#2: Sectigo Code Signing - Offers affordable EV and OV code signing certificates with automated signing and malware scanning services.
- 3#3: GlobalSign Code Signing - Delivers timestamped code signing solutions for software publishers to ensure authenticity and integrity across platforms.
- 4#4: SignPath - Enables secure, automated code signing workflows integrated into CI/CD pipelines without private key exposure.
- 5#5: SignMyCode - Cloud-based service for remotely signing executables using customer-owned certificates in a secure HSM environment.
- 6#6: Cosign - Open-source tool for keyless signing, verification, and storage of container images and software artifacts in OCI registries.
- 7#7: Microsoft SignTool - Command-line utility for digitally signing Windows executables, drivers, and catalogs with Authenticode support.
- 8#8: osslsigncode - Cross-platform open-source tool for creating and verifying Authenticode-compatible signatures on binaries.
- 9#9: jsign - Pure Java command-line tool for signing JAR files, installers, and other formats with PKCS#11 or JCE support.
- 10#10: codesign - Command-line utility for signing macOS and iOS apps, frameworks, and bundles to meet Apple's Gatekeeper requirements.
These tools were chosen based on their ability to deliver robust security, seamless integration with modern development pipelines, user-friendly design, and overall value, balancing features, performance, and accessibility to meet diverse needs.
Comparison Table
In today's digital environment, selecting the right signing software is critical, as the tools available—including DigiCert Code Signing, Sectigo Code Signing, GlobalSign Code Signing, SignPath, SignMyCode, and others—vary widely in features and use cases. This comparison table simplifies the process by outlining key details, empowering readers to make informed decisions tailored to their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DigiCert Code Signing Provides enterprise-grade code signing certificates and a secure cloud platform for signing software binaries with hardware-protected keys. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Sectigo Code Signing Offers affordable EV and OV code signing certificates with automated signing and malware scanning services. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | GlobalSign Code Signing Delivers timestamped code signing solutions for software publishers to ensure authenticity and integrity across platforms. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | SignPath Enables secure, automated code signing workflows integrated into CI/CD pipelines without private key exposure. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | SignMyCode Cloud-based service for remotely signing executables using customer-owned certificates in a secure HSM environment. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Cosign Open-source tool for keyless signing, verification, and storage of container images and software artifacts in OCI registries. | other | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 7 | Microsoft SignTool Command-line utility for digitally signing Windows executables, drivers, and catalogs with Authenticode support. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 4.5/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 8 | osslsigncode Cross-platform open-source tool for creating and verifying Authenticode-compatible signatures on binaries. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 4.2/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 9 | jsign Pure Java command-line tool for signing JAR files, installers, and other formats with PKCS#11 or JCE support. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | codesign Command-line utility for signing macOS and iOS apps, frameworks, and bundles to meet Apple's Gatekeeper requirements. | other | 7.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 5.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
Provides enterprise-grade code signing certificates and a secure cloud platform for signing software binaries with hardware-protected keys.
Offers affordable EV and OV code signing certificates with automated signing and malware scanning services.
Delivers timestamped code signing solutions for software publishers to ensure authenticity and integrity across platforms.
Enables secure, automated code signing workflows integrated into CI/CD pipelines without private key exposure.
Cloud-based service for remotely signing executables using customer-owned certificates in a secure HSM environment.
Open-source tool for keyless signing, verification, and storage of container images and software artifacts in OCI registries.
Command-line utility for digitally signing Windows executables, drivers, and catalogs with Authenticode support.
Cross-platform open-source tool for creating and verifying Authenticode-compatible signatures on binaries.
Pure Java command-line tool for signing JAR files, installers, and other formats with PKCS#11 or JCE support.
Command-line utility for signing macOS and iOS apps, frameworks, and bundles to meet Apple's Gatekeeper requirements.
DigiCert Code Signing
enterpriseProvides enterprise-grade code signing certificates and a secure cloud platform for signing software binaries with hardware-protected keys.
DigiCert ONE platform with automated signing-as-a-service and secure cloud HSM key management for enterprise-scale operations.
DigiCert Code Signing is a premier solution for issuing digital certificates that authenticate software executables, drivers, scripts, and applications across platforms like Windows, macOS, and Java. It prevents tampering warnings, ensures code integrity, and builds user trust through root CA trust and compliance with standards like SHA-2 and timestamping. The platform integrates with development tools, CI/CD pipelines, and offers EV certificates for enhanced verification with publisher identity display.
Pros
- Trusted root CA status for maximum browser and OS recognition
- Automated lifecycle management via DigiCert ONE platform
- Support for EV certificates, multi-platform signing, and HSM integration
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to basic providers
- Hardware token required for some high-security setups
- Initial setup complexity for enterprise automation
Best For
Large enterprises and software vendors needing top-tier trust, compliance, and scalable code signing workflows.
Pricing
Starts at ~$499/year for standard certificates; EV and multi-year/multi-seat plans range from $600-$3,000+ annually.
Sectigo Code Signing
enterpriseOffers affordable EV and OV code signing certificates with automated signing and malware scanning services.
EV Code Signing Certificates delivered on FIPS 140-2 validated USB eTokens for hardware-secured private keys
Sectigo Code Signing offers digital certificates designed to sign executables, drivers, scripts, and applications, ensuring code authenticity, integrity, and trust from end-users and OS vendors like Microsoft and Apple. It provides both Organization Validation (OV) and Extended Validation (EV) certificates, with EV options secured on FIPS-compliant hardware tokens for enhanced security. The service supports signing for Windows Authenticode, macOS, Java, and more, facilitating compliance in enterprise software distribution.
Pros
- Trusted CA with strong reputation and high certificate acceptance rates
- EV certificates on secure USB eTokens for compliance and phishing resistance
- Flexible multi-year options and broad platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Cons
- Initial setup requires technical knowledge for token integration and signing tools
- Customer support can be slower during peak renewal periods
- No built-in cloud signing dashboard; relies on standard tools like signtool.exe
Best For
Enterprise developers and software vendors requiring compliant, high-assurance code signing for large-scale distributions.
Pricing
OV certificates start at ~$179/year; EV from ~$349/year, with multi-year bundles offering up to 40% discounts.
GlobalSign Code Signing
enterpriseDelivers timestamped code signing solutions for software publishers to ensure authenticity and integrity across platforms.
Extended Validation (EV) certificates that prominently display the issuing organization's name in the Windows digital signature details
GlobalSign Code Signing offers digital certificates from a trusted Certificate Authority to sign executables, drivers, and scripts for Windows, macOS, Java, and other platforms, ensuring software integrity and authenticity to avoid security warnings. It includes standard, organization, and Extended Validation (EV) options with timestamping support for long-term validity. The service integrates with popular tools like SignTool and provides managed PKI solutions for enterprises.
Pros
- Highly trusted root certificates with broad OS and tool compatibility
- EV code signing displays signer identity in Windows viewer
- Robust enterprise features like managed PKI and multi-year options
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to competitors
- Hardware token required for high-assurance signing
- Lengthy validation process for organization/EV certificates
Best For
Enterprises and professional developers distributing signed software across multiple platforms who prioritize compliance and trust.
Pricing
Individual: $249/year; Organization: $399/year; EV: $499+/year; volume discounts for enterprises.
SignPath
enterpriseEnables secure, automated code signing workflows integrated into CI/CD pipelines without private key exposure.
Policy-based signing engine that enforces organizational rules, multi-approvals, and conditional signing directly in CI/CD workflows
SignPath is a cloud-based code signing platform that provides secure, automated signing for software artifacts across Windows, macOS, Linux, and container images using FIPS 140-2 validated HSMs. It eliminates the need for developers to manage hardware tokens or certificates by offering fully managed EV code signing services with customizable signing policies and CI/CD integrations. The service ensures compliance with platform requirements like Microsoft's extended validation and supports timestamping for long-term validity.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade security with HSM-protected keys and granular signing policies
- Seamless integration with CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, and Jenkins
- Fully managed EV certificates, reducing administrative overhead
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume signing, less ideal for tiny projects
- Primarily API-driven workflow requires developer familiarity
- Limited native GUI for non-technical users
Best For
DevOps teams and enterprises requiring secure, policy-controlled code signing integrated into automated pipelines without certificate management hassles.
Pricing
Freemium with free tier for open source (limited signings); Professional plan at €99/month (5,000 signings), Enterprise custom pricing based on volume and features.
SignMyCode
specializedCloud-based service for remotely signing executables using customer-owned certificates in a secure HSM environment.
Remote EV code signing via distributed HSM network for maximum security without local token handling
SignMyCode is a cloud-based code signing platform that enables developers to remotely sign executables, drivers, and scripts using EV certificates stored in FIPS-compliant HSMs, eliminating the need for physical hardware tokens. It supports multiple signing formats like Authenticode, Jarsigner, and PE/PE+, with integrated RFC 3161 timestamping for long-term validity. The service offers API access for automation, making it suitable for CI/CD pipelines, and handles certificates from major CAs like DigiCert and Sectigo.
Pros
- Cloud-based signing with no hardware management required
- Strong support for EV certificates and multi-format signing
- Robust API for seamless CI/CD integration
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for low-volume users compared to self-managed options
- Limited customization for advanced enterprise compliance needs
- Dependency on internet connectivity for signing operations
Best For
Development teams and DevOps professionals seeking scalable, hardware-free code signing for high-volume automated workflows.
Pricing
Starts at €99/year for basic plans; scales to €499+/year for Pro/Enterprise with volume discounts and API usage.
Cosign
otherOpen-source tool for keyless signing, verification, and storage of container images and software artifacts in OCI registries.
Keyless signing with public transparency logs for tamper-evident artifact provenance
Cosign, developed by Sigstore, is a CLI tool for signing, verifying, and storing signatures of OCI container images and other artifacts in an OCI registry. It leverages keyless signing with ephemeral keys from Fulcio certificates and transparency logging via Rekor, eliminating traditional key management. Cosign supports bundle formats for portable verification and integrates with CI/CD pipelines for supply chain security.
Pros
- Keyless signing removes the burden of certificate and key management
- Transparency logs via Rekor ensure verifiable provenance and detect tampering
- Seamless integration with OCI registries, Kubernetes, and CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions
Cons
- CLI-only interface with a learning curve for newcomers to Sigstore ecosystem
- Primarily optimized for container images, less flexible for general-purpose file signing
- Requires internet connectivity for Fulcio and Rekor services during signing/verification
Best For
DevOps engineers and security teams focused on securing containerized software supply chains in cloud-native environments.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source under Apache 2.0 license.
Microsoft SignTool
otherCommand-line utility for digitally signing Windows executables, drivers, and catalogs with Authenticode support.
Native support for dual-signing (SHA1/SHA256) and kernel-mode catalog signing essential for Windows drivers
Microsoft SignTool is a free command-line utility from Microsoft, part of the Windows SDK, designed for digitally signing executables, drivers, and other files using Authenticode technology. It enables timestamping signatures, verifying existing signatures, and creating catalog files for kernel-mode drivers. Widely used in CI/CD pipelines for secure software distribution on Windows platforms.
Pros
- Completely free with no licensing costs
- Official Microsoft tool with deep Windows integration and Authenticode support
- Highly reliable for signing EXEs, DLLs, drivers, and catalog files
Cons
- Command-line only with no native GUI, steep learning curve for beginners
- Windows platform-specific, limited cross-platform compatibility
- Requires separate acquisition of code-signing certificates
Best For
Experienced Windows developers and DevOps teams integrating code signing into automated build pipelines.
Pricing
Free; included in Windows SDK or downloadable separately.
osslsigncode
otherCross-platform open-source tool for creating and verifying Authenticode-compatible signatures on binaries.
Cross-platform OpenSSL-based signing that enables PE file signing from Linux or macOS without proprietary Microsoft tools
osslsigncode is an open-source command-line tool designed for digitally signing and timestamping Windows PE/COFF executables, cabinets, and catalog files using OpenSSL libraries. It provides a free alternative to Microsoft's signtool.exe, supporting Authenticode signatures, dual signing (CMS and SPC/PE), and RFC 3161 timestamps. Cross-platform compatibility allows usage on Linux, macOS, and Windows, making it suitable for automated environments like CI/CD pipelines.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Cross-platform support for signing from Linux/macOS without Windows
- Robust features including dual signatures and multiple timestamp protocols
Cons
- Command-line only with no graphical user interface
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Documentation is technical and somewhat sparse
Best For
DevOps engineers and developers integrating code signing into automated build pipelines on non-Windows systems.
Pricing
Free (open-source, MIT license)
jsign
specializedPure Java command-line tool for signing JAR files, installers, and other formats with PKCS#11 or JCE support.
Dual-signing with SHA-1 and SHA-256/512 to ensure compatibility with legacy Java while complying with modern security standards
jSign is a lightweight command-line tool from EJ Technologies designed for digitally signing Java archives (JAR, WAR, EAR), ZIP files, APKs, Windows executables (EXE, DLL), macOS app bundles, and Linux packages (RPM, DEB). It supports multiple keystore formats including JCEKS, PKCS#11, PKCS#12, and hardware security modules, with dual-signing capabilities using SHA-1 alongside SHA-256/512 algorithms and robust timestamping. Ideal for automation in CI/CD pipelines, it integrates seamlessly with Maven and Gradle plugins.
Pros
- Broad file format support including Java archives, EXEs, APKs, and more
- Dual-signing and modern cryptographic algorithms with timestamping
- Excellent integration with build tools like Maven and Gradle for automation
Cons
- Command-line interface only, lacking a graphical user interface
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Pro features require commercial licensing for enterprise use
Best For
Java developers and DevOps engineers seeking a scriptable, cross-platform signing solution for automated builds.
Pricing
Free edition for open-source and personal use; Pro edition €295 one-time per developer for commercial projects.
codesign
otherCommand-line utility for signing macOS and iOS apps, frameworks, and bundles to meet Apple's Gatekeeper requirements.
Native, seamless enforcement of macOS-specific security policies like hardened runtime and designated code requirements
codesign is Apple's official command-line utility for digitally signing macOS executables, bundles, frameworks, and installers. It allows developers to apply code signatures using certificates from Apple or trusted CAs, ensuring compliance with macOS Gatekeeper, System Integrity Protection, and notarization requirements. The tool supports ad-hoc signing, embedding entitlements, and signature verification, making it indispensable for distributing apps outside the Mac App Store. Primarily targeted at Apple ecosystem developers, it lacks a graphical interface and cross-platform support.
Pros
- Free and natively integrated with Xcode and macOS
- Reliable for all Apple-specific signing needs including hardened runtime and entitlements
- Essential for Gatekeeper compliance and app notarization
Cons
- Command-line only with no GUI, steep learning curve for beginners
- Limited to macOS and Apple certificates, no cross-platform support
- Requires separate Apple Developer Program enrollment for distribution certificates
Best For
Experienced macOS developers comfortable with terminal tools who build and distribute Apple platform apps.
Pricing
Free; included with Xcode (free download) or standalone macOS Command Line Tools.
Conclusion
The reviewed signing tools cater to diverse needs, with enterprise-grade security, affordability, and integration flexibility. DigiCert Code Signing stands out as the top choice, offering hardware-protected keys and a secure cloud platform. Sectigo and GlobalSign follow, providing reliable options for different user requirements.
Secure your software with the top-ranked DigiCert Code Signing to ensure protection and integrity in your workflows.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison