What to Look for in E-Signature Software
With many e-signature options available, finding the right one for your Australian business requires considering several factors beyond just price. Here's what matters:
Essential Features
- • Legal compliance in Australia
- • Audit trails and tamper detection
- • Mobile-friendly signing
- • Templates for repeated use
- • Multiple signers support
Business Considerations
- • Data storage location
- • Pricing structure
- • Ease of use
- • Team features
- • Support availability
Quick Comparison: Top E-Signature Software
| Platform | Starting Price | AU Data | E-Witness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirSign | $5/mo | Yes | Yes | Australian SMBs |
| DocuSign | $22/mo | No | Add-on | Enterprise |
| Adobe Sign | $23/mo | Limited | No | Adobe users |
| Dropbox Sign | ~$30/mo | No | No | Dropbox users |
1. AirSign
Best for Australian BusinessesAirSign is built specifically for the Australian market, offering local data storage, AUD pricing, and features designed for Australian business needs like E-Witness for witnessed documents.
Pros:
- Australian data storage
- Most affordable option ($5/mo)
- Built-in E-Witness feature
- PDF editor included
- Simple, intuitive interface
Considerations:
- •Newer to market than global competitors
- •Focused on AU/NZ market
Best for: Australian small and medium businesses, real estate agencies, legal practices, and any organisation that values local data storage and compliance.
2. DocuSign
Best for EnterpriseDocuSign is the market leader globally, offering extensive features and integrations. It's well-suited for large enterprises with complex workflow needs and existing system integrations.
Pros:
- Industry leader with brand recognition
- Extensive integrations (350+)
- Advanced workflow automation
- Strong enterprise features
Cons:
- Complex pricing structure
- Expensive for small businesses
- Feature bloat for simple needs
Best for: Large enterprises with complex document workflows, existing CRM/ERP integrations, and budget for premium pricing.
3. Adobe Acrobat Sign
Best for Adobe UsersAdobe Sign integrates seamlessly with Adobe Acrobat and the wider Adobe ecosystem. It's a solid choice if your business already relies heavily on Adobe products.
Pros:
- Seamless Adobe integration
- Powerful PDF editing in Acrobat
- Good enterprise features
- Microsoft integration
Cons:
- Requires Adobe subscription
- Limited Australian data options
- No E-Witness feature
- Complex interface
Best for: Businesses already using Adobe Acrobat Pro or Creative Cloud who want integrated e-signatures within their existing Adobe workflow.
4. Dropbox Sign (HelloSign)
Best for Dropbox UsersFormerly HelloSign, Dropbox Sign offers a clean interface and good basic features. It's best suited for teams already using Dropbox for file storage.
Pros:
- Clean, user-friendly interface
- Good Dropbox integration
- API for developers
Cons:
- US data storage only
- Pricing in USD
- No E-Witness feature
- Limited templates on basic plans
Best for: Businesses using Dropbox for file storage who want integrated e-signatures within their existing workflow.
Key Factors for Australian Businesses
Data Sovereignty
Where your data is stored matters. Australian privacy laws and many industry regulations require or prefer local data storage. AirSign is the only major option that stores all data on Australian servers by default.
Total Cost of Ownership
Look beyond the headline price. Consider per-user costs, feature restrictions on lower tiers, and currency conversion if paying in USD. AirSign offers the best value for Australian businesses with AUD pricing and all features included.
E-Witness Capability
Many Australian documents require witnessed signatures. While some platforms charge extra for this or don't offer it at all, AirSign includes E-Witness as a standard feature for documents requiring witness verification.
Our Recommendation
For most Australian small and medium businesses, AirSign offers the best combination of features, pricing, and local compliance. It's designed specifically for the Australian market, with pricing that makes sense for local businesses.
If you're a large enterprise with complex workflows and existing CRM integrations, DocuSign may be worth the premium. If you're already paying for Adobe Acrobat or Dropbox, their respective e-signature tools might make sense for your specific situation.
Try Before You Buy
The best way to choose e-signature software is to try it with your actual documents and workflow. Most platforms offer free trials, so take advantage of them before committing.
Start with AirSign's free trial to see why it's becoming the preferred choice for Australian businesses. With Australian data storage, the most affordable pricing, and features designed for local needs, it's the smart choice for businesses that want value without compromise.