Are you tired of your eSignature costs spiraling out of control? The per-signature or per-envelope pricing model of tools like DocuSign can feel like a necessary evil, but for growing businesses, these variable costs quickly become a significant and unpredictable expense. A busy sales quarter or a new hiring wave can cause your monthly bill to skyrocket, making budget forecasting a nightmare. In fact, many companies report that unpredictable software spending is a top-three operational challenge. This forces you to either limit the use of secure digital signing solutions or absorb costs that directly impact your bottom line.

This guide is designed to solve that problem for good. We've evaluated the market to find the best affordable DocuSign alternatives that offer robust features without the punishing pay-per-use model. You’ll get a detailed breakdown of 12 top contenders, with a focus on platforms that provide fixed-price plans, unlimited signatures, and powerful AI-powered automation to make your document workflows more efficient and predictable. Backed by SOC 2 compliance and trusted by over 50,000 users, BoloSign sets the standard for secure, scalable, and cost-effective eSignatures.

What is the best cheap DocuSign alternative?

TL;DR: The best cheap DocuSign alternative is BoloSign, which offers unlimited documents, team members, and templates for a single fixed price, making it up to 90% more affordable than traditional tools. It provides enterprise-grade compliance (SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR) and seamless integrations, solving the unpredictable cost issues of per-envelope pricing models.

The Problem with Per-Envelope Pricing

Electronic signatures, or eSignatures, are legally binding digital marks used to signify consent on a document or form. They have become essential for modern business, accelerating everything from sales contracts and new hire onboarding to vendor agreements and client approvals. For industries like real estate, a broker might process dozens of contracts a week, while a staffing agency could send out hundreds of offer letters in a month.

The primary challenge isn't the technology itself, but the pricing model. Legacy platforms like DocuSign popularised the "per-envelope" or "per-signature" model, which charges for each document sent out for signature. While this seems logical, it creates several significant business challenges:

• Unpredictable Costs: Your monthly bill fluctuates wildly based on business activity, making budgeting nearly impossible.
• Penalized Growth: The more successful you are—closing more deals, hiring more people—the more you pay. The model actively discourages high-volume use.
• Operational Bottlenecks: Teams may delay or avoid sending documents to stay under budget, slowing down critical business processes.
• Administrative Overhead: Managers spend valuable time tracking usage and worrying about overage fees instead of focusing on core tasks.

This is why finding a cheap DocuSign alternative with a predictable, fixed-cost model is a strategic imperative for any growing business.

The Best Affordable DocuSign Alternatives

Here's a breakdown of the top platforms that offer a better way to manage your eSignature workflows.

1. PandaDoc (Free eSign)

PandaDoc is widely known as a document automation platform for sales teams, but it also offers a legitimate free eSignature plan that makes it a notable cheap DocuSign alternative for light users. The "Free eSign" tier is designed for individuals or small businesses with occasional signing needs, providing a generous allowance of documents per year without any cost. This entry-level plan allows users to upload, send, and track documents for signature, covering the essential functions required for simple agreements and approvals. It serves as a practical starting point with a clear upgrade path for growing businesses that may later need more advanced features.

The platform’s strength lies in its user-friendly document editor and its ability to scale into a full-fledged sales document and proposal tool. For a professional services firm, this means starting with free client agreements and later upgrading to create interactive, branded proposals. While the free plan has limitations, such as capping the number of documents per year and recipients per document, it provides meaningful value. Features like real-time tracking, notifications, and reusable templates are included, ensuring users can manage their workflow efficiently. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to start free but keep their options open for more sophisticated document management and legally binding online contracts in the future.

2. SignWell (formerly Docsketch)

SignWell, which was previously known as Docsketch, presents a straightforward and effective solution for individuals and small businesses looking for a cheap DocuSign alternative. Its main appeal lies in its simplicity and a pricing model that abandons per-envelope fees. For small teams that handle a consistent volume of agreements like NDAs, simple contracts, or client onboarding forms, this model provides predictable and low operational costs. The user interface is clean and requires minimal training, allowing new users to send their first document for signature within minutes.

The platform is built for speed and efficiency in the signing process. Recipients do not need to create a SignWell account to sign, which removes a common point of friction and speeds up document turnaround. A freelance web developer, for example, can send project contracts to clients globally without worrying about technical hurdles. Key features like reusable templates, real-time alerts, and detailed audit trails are included in the paid plans, offering core functionality without the complexity of enterprise-level systems. While it may lack the deep CRM integrations of larger platforms, its core offering is solid. Understanding the different digital signing solutions available helps clarify which features are most critical for your business needs.

3. BoloSign (by Closer Innovation Labs Corp.)

BoloSign, from Closer Innovation Labs Corp., is the ultimate cheap DocuSign alternative because it directly solves the core problem of unpredictable costs. It offers a single, fixed-price plan that includes unlimited documents, team members, and templates. This revolutionary model means a logistics company can process thousands of shipping forms or a healthcare provider can handle patient intake forms at scale without ever worrying about a surprise bill. It’s a complete paradigm shift, making BoloSign 90% more affordable than traditional tools for high-volume users.

The platform is designed for a seamless transition. You can create, send, and sign PDFs, templates, and forms in minutes. A standout feature is the one-click DocuSign template import, which eliminates hours of manual setup. Furthermore, its unique ability to embed legally binding signature fields directly into Google Forms simplifies data and signature collection for both senders and signers—perfect for education institutions managing student registrations or staffing agencies streamlining candidate applications.

BoloSign excels with its combination of affordability and enterprise-grade security. The platform features AI-powered automation and is compliant with global standards like ESIGN, eIDAS, HIPAA, and GDPR, making it a trusted choice for regulated industries. Its secure document workflows are SOC 2 and ISO 27001:2022 certified, ensuring data integrity. Native integrations with Salesforce and HubSpot accelerate deal closures for sales teams, while connections with Google Sheets and Slack automate HR onboarding.

Feature & Pricing Comparison of Top Alternatives

To help you decide, here's a direct comparison of the leading cheap DocuSign alternatives, focusing on the features that matter most for growing businesses.

Feature	BoloSign	PandaDoc	SignWell
Pricing Model	Fixed Price, Unlimited Use	Per User + Document Limits	Per User + Document Limits
Unlimited Documents	✅	❌ (Free plan limited)	✅ (On paid plans)
Unlimited Team Members	✅	❌	❌
Unlimited Templates	✅	❌ (Free plan limited)	✅ (On paid plans)
HIPAA Compliance	✅	❌ (Enterprise only)	❌
AI-Powered Automation	✅	✅ (On higher tiers)	❌
Google Forms Integration	✅ (Native)	❌	❌
One-Click DocuSign Import	✅	❌	❌
Cost Savings	Up to 90%	Varies	Moderate

Use Case Scenarios: BoloSign in Action

• Staffing: A recruitment agency uses BoloSign to send unlimited offer letters and onboarding packets. Integrating with their ATS, they automate the entire workflow, from application to signed contract, without worrying about per-document fees during peak hiring seasons.
• Real Estate: A brokerage firm equips all its agents with BoloSign. They create reusable templates for listing agreements and purchase offers, ensuring compliance and speeding up closures. The fixed cost allows for predictable budgeting, no matter how hot the market gets.
• Healthcare: A clinic uses BoloSign's HIPAA-compliant platform to manage patient intake forms and consent documents. The secure, automated workflow reduces administrative time and ensures patient data is protected, all for one predictable price.

How to Implement a New eSignature Solution

Switching platforms can seem daunting, but a strategic approach ensures a smooth transition and quick adoption.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify Your Champion: Assign a project lead (e.g., an Operations Manager) to oversee the migration.
2. Audit Your Documents: Gather all your existing templates and most frequently used documents. This is a great time to update any outdated language.
3. Use Import Tools: Choose a platform like BoloSign with a one-click DocuSign template import to transfer your existing templates automatically, saving countless hours.
4. Pilot Program: Roll out the new tool to a single department, like Sales or HR. Let them test it with real-world documents to gather feedback before a company-wide launch.
5. Train Your Team: Host a brief training session focused on practical workflows: how to create a template, how to send a document for signature, and how to track progress.

Best Practices

• Integrate Early: Connect your new eSignature tool to your CRM, HRIS, or other core systems from day one to maximize efficiency.
• Communicate the "Why": Explain to your team how the new tool saves money and makes their jobs easier. Focus on benefits like faster turnaround times and fewer manual tasks.
• Update Your Workflows: Document the new process and make it accessible to everyone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Signer Experience: Ensure the signing process is simple and mobile-friendly for your clients and partners.
• Underestimating Security: Don't sacrifice compliance for cost. Verify that the platform meets your industry's requirements (e.g., HIPAA for healthcare, GDPR for EU).
• Choosing Another Per-Use Model: Avoid platforms that simply offer a lower per-envelope fee. The best long-term solution eliminates variable costs entirely.

Making the Final Decision

Choosing the right cheap DocuSign alternative is a strategic business decision, not just a software purchase. To make the best choice, you need a clear evaluation framework.

How to Evaluate Your Options

1. Analyze Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Don't just look at the monthly price. Calculate your potential costs based on your projected document volume for the next year. A fixed-price model will almost always offer a lower TCO for growing businesses.
2. Prioritize Critical Features: Make a list of must-have features. Is HIPAA compliance non-negotiable? Do you need an API for custom integrations? Rank platforms based on how well they meet your core needs.
3. Test the User Experience: Sign up for a free trial. Send a test document to a colleague. Is the interface intuitive? Is the signing process seamless?

Questions to Ask Vendors

• "Can you confirm your plan includes unlimited documents, users, and templates with zero overage fees?"
• "What compliance standards do you meet (e.g., SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, eIDAS)?"
• "How does your platform help us migrate from our current provider?"
• "What integrations do you offer with our existing tools like [mention your CRM/HRIS]?"

By focusing on predictable pricing, seamless integration, and robust security, you can confidently select an eSignature platform that supports your growth instead of penalizing it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there a truly free DocuSign alternative? Yes, platforms like PandaDoc offer a free plan with a limited number of documents per year, which is suitable for very light, occasional use.

2. How much does BoloSign cost? BoloSign offers a single, fixed-price plan for unlimited usage. Because it's tailored to business needs, you'll need to contact their team for a quote, but it's designed to be up to 90% more affordable than per-envelope models.

3. Are cheap DocuSign alternatives legally binding? Absolutely. All the alternatives listed, including BoloSign, comply with the U.S. ESIGN Act, UETA, and international laws like Europe's eIDAS regulation, making their signatures legally binding.

4. Can I use these alternatives for HIPAA-compliant documents? Yes, but you must choose a provider that explicitly offers HIPAA compliance and is willing to sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). BoloSign offers this, making it suitable for healthcare organizations.

5. How easy is it to switch from DocuSign to BoloSign? BoloSign makes it incredibly simple with a one-click DocuSign template import feature. This allows you to transfer all your existing templates automatically, minimizing downtime and setup effort.

6. What integrations are most important for an eSignature tool? Look for integrations with your CRM (like Salesforce, HubSpot), cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox), and automation tools (Zapier). This allows you to create end-to-end secure document workflows.

7. Can I add a signature to a Google Form? Yes, BoloSign has a unique feature that lets you add a legally binding signature field directly to a Google Form, which is perfect for applications, registrations, and feedback forms.

8. What is contract automation? Contract automation uses software to streamline the creation, signing, and management of contracts. Tools like BoloSign use AI-powered automation to pre-fill documents, send reminders, and track progress, saving significant administrative time.

9. Are these digital signing solutions secure? Yes, reputable providers use advanced encryption, secure servers, and provide detailed audit trails for every document. Look for certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001 to ensure the highest level of security.

10. How does a fixed-price model benefit a real estate or staffing agency? For high-volume industries like real estate and staffing, a fixed price eliminates budget uncertainty. An agency can send hundreds or thousands of contracts and offer letters per month without seeing their bill increase, directly supporting business growth.

Take Control of Your eSignature Costs

Stop letting unpredictable per-envelope fees dictate your budget and slow down your business. It's time to switch to a powerful, secure, and genuinely affordable cheap DocuSign alternative that grows with you.

With BoloSign, you get unlimited documents, team members, and templates for one fixed price. Streamline your operations with AI-powered automation, ensure compliance with enterprise-grade security, and empower your team with a platform designed for efficiency.

Ready to see how much you can save? Start your 7-day free trial of BoloSign today and experience the difference.

"Switching to BoloSign was a game-changer. Our eSignature costs are now predictable, and the one-click DocuSign import made the transition seamless. We're closing deals faster than ever." - Head of Sales, Tech SMB

Related Resources

• How to Add a Digital Signature on Google Forms
• The Ultimate Guide to Digital Signing Solutions
• The Best Document Automation Software for 2026