Legal teams evaluate signNow and Apptivo to decide between a purpose-built eSignature/document workflow stack and a wider CRM platform with basic document features, focusing on compliance, auditability, and integration with case management systems.
Works across commercial contracts, vendor agreements, and compliance documentation; needs reliable, court-admissible signatures, defensible audit trails, role-based approvals, and integrations into the corporate case or matter management system to maintain chain-of-custody and retention policies.
Handles client intake, prepares recurring templates, coordinates signing sequences, and maintains document archives; requires bulk send, template management, centralized user controls, and straightforward reporting for audits and billing reconciliation.
Legal departments, small law firms, and contract teams commonly evaluate signNow and Apptivo for signing, intake, and document circulation workflows.
Selection usually depends on the balance of signature controls, CRM needs, and IT or compliance requirements within the organization.
Allows documents created in Google Docs to be converted, prepared, and sent for signature while preserving version control and reducing manual downloads when working with client letters or engagement agreements.
Syncs contact and deal data with case or CRM systems so signed documents attach to matter records automatically, reducing duplicate data entry and improving client file completeness.
Connects to Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive for central storage of signed records and automates archival into the firm’s document repository to meet retention policies.
Supports preconfigured templates for standard agreements and intake forms with fixed fields, conditional logic, and defined signing sequences to streamline recurring legal workflows.
| Setting Name | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Reminder Frequency | 48 hours |
| Signing Order Enforcement | Sequential |
| Authentication Method Default | Email + SMS |
| Document Retention Period | 7 years |
| Auto-Archive Destination | Secure cloud folder |
Verify supported platforms and minimum browser or OS versions to ensure compatibility with signing workflows and security features.
Ensure IT reviews enterprise deployment options, single sign-on (SSO) capabilities, and mobile app policies to maintain consistent security and user experience across devices.
A mid-size corporate legal team needed consistent signature workflows for vendor contracts and NDAs, with enforceable audit trails and role-based approvals.
Resulting in faster execution, consistent records, and clearer evidence for internal audits.
A small law firm wanted integrated client intake and matter tracking with basic document signing during onboarding.
Leading to simplified workflows and centralized client data, though with trade-offs in signature-specific compliance features.
| Criteria | signNow (Featured) | Apptivo |
|---|---|---|
| ESIGN and UETA compliance | ||
| HIPAA-capable configuration | Available | Available through apps |
| Bulk Send / Bulk Sign | Limited | |
| API and developer tools | REST API | REST API |
| Pricing Aspect | signNow (Featured) | Apptivo | Free Plan | Base Monthly Price | Enterprise option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level plan | Business | Starter | No | Varies by vendor | Custom enterprise agreements |
| Typical monthly price per user | Approximate paid tiers vary | Starts low for CRM tiers | Yes for Apptivo free | From low double-digits | Dedicated enterprise pricing |
| Included document limits | Unlimited or high limits on paid plans | Tiered limits by plan | Free plan limited | Tier-dependent | Enterprise negotiable |
| Administrative features | Team templates and roles on paid plans | CRM admin controls included | Basic admin in free plan | Advanced controls in paid | Enterprise SLA available |
| Support and onboarding | Email and premium support options | Email and phone possible | Limited free-plan support | Paid onboarding services | Enterprise onboarding available |
