Free or paid electronic signature?

Is there such a thing as truly free electronic signature?

Yes, several platforms offer a free plan limited in volume and features. It's the perfect opportunity to test before committing.

But "free" doesn't mean "unlimited": quota of 3-10 signatures/month, basic features only, no support. For serious use, a paid plan quickly becomes necessary.

What a free plan covers

• 3-10 envelopes per month

• Simple signature (SES)

• Limited or no templates

• No integrations

• No priority support

• Basic archiving (often 1 year)

The limitations that will push you to upgrade

• Volume: as soon as you exceed 10 signatures/month, the free plan is no longer sufficient

• AES needs: advanced signature is almost always reserved for paid plans

• CRM/HRMS integrations: paid

• Multiple templates: paid plans

• Support: paid

• Branding: often paid

When to stay free

• Freelancer starting out: 1-5 contracts/month

• Testing before purchase: validating the platform

• Occasional use: 1-2 signatures/year

When to upgrade to paid

• > 10 signatures/month: the free plan becomes restrictive

• Need for AES: to secure proof

• Need for integrations: workflow automation

• Multiple users: team to equip

• Long-term archiving: 10 years for compliance

Summary comparison

Criterion | Free | Paid Starter | Paid Pro

Envelopes/month | 3-10 | 20-50 | 100-500

Levels | SES | SES + AES | SES + AES

Templates | 0-1 | 3-5 | Unlimited

Integrations | None | 1-2 | All

Support | None | Email | Priority

Archiving | 1 year | 5-10 years | 10 years

Price | €0 | €9-29/month | €49-149/month

Pitfalls to avoid

• Believing that "free" = "always free": limitations arrive quickly

• Freemium models with pay-per-transaction billing: more expensive than a flat rate

• Free plans requiring a credit card to activate

• Hidden annual commitment

Real-world case: freelancer to SME transition

An independent consultant starts with a free plan (3 contracts/month). Within 12 months, their activity reaches 25 contracts/month. They upgrade to a Starter plan at €29/month:

• AES activated (secures contracts > €5,000)

• Templates for 5 recurring contracts

• Pipedrive integration

ROI in 1 month.

How Certyneo helps you

Certyneo offers a free plan (5 envelopes/month, SES) to get started, then Starter, Pro and Business plans to grow with your business. Transparent pricing, no pay-per-transaction billing, cancel anytime.

Discover Certyneo's electronic signature solution

FAQ

Is a free plan legally valid?

Yes, if the service provider is eIDAS-compliant. The SES produced is admissible.

How much does a Starter plan cost?

Generally €9-29/month.

Can I switch to paid temporarily?

Yes, most editors allow it.

Do free plans store documents for long?

Variable duration, often 1 year max. Plan for an export.

Do signers pay?

No, never. Only the sender pays.

Conclusion

The free plan is perfect for getting started and testing. Beyond 10 signatures/month or for professional needs, upgrading to paid is immediately justified by the ROI.

Try Certyneo to send, sign and track your documents online simply, quickly and securely.