Free or Paid Electronic Signature?
Free plan or paid subscription: when to upgrade, which plans to choose, pitfalls to avoid.
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Certyneo Team
Writer — Certyneo · About Certyneo
Does a truly free electronic signature exist?
Yes, several platforms offer a free plan limited in volume and features. It's the ideal opportunity to test before committing.
For a complete comparison of solutions to choose the one suited to your profile (freelancer, nonprofit, small business), check out our dedicated guide on free electronic signature.
But "free" doesn't mean "unlimited": a 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/basic electronic signature (SES)
- Limited or no templates
- No integrations
- No priority support
- Basic archiving (often 1 year)
The limits that will push you toward a paid plan
- Volume: once you exceed 10 signatures/month, the free plan is no longer enough
- Advanced signature needs: the advanced electronic signature is almost always reserved for paid plans
- CRM/HR integrations: paid
- Multiple templates: paid plans
- Support: paid
- Branding: usually paid
When to stay on the free plan
- Beginner freelancer: 1-5 contracts/month
- Testing before purchase: validating the platform
- Occasional use: 1-2 signatures/year
When to switch to a paid plan
- > 10 signatures/month: the free plan becomes restrictive
- Need for advanced signature: to secure evidentiary value
- Need for integrations: workflow automation
- Multiple users: a team to equip
- Long-term archiving: 10 years for compliance
Summary comparison
| Criteria | Free | Paid Starter | Paid Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Envelopes/month | 3-10 | 20-50 | 100-500 |
| Levels | Simple/basic electronic signature | Simple + advanced electronic signature | Simple + advanced electronic signature |
| Templates | 0-1 | 3-5 | Unlimited |
| Integrations | None | 1-2 | All |
| Support | None | Priority | |
| Archiving | 1 year | 5-10 years | 10 years |
| Price | €0 | €9-29/month | €49-149/month |
Pitfalls to avoid
- Believing that "free" means "always free": limits kick in fast
- Freemium models with per-OTP billing: more expensive than a flat plan
- Free plans that require a credit card to activate
- Hidden annual commitment
Real-world case: freelancer-to-SMB transition
An independent consultant starts out with a free plan (3 contracts/month). Within 12 months, their activity grows to 25 contracts/month. They switch to a Starter plan at €29/month:
- Advanced signature enabled (secures contracts over €5,000)
- templates for 5 recurring contracts
- Pipedrive integration
ROI within 1 month.
How Certyneo helps
Certyneo offers a free plan (5 envelopes/month, simple/basic electronic signature) to get started, plus Starter, Pro, and Business plans to grow with your business. Transparent pricing, no per-OTP billing, cancel anytime.
Discover Certyneo's electronic signature solution
FAQ
Is a free plan legally valid?
Yes, provided the provider is eIDAS-compliant. The resulting simple/basic electronic signature is admissible as evidence.
How much does a Starter plan cost?
Generally €9-29/month.
Can you switch to a paid plan temporarily?
Yes, most providers allow this.
Do free plans store documents for a long time?
Duration varies, often 1 year at most. Plan for an export.
Do signers have to 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, switching to a paid plan is immediately justified by the ROI.
Try Certyneo to send, sign, and track your documents online simply, quickly, and securely.
Try Certyneo for Free
Send your first signature envelope in less than 5 minutes. 5 free envelopes per month, no credit card required.
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