Free or paid electronic signature?

Is there a truly free electronic signature?

Is there a truly free electronic signature?Yes, several platforms offer afree plan

limited in volume and features. This is the perfect opportunity to test before committing.

But “free” does not mean “unlimited”: quota of 3-10 signatures/month, basic features only, support non-existent. For serious use, a paid plan quickly becomes necessary.

• But “free” does not mean “unlimited”: quota of 3-10 signatures/month, basic features only, support non-existent. 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 integrations

• No priority supportBasic archiving (often 1 an)
• The limits that will push you to switch to paidVolume ⬥⬥⬥: as soon as you exceed 10 signatures/month, the free plan is no longer enough
• AES needs ⬥⬥⬥: advanced signature is almost always reserved for paid plansAES needs ⬥⬥⬥: advanced signature is almost always reserved for paid plans
• CRM/HRIS integrations ⬥⬥⬥: paidMultiple templates ⬥⬥⬥: paid plans
• Support ⬥⬥⬥: paidBranding ⬥⬥⬥: often paid
• When to stay freeWhen to stay free

Freelance beginner ⬥⬥⬥: 1-5 contracts/month

• Test before purchase ⬥⬥⬥: validate the platformOccasional use ⬥⬥⬥: 1-2 signatures/year
• When to switch to paid> 10 signatures/month ⬥⬥⬥: the free plan becomes binding
• > 10 signatures/month ⬥⬥⬥: the free plan becomes bindingNeed for AES ⬥⬥⬥: to secure the proof

Need for integrations ⬥⬥⬥: flow automation

• Several users ⬥⬥⬥: team to equipLong archiving ⬥⬥⬥: 10 years for compliance
• Synthetic comparisonSynthetic comparison
• Criterion | Free | Paid Starter | Paid ProEnvelopes/month | 3-10 | 20-50 | 100-500
• Levels | SES | SES + AES | SES + AESTemplates | 0-1 | 3-5 | Unlimited
• Integrations | None | 1-2 | AllIntegrations | 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

Pitfalls to avoid

Believing that “free” = “always free”: the limits come quickly

Freemium models with OTP billing: more expensive than the package

Free plans that require credit card to activate

Hidden annual commitment

Concrete case: freelance transition → SME

• Concrete case: freelance transition → SME
• An independent consultant starts with a free plan (3 contracts/month). In 12 months, its activity increased to 25 contracts/month. Switch to a Starter plan at €29/month:
• AES activated (secures contracts > €5,000)
• templates for 5 recurring contracts

Pipedrive integration

ROI in 1 month.

• 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 OTP billing, cancel anytime.

Discover the Certyneo electronic signature solutionDiscover the Certyneo electronic signature solutionFAQ

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.

Generally €9-29/month.

Can we switch to paid temporarily?

Yes, most publishers allow it.

Do free plans store long?

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

Do signers pay?

Do signers pay?

No, never. Only the issuer pays.

Conclusion

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

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