Best contract management software for small business in 2025

One of the biggest challenges for small businesses is contract management, with owners facing extensive paperwork, bureaucracy, and little to no room for mistakes. You need to minimize errors, comply with legal standards, and ensure productivity. This can be especially hard when you’re tight on time, employees, and budget.

That’s where contract management software steps in. It can streamline the workflow, reduce the possibility of mistakes, and improve the overall efficiency. But which contract software is the best for you?

Together with the Cybernews research team, I studied the leading contract management software for small businesses. In this article, I’ll explore and compare the best contract management software, and analyze the key aspects to keep in mind before purchasing.

Best contract management software for small businesses – shortlist

1. Docusign – best software for small business overall
2. SignNow – best for contract customization
3. PandaDoc – best for large amounts of contracts
4. Agiloft – for data analysis and workflow automation
5. Updraft – for security and legal monitoring
6. Concord – for easy onboarding and navigation
7. ContractSafe – for a focus on contract management
8. HyperStart – for beginners on a budget
9. ContractHound – for non-profits
10. Ironclad – for advanced AI solutions
11. ContractWorks – for advanced safety

Best contract management software for small business – compared

I analyzed contract management software focusing on features, pricing, and integration opportunities. Here’s how they compare:

Tool	Best for	Key features	Integrations	Starting price
Docusign	All-in-one solutions	Automated e-signing, customizable contracts	✅ Over 400 apps, including Microsoft and SAP	$15/month
SignNow	Detail-oriented management	Version control, Super Admin feature	✅ Includes Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, and Dropbox	$20/month
PandaDoc	Large amounts of documentation	ID verification for contracts, document tracking	$35/month	$35/month
Agiloft	High-level automation	Advanced search tools, workflow automation	✅ Includes over 1,000 systems	Undisclosed
Updraft	Advanced legal checks	Bulk contract management, legal consulting	❌ No	Customizable
Concord	Bigger budgets	Automatic contract data extraction, Gmail-like interface	✅ For selected plans, includes Salesforce, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Zapier	$399/month
ContractSafe	Contract storage focus	Advanced data filtering, deadline alerts, unlimited users	❌ Limited, with Docusign, Okta/SAML 2.0, and SalesForce	$376/month
HyperStart	Approachable solutions	Flexible e-signing, automated contract creation	✅ Includes Google and Microsoft tools, Hubspot, Docusign, and Slack	$35/month
ContractHound	Non-profits	Contract live chat, document search	✅ With Docusign	$95/month
Ironclad	Legal teams	Legal AI assistant, automated data tagging	✅ Includes NetSuite, Salesforce, Slack, Microsoft and more	Customizable
ContractWorks	Detailed reporting	Bilingual contracts, GPT-powered contract clauses creation	❌ Limited, with public databases and Salesforce	Undisclosed

11 best contract management software – my detailed list

I analyzed the 11 best contract management software options based on such aspects as their key features, pricing, customizability, integration opportunities, and ease of use. Below, I’ll take a closer look at each of them and their pros and cons.

1. Docusign – the best pick with the most extensive feature set

Best for:	Real-time collaboration, all-in-one solution
Standout feature:	Automated e-signing
Pricing:	$15/month

Visit Docusign

Docusign is one of the most extensive and easy-to-use contract management services, with a wide selection of tools, easy signature setup, and user-friendly navigation that’s perfect for beginners. It offers high contract personalization and customizability, together with a wide selection of tools for collaboration, from change tracking to real-time group edits.

Docusign is also a strong pick for those who need an all-in-one solution, with advanced contract management lifecycle automation, e-signature compliance with global standards like eIDAS, UETA, and ESIGN, multi-layered security, mobile-friendly signing, and integration with over 400 apps (including Microsoft 365 and SAP) available.

There are four plans to choose from, with the cheapest, Personal, at just $15/month, but with no collaboration tools available and with just five documents for signature a month. Meanwhile, Standard ($45/month) will include template-sharing and real-time comments, and Business Pro ($65/month) will add advanced automation tools to the package. Additionally, you can request a personalized plan for a custom price.

2. SignNow – the best app for cross-team collaboration

Best for:	Bigger teams, advanced management
Standout feature:	Super Admin
Pricing:	$20/month

Visit signNow

SignNow is another top option with an extensive and customizable toolset, including custom templates, built-in version control, lifecycle automation, and mobile-optimized interface. I noted a comprehensive compliance package, with standards like ESIGN, UETA, and GDPR, and helpful integrations with Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, and Dropbox.

The main difference I noticed in this tool is great attention to detail, with features like custom signature fields or setting signature order available. This is my strongest pick for big teams, thanks to its advanced management solutions that leave no detail unaccounted for. For example, you can create a Super Admin position and Admin Console that allow you to access, manage, and monitor all documents within the organization.

SignNow has 3 plans for its users. Business costs $20/month with key e-signature features included, a more advanced Business Premium ($30/month) puts a focus on collaboration, and Enterprise ($50/month) comes with advanced solutions like branded e-signature workflows. A free trial is also available.

3. PandaDoc – the most flexible contract management software

Best for:	Documentation-heavy businesses
Standout feature:	Bulk send
Pricing:	$35/month

Visit PandaDoc

PandaDoc offers high flexibility and customizability with a vast set of tools for contract management, including digital signature certificate, ID verification, document tracking, audit trail. I also liked the bulk send feature that allows you to send documents to hundreds of recipients simultaneously. Additionally, PandaDoc boasts vast integration capabilities with Google, Microsoft, Dropbox, Zapier, PayPal, Hubspot, and more.

It also has plenty of features for collaboration on documents, which may prove useful for busier workflows and multi-team organizations. You can create dedicated customizable workspaces for different teams with various access levels to contracts and collaborate in real-time, leaving comments, monitoring the documentation status, and collecting approvals.

There are 3 plans available, two of them offering free trials. Starter at $35/month works best for quick document creation and signing, while Business at $65/month offers advanced integration and customization opportunities. You can also opt for an even more advanced Enterprise plan, which comes at a custom price.

4. Agiloft – a reliable AI contract management solution

Best for:	Process automation
Standout feature:	ConvoAI, natural language search tool
Pricing:	Undisclosed

Agiloft is a popular pick among businesses, with users praising its reliability and customizability. The software covers essentials like multi-language support, document generation, contract repository, workflow automation, and contract lifecycle management.

Among the add-ons, it also offers ConvoAI – a natural language search tool that allows users with permissions to “interrogate a contract” and find the necessary data. Another special offering is Integration Hub – with a ‘drag-and-drop’ interface connecting your CLM to over 1000 business tools and systems. However, while the dashboard is resource-filled and customization-friendly, the abundance of resources can also feel somewhat daunting. Learning to navigate to Agiloft may take some time, so if you’re looking for instant onboarding and zero learning, other options may be more suitable.

There are 3 plans available, with basics covered by Essentials, high-tier automation and workflow control available with Advanced, and Premium offering advanced optimization. However, you’ll need to reach out directly to the provider for prices.

5. Updraft – the best tool for tailored solutions

Best for:	Users who need a personalized approach
Standout feature:	Legal consulting
Pricing:	Customizable

With a focus on a tailored approach and time efficiency, Updraft’s services include most essentials, like contract streamlined drafting, deadline tracking, advanced reporting and analytics, secure storage, and bulk contract management.

It also uses a controlled drafting process, aimed to prevent the inclusion of unapproved terms, illegal or factually inaccurate information, and outdated data into the contract. When required, you can access all contract drafts through version control – together with all electronic case files, notes, and copies of supporting documentation. Meanwhile, for contract approval, users are offered an additional safety layer with the Levels of Authority feature and secure approval of contracts.

Additionally, Updraft offers professional legal advice and contract management for more personalized use, which I found to be the unique selling point on the market. For example, you can get a detailed contract review that covers things like tax compliance and occupational safety.

There are no set plans, with prices depending on the features you pick. However, a free 30-day trial can help you get a better understanding of which tools you might need.

6. Concord – a user-friendly software

Best for:	Quick onboarding
Standout feature:	Automatic data extraction
Pricing:	$399/month

Concord is a top pick for users in need of easy navigation and fast onboarding thanks to its resemblance to Gmail. I found its interface extremely familiar, so I expect most people to use the new tool to its maximum potential within hours. It also includes various AI-powered tools, such as unlimited e-signing, advanced search, contract monitoring, deadline alerts, custom reports and analytics, and automatic data extraction from your contracts for better visibility, aiming to provide contract management down to the details.

However, Concord is also one of the priciest options on the list. Its cheapest Essentials plan will cost you $399/month, with 5 users covered, and a $39/month fee for additional users. It also excludes integration with Salesforce, HubSpot, Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, and Zapier, which is part of the Business plan ($699/month plus $54/month for additional users), together with advanced customization features.

7. ContractSafe – the best tool for contract storage

Best for:	Targeted management
Standout feature:	Unlimited users
Pricing:	$376/month

ContractSafe can be a reliable option for users who want to focus on contract storage and management rather than contract creation and editing. You get a vast set of tools for searching, filtering, and sorting data across your documents, with customizable dashboards, automated reminders for deadlines, easy role assignments, and unlimited users covered by all plans.

However, it’s not the best pick for users looking for an all-in-one solution – with no contract creation and editing available, and e-signing only possible through a Docusign integration. ContractSafe’s integration capabilities are overall limited, with just a handful of third-party tools like Okta/SAML 2.0 and SalesForce offered.

Pricing is another thing to be mindful of, as the cheapest package is $376/month, while for contract lifecycle management, you’ll have to upgrade to the priciest Maximize plan at $749/month.

8. HyperStart – a wallet-friendly contract management solution

Best for:	Quick contract creation
Standout feature:	Flexible e-signing
Pricing:	$35/month

HyperStart is a comprehensive solution created with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. It includes essentials like automated template-based contract creation, collaboration tools, advanced analytics, and AI-powered contract reviews, along with AI features for swift contract lifecycle and risk management. It also boasts flexible e-signing with options like OTP, Aadhaar, hand-signing, or integration with third parties.

At a glance, the dashboard feels pretty easy to navigate, with a quick setup process and intuitive navigation. Additionally, HyperStart provides integration with Google and Microsoft tools, Hubspot, Docusign, Slack, and other platforms, ranging from CRM to document processing tools. This can prove especially helpful if you’re looking to integrate the software into an already resource-busy workflow.

While more expensive than Docusign, it’s still pretty wallet-friendly, as prices (while customizable) start at $35/month with a 2-week trial available. User-friendly and more affordable than the likes of Concord, it’s a valid option to consider if you’re an owner of a startup or growing business.

9. ContractHound – the best tool for non-profits

Best for:	Charity organizations, beginners
Standout feature:	Contract Chat
Pricing:	$95/month

ContractHound is a user-friendly solution with an easy-to-navigate dashboard and a focus on contract navigation and management. That includes tools for contract systematization, deadline reminders, document search, and contract collaboration – for example, live chat with team members that you can start in the selected part of the file.

While ContractHound doesn’t have features like contract creation or editing, it can still be a solid choice for small businesses that aren’t looking for an all-in-one solution and want to prioritize management tasks.

ContractHound charges users per active contract, starting with 50 contracts ($95/month) and going up to 300 ($570/month), with unlimited users and approval workflows included. For more than 300 contracts a month, you will need an Enterprise plan with custom pricing. All non-profits get a 10% discount.

Finally, for those who need time to make up their mind, there’s a free trial for 14 days that covers 50 contracts and all basic plan features.

10. Ironclad – the best AI legal assistant for contract management

Best for:	Legal teams, custom solutions
Standout feature:	Jurist AI assistant
Pricing:	Customizable

I found Ironclad to be a highly personalizable AI-powered solution that adjusts to whatever goal the user sets, from streamlining contract creation to legal troubleshooting. Its key offerings include automated data tagging, analysis and extraction, contract creation and collaboration, and flexible e-signing that lets you choose between Ironclad e-signature, Click-to-Accept, or a third-party provider. Users can also see the contract’s full approval history, with a summary of key terms for internal signers.

Additionally, Ironclad offers users legal support through its Jurist AI that can help minimize manual document review and spot inconsistencies in documents. While the learning process might take some time, the interface is overall pretty intuitive with a selection of prompt templates to use for contract creation. After the initial draft is finished, you can work directly in the document and quickly adjust the text using AI.

There are also no fixed plans to choose from, as Ironclad offers custom prices depending on customers’ needs.

11. ContractWorks – the best tool for contract categorization

Best for:	Contract storage, audit trails
Standout feature:	Contract repository
Pricing:	Undisclosed

ContractWorks positions itself as a scalable solution that grows together with the business, offering some of the core contract management features: intuitive e-signing with signature reminders, reporting and alerts, automated approvals, contract search, collaborative editor, end-to-end CLM, advanced security features, and recently added contract drafting, with GPT-powered contract clauses creation.

Among ContractWork’s main offerings, is also its secure, centralized contract repository, with an easy-to-navigate folder structure and flexible permissions settings.

There are three plans to choose from – Standard, Professional, and Premium. All include unlimited users and certain features like audit log reports and date alerts. However, some of the key tools like contract drafting, collaboration, or version control will only be included in Premium.

How did I select the best contract management software for small businesses

Together with the Cybernews research team, I ran a thorough analysis and comparison of various contract management software to select the best picks for small businesses. I focused on several factors, including feature selection, ease of use, customizability, customer support, and security. Here are some of the features I paid special attention to:

• Document and contract lifecycle management. I analyzed core features for contract creation, editing, and management that make or break efficient workflows. This includes the availability of contract templates, contract customization possibilities, real-time collaboration that allows editing by multiple users, and contract lifecycle management.
• E-signature capabilities. Legal pitfalls are often the biggest challenge small businesses encounter. That’s why I looked at the e-signing process, its reliability, and compliance with legal norms and requirements, such as meeting standards like ESIGN, UETA, and eIDAS. I also paid attention to the signing process accessibility; for example, the multi-signing feature and availability of mobile signing.
• Integration and workflow automation. Whether a contract management software is a good fit for your goals often depends on how well it integrates into your business’s existing structure and the tools you’re using, streamlines the repetitive tasks, and eventually improves the overall efficiency. That’s why I focused on key aspects like third-party integrations and workflow automation features.
• Security, compliance, and data privacy. Last but not least, ensuring the security of sensitive documents and private information is crucial to your business’s reputation and success. I prioritized several factors, like each software’s data encryption and security protocols, compliance certifications that ensure the protection of user data, and secure storage policies, looking for reliable options that prioritize security.

What is contract management software?

Contract management software is a comprehensive software solution that streamlines the creation, signing, storage, and tracking of business documentation like contracts. It aims to simplify and automate the contract life cycle from the initial draft creation to contract finalization and renewal while maintaining a high level of security, transparency, and auditability.

With features like e-signatures, centralized storage, live contract collaboration, and compliance monitoring, digital contract management software can become a useful asset for businesses of various sizes and budgets. It often helps organizations save time, money, and human resources while also reducing manual errors. It streamlines the documentation flow and ensures data protection and regulatory compliance.

If you’re a small or growing business owner, integrating a contract management system into your organization will improve risk management, smooth day-to-day operations, and overall efficiency – especially if you have to manage several contracts simultaneously.

Core functions of the contract management software

Whether the contract management software is effective depends on several key features to ensure efficiency, security, and compliance with regulatory norms. Some of these key aspects include:

• Document storage. To ensure the contracts are securely stored and quickly retrieved, you need software with a centralized, easily accessible storage system. This way, you won’t end up losing crucial documents and data, which is essential for keeping records and staying prepared for audits or reviews.
• Contract creation and editing. Good contract management software personalizes the contract creation process by offering customizable templates and editing tools. Not only does this save time and resources, but it also helps users streamline the contract creation process, ensure alignment with legal standards and industry requirements, and avoid errors.
• eSignature integration. An electronic signature holds the same weight as a physical one and is crucial to contract management software. It ensures the contract is legally binding without the need for physical meetings and signings. This also speeds up contract execution and allows skipping printing the contract, signing it, and then scanning it after the signature. Finally, it provides additional transparency and creates an audit trail for both sides.
• Compliance monitoring. When making a contract, you have to abide by a variety of industry standards, current laws, and any other regulatory requirements, which may also be subject to change and require additional documentation in the future. For business owners who don’t have their own legal team or simply have to operate within tight deadlines, this feature is a great way to avoid errors that may later result in penalties and minimize legal risks.
• Workflow automation. Just like with most management software, workflow automation is one of the key features to look out for. It saves time and money, speeds up work processes, reduces human error, and allows businesses to focus on more strategic goals instead of completing routine tasks.
• Reporting and analytics. A good contract management system can provide you with helpful data insights into contract performance and workflow or lifecycle bottlenecks. This helps organizations adjust their contract strategies and business processes to improve overall efficiency.

All of these features are essential to a comprehensive contract management system that guides the business through the contract’s entire lifecycle, ensures a secure, automated workflow, and helps boost the organization’s performance. Be sure to review these aspects closely when selecting your contract management solution.

How much do contract management solutions cost?

The cost of contract management software often varies depending on the features it offers, third-party integration offerings, and personalization capabilities.

Many providers offer several plans suited for different business sizes, needs, and budgets. However, in most cases, you’ll be choosing from three main categories:

• Free plans. Certain providers offer free versions of their services, which are usually more basic and limited than paid tiers. However, they can still be suitable for startups or small-scale businesses, offering essentials like document storage, contract templates, and e-signing. They may be a decent pick if you’re tight on a budget but struggle with more complex tasks and workflow automation.
• Subscription-based plans. Most software solutions offer monthly or annual subscriptions, usually ranging from $10 to $50/month. Depending on your plan, you’ll be getting a different set of tools. For example, Docusign’s basic plan covers only contract templates, third-party tool integrations, and a limited number of agreements for signature, while more advanced subscriptions add features like real-time collaboration and workflow automation.
• Enterprise solutions. Some businesses require personalized solutions and advanced features like enhanced security, detailed reporting, priority support, and next-level automation. That’s why most providers also offer custom plans, with prices calculated based on the number of users, business size, and features needed. While such solutions are usually more expensive, they may also provide the scalability needed for certain organizations.

When selecting a plan, consider your business’s goals, size, and budget. Different organizations may benefit from different subscription types. Compare all options and choose the one that will support your organization’s growth without hurting your wallet.

How to choose the right contract management software for small business

When running a small business, choosing the right contract management software may be essential to your growth and success. Your software will define your workflow, which means you need to choose carefully. There are several steps you can take to decide on the best software for your goals:

• Identify your business needs. All businesses are different and have different problems, which in turn may require different solutions. Start by analyzing the challenges you face when it comes to contract management. For example, you may have problems tracking deadlines, managing several contracts at a time, or ensuring regulatory compliance. Understanding these needs will help you prioritize the features you need in a software.
• Prioritize ease of use. Features are important, but so is the user interface. Your software should offer intuitive navigation with a steep learning curve to ensure its quick integration into the work processes and avoid disruptions in business operations. No matter how good the software is, if it’s difficult to use, it will only lead to delays and errors in contract management.
• Check integration capabilities. Your software should integrate into your workflow easily and swiftly, working well with your existing business tools, from content management to accounting systems. This is essential to building a reliable infrastructure within the business, with high automation and little to no delays or errors.
• Evaluate scalability. Your business is bound to grow, which means you need software that will grow with it. Look for a scalable option that can adjust to your needs, such as a workload increase or advanced security measures.
• Compare pricing plans. Your software should both fit your budget and offer the necessary features for your needs. Compare options from different providers as well as all the plans they offer to decide which works best.
• Read user reviews and testimonials. Pricing and features aside, customer reviews can help you better understand some of the provider’s stronger and weaker sides, such as ease of use, customer support, or process automation.

Taking all these factors into account will help you make an informed decision and select the best contract management software for your business and needs.

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Final word on best contract management software for small business

Contracts are the backbone of any business, which is why it’s so important to manage them effectively – maintaining accuracy, avoiding mistakes, and ensuring compliance with legal standards. This may prove challenging for small businesses that already have plenty to take care of while often running short on resources, money, and time.

Luckily, contract management software can help small businesses streamline workflow, minimize errors, and mitigate legal risks by automating processes and creating an additional level of security, with extensive solutions like Docusign and SignNow among the most reliable.

When looking for a contract management software, prioritize factors like ease of use, integration capabilities, scalability, and pricing. But most importantly, look for the features that meet your specific needs and solve your business’s challenges, whether it’s documentation tracking or advanced data protection. Choosing the right contract management system can significantly improve your organization’s efficiency, allowing you to focus on growth and strategic tasks.

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