Comaprision eSignature vs Digital Signature
Both eSignatures and digital signatures let you sign documents without paper, but they serve different needs depending on security and compliance requirements.
Both eSignatures and digital signatures let you sign documents without paper, but they serve different needs depending on security and compliance requirements.
✓ eSignature
An eSignature is any electronic representation of a signature, like clicking “I Agree,” drawing a signature with your finger, or typing your name. It's perfect for rapid approvals, customer agreements, and internal workflows. Many tools allow users to electronically sign online for free on simple contracts, making it ideal for everyday business use.
✓ Digital Signature
A digital signature is a specialized subset of eSignature built on cryptographic technology. It uses certificates and keys to uniquely link the signer to the document. It meets the highest levels of identity verification and is therefore the basis of an advanced electronic signature. A digital signature offers integrity, non-repudiation, and high levels of legal confidence and is usually demanded by high-risk documents.
| Feature | eSignature | Digital Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Legal strength | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Compliance (Regulated industries) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best for Pricing Considerations | Sales, HR, low-risk | Legal & regulated |
Most providers provide tiered plans. While entry-level eSignature plans in Illinois do include options to digital esign for free online, the advanced cryptographic features of a digital signature appear higher in the tiers. Digital signature pricing reflects value in stronger authentication, audit logs, and compliance certifications that pay off for enterprise and regulated use cases.
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