Comparative Review of Leading Contract Management Software
By Richard "Rick" Callahan | Published: Current Review | Category: Contract Management Software
About Contract Management Software
Contract Management Software (CMS), or Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) software, helps organizations manage contracts from creation and negotiation through execution, storage, and renewal or termination. These systems centralize contracts, automate workflows, improve compliance, and provide key insights.
Scoring Criteria
- → Feature Set
- → Ease of Use
- → Integration Capabilities
- → Support & Training
- → Value for Money
The Best Contract Management Software
Ironclad
By Ironclad, Inc.
A leading digital contracting platform designed for modern legal teams, offering powerful workflow automation and a central repository.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Legal Teams, Sales, Procurement, HR, Mid-Market to Enterprise
Key Features
- ✓Workflow Designer: Visual, no-code workflow builder to automate contract approvals and processes.
- ✓Contract Repository: Centralized, searchable storage for all contracts with robust metadata extraction.
- ✓Editor: Built-in document editor (Ironclad Editor) and integrations with MS Word.
- ✓Integrations: Connects with Salesforce, Coupa, Workday, G-Suite, Office 365, and e-signature tools.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Custom
Contact Vendor
- Core CLM platform
- Workflow automation
- Repository
- Integrations
- Reporting
Limitations: Pricing requires custom quote based on usage and features
Pros
- + Powerful and flexible workflow automation
- + Intuitive user interface for business users
- + Strong integration capabilities, especially with Salesforce
- + Excellent repository and search functionality
Cons
- - Can be expensive, particularly for smaller organizations
- - Some advanced configurations may require vendor support
Verdict
"Excellent choice for mid-market and enterprise companies needing robust workflow automation and strong integration."
DocuSign CLM
By DocuSign, Inc.
Comprehensive CLM solution integrated with DocuSign's leading e-signature capabilities, focusing on the entire agreement lifecycle.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Mobile (via DocuSign app)
Best For: Enterprise, Sales, Legal, Procurement, Organizations using DocuSign eSignature
Key Features
- ✓Contract Generation: Automated document creation from templates and data sources.
- ✓Negotiation Workflow: Streamlined contract review, redlining, and approval processes.
- ✓E-Signature Integration: Seamless integration with DocuSign eSignature.
- ✓AI & Analytics: AI-powered contract analysis for risk assessment and insights (DocuSign Analyzer).
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
CLM Essentials
Contact Vendor
- Contract repository
- Basic workflows
- Template management
- DocuSign eSignature integration
Limitations: Quote-based pricing
CLM Standard / CLM+
Contact Vendor
- Advanced workflow automation
- Clause library
- AI analysis features
- Expanded integrations
Limitations: Quote-based pricing
Pros
- + Deep integration with DocuSign eSignature
- + Comprehensive feature set covering the entire lifecycle
- + Strong AI capabilities for contract analysis
- + Scalable for enterprise needs
Cons
- - Can be complex to implement and configure
- - User interface can feel less modern than some competitors
- - Higher cost compared to simpler solutions
Verdict
"A powerful, feature-rich CLM for organizations already invested in the DocuSign ecosystem, especially larger enterprises."
PandaDoc
By PandaDoc, Inc.
Focuses on document creation, workflow, and e-signature, particularly strong for sales teams generating proposals and quotes.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Mobile (iOS, Android)
Best For: Sales Teams, Marketing, Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs), Document Generation
Key Features
- ✓Document Editor: Intuitive drag-and-drop editor for creating visually appealing documents.
- ✓Template Library: Extensive library of pre-built templates for various documents.
- ✓E-Signatures: Built-in, legally binding electronic signatures.
- ✓CRM Integrations: Strong integrations with popular CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essentials
$19.00 / Monthly (Annual available)
- Templates
- Rich media drag & drop document editor
- Real-time tracking
- eSignatures
Limitations: Limited users, Basic analytics
Business
$49.00 / Monthly (Annual available)
- CRM integrations
- Content library
- Custom branding
- Approval workflows
Limitations: Per user pricing
Enterprise
Contact Vendor
- SSO
- Advanced user roles
- Salesforce integration
- API access
Limitations: Quote-based pricing
Pros
- + Very easy to use, intuitive interface
- + Excellent for document creation and presentation
- + Strong integrations, especially for sales workflows
- + Transparent and affordable pricing for lower tiers
Cons
- - Less focused on post-signature contract management (repository, obligation tracking) compared to dedicated CLMs
- - Advanced CLM features might be lacking for complex legal needs
Verdict
"Ideal for SMBs and sales teams focused on document generation, proposals, and e-signatures, offering great usability and value."
Conga Contracts
By Conga
An end-to-end contract management solution handling all stages of the contract lifecycle, often integrated with Salesforce.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Enterprise, Legal, Sales Operations, Procurement, Salesforce users
Key Features
- ✓Contract Lifecycle Management: Manages creation, negotiation, execution, storage, and renewal.
- ✓Clause Library: Repository of pre-approved clauses for standardized contract assembly.
- ✓Obligation Management: Tracks key dates, tasks, and compliance requirements.
- ✓Salesforce Integration: Deep integration with Salesforce for sales contract management.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Custom
Contact Vendor
- Full CLM suite
- Workflow automation
- Reporting and analytics
- Integration options
Limitations: Pricing is quote-based and tailored to customer needs
Pros
- + Comprehensive, enterprise-grade feature set
- + Strong capabilities for complex contract scenarios
- + Excellent integration with Salesforce and other Conga products
- + Robust reporting and analytics
Cons
- - Can be complex and require significant implementation effort
- - User interface perceived as less intuitive by some users
- - Higher price point, primarily targeting enterprise clients
Verdict
"A powerful enterprise CLM solution, particularly effective for organizations heavily invested in the Salesforce ecosystem requiring complex contract management."
Agiloft
By Agiloft, Inc.
A highly customizable no-code platform offering contract management alongside other business process automation solutions.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Legal, Procurement, IT, Enterprise, Organizations needing high customization
Key Features
- ✓No-Code Platform: Highly configurable workflows, fields, and business rules without coding.
- ✓AI Engine: AI capabilities for metadata extraction, clause analysis, and risk scoring.
- ✓Contract Repository: Secure, searchable repository with version control and audit trails.
- ✓Vendor Management: Features extending beyond contracts to manage supplier relationships.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Custom
Contact Vendor
- Core CLM module
- Customizable workflows
- AI features
- Integrations
- Support options
Limitations: Quote-based pricing depends heavily on customization and user count
Pros
- + Extremely customizable to specific business needs
- + Robust feature set including AI capabilities
- + Strong security and compliance features
- + Positive reputation for customer support
Cons
- - High degree of customization can lead to complex implementations
- - User interface might feel dated compared to newer platforms
- - Can be expensive depending on configuration
Verdict
"Excellent for organizations needing a highly configurable CLM solution that can adapt precisely to their unique processes, often favored by enterprise clients."
LinkSquares
By LinkSquares, Inc.
AI-powered contract lifecycle management focused on providing legal teams with fast access to contract data and insights.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Legal Teams, Mid-Market to Enterprise, Data Extraction & Analysis, Pre-Signature Workflows (LinkSquares Finalize)
Key Features
- ✓AI-Powered Data Extraction: Automatically extracts key terms, clauses, and metadata from contracts.
- ✓Smart Search: Advanced search capabilities across the entire contract portfolio.
- ✓Reporting & Analytics: Dashboards and reports to track key metrics and identify risks.
- ✓LinkSquares Finalize: Module for pre-signature contract drafting, review, and approval workflows.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Custom
Contact Vendor
- AI analysis (Analyze module)
- Central repository
- Reporting
- Optional pre-signature module (Finalize)
Limitations: Quote-based pricing
Pros
- + Best-in-class AI for contract analysis and data extraction
- + Easy-to-use interface, designed for legal teams
- + Excellent customer support and onboarding
- + Powerful search and reporting capabilities
Cons
- - Pre-signature workflow capabilities (Finalize) are newer compared to established players
- - Can be expensive, particularly the AI analysis component
- - Fewer native integrations compared to some competitors
Verdict
"A top choice for legal teams prioritizing AI-driven contract analysis, data extraction, and post-signature management."
ContractWorks
By ContractWorks (by Mitratech)
Secure and user-friendly contract management software focused on repository, tracking, and reporting, suitable for SMBs and mid-market.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Legal, Finance, Operations, Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs), Mid-Market
Key Features
- ✓Centralized Repository: Secure, searchable contract storage with custom tags and OCR.
- ✓Automated Alerts: Notifications for key dates and milestones.
- ✓Reporting Tools: Customizable reports on contract data.
- ✓Electronic Signature: Built-in e-signature functionality.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pricing
Standard
$700.00 / Monthly (Annual billing required)
- Unlimited users
- 2,500 documents
- Core repository features
- Reporting
- Basic E-signature
Limitations: Limited document count, No advanced features like AI
Professional
$900.00 / Monthly (Annual billing required)
- Unlimited users
- 10,000 documents
- Advanced E-signature features
- Smart document tagging (basic AI)
Limitations: Limited AI capabilities
Enterprise
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited documents
- API Access
- Advanced AI / ML features
- Dedicated account manager
Limitations: Quote-based pricing
Pros
- + Very easy to implement and use
- + Transparent pricing with unlimited users on standard tiers
- + Strong focus on core repository and tracking features
- + Good customer support
Cons
- - Limited workflow automation compared to top-tier CLMs
- - Fewer integrations than some competitors
- - AI features less advanced than specialized tools
Verdict
"A great value proposition for organizations needing a simple, secure, and user-friendly contract repository with tracking and e-signature."
Juro
By Juro Online Ltd.
An all-in-one contract automation platform designed for modern businesses, particularly strong for in-house legal and sales teams.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Legal Teams, Sales, HR, Technology Companies, Mid-Market
Key Features
- ✓Template Editor: Browser-native contract editor enabling collaborative creation and negotiation.
- ✓Approval Workflows: Flexible, multi-step approval chains based on contract data.
- ✓Integration Hub: Connects with Salesforce, Slack, G-Drive, Greenhouse, Zapier, etc.
- ✓Contract Databas: Centralized repository with powerful search and reporting.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Lite
Contact Vendor
- Core template editor
- Basic workflows
- E-signature
- Limited users/templates
Limitations: Quote-based, Entry-level features
Team
Contact Vendor
- Increased users/templates
- Advanced workflows
- CRM Integrations (e.g., Salesforce)
- Negotiation features
Limitations: Quote-based
Scale
Contact Vendor
- Full platform access
- API access
- Advanced integrations
- Dedicated support
Limitations: Quote-based
Pros
- + Modern, intuitive user interface
- + Excellent browser-native editor and collaboration features
- + Strong workflow automation capabilities
- + Good integration options, especially for tech stacks
Cons
- - Pricing is quote-based and can be relatively high
- - AI analysis features might be less mature than dedicated AI tools
- - Focus is more on pre-signature and active contracts
Verdict
"A modern, user-friendly CLM excelling in contract creation, negotiation, and workflow automation, well-suited for fast-moving legal and sales teams."
Icertis Contract Intelligence (ICI)
By Icertis
An enterprise-grade CLM platform known for its depth, AI capabilities, and ability to handle complex global contracting requirements.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Mobile Add-ons
Best For: Large Enterprise, Global Organizations, Complex Procurement, Sales, Legal
Key Features
- ✓End-to-End CLM: Covers the entire contract lifecycle with deep functionality.
- ✓AI Applications: Suite of AI tools for data extraction, risk analysis, and obligation management.
- ✓Industry Solutions: Tailored configurations and features for specific industries (e.g., Pharma, Retail).
- ✓Broad Integrations: Connects with major ERP, CRM, SCM, and procurement systems (SAP, Oracle, Salesforce).
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Enterprise
Contact Vendor
- Full ICI platform
- AI capabilities
- Extensive integrations
- Industry-specific modules
- Implementation services
Limitations: Quote-based pricing, typically high investment, Targeted at large enterprises
Pros
- + Extremely comprehensive feature set
- + Powerful AI and analytics capabilities
- + Highly scalable for global enterprise deployments
- + Deep integration potential with core business systems
Cons
- - Significant implementation complexity and cost
- - User interface can be less intuitive than modern competitors
- - Primarily suited for large organizations with complex needs
Verdict
"A market leader for large enterprises needing a robust, scalable, and deeply integrated CLM platform to manage complex global contracts."
SpotDraft
By SpotDraft
End-to-end contract automation platform designed to streamline legal workflows for fast-growing companies.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Legal Teams, Sales, HR, Startups, Mid-Market, Technology companies
Key Features
- ✓Intuitive Editor: Collaborative contract editor with template management and clause library.
- ✓Workflow Automation: Automated approval processes and reminders.
- ✓Contract Repository: Centralized storage with AI-powered search and key data extraction.
- ✓Integrations: Connects with Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, Google Workspace, etc.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Growth
Contact Vendor
- Contract editor & templates
- E-signature
- Basic workflows
- Repository
Limitations: Quote-based pricing
Business
Contact Vendor
- Advanced workflows
- AI-powered analytics
- CRM integrations
- Clause library
Limitations: Quote-based pricing
Enterprise
Contact Vendor
- Advanced integrations (API)
- Custom AI models
- Dedicated support
- SSO
Limitations: Quote-based pricing
Pros
- + Modern and highly intuitive user interface
- + Strong focus on ease of use and fast implementation
- + Good balance of features across the contract lifecycle
- + Responsive customer support
Cons
- - Newer player compared to some established vendors
- - Advanced enterprise features might be less mature than Icertis or Conga
- - Pricing is not publicly listed
Verdict
"A user-friendly and capable CLM platform, particularly well-suited for startups and mid-market companies looking for efficient contract automation."
Final Thoughts
The contract management software market offers diverse solutions, from user-friendly document generators like PandaDoc to highly configurable enterprise platforms like Agiloft and Icertis. Key differentiators include the depth of workflow automation, AI capabilities for analysis, ease of use, integration breadth, and target customer size. Leading solutions like Ironclad, DocuSign CLM, Juro, and SpotDraft provide a strong balance of features and usability for legal and business teams.