Best Contract Management Software in 2025

In 2024, the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) faced a significant setback when an IT project was abandoned after spending $25.1 million, yielding no tangible results.

An audit revealed that UMGC had engaged in sole-source contracts with minimal oversight, leading to substantial financial losses and highlighting the critical consequences of inadequate contract management.

Such incidents underscore a broader issue: organizations can lose millions in revenue due to poor contract negotiation and management. A report surveying 1,000 C-suite executives illuminated how contract inefficiencies are causing severe revenue leakage within organizations.

Whether it’s a late renewal deadline, a hidden clause, or a non-compliant contract falling through the cracks, these seemingly minor mistakes cost businesses dearly—up to 9% of their annual revenue, adding up to a staggering $1.8 trillion in global value leakage every year.

As we progress through 2025, the imperative for robust contract management software solutions has never been more pronounced. This article explores today’s top contract lifecycle management (CLM) platforms and evaluates them based on features, cost, automation, compliance, and AI capabilities.

Top Contract Management Tools in 2025: Compared

Choosing the proper Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) software is essential for organizations looking to automate their contract processes, maintain compliance, and tap into AI-powered efficiencies. 

The following table compares the top 10 contract management software 2025, including their main features, compliance standards, and pricing models.

Note: Ratings and pricing are subject to change based on market trends and user feedback.

1. SignDesk

Description: SignDesk is a best-in-class AI-based contract automation and compliance management vendor. It is highly recommended for enterprises looking for high-efficiency CLM solutions.

Key Features

AI-Powered Contract Creation: Automates drafting, approval, and risk assessment processes.

• TokenIQ Template Builder: Allows self-serve contract writing through customizable templates.
• Seamless Integrations: Supports Auto ESP switch and Google SSO for increased enterprise usage.
• Localized Features: UPI Autopay and Smart Stamp Calculator are provided and customized to suit the Indian BFSI market.
• Compliance: We comply with ISO 27001, SOC 2, DPDP, and GDPR requirements for stringent data security and privacy.
• Pricing: Economical pricing model that fits companies of all sizes.

2. Icertis

Overview: Icertis Contract Intelligence (ICI) is famous for its enterprise-grade CLM features, which turn contracts into strategic assets.

Key Features:

• AI-Powered Insights: Leverages AI to glean valuable insights from contracts to drive better decision-making.
• Comprehensive Compliance Tracking: Tracks contractual and regulatory compliance efficiently.​
• Scalable Architecture: Built to manage intricate contracts within large enterprises globally.​
• Compliance: Adheres to global standards, ensuring data protection and compliance across borders.​
• Pricing: Premium pricing for its extensive capabilities and enterprise orientation.​

3. Juro

Overview: Juro is differentiated by its simple and intuitive design, allowing teams to approve contracts 10x faster.

Key Features:

• AI Assistant: Automates contract drafting, review, and analysis, minimizing administrative burden.​
• Template Editor: Provides a rich-text editor for creating and managing contract templates.​
• Approval Workflows: Simplifies the approval process with customizable workflows.​
• Browser-Based Redlining: Enables real-time negotiation and editing within the platform.​
• Compliance: Complies with data protection regulations and has strong security measures.​
• Pricing: Mid-range pricing for growing businesses.​

4. Ironclad

Overview: Ironclad is a top-of-the-line CLM platform that offers an easy, secure method of drafting and collaborating on contracts.​

Key Features:

• AI-Powered Experience: Provides a one-stop-shop platform for effective contract management.
• Workflow Automation: Automates approvals and notifications of contracts.​
• Role-Based Access: Provides secure access control within the organization.​
• Compliance: Complies with industry standards for data security and compliance.​
• Pricing: Premium pricing based on its full-feature offerings.​

5. LinkSquares

Overview: LinkSquares unleashes the full potential of legal teams through AI-driven technology to analyze and manage contracts.

Key Features:

• Automated Contract Analysis: Offers insights into contract data and obligations.​
• Risk Assessment: Resolves potential risks in contracts.
• Obligation Tracking: Maintains compliance with contractual obligations.​
• Compliance: Complies with data protection legislation, maintaining secure contract handling.​
• Pricing: Mid-range pricing is best for firms that want sophisticated analytics.​

6. DocuSign CLM

Overview: DocuSign CLM goes beyond electronic signatures to provide complete contract lifecycle management, simplifying the agreement process from creation to renewal.​

Key Features:

• Automated Workflows: Enables smooth routing of contracts for approval and signing, minimizing turnaround times.​
• Centralized Repository: Gives all contracts a single point of truth, improving visibility and accessibility.​
• Integration Capabilities: Integrates with popular CRM and ERP platforms, enabling seamless data exchange.​
• Compliance: Follows international standards, such as ISO 27001 and GDPR, to provide data security and privacy.​
• Pricing: Provides tiered pricing to suit different business sizes, with individual plans being requested.​

7. PandaDoc

Overview: PandaDoc is a contract management company focused on sales. It offers document tools to automate document creation, tracking, and e-signing.​

Key Features:

• Document Automation: Automates creating proposals, quotes, and contracts using customizable templates.​
• Real-Time Tracking: Provides document status insights, alerting users when documents are opened or finalized.​
• Collaborative Editing: Allows multiple stakeholders to edit and comment on documents simultaneously.​
• Compliance: Provides compliance with industry standards, such as GDPR, for safe document handling.​
• Pricing: Offers cost-effective plans, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.​

8. Concord

Overview: Concord aims to facilitate contract creation, collaboration, and execution by providing an easy-to-use platform for managing agreements.​

Key Features:

• Real-Time Editing: Enables stakeholders to edit documents in real-time, shortening negotiation time.​
• Version Control: Has an exhaustive history of document revisions, keeping things transparent.​
• Deadline Alerts: Alerts users of near contract renewals or expirations to avoid slippage.​
• Compliance: Has stringent security protocols to meet data protection guidelines.​
• Pricing: Has competitive pricing with plans for businesses of all sizes.​

9. Agiloft

Overview: A highly customizable contract lifecycle management platform, best suited for organizations with complex needs.

Key Features:

• AI-Powered Tools: Leverages artificial intelligence to streamline contract management procedures.​
• Flexible Configuration: Provides far-reaching configuration options to customize workflows and capabilities.​
• Advanced Analytics: Provides detailed reporting and analytics to facilitate informed decision-making.​
• Compliance: Compliant with rigorous security requirements, ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance.​
• Pricing: Designed to support enterprises with extensive customization and scaling requirements.​

10. Sirion

Overview: Sirion paces the pack in 2025 with sophisticated AI functionality for contract review, negotiation, execution, governance, and usability.​

Key Features:

• Advanced AI: Delivers multilingual clause extraction and issue-based contract analysis.
• Comprehensive Governance: Facilitates smooth management and control over contract commitments.​
• User-Friendly Interface: Supports effortless user experience with simple design and interface.
• Compliance: Upholds stringent compliance levels appropriate for finance, insurance, and other governed industries.​
• Pricing: Premium pricing acknowledging its sophisticated features and functions

Which CLM Is Right for You?

With a variety of CLM platforms available, choosing the right one comes down to matching the tool’s strengths with your organization’s specific needs—business size, budget, industry, or regulatory compliance. Here’s how the top players stack up:

1. By Business Size

• Startups & SMBs
  • PandaDoc, Concord, and Juro offer intuitive UIs, basic automation, and fast onboarding—ideal for smaller teams.
  • SignDesk also serves high-growth SMBs with scalable modules and rapid deployment, ensuring startups can grow without switching platforms.
• Mid-Market
  • SignDesk, LinkSquares, and Agiloft balance power and usability, delivering AI, automation, and integrations without overwhelming teams or budgets.
• Enterprise
  • Icertis, Ironclad, DocuSign CLM, and Sirion are designed for high-volume contract environments, with deep analytics and global governance.
  • SignDesk competes well here, especially for BFSI enterprises that need compliance-ready workflows and automated stamping/eSign at scale.

2. By Budget

• Cost-Effective Solutions
  • PandaDoc, Concord, and Juro are budget-friendly for teams that need simplicity and core functionality.
  • SignDesk offers modular pricing with enterprise-grade functionality—letting teams pay for what they need, when they need it.
• Mid-Range Flexibility
  • SignDesk, LinkSquares, and Agiloft hit the sweet spot between affordability and capability—ideal for procurement, finance, and legal teams looking to scale without breaking the bank.
• Premium Investment
  • DocuSign CLM, Icertis, Sirion, and Ironclad are more expensive but are favored by large legal ops teams needing enterprise integrations and global legal coverage.

3. By Industry Fit

• BFSI, Lending, & Insurance
  • SignDesk leads here with features like eStamping, eSign via Aadhaar & DSC, bulk workflow automation, and audit dashboards—making it a go-to for banks and NBFCs.
  • DocuSign CLM and Agiloft also support financial services but often require significant customization.
• Legal & Compliance Services
  • Ironclad, Juro, and Sirion are built for collaborative legal workflows and integrations with document review tools.
  • SignDesk, with its clause library and token-based templating, reduces legal bottlenecks without sacrificing control.
• Technology, Healthcare & SaaS
  • LinkSquares and Icertis provide robust AI tagging and metadata extraction, supporting fast-paced contract environments.
  • SignDesk’s real-time tracking and API-first architecture allow fast deployment across tech-forward orgs.

4. By Compliance Needs

• Highly Regulated Industries
  • SignDesk stands out with auto audit trails, version control, and secure signing processes tailored for sectors like BFSI, insurance, and government.
  • Icertis and Sirion also offer extensive compliance configurations, but at a higher implementation cost.
• Global Data Privacy & Audit Readiness
  • Ironclad, DocuSign CLM, and LinkSquares support GDPR and HIPAA with advanced data handling features.
  • SignDesk matches this with regional compliance readiness, including India’s DPDP, eSign Act, and support for global privacy standards.

Spotlight: Why SignDesk Is A Top CLM Choice In 2025

SignDesk differentiates itself within the CLM market based on its all-encompassing features designed for varied business requirements:

• AI-Driven Contract Authoring, Approvals, and Risk Intelligence: Utilizes artificial intelligence to auto-generate, facilitate approval workflows, and deliver actionable risk profiles.
• TokenIQ Template Builder for Self-Serve Drafting: This tool enables teams to author and tailor contracts with an easy-to-use template builder, lessening the reliance on legal teams.
• Auto ESP Switch & Google SSO for Seamless Enterprise Use: Facilitates effortless enterprise integration, offering improved user experience and security via single sign-on functionality.​
• UPI Autopay for Indian BFSI: This service serves the Indian financial services and banking industry, offering functionalities such as automatic payments and stamp duty calculations.
• Use Cases in Legal, Finance, Procurement in BFSI, FMCG, and Telecom: Illustrates flexibility across sectors, addressing specific contract management issues.​

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Hear It from the Experts: SignDesk User Reviews

In 2025, organizations are increasingly adopting advanced Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions to enhance efficiency and mitigate risks associated with poor contract management. Among the leading platforms, SignDesk CLM has garnered attention for its transformative impact on businesses.​

Testimonial: Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Experience

Nikhil Vibhande, Associate Vice President of Digital Transformation at Kotak Mahindra Bank, highlighted the benefits of collaborating with SignDesk:​

“Integrating with SignDesk’s Digital Stamping & eSign solutions helped us streamline & digitize this process, enabling our teams to get loan agreements executed in bulk & on time. We now manage our lending operations much more smoothly & without relying on paper-based & manual processes.”

User Review: Enhancing Customer Experience

George J., a Senior Product Manager in the financial services sector, shared his experience:​

“I have used SignDesk for the last 4 years. E-signing via OTP, Aadhar, or DSC is very user-friendly for our customers. Customer service and response time are impressive as well.”

Case Study: Kinara Capital’s Digital Transformation

Kinara Capital, a prominent lending firm, faced challenges streamlining its loan disbursement processes. However, it achieved end-to-end digitization of its workflows by integrating SignDesk’s eSignatures, eStamping, and eMandate APIs. 

This integration expedited franking and automated loan cycles from onboarding to repayment, resulting in significant operational efficiency. ​

These examples underscore the tangible benefits organizations have realized by implementing SignDesk CLM, including reduced contract approval times, enhanced customer experiences, and streamlined operations.​

Why Contract Management Matters In 2025

In 2025, contract lifecycle management (CLM) will be more than a legal function—an essential business system. Contracts oversee every transaction, partnership, and procurement, making them the hub of revenue creation and risk avoidance.

Most thought leaders in the BFSI and other industries recommend that organizations now view CLM as an enterprise core platform, similar to ERP or CRM. It’s not merely a matter of document management—it’s about managing business results.

Increased Complexity & Risk

Contracts today are more sophisticated than ever, involving multiple jurisdictions, regulatory regimes, and groups of stakeholders. The more significant the number of moving pieces in a contract, the greater the risk of something going awry.

Overdue renewal dates, ambiguous clauses, or contradictory terms can cause disputes, lost business, or compliance failures. AI-powered CLM systems mitigate this complexity by automatically detecting clauses, revealing risks, and monitoring all obligations in real time.

For instance, an international manufacturer may depend on hundreds of supplier agreements. A strong CLM identifies inconsistencies, monitors delivery terms, and automatically keeps each party to the agreement.

Compliance Pressures Are Surging

With regulations changing rapidly, compliance has become a full-time profession where contracts play a considerable role. The BFSI, pharma, and manufacturing sectors must comply with stringent data privacy guidelines (GDPR, DPDP), operational resilience (DORA), and ESG reporting.

CLM software assists legal and compliance personnel in inserting regulatory obligations into contract templates, highlighting non-compliant language, and automating audit trails. Rather than addressing compliance holes after the fact, next-generation CLM keeps you compliant from when a contract is created.

Does your supplier agreement lack a required clause? A bright CLM can spot it before it becomes an issue.

Remote Work Has Changed the Game

With hybrid work the new reality, contract collaboration can’t be confined to on-prem servers and email chains. Legal, sales, and procurement teams must create, review, and approve contracts anywhere—without delays or misunderstandings.

Cloud-based CLM solutions provide secure, real-time collaboration and e-signature processes. Everyone works on the latest version, deadlines are monitored, and approvals are not lost in someone’s inbox.

This isn’t a nicety—it’s required for distributed teams working at scale.

AI and Automation Are Propelling a CLM Revolution

AI is transforming the way companies deal with contracts. What once took hours—scouring clauses, checking drafts, marking up risks—can now be accomplished in minutes.

Modern CLM platforms use AI to:

• Auto-generate contracts from templates
• Tag key metadata (like payment terms, renewal dates)
• Identify risk-prone clauses
• Recommend standard fallbacks
• Surface obligation reminders post-signature

Gartner reports that AI reduces contract negotiation time by up to 30%. That’s not just speed—risk reduction and cost savings, too.

For high-volume legal and procurement teams, this is a game-changer.

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What To Look For In The Best Contract Management Software

When comparing CLM solutions, look for the following key factors:

Core Features To Expect in 2025

• Intelligent Contract Drafting & Clause Libraries: Today, CLM platforms include AI-assisted drafting capabilities and clause libraries, which allow for quick contract development and standardization.​
• Workflow Automation: Computerized workflows automate approvals, notifications, and renewals, minimizing manual handling and speeding processes up.​
• Role-Based Access & E-Signature Integration: Provide secure access control and strong integration with e-signature tools to enable efficient and authorized execution of contracts.​

AI Capabilities

• Clause Extraction, Risk Flagging, Metadata Tagging: AI-powered features automatically extract important clauses, identify potential risks, and mark metadata, strengthening contract analysis and management.​
• AI Negotiation Co-Pilots: AI assistants on some platforms give negotiation insights and recommendations to secure beneficial contract terms.​
• Predictive Analytics & Audit Trails: Advanced analytics forecast contract performance and risk, and detailed audit trails ensure compliance and transparency.​

Compliance & Security

• ISO 27001, SOC 2, DPDP & GDPR Readiness: Leading CLM software complies with global security standards and protection laws, protecting sensitive data.​
• Audit Logs, Version Control, Data Residency: Strong audit logs, version controls, and data residency provide data integrity and regulatory conformity.​

Pricing & Scalability

• Tiered Models (Enterprise vs. SMB): Scalable pricing models address large and small to medium-sized enterprises, providing scalability as organizational requirements change.
• Pay-Per-User vs. Per-Document: Be aware of the cost effects of various pricing models to pick one that matches your usage pattern.​
• Integration & API Flexibility: Confirm the CLM solution integrates with current systems (e.g., CRM, ERP) and has API access for bespoke integrations.

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How To Choose The Right CLM Tool For Your Business

Choosing the right CLM solution requires evaluating:

• Industry-Specific Needs: Each industry has distinct needs; the pharmaceutical sector might need compliance monitoring first, while manufacturing could require supplier contracts first.​
• Volume & Complexity of Contracts: Large-volume or complex contracts require strong features such as advanced analytics and automation.​
• Internal Team Readiness: Assess your team’s ability to implement and operate the CLM system; a legal maturity assessment can be valuable.
• Tech Ecosystem Integration Models: Make sure the CLM aligns well with current industry tools or other CRM and ERP models.​

Lead Magnet CTA:  Download our “CLM Readiness Checklist” to evaluate your organization.​

Emerging Trends in CLM for 2025

As we move into 2025, Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) faces vast changes based on evolving technologies. Below are the emerging trends redefining the CLM environment:

AI Copilots For Negotiations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming from a supporting tool to an active participant in contract negotiations. AI copilots can independently analyze contract terms, propose changes, and highlight potential risks without human intervention. This independent decision-making improves efficiency and maintains consistency in contract portfolios.

Contract Risk Assessment Gamification

Emergent CLM platforms are infusing gamification aspects into risk evaluation procedures. By gamifying risk assessment, organizations can better involve stakeholders, ultimately gaining a richer understanding of potential contract risk and facilitating proactive mitigation measures.​

Embedded Compliance Prompts

Current CLM systems now include integrated compliance prompts to help deal with regulatory compliance issues. Real-time notifications walk users through compliance needs during contract creation and execution, minimizing the chances of oversights and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and standards.​

Voice-Enabled CLM Workflows

Incorporating voice recognition technology into CLM platforms automates contract management processes. Users can start, view, and approve contracts through voice commands, improving accessibility and accelerating the contract lifecycle. This hands-free feature is handy for multitasking professionals who need efficiency.​

Real-Time Contract Analytics Dashboards

Advanced analytics dashboards are giving companies real-time visibility into their contract portfolios. The dashboards display critical metrics like contract statuses, performance indicators, and compliance levels, facilitating smart decision-making and strategic planning.

Adopting these trends enables companies to refine their contract management processes, avoid risks, and seize opportunities in a more complicated business environment

Getting Started With CLM – Actionable Next Steps

A Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system can dramatically improve your organization’s efficiency, compliance, and risk reduction. However, to achieve a successful implementation, it is crucial to follow a structured methodology.

The steps below will take you through the first stages of implementing a CLM solution, setting the stage for efficient contract processes and better operational performance.

Step 1: Run a Contract Audit

Carry out a thorough contract audit to evaluate your existing contract management practices. This entails:

• Defining Audit Objectives: Specify what you wish to accomplish, such as compliance gaps, risk exposure, or contract performance.
• Gathering Stakeholders: Engage major departments such as legal, procurement, and finance for a complete perspective.
• Reviewing Existing Contracts: Examine current contracts for major provisions, obligations, and compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Identifying Issues: Detect inconsistencies, late completion, or non-compliance that may create financial or reputational risk.
• Resolving Findings: Develop action plans to close and repair detected gaps or inefficiencies.

Regular audits are essential to ensuring compliance and realizing unseen value from your contracts.

Step 2: Identify Opportunities & Set Clear CLM Goals

Instead of diving into tools, define first what success is for your company. Begin by defining:

• Key Pain Points: Are delays in contracts extending deal cycles? Is compliance tracking difficult?
• Desired Outcomes: Speed up approvals, all-in-one centralized visibility, and automation of workflows?
• Strategic Alignment: Link your CLM goals to business drivers, such as better risk management, reduced costs, and improved audit readiness.

Use these insights to frame your vendor discussion and future-proof success.

Step 3: Shortlist Tools & Request Demos

According to your audit and internal objectives, investigate and shortlist CLM tools that suit your business requirements. Take into consideration:

• Feature Set: Think about smart drafting, automated processes, and compliance tracking native to the system.
• Scalability: Make sure the solution is scalable with your contract volume and team size.
• User Experience: Select a user-friendly interface that fosters adoption by different departments.

Request personalized demos from your shortlist. Use these sessions to test real-world scenarios and evaluate vendor support, flexibility, and fit.

Step 4: Conduct a Sandbox Pilot with Legal/Ops Teams

Before committing to a full rollout, run a sandbox pilot involving legal, procurement, and operations teams. This should include:

• Setting Objectives: Define what success looks like, e.g., faster review cycles and improved version control.
• Training Users: Ensure participating teams know how to use the platform and its features.
• Gathering Feedback: Get feedback on usability, performance, and how well it meets your objectives.
• Evaluating Results: Benchmark results against your original expectations and business needs.

A sandbox approach minimizes implementation risk and ensures your selected CLM meets your distinct contract environment.

Through this systematic approach, your organization can deploy a new-generation CLM solution that automates contract processes, minimizes legal and compliance risk, and provides long-term value to teams.

Conclusion

​In 2025, the Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) landscape is changing fast with artificial intelligence advances and increased emphasis on compliance and efficiency. Companies increasingly turn to CLM solutions to automate processes, reduce risk, and drive operational performance.

Organizations can change their contract management processes by following a formal process of CLM adoption—carrying out extensive contract audits, defining definite goals, testing appropriate tools, and participating in pilot programs. Adopting these innovations simplifies workflows and enables companies to manage the complexities of contemporary business environments successfully.

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