Best CLM Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Managing contracts at scale isn’t just about keeping documents organized—it’s about reducing risk, shortening negotiation cycles, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. But most teams hit roadblocks: version mismatches, bottlenecks in approvals, lost time digging through email threads, or uncertainty about who owns what stage of a contract.
Contract lifecycle management (CLM) software helps solve those problems by giving your team a structured, searchable, and automated workflow—from initial draft to signature to renewal. I’ve spent years working with legal, sales, and operations teams across fast-growing companies to evaluate and implement CLM tools that actually meet day-to-day needs—not just checkboxes on a feature list.
In this guide, I’ll share the platforms that stood out during hands-on testing—tools that reduce friction, improve compliance, and actually help you move contracts forward with confidence.
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Best CLM Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top CLM software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for team collaboration | Free demo available | From 1,245/month (billed annually) | Website | |
2 | Best for customization options | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for small teams | Free demo available | From $399/5user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
4 | Best for AI integration | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
5 | Best for Latin American markets | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
6 | Best for digital signatures | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
7 | Best for CRM integration | 7-day free trial available | From $150/month | Website | |
8 | Best for process automation | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for legal compliance | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best for enterprise solutions | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Docker
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Pulumi
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
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Best CLM Software Review
Below are my detailed summaries of the best CLM software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Gatekeeper is designed for teams looking to enhance collaboration. It serves businesses of various sizes, streamlining contract management and improving workflow efficiency.
Why I picked Gatekeeper: Gatekeeper focuses on team collaboration, making it ideal for projects requiring input from multiple stakeholders. Its Kanban-style dashboard allows teams to track contract status and progress visually. Automated alerts ensure everyone stays informed about key dates and deadlines. The platform also offers customizable workflows, helping teams adapt the tool to their specific processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a visual Kanban dashboard, automated alerts, and customizable workflows. The tool also provides a centralized contract repository, making it easy to access and manage documents. Enhanced reporting features give insights into contract performance and compliance.
Integrations include Salesforce, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Docusign, Adobe Sign, Box, Dropbox, SAP, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Enhanced reporting features
- Visual Kanban dashboard
- Customizable workflows
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Complex initial setup
Agiloft is a highly customizable contract lifecycle management platform for businesses needing flexibility. It serves industries like healthcare, legal, and procurement, focusing on enhancing contract management efficiency.
Why I picked Agiloft: Agiloft offers unmatched customization options, allowing you to tailor the software to fit your specific workflows. It supports various industries, making it versatile for different business needs. Integration capabilities with other systems enhance its adaptability. The platform's focus on customization ensures you can leverage it effectively for better contract outcomes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable workflows, allowing you to adjust the software to your processes. It offers a comprehensive contract repository for easy document access. Advanced reporting tools provide insights into contract performance.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Docusign, Adobe Sign, SAP, Oracle, Google Workspace, Box, Dropbox, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive contract repository
- Supports multiple industries
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Occasional update issues
- Requires technical knowledge
Concord is a contract management platform that focuses on simplifying contract creation, negotiation, and management processes for businesses looking to enhance collaboration and compliance.
Why I picked Concord: Concord is tailored for small teams, offering features that facilitate easy contract creation and management. Its intuitive interface allows you to quickly draft and negotiate contracts. Real-time editing and version control ensure team members stay updated without confusion. The platform's emphasis on accessibility makes it a go-to for teams seeking simplicity and efficiency.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time editing, which allows multiple users to work on a contract simultaneously. Version control helps track changes and maintain document integrity. The platform also offers e-signature capabilities, reducing the need for physical paperwork.
Integrations include Salesforce, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, Slack, Docusign, Adobe Sign, Microsoft Office 365, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Version control
- Real-time editing
- Simple interface
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Basic reporting tools
Zycus Contract Management is a solution designed for large organizations that require automated contract lifecycle management. It focuses on automating contract creation, tracking, and compliance to improve operational efficiency and reduce risks.
Why I picked Zycus Contract Management: Zycus excels in AI integration, making it ideal for organizations looking to leverage technology in contract management. Automated contract authoring and a standardized clause library enhance compliance and reduce cycle times. The software's AI-driven insights help identify potential risks and opportunities. Its integration with procurement tools ensures a cohesive workflow across departments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated contract authoring to streamline document creation. The standardized clause library helps maintain consistency across contracts. AI-driven insights provide valuable data on contract performance and potential risks.
Integrations include SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, Ariba, Coupa, Jaggaer, Docusign, Adobe Sign, and Workday.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cohesive workflow integration
- Standardized clause library
- Automated contract authoring
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- Pricing not transparent
Webdox is a contract lifecycle management platform tailored for businesses in Latin America. It focuses on streamlining contract processes and improving collaboration among teams, making it suitable for various industries.
Why I picked Webdox: Webdox caters specifically to the Latin American market, providing localized features and support. The platform's user-friendly interface simplifies contract management for teams. It includes customizable workflows to adapt to different business needs. Webdox also offers compliance tools to ensure adherence to regional regulations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable workflows, allowing you to tailor processes to your business needs. Compliance tools help ensure your contracts meet regional regulations. The platform also provides a centralized document repository for easy access and management.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Box, Docusign, Adobe Sign, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Compliance tools for regional regulations
- Centralized document repository
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Limited global support
- Learning curve for advanced features
Docusign CLM is a contract lifecycle management tool designed for businesses that need efficient digital signature capabilities. It streamlines contract processes from creation to execution, ensuring compliance and speed.
Why I picked Docusign CLM: Docusign CLM excels in providing digital signature solutions that simplify contract execution. It offers automated workflows to reduce manual tasks and increase efficiency. The platform's document generation tools help create consistent and accurate contracts. Compliance management features ensure your contracts meet legal standards, making it a reliable choice for businesses prioritizing security and speed.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated workflows that help streamline your contract processes. Document generation tools ensure consistency and accuracy in your contracts. Compliance management features keep your contracts aligned with legal standards.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Box, Slack, Adobe Sign, and Workday.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient digital signature capabilities
- Automated workflows
- Document generation tools
Cons:
- Pricing not transparent
- Complex initial setup
Venntive is a comprehensive platform that integrates CRM, marketing, sales, and customer support into a single system. It is ideal for businesses looking to enhance communication and efficiency across various departments.
Why I picked Venntive: Venntive excels in CRM integration, providing a unified database and user interface that connects different business functions. The platform eliminates data silos, allowing your team to access and share information effortlessly. Its streamlined processes support better customer relationship management from lead generation to customer loyalty. Venntive also offers actionable insights to optimize performance and drive business growth.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a unified database that centralizes all customer information. The single user interface makes it easy for your team to navigate and manage tasks. Additionally, it offers performance insights to help improve your business operations.
Integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Dropbox, Google Workspace, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Zapier, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Unified database
- Performance insights
- Streamlined processes
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality
- Learning curve for new users
OnitX CLM is a contract lifecycle management tool designed for businesses aiming to automate their contract processes. It serves enterprises looking to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention in contract management.
Why I picked OnitX CLM: OnitX CLM focuses on process automation, offering features that minimize manual tasks and enhance efficiency. Its workflow automation capabilities allow you to streamline contract approvals and negotiations. The platform provides customizable templates to ensure consistency across contracts. Real-time analytics give you insights into contract performance, helping you make informed decisions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include workflow automation that simplifies contract approvals and negotiations. Customizable templates help maintain consistency and accuracy in your contracts. Real-time analytics provide insights into contract performance and trends.
Integrations include Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Google Workspace, Docusign, Adobe Sign, Slack, Box, and Dropbox.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective process automation
- Customizable contract templates
- Real-time analytics
Cons:
- Complex initial setup
- Limited offline functionality
Legisway is designed for legal professionals and teams focusing on compliance and risk management. It helps streamline legal workflows, ensuring that all contracts adhere to regulatory standards.
Why I picked Legisway: Legisway offers specialized tools for legal compliance, making it an essential choice for legal teams. It includes features like automated compliance alerts and risk assessments to keep your team informed. The platform also supports document versioning, ensuring that your contracts are always up-to-date. Customizable dashboards provide insights into your legal processes, enhancing decision-making.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated compliance alerts that notify you of any regulatory changes. Risk assessment tools help you evaluate potential contract risks. The platform also provides document versioning to keep contracts current and accurate.
Integrations include Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, Docusign, Adobe Sign, Box, Dropbox, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated compliance alerts
- Risk assessment tools
- Document versioning
Cons:
- Initial setup complexity
- Pricing not transparent
Razor365 is a contract management platform tailored for large enterprises seeking efficient contract lifecycle management. It helps streamline contract creation, negotiation, and compliance processes to enhance productivity and minimize risks.
Why I picked Razor365: Razor365 is designed specifically for enterprise-level solutions, offering features that cater to large-scale operations. It provides advanced analytics to help your team make data-driven decisions. The platform's customizable dashboards allow you to track contract performance effectively. Its compliance management tools ensure your contracts adhere to industry standards and regulations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced analytics that give you insights into contract performance. Customizable dashboards let you tailor views to suit your needs. Compliance management tools help ensure your contracts meet industry standards.
Integrations include Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Google Workspace, Docusign, Adobe Sign, Box, Dropbox, and SharePoint.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced analytics
- Customizable dashboards
- Effective compliance management
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- Complex initial setup
Other CLM Software
Here are some additional CLM software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Evisort
For AI contract insights
- CobbleStone Contract Insight
For contract lifecycle workflows
- SpotDraft
For startups and SMEs
- Contract Logix
For compliance tracking
- Trackado
For contract milestone tracking
- LinkSquares
For contract analytics
- Bigle Legal
For legal document automation
- ASC Contracts
For procurement management
- Ultria CLM
For enterprise contract management
- PandaDoc
For document creation
CLM Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best CLM software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like contract compliance and document accessibility. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Contract creation
- Contract storage
- Document retrieval
- Compliance tracking
- Approval workflows
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-driven analytics
- Real-time collaboration
- Customizable dashboards
- Automated notifications
- Integration with third-party tools
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Clear instructions
- Aesthetic design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Supportive webinars
- Chatbot assistance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Multichannel support
- Quick response times
- Knowledgeable representatives
- Comprehensive FAQs
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Feature-to-price ratio
- Flexible payment plans
- Discounts for annual billing
- Return on investment
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction
- Common praise points
- Frequent complaints
- Repeat customer testimonials
- User recommendations
How to Choose CLM Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | Ensure the software can grow with your business, handling more contracts and users as needed. |
Integrations | Check for compatibility with tools you already use, like Salesforce or Google Workspace. |
Customizability | Look for options to tailor workflows and dashboards to fit your team’s processes. |
Ease of Use | Prioritize a user-friendly interface to minimize training time and boost team adoption. |
Budget | Compare costs against your budget, considering both upfront and ongoing expenses. |
Security Safeguards | Ensure the software has strong encryption and compliance with data protection regulations. |
Support Services | Evaluate the availability of customer support through multiple channels, like chat and phone. |
Reporting Features | Look for robust reporting tools that provide insights into contract performance and compliance. |
Trends in CLM Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different CLM software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-Driven Insights: AI is being used to analyze contract data for better decision-making. Tools like Evisort are leveraging AI to provide insights into contract risks and opportunities, helping businesses make informed choices quickly.
- Blockchain for Security: Some vendors are exploring blockchain to enhance contract security and authenticity. This technology promises tamper-proof records, adding an extra layer of trust to digital contracts.
- Smart Contract Capabilities: Smart contracts that execute automatically based on predefined conditions are gaining traction. This feature is particularly useful in industries like finance, where automated actions can reduce manual oversight.
- User-Centric Design: Vendors are focusing on intuitive interfaces that require minimal training. This trend is driven by the demand for tools that teams can adopt easily without extensive onboarding.
- Sustainability Features: Some CLM software is incorporating features to track and reduce the environmental impact of contracts. This trend reflects a growing business focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility.
What Is CLM Software?
CLM software is a tool designed to manage the entire lifecycle of contracts from creation to execution and renewal. Legal professionals, procurement teams, and contract managers use these tools to enhance efficiency and reduce risks.
Automated workflows, compliance tracking, and digital signature capabilities support better contract management and faster processing. These tools help businesses save time, reduce errors, and improve collaboration across departments.
Features of CLM Software
When selecting CLM software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Automated workflows: Streamline the contract approval process by reducing manual tasks and speeding up execution.
- Compliance tracking: Ensures contracts adhere to legal standards, minimizing the risk of non-compliance.
- Digital signature capabilities: Allows for quick and secure signing of contracts, eliminating the need for physical documents.
- Customizable templates: Provide pre-set contract formats that can be tailored to fit specific business needs.
- Real-time collaboration: Enables multiple users to work on a contract simultaneously, improving team efficiency.
- Document repository: Offers a centralized location for storing and retrieving contracts, making document management easier.
- AI-driven insights: Analyze contract data to identify risks and opportunities, aiding in informed decision-making.
- Risk assessment tools: Help evaluate potential issues in contracts to mitigate future problems.
- User-friendly interface: Simplifies navigation and reduces the learning curve, facilitating faster adoption by teams.
Benefits of CLM Software
Implementing CLM software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Increased efficiency: Automated workflows and digital signatures speed up contract processes, saving your team valuable time.
- Improved compliance: Compliance tracking ensures contracts meet legal standards, reducing the risk of costly errors.
- Enhanced collaboration: Real-time collaboration features allow team members to work together on contracts, boosting productivity.
- Better decision-making: AI-driven insights provide valuable data on contract performance, helping you make informed choices.
- Centralized document management: A document repository keeps all your contracts in one place, making them easy to access and manage.
- Risk reduction: Risk assessment tools help identify potential issues, allowing you to address them before they become problems.
- Customization flexibility: Customizable templates let you tailor contracts to your specific business needs, ensuring consistency and relevance.
Costs and Pricing of CLM Software
Selecting CLM software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in CLM software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for CLM Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic document storage, limited templates, and community support. |
Personal Plan | $5-$25 /user /month | Document storage, e-signature capabilities, and basic analytics. |
Business Plan | $30-$50 /user /month | Workflow automation, compliance software, and customizable templates. |
Enterprise Plan | $60-$100 /user /month | Advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and dedicated customer support. |
CLM Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about CLM software:
How does CLM software improve contract processes?
CLM software automates and streamlines contract processes, reducing manual tasks and speeding up execution. It helps ensure compliance by tracking contract obligations and deadlines. By integrating with existing systems, it provides better visibility into contract status, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of errors.
What industries benefit most from CLM software?
Industries like legal, procurement, and finance benefit greatly from CLM software. These tools help manage large volumes of contracts, ensuring compliance and reducing risks. They also offer features like eSignature and automated workflows, which are particularly valuable in sectors with complex regulatory requirements.
Can CLM software integrate with existing business systems?
Yes, most CLM software solutions offer integrations with popular business systems like CRM, ERP, and HR platforms. This integration ensures a seamless flow of information across your organization, making it easier to manage contracts alongside other business processes.
How do I evaluate the ROI of CLM software?
To evaluate ROI, consider the time saved on manual contract tasks, the reduction in errors, and the improved compliance. Analyze how these factors translate into cost savings and efficiency gains for your organization. Many vendors provide case studies or testimonials that highlight potential ROI.
What are the common challenges when implementing CLM software?
Common challenges include resistance to change, data migration issues, and ensuring user adoption. It’s important to have a clear implementation plan that includes training and support to help your team transition smoothly. Engaging stakeholders early can also help mitigate resistance.
How secure is CLM software?
Security is a top priority for CLM software providers. Look for solutions that offer strong encryption, regular security updates, and compliance with data protection regulations. This ensures that your contracts and sensitive information are well-protected against unauthorized access.
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