Checkbox Alternatives: 8 Top CLM Tools Compared

By Mariana Hagström
Avokaado Founder & CEO

Checkbox is used by many legal and business teams for its no-code workflow automation. The platform allows users to build forms, decision trees, and document flows without needing developers. Several users praise it for the ease of setup and speed it offers.

However, as legal operations in sectors such as BFSI and telecom mature, many teams start to feel that Checkbox is holding them back.

For instance, several users have noted that Checkbox struggles with very complex workflows or unique use cases. As a workflow grows in Checkbox’s visual editor, it can become messy and confusing to navigate, making large-scale or branched processes harder to manage. Some users also found that the platform becomes sluggish when handling large or complex app structures. Another common complaint is the lack of flexibility in Checkbox’s front-end design, making it less customizable than many other platforms on the market.

For these and other reasons, organizations are turning to next-gen alternatives that could better unify automation, analytics, and compliance within one governed environment. Users growing out of Checkbox look for contract intelligence infrastructure that connects drafting, approval, and data insights across departments.

In this article, we’ll explore the top Checkbox alternatives for 2025, highlighting their strengths, drawbacks, and pricing to help legal and operations leaders choose the right fit for their teams.

Top Checkbox Alternatives for Legal Teams in 2025

Legal teams looking beyond Checkbox have a long list of contract lifecycle management (CLM) and automation platforms to choose from. We've compiled for you a list of the best options for 2025 and beyond, with comprehensive overviews of each provider’s strengths, use cases, and pricing plans.

But before getting into the details, see how they compare at a glance. The summary below shows where each platform stands on capabilities that are most relevant to legal professionals.

Feature Overview Table

Feature Avokaado Ironclad Juro Contractbook SpotDraft DocuSign CLM ContractWorks Icertis
AI-assisted draftingYesYesYesYesYesYes (via plugin)Partial (premium plan only)Yes
Structured data outputYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Clause-level templatesYesYesPartial (templates only, no separate clause library)YesYesYesYesYes
End-to-end CLM coverageYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
E-signature integrationYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Native analytics/dashboardYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Pre-approved template controlYesYesYesYesYesYesPartial (limited advanced clause governance)Yes
Multi-department collaborationYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Custom workflowsYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Integration with SalesforceYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
GDPR complianceYes (EU-based platform, GDPR and eIDAS compliant)YesYes (UK/EU-based platform)Yes (SOC 2 and GDPR compliant)YesYes (EU data options available)Yes (DPA available via Onit)Yes
Governance and audit controlsYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Usage-based pricing modelYes (modular)No (mixed)YesNo (mixed)YesNoYesNo (enterprise licensing)
Free trial or self-serve accessNo (demo only, no free trial)No (demo only, no free trial)No (demo only, no free trial)Yes (14-day free trial)No (demo only, no free trial)No (demo only, no free trial)Yes (14-day free trial)No (demo only, no free trial)
Quick deploymentYes (guided onboarding)No (complex implementation)Partial (user-friendly but some setup needed)Yes (but can take months for complex scopes)Yes (fast setup)No (lengthy rollout)Partial (quick to start, full setup takes time)No (long enterprise onboarding)

1. Avokaado: Best for AI-Native Contract Intelligence and Governed Automation

Avokaado is a contract intelligence platform that aims to replace fragmented tools with a single, governed system for drafting, negotiation, signing, and post‑signature management. Avokaado’s platform is built around structured data, compliance, and automation. It is designed for company‑wide use (including Legal, Sales, HR, and Procurement departments) with legal guardrails, turning contracts into structured data right off the bat so teams can gain visibility, compliance, and faster cycle times.

Avokaado contract lifecycle management platform - Dashboard

Avokaado’s Key Features

  • aDoc smart document format: Clause‑based, logic‑driven templates that link content, variables, workflows, and data to keep every version consistent and traceable
  • Compliance, governance, and security: GDPR‑compliant storage, audit logs, approval flows, template permissions, and branded secure workspaces, with appropriate data encryption protocols in place
  • Data and parties registries: Treats contracts as data, enabling search, reporting, renewal tracking, and obligation visibility across counterparties
  • Integrated e-signature and workspace: Draft, collaborate, sign, and archive in one place; reduce too-hopping and version sprawl
  • Integrations: Connects with major platforms like Salesforce, Workday, BambooHR, Teamtailor, and more to auto‑populate fields and sync status
  • Expert-led onboarding and fast time-to-value: Customers can launch quickly (often under a week), with a 24‑hour pilot path available for initial validation
  • Coming soon: AI-native automation (Avo Agents): In early 2026, Avokaado is preparing to launch Avo, an AI-powered upgrade that will convert your playbooks into executable rules (must > fallback > escalate). Avo Agents will help draft, review, negotiate, and route approvals, with built-in logic, transparency, and auditability

Pros and Cons of Avokaado

Pros Cons
Single source of truth across departments; legal maintains guardrails while business users self-serve Short orientation needed to adopt aDoc logic and structured workflows
EU-built with GDPR alignment and enterprise-grade access controls Advanced analytics and some controls are available in higher tiers
Usage-based pricing aligns cost to modules and activities, not seats, supporting broad adoption Playbook setup requires initial input from Legal to capture must/fallback/escalate rules
Demonstrated results in regulated industries (e.g., Tele2 NDA processing reduced from 50 hours to 50 minutes) Governed AI capabilities like Verifier and Scorecard will be part of Avokaado’s upcoming Avo upgrade; these aim to improve automation, trust, audit readiness, and consistency

Avokaado Pricing

Avokaado offers fully custom pricing built around your exact workflows. Instead of inflexible, pre-defined packages, each plan is tailored to your use cases. It combines only the modules and tools you ask for, from automation and AI to governance and integrations. You pay for exactly what you use, no extra fees and no surprise charges. This pricing model is transparent and offers maximum value and scalability to every customer.

Where Avokaado Wins Over Checkbox

  • Data, not documents: Contracts are converted into structured data for search, reporting, obligations, and renewals, reducing risk and manual effort.
  • Company‑wide adoption with oversight: Avokaado empowers Sales, HR, and Operations to self‑serve while preserving legal control and compliance.
  • Proven in regulated sectors: The platform is built on a GDPR‑aligned foundation in the EU and has demonstrated real impact in BFSI, telecom, and other sectors.
  • From forms to intelligence: While Avokaado already structures contracts as data, it’s also preparing to launch AI‑native governed agents that will elevate contract workflows even further.

2. Ironclad: Best for Enterprise Workflow Customization

One of the most established players in the CLM market, Ironclad is well‑known for its extensive workflow configurability and enterprise‑grade integrations. Its primary focus is enabling large organizations to standardize approvals and contract creation at scale. Ironclad’s users have lauded its powerful workflow builder and detailed audit capabilities as key strengths. Some, though, have noted that initial setup and configuration can be complex for new teams.

Ironclad CLM - Dashboard

Ironclad’s Key Features

  • Drag‑and‑drop configuration
  • Designed for large multi‑department teams
  • Deep integrations
  • Streamlined legal collaboration
  • Reporting and audit trail
  • AI assistant (Ironclad AI)

Pros and Cons of Ironclad

Pros Cons
Flexible, highly configurable workflows suited to enterprise environments Implementation and onboarding can be lengthy due to system complexity
Mature integration ecosystem with leading business tools like Salesforce and Slack Pricing is higher than average, limiting accessibility for mid-market companies
Reliable audit trail and compliance-oriented reporting Some reviewers have reported the Salesforce connector is clunky or requires too many clicks
Advanced features, like redlining automation and contract analytics, well-rated by enterprise users

Ironclad Pricing

Ironclad follows a custom enterprise pricing model, typically based on contract volume and user scope. No public pricing is available, but users on multiple legit review platforms have described it as positioned at the upper end of the CLM market.

Where Ironclad Wins Over Checkbox

  • While Checkbox focuses on form‑based automation, Ironclad offers end‑to‑end contract lifecycle control, and thus, greater enterprise depth
  • Tight alignment with Salesforce, Slack, and DocuSign, which creates an interconnected workflow that Checkbox cannot replicate
  • Built for global organizations managing thousands of contracts with multi‑level approval flows and audit needs

3. Juro: Best for Collaborative Contract Creation

Juro is a browser-based contract collaboration platform that streamlines the entire contract lifecycle inside a unified interface. Built primarily for fast-growing legal and commercial teams, Juro focuses on simplicity, usability, and real-time collaboration. While Juro has become well-known for its intuitive interface and rapid implementation, some users note that its advanced analytics and AI capabilities still need some work.

Juro contract collaboration platform - E-signature feature

Juro’s Key Features

  • All-in-one editor
  • E-signature and contract tracking
  • Pre-approved templates for brand and legal consistency across teams
  • Integrations with third parties
  • Dashboards to provide contract status visibility and renewal reminders

Pros and Cons of Juro

Pros Cons
Exceptionally easy to learn and deploy for small to mid-sized teams Limited automation and AI-driven insights compared to enterprise CLMs
Integrated negotiation and e-signing eliminate tool-switching Reporting functions are basic and may not be ideal for high-volume contract analytics
Highly rated customer support and onboarding experience

Juro Pricing

The actual costs of using Juro can vary based on factors such as your usage level, the types of integrations you want, and the level of AI automation you would like to achieve. Quotes are provided after you book a personalized demo.

Where Juro Wins Over Checkbox

  • Offers true collaborative editing and negotiation instead of form-based submission workflows
  • Easier setup and faster adoption for lean legal teams
  • Built specifically for collaboration-first contracting

4. Contractbook: Best for Data-Driven SMBs

Contractbook focuses on structured data and integrations, enabling organizations to use contract data as a source of truth. It targets small and mid-sized businesses looking to digitize and connect their contract workflows with other business apps. Some Contractbook reviews have praised its intuitive template builder and hassle-free automation capabilities, while others have expressed concerns about limited customization, especially for complex enterprise use cases.

Contractbook CLM - Dashboard displaying all contracts

Contractbook’s Key Features

  • Template and automation engine
  • Data-first structure
  • Easy integration for connecting to HubSpot, Pipedrive, and Zapier
  • Collaboration and notifications

Pros and Cons of Contractbook

Pros Cons
Affordable and accessible for smaller businesses Doesn’t offer the kind of complex approval hierarchies or clause-level controls that an enterprise CLM might
Excellent integration ecosystem for CRM and operations tools Some users claim limited workflow customization
Clean, modern UI suitable for non-technical users

Contractbook Pricing

Contractbook lists four packages on its pricing page: Essential, Centralize, Accelerate, and Custom (quote‑based). You can choose one based on your expected usage and other feature requirements. It also offers a free 14-day trial.

Where Contractbook Wins Over Checkbox

  • Converts static documents into structured, searchable data for greater visibility
  • Simplifies automation for SMBs without heavy IT dependence
  • Delivers better CRM and marketing workflow integrations than Checkbox
  • Stronger data connectivity and workflow automation across business systems

5. SpotDraft: Best for Legal Ops Teams Scaling Automation

SpotDraft is a modern CLM solution built to help fast-scaling legal operations teams manage high contract volumes efficiently. It emphasizes automation, collaboration, and analytics while staying accessible for teams that do not have extensive IT support. SpotDraft’s intuitive design and automation depth make it ideal for in-house legal teams seeking process control without enterprise complexity.

SpotDraft CLM - Contact repository

SpotDraft’s Key Features

  • AI-assisted drafting and redlining
  • Central dashboard for workflow management
  • Repository and search
  • Analytics dashboard
  • Integrations for Salesforce, Slack, Gmail

Pros and Cons of SpotDraft

Pros Cons
High degree of workflow automation for legal operations teams Workflows can be rigid; e.g., limited flexibility in multi-party scenarios and reporting dashboards
Built-in analytics and reporting improve visibility AI capabilities (e.g., for contract review) need more work
AI-assisted redlining shortens negotiation cycles Reviewers have lauded support quality

SpotDraft Pricing

Custom pricing is available upon request and is based on either users or contract volume. It offers proper guided onboarding and 24x7 support to all its customers at no extra cost.

Where SpotDraft Wins Over Checkbox

  • Provides AI-assisted drafting and negotiation instead of static form-based workflows
  • Offers stronger analytics and visibility into contract performance
  • Better suited for fast-scaling legal departments and growing enterprises

6. DocuSign CLM: Best for Enterprises Already in the DocuSign Ecosystem

DocuSign CLM extends the functionality of DocuSign’s industry-leading eSignature platform into full contract lifecycle management. It is built for enterprises already within the DocuSign ecosystem. The CLM enables organizations to automate approvals, manage compliance, and centralize contracts. Users have praised DocuSign CLM’s reliability and strong integration capabilities, though setup and user onboarding may be complex for new users.

DocuSign CLM - Contract search feature

DocuSign CLM’s Key Features

  • Native eSignature integration
  • Workflow automation and standardized templates
  • Searchable contract repository
  • Compliance and audit tracking
  • Analytics and reporting

Pros and Cons of DocuSign CLM

Pros Cons
Deep integration within the DocuSign suite; familiar for existing users Implementation can be lengthy and costly, with a steep learning curve and complexity
Strong compliance and audit features Aging interface
Secure and reliable infrastructure for enterprise-scale deployments Potentially limited flexibility outside of DocuSign’s ecosystem

DocuSign CLM Pricing

Enterprise pricing is available on request. DocuSign CLM is typically positioned toward mid-to-large enterprises with existing DocuSign investments.

Where DocuSign CLM Wins Over Checkbox

  • Provides end-to-end CLM with native eSignature integration and advanced auditability
  • Delivers higher compliance assurance for enterprises in regulated industries
  • Better suited for organizations already standardized on DocuSign tools

7. ContractWorks (Onit): Best for Repository and Audit Control

ContractWorks, part of the Onit portfolio, focuses on secure contract storage, tracking, and compliance oversight. It’s ideal for teams that want a simple yet powerful repository without the overhead of full CLM deployment. Reviews on legitimate platforms have highlighted an easy setup combined with exceptional value, especially for audit-driven teams.

ContractWorks CLM - Reporting dashboard feature

ContractWorks’s Key Features

  • Centralized repository
  • Smart document tagging
  • Audit trails and reminders
  • Reporting dashboard with visual summaries
  • E-signature integration

Pros and Cons of ContractWorks

Pros Cons
Simple deployment with minimal IT dependency Limited workflow automation compared to full CLM platforms
Excellent search, tracking, and reporting features Not designed for complex contract authoring or negotiation
Highly rated for customer support and reliability Lacks native AI analytics

ContractWorks Pricing

There are three tiers customers can choose from: Standard, Professional, and Premium, based on document volume and storage requirements. All three tiers come with unlimited users.

Where ContractWorks Wins Over Checkbox

  • Purpose-built for compliance-heavy teams needing reliable repository control
  • Offers faster setup and lower cost than Checkbox or larger CLMs
  • Provides clear visibility and audit readiness out of the box

8. Icertis: Best for Global Enterprises with Complex Compliance Needs

Icertis is a global leader in enterprise contract lifecycle management. It is known for its advanced AI and compliance management capabilities. The platform is built for multinational corporations and is designed to help legal and procurement teams standardize and enforce policies across jurisdictions. Past user reviews frequently highlight its scalability and comprehensive governance features, though they also mention a steep learning curve.

Icertis contract management - Dashboard contract details view

Icertis’s Key Features

  • AI-powered analytics
  • Global compliance framework
  • Connects with major ERP and CRM systems
  • Customizable workflows and rule-based automation
  • Risk and performance dashboards

Pros and Cons of Icertis

Pros Cons
Unmatched scalability for multinational organizations Complex implementation process requiring dedicated support
Deep AI analytics and risk management capabilities High total cost of ownership relative to smaller CLMs
Extensive integration ecosystem and configurable architecture Users report a steep learning curve for non-technical teams

Icertis Pricing

Icertis has not published any pricing information, but it is primarily positioned as a premium solution for large-scale legal operations, which means it comes with a hefty price tag.

Where Icertis Wins Over Checkbox

  • Delivers unmatched AI and compliance intelligence compared to Checkbox’s basic workflow automation
  • Scales across global operations with unified oversight and localization features
  • Provides advanced risk analytics and contract visibility critical for enterprise governance

Pricing and Suitability of Top Checkbox Alternatives

Platform Pricing Transparency (Relative) Ideal For
AvokaadoHighBFSI, Telecom; legal ops, HR, revenue
IroncladLowLarge enterprises
JuroHighLegal teams under 500
ContractbookHighSMBs
SpotDraftLowLegal ops
DocuSign CLMLowEnterprises
ContractWorksHighAudit-focused teams
IcertisLowMultinationals

How to Choose the Right Alternative for Your Legal Team

Choosing the right alternative to Checkbox depends on your organization’s goals, size, and risk posture. Here are key factors to evaluate before committing to a new CLM or workflow platform provider.

  • Scope: Be clear on whether you’re seeking to automate simple workflows or transform your full contract lifecycle with data visibility and analytics. If you only need intake and approvals, lighter automation tools like Juro or Contractbook may suffice. For strategic transformation, enterprise-grade CLMs such as Avokaado, Ironclad, or Icertis are better fits.
  • Compliance: Make GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and audit-trail readiness a priority. For BFSI or telecom organizations, platforms like Avokaado or Icertis offer the strongest compliance foundations with built-in governance modules.
  • Integration: Assess whether the system integrates smoothly with your CRM, ERP, or HRIS stack, such as Salesforce, Workday, or BambooHR. Avokaado and Ironclad excel here with robust integration ecosystems.
  • Scalability: Think about future growth. Mid-market teams can start with Juro or Contractbook and upgrade later, while global enterprises will need scalable CLMs like Ironclad or Icertis that support multilingual workflows and data governance. For more flexibility, you can consider a platform like Avokaado.
  • Onboarding Speed and Support: Implementation times vary widely across providers, from a few days with Avokaado to several months for larger systems. Go through the vendor’s customer success stories and check if local support is available.
  • ROI and Performance: Compare pricing models (usage-based vs per-seat) and measure expected time savings, compliance risk reduction, and cycle-time improvement. You will have to balance automation depth with measurable business outcomes for successful deployment.

Wrapping Up

Legal automation has entered a transformative phase. What started as document management and workflow automation has evolved into contract intelligence, a move from paperwork to data-driven decision-making.

Today’s leading platforms, including Avokaado, Ironclad, and Icertis, demonstrate how legal operations can become strategic rather than reactive. The shift isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about giving legal teams oversight, governance, and measurable impact.

Key takeaways:

  • Legal teams are moving from document handling to data management.
  • AI governance and explainability are now core expectations.
  • Modern CLMs integrate seamlessly with business systems for company-wide visibility.
  • Predictive and agentic automation is setting the new standard for 2025 and beyond.

In short, the future of legal operations belongs to teams that treat contracts as data, and to platforms that turn that data into intelligence and strategy.

Avokaado leads this transformation, replacing patchwork tools with AI native contract intelligence and enabling teams to work faster, safer, and smarter. Checkbox may have been an early starter on the wave of automation, but Avokaado perfects it.

Book your Avokaado demo today and experience how governed automation can replace legal chaos with clarity.

FAQs

Is Checkbox a CLM system?

No. Checkbox positions itself as a no‑code intake, matter, and workflow automation hub for legal teams that is not a full contract lifecycle management (CLM) platform, but works on top of one. Its own site treats CLM as a distinct category that manages contracts end‑to‑end and is often complementary to Checkbox.

What is the best Checkbox alternative for regulated industries?

For heavily regulated sectors such as banking and finance, telecom, and public services, Avokaado is the most suitable alternative. It offers GDPR-compliant infrastructure, governed AI automation, and detailed audit trails designed specifically for compliance-heavy environments.

How fast can I implement Avokaado compared to other CLMs?

Avokaado typically takes less than one week to go live, with a 24-hour pilot option available for validation. In contrast, traditional enterprise CLMs like Ironclad or Icertis often require several weeks or months due to their complex configuration and integration requirements.

Can I use Avokaado outside legal departments?

Yes. Avokaado is designed for cross-functional use. Sales, HR, and Procurement teams can independently generate, route, and manage contracts while Legal maintains control through governance settings and workflow rules.

Is Avokaado more affordable than, say, Ironclad or Icertis?

Yes. Avokaado’s modular and usage-based pricing model allows teams to scale according to activity instead of per-user fees. This makes it more cost-effective for medium and large organizations, especially when compared to enterprise-priced systems such as Ironclad or Icertis.

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