Top 10 Tools for Contract Lifecycle Management

Top 10 Best Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) Software to Use in 2025

Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) tools are no longer just “nice to have” for large enterprises. In 2025, they’re indispensable—especially with AI transforming how businesses handle contracts. Whether you’re running a legal department, overseeing procurement, or leading sales operations, a powerful CLM system can dramatically cut turnaround time, reduce risk, and provide strategic insights.

But with dozens of platforms available, which one should you choose?

Here’s a deep dive into the top 10 CLM tools of 2025. Each platform is evaluated based on its features, strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different business needs. And leading the list is Zcon, an intelligent AI-powered CLM redefining the category.

1. Zcon – The AI-Powered CLM for the Modern Enterprise

Zcon stands out in 2025 as a cutting-edge, AI-driven CLM platform built for fast-moving businesses. Developed by Zetamicron Technologies, Zcon offers a full-spectrum contract solution—from creation to renewal—powered by next-gen artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and seamless integrations.

Key Features:

  • AI-assisted drafting and clause generation using generative AI

  • Real-time risk detection and redlining support

  • Smart dashboards with contract insights and negotiation performance

  • Seamless integration with CRM, ERP, and DMS platforms

  • Role-based permissions and audit trails for enterprise compliance

Pros:
✓ Highly intuitive interface with automation-first workflows
✓ Robust AI capabilities for risk forecasting and compliance
✓ Fast setup and smooth onboarding
✓ Scales well for growing startups and large enterprises alike

Cons:
✗ Still rolling out some advanced blockchain-based smart contract features
✗ Enterprise-level features may be overkill for solo practitioners

Ideal For:
Tech-forward legal departments, SaaS firms, and fast-scaling enterprises looking to gain an edge in contract intelligence.

2. Icertis Contract Intelligence (ICI)

Icertis is one of the most established players in the CLM space. Known for its enterprise-grade solutions, it uses AI and deep data analytics to offer a full lifecycle view of all contract obligations and risks.

Key Features:

  • Contract obligation management

  • AI-powered insights and clause recommendations

  • Industry-specific templates and compliance automation

  • Multilingual contract support

Pros:
✓ Extremely scalable and customizable
✓ Great for compliance-heavy industries
✓ Excellent analytics capabilities

Cons:
✗ Steeper learning curve
✗ Expensive implementation and onboarding

Ideal For:
Large enterprises with complex compliance and multinational needs.

3. DocuSign CLM

A familiar name, DocuSign is more than just an eSignature platform. Its CLM offering provides automated workflows and approval chains, making it a good fit for mid-sized companies.

Key Features:

  • Pre-built contract templates

  • Approval routing and collaboration tools

  • Integration with Salesforce and other CRMs

  • Secure cloud-based repository

Pros:
✓ Easy to deploy
✓ Trusted brand recognition
✓ Tight integration with eSignature workflows

Cons:
✗ Limited AI capabilities compared to newer platforms
✗ Lacks deep analytics for large datasets

Ideal For:
Companies already using DocuSign who need basic contract automation.

4. Agiloft CLM

Agiloft combines flexibility and AI to cater to businesses of all sizes. It offers a no-code customization engine, allowing companies to tailor workflows without writing code.

Key Features:

  • AI-based contract search and risk detection

  • Automated contract lifecycle stages

  • Custom rule-based workflow automation

  • No-code platform for configuration

Pros:
✓ Flexible and adaptable
✓ Strong AI search and metadata tagging
✓ Affordable for small to medium businesses

Cons:
✗ Interface feels outdated
✗ Can get complex for new users

Ideal For:
Organizations seeking high configurability with moderate AI integration.

5. Ironclad

Ironclad positions itself as a “digital contracting” platform that simplifies legal ops. It’s known for its beautiful UX and speed in setting up automated workflows.

Key Features:

  • AI-assisted contract generation and approval routing

  • In-browser redlining

  • Collaborative editing with version control

  • Advanced reporting tools

Pros:
✓ Slick, modern interface
✓ Legal-friendly collaboration tools
✓ Rapid adoption across teams

Cons:
✗ Limited customization options
✗ Pricey for small firms

Ideal For:
Legal and operations teams at tech-forward companies looking for usability and speed.

6. Conga CLM

Conga offers a full suite of tools for revenue and contract operations. Its CLM is deeply integrated with Salesforce and ideal for sales-led organizations.

Key Features:

  • Intelligent contract lifecycle automation

  • Pre-approved clause libraries

  • CRM integrations for real-time data pull

  • KPI dashboards for contract analytics

Pros:
✓ Excellent for sales and revenue teams
✓ Strong Salesforce integration
✓ Real-time collaboration

Cons:
✗ Salesforce dependency may limit non-CRM users
✗ AI features lag behind newer players

Ideal For:
Sales-led organizations embedded in the Salesforce ecosystem.

7. ContractWorks

ContractWorks is known for simplicity and speed. While it doesn’t compete with enterprise-grade platforms on features, it’s ideal for startups and SMBs.

Key Features:

  • Centralized repository with tagging

  • eSignature support

  • Alerts for key dates and renewals

  • Custom reports

Pros:
✓ Very quick to deploy
✓ User-friendly for non-tech users
✓ Cost-effective

Cons:
✗ Limited automation and AI features
✗ Not suitable for large-scale operations

Ideal For:
Small businesses and law firms that need a simple, functional contract repository.

8. JAGGAER CLM

JAGGAER specializes in procurement and supply chain contracts, offering robust tools for vendor and sourcing management.

Key Features:

  • Supplier onboarding and compliance tracking

  • Source-to-contract automation

  • Risk and performance scoring

  • Contract templates tailored to procurement

Pros:
✓ Tailored for procurement workflows
✓ End-to-end sourcing and contracting platform
✓ Deep supplier analytics

Cons:
✗ Niche use case—less useful outside procurement
✗ Interface not as modern

Ideal For:
Procurement teams and supply chain leaders managing vendor contracts.

9. Malbek CLM

Malbek is a cloud-native CLM that focuses on speed, collaboration, and user experience. It’s gaining popularity among modern enterprises for its ease of use.

Key Features:

  • Visual contract editor and redlining

  • AI for clause detection and risk flags

  • Self-service contract creation

  • Smart alerts and dashboards

Pros:
✓ Excellent UX and fast deployment
✓ Great collaboration tools
✓ Intuitive reporting features

Cons:
✗ May lack enterprise-level customization
✗ AI needs more training on niche legal clauses

Ideal For:
Growing businesses that value usability and fast ROI.

10. SirionLabs SirionOne

SirionLabs is focused on post-award contract management—especially around performance tracking and obligations.

Key Features:

  • AI-driven obligation tracking

  • Vendor performance analytics

  • Contract deviation detection

  • Multilingual support

Pros:
✓ Ideal for managing ongoing contract obligations
✓ Advanced AI for post-signature analytics
✓ Excellent for services and vendor contracts

Cons:
✗ Complex setup
✗ Less focus on pre-signature drafting

Ideal For:
Companies managing complex service delivery and SLAs.

How to Choose the Best CLM Tool for Your Business

While all of the tools listed above have their merits, the right one for you depends on your business model, size, and goals. Here are some practical tips to guide your decision:

  • Consider AI Depth: If you’re looking for proactive risk management and smarter workflows, choose a platform like Zcon or Icertis that offers advanced AI features.

  • Match to Use Case: Sales teams may prefer Conga or DocuSign, while legal ops might lean toward Ironclad or Zcon.

  • Ease of Use vs. Customization: Startups should prioritize usability and fast ROI (like ContractWorks or Malbek), whereas large firms might need custom integrations (like Agiloft).

  • Scalability Matters: Look for tools that grow with your needs—Zcon stands out here with future-ready AI capabilities and smart automation.

  • Integration Potential: Ensure your CLM integrates well with your CRM, ERP, or DMS systems to streamline data flows.

Final Thoughts

In a world where contracts dictate the pulse of business, choosing the right CLM tool is a strategic decision. While each solution on this list brings something valuable to the table, Zcon leads the pack for businesses that want intelligent automation, deep insights, and future-ready contracting.

With AI evolving rapidly, early adoption of a smart CLM like Zcon could give your organization not just compliance—but competitive advantage.

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