Introduction

In 2025, managing contracts efficiently is no longer a legal department issue—it's a governance and compliance priority across the enterprise. With increasing regulatory complexity, vendor risk, and budget scrutiny, organizations need advanced Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) tools to handle the creation, negotiation, approval, execution, and renewal of contracts with speed, accuracy, and transparency.

This blog highlights the Top 10 Enterprise Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) Tools for Governance in 2025, comparing pricing, licensing options, features, and integrations. It includes trusted insights from G2, Gartner Peer Insights, Forrester, and IDC, helping decision-makers align contract operations with broader IT and compliance goals.

What is Contract Lifecycle Management?

Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) manages a contract from its creation to its end, encompassing stages like initiation, negotiation, execution, performance monitoring, and renewal/expiration, aiming for efficiency, compliance, and risk mitigation.  

Why Do Enterprise CLM Tools Matter in 2025?

Modern enterprises face a contract governance challenge:

• Growing volumes of third-party contracts

• Complex internal approval workflows

• Regulatory and data privacy requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, SOX)

• Manual contract reviews slow down procurement and sales cycles

Adopting the right CLM tool can support contract visibility, clause governance, version control, and automated renewals, directly impacting compliance, risk, and IT budget planning for 2025.

What does CLM mean in a contract?

Contract lifecycle management (CLM) digitally manages agreements with customers, vendors, partners, or employees through every cycle stage. It encompasses creating, managing, sharing, and archiving business contracts.

Does SAP have a CLM?

SAP CLM, or Contract Lifecycle management, enables businesses to increase productivity and save on costs.

How does CLM work?

Workflow automation: CLM uses sales automation to route contracts through the necessary approval stages. It ensures that the right people review and approve everything on time, speeding up the process. Electronic signatures: With built-in electronic signature capabilities, contracts can be signed digitally.

Top 10 Enterprise CLM Tools for Governance in 2025

1. Icertis Contract Intelligence (ICI)

Overview: One of the most comprehensive and AI-powered CLM platforms. Icertis focuses on transforming contracts into strategic assets.

• Icertis Pricing: Custom enterprise pricing

• Icertis Licensing Options: Modular licensing based on features (e.g., compliance, obligation management)

• Best Use Cases: Fortune 500s, legal & procurement governance

• Pros: Strong AI clause analysis, great third-party risk management

• Cons: Complex setup, longer implementation time

Rating:
Gartner: 4.7/5 - 159 Reviews
G2: 4/5 - 81 Reviews

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2. Agiloft CLM

Overview: A no-code CLM platform known for its flexibility, automation, and strong integrations.

• Agiloft Pricing: Starts at $65/user/month

• Agiloft Licensing Options: Named users or concurrent seat models

• Best Use Cases: Enterprises needing custom workflows

• Pros: Configurable without coding, Salesforce integration

• Cons: Steeper learning curve for admins

Rating:
Gartner: 4.8/5 - 78 Reviews
G2: 4.5/5 - 84 Reviews

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3. DocuSign CLM

Overview: This solution extends beyond e-signatures to complete lifecycle management as part of the DocuSign Agreement Cloud.

• DocuSign CLM Pricing: Tiered pricing; CLM Essentials and CLM Advanced

• DocuSign CLM Licensing Options: Per user with API limits

• Best Use Cases: Sales contracts, e-signature governance

• Pros: Native e-signature integration, scalable

• Cons: Complex setups without professional services

Rating:
Gartner: 4.5/5 - 177 Reviews
G2:4/5 - 309 Reviews

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4. Ironclad

Overview: Ironclad is designed for modern legal teams and business users and is known for its user-friendly UI and fast deployment.

• Ironclad Pricing: Quote-based; scales with contract volume

• Ironclad Licensing Options: Enterprise and usage-based tiers

• Best Use Cases: Legal-led digital contract transformation

• Pros: Legal-centric design, fast time to value

• Cons: Reporting customization could improve

Rating:
Gartner: 4.7/5 - 216 Reviews
G2: 4.5/5 - 223 Reviews

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5. Conga CLM

Overview: Conga’s contract management is part of a broader document generation, revenue, and sales ops suite.

• Conga CLM Pricing: Based on user and contract volume

• Conga CLM Licensing Options: Bundled with Conga Composer, Grid, etc.

• Best Use Cases: Salesforce-native contract workflows

• Pros: End-to-end lifecycle + CPQ integration

• Cons: UI could be more modern

Rating:
Gartner:4.6/5 - 171 Reviews
G2: 4.5/5 - 548 Reviews

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6. Sirion CLM

Overview: Strong AI-powered CLM with a focus on post-signature obligation management.

• Sirion Pricing: Enterprise subscription based on contract volume

• Sirion Licensing Options: SaaS and hybrid models

• Best Use Cases: Legal, procurement, finance

• Pros: AI for obligations and compliance

• Cons: Learning curve on complex dashboards

Rating:
Gartner: 4.8/5 - 184 Reviews
G2: 4.5/5 - 29 Reviews

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7. Malbek CLM

Overview: Known for usability, fast deployment, and seamless integrations.

• Malbek Pricing: Subscription-based; quote required

• Malbek Licensing Options: Named user + add-ons

• Best Use Cases: Mid-market enterprises

• Pros: Ease of use, modular licensing

• Cons: Limited global language support

Rating:
Gartner: 4.7/5 - 35 Reviews
G2: 4.5/5 - 65 Reviews

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8. ContractWorks

Overview: A straightforward, quick-to-launch CLM solution for companies with simpler needs.

• ContractWorks Pricing: Starts at $700/month

• ContractWorks Licensing Options: Flat rate for up to 5 users

• Best Use Cases: SMBs or lean legal teams

• Pros: Easy setup, unlimited users in some plans

• Cons: Less suited for complex enterprise workflows

Rating:
Gartner: NA
G2: 5/5 - 81 Reviews

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9. LinkSquares

Overview: AI-powered contract analytics and post-signature lifecycle management platform.

• LinkSquares Pricing: Quote-based

• LinkSquares Licensing Options: AI analysis + legal add-ons

• Best Use Cases: Post-signature compliance & audits

• Pros: Great search and analytics tools

• Cons: Pre-signature workflows limited

Rating:
Gartner: 4.8/5 - 195 Reviews
G2: 4.5/5 - 364 Reviews

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10. JAGGAER CLM

Overview: Built into JAGGAER’s sourcing suite, this tool is best for procurement-heavy contract environments.

• JAGGAER Pricing: Enterprise quote

• JAGGAER Licensing Options: Sourcing or full-suite license

• Best Use Cases: Procurement and supplier contracts

• Pros: Strong supplier integration

• Cons: UI and reporting could be improved

Rating:
Gartner: 4.5/5 - 192 Reviews
G2: 4.5/5 - 17 Reviews

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Comparison Table: Top 10 Enterprise Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) Tools for Governance

FAQs:

How does CLM work?

Workflow automation: CLM uses sales automation to route contracts through the necessary approval stages. It ensures that the right people review and approve everything on time, speeding up the process. Electronic signatures: With built-in electronic signature capabilities, contracts can be signed digitally.

What are the key stages of the CLM process?

The key stages of the CLM process

• Initiation & Drafting: Defining contract needs, creating initial drafts, and gathering relevant information.

• Negotiation & Review: Collaborating with stakeholders, negotiating terms, and seeking internal approvals.

• Execution & Signatures: Finalizing the contract, obtaining signatures, and ensuring proper documentation.

• Performance & Monitoring: Tracking obligations, monitoring performance, and ensuring compliance.

• Renewal, Amendment, or Termination: Managing contract renewals, amendments, or terminations according to terms and conditions.

Why do CLM implementations fail?

Failed CLM implementations often result from inadequate planning and user training, leading to underutilization and missed potential benefits. Efficient contract lifecycle management (CLM) can be transformative. Organizations are keen to implement CLM technology to enhance their contract management processes.

How do you implement a CLM?

Five basic steps to drive a successful CLM implementation

• Start with process improvements and define a clear strategy. Adopting a CLM tool is a good chance to completely remake your end-to-end agreement workflow.

• Fix your data.  

• Select the right technology.  

• Start small and take a phased approach.  

• Manage the change.

Conclusion: CLM Governance in 2025

Choosing the right Contract Lifecycle Management tool in 2025 is critical for aligning compliance, finance, procurement, and legal operations. Whether you're scaling global contract workflows or standardizing audit trails across departments, one of these top tools will fit your enterprise needs.

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