What is the best Bloom alternative for freelancers in 2026?

Plutio is the best Bloom alternative for freelancers and agencies in 2026. It combines proposals, contracts, invoicing, project management, and client portals in one connected workspace.

Alternatives

5 Best Bloom Alternatives for Photographers & Studios (2026)

Bloom handles client intake and gallery delivery well, but once the contract is signed and the shoot begins, there are no Gantt charts or timelines, no task dependencies, no custom domain portals, no team permissions for contractors, no time tracking for editing work, etc... Bloom handles booking, but you end up texting assistants about shoot schedules, tracking photo edits in a spreadsheet, and fielding client emails about delivery dates because there's no shared project view.

The right Bloom alternative connects booking to project management. When a client signs, the shoot schedule appears with tasks for every phase, your editor sees only their assignments, and clients check a branded portal on your domain instead of emailing you.

This page breaks down 5 Bloom alternatives by pricing, features, and fit so you can find the right one without testing all 5 yourself.

Last updated January 2026

4.6

TLDR (summary)

Best Bloom alternative in 2026: Plutio combines booking, proposals, contracts, invoicing, and project management in one platform, starting at $19/month.

Why photographers switch from Bloom: Bloom handles client intake and gallery delivery, but project management is limited to basic task lists. No Gantt charts, no timelines, no dependencies. Client portals can't use custom domains for professional branding.

What Plutio adds: Full project management for shoots and editing workflows. Kanban boards, Gantt timelines, task dependencies. When a client books, Plutio creates the project automatically. Clients see progress on a custom domain portal that looks like your studio.

Other alternatives on this page: HoneyBook (simple booking for creatives, but basic project management), Sprout Studio (photographer-focused CRM, but limited project timelines). See full comparison table below.

What is Bloom and what does it do?

Bloom is a client booking and gallery delivery tool built for photographers and creatives. Bloom focuses entirely on the booking moment. You embed a visual lead form on your site, the client fills it out, and the system guides them to choose a package, sign a contract, and pay a deposit. For photographers who only need to secure the date and deliver the final images, this specialized flow works for this specific purpose.

Bloom replaces the manual back-and-forth of emailing PDFs and separate invoices. Wedding and portrait photographers use it because it consolidates the inquiry, booking, and image delivery into one tool.

Bloom includes:

Visual lead forms that look like part of your portfolio
Instant booking flows for packages and add-ons
Native image galleries for delivering final photos
Basic invoicing with Stripe and Square integration
Simple automated email sequences

If your workflow is simply "Book Client -> Shoot -> Deliver Images" without complex project management in between, Bloom covers those bases.

What are Bloom's limitations?

Bloom handles the booking, but Bloom does not handle the project management that follows. Once the contract is signed, you are left with a simple status tracker that cannot manage strict timelines, team assignments, or complex deliverables.

The break point happens when you start hiring help or running multiple projects at once. You end up opening Trello for tasks, Slack for team chat, and a spreadsheet for timelines because Bloom cannot organize that work.

The result? You book clients in Bloom, then manage shoots, editing, and team coordination in Trello or Asana. When clients ask for updates, you check three different places to give them an answer.

Specific limitations and their consequences:

No Gantt charts or dependencies: Bloom lacks visual timelines. You cannot link tasks so that "Editing" only starts after "Culling" is complete, which means you have to manually update dates when one step runs late.
Weak team permissions: Team features are limited. You cannot restrict a contractor to seeing only their specific tasks on a specific project, so you have to trust them with access to more client data than they need.
No custom domain portal: Clients log into a portal hosted by Bloom. They see Bloom's URL and branding, not yours, which breaks the white-label experience you want for high-end clients.
Rigid invoice templates: You cannot design custom invoices or proposals from scratch. You are stuck with Bloom's fixed layout, so you cannot tailor the presentation to match your specific brand guidelines.
No native time tracking: You cannot track hours against tasks. If you bill for editing time or need to track profitability, you have to use a separate timer app and manually copy the data later.

Freelancers switch when they realize they have outgrown a booking tool and need a business management system.

Bloom was great for my first year when I was solo. As soon as I hired a second shooter and an editor, the task management became a mess. I needed a real project manager that could show me what everyone was working on and when.
JC
Former Bloom UserStudio Owner

What a complete Bloom alternative needs

A complete Bloom alternative should keep the visual booking experience, but also handle what happens after the client is booked. The alternative should connect proposals, contracts, tasks, files, invoices, and payments to the same project so the work stays organized in one place.

The goal is one system where the proposal you send becomes the project you run, so you do not rebuild workflows in multiple apps every time a client signs.

A strong alternative should include:

Proposals that create projects: When a client signs, the project should set itself up automatically from your saved template, so you do not manually recreate the same 30 tasks for every project.
Real project management: Kanban boards for visual workflow, Gantt charts for timeline planning, task dependencies so nothing starts before its prerequisite is complete, and subtasks for breaking complex work into steps.
Team permissions: Role-based access so contractors see only their assigned tasks, not your client conversations or invoice history.
Branded client portal on your own domain: A portal at clients.yourstudio.com where your brand is the only thing visible. Clients check progress, access files, and approve deliverables without seeing any platform branding.
Time tracking that connects to invoicing: Track hours on tasks, then convert tracked time directly into invoice line items so billing matches the work.
Visual invoice builder: Drag-and-drop design for invoices and proposals, not just fixed templates. Milestone payments tied to project phases.

A professional alternative should handle booking and delivery as one connected flow, not two separate tools that do not talk to each other.

#1. Plutio, top all-in-one Bloom alternative in 2026

When a client accepts your proposal in Plutio, the project sets itself up automatically using your saved template. You do not copy data. Tasks pull from the scope you wrote, team members get their assignments, the client gets portal access, and onboarding forms start collecting what you need. The automated process eliminates the manual setup work that usually follows a secured booking.

Freelancers using Bloom typically have to open a separate project management app after each contract is signed to rebuild the project from scratch. Client data lives in Bloom, project data lives in Asana or Trello, and updates go out via email because specific project portals do not exist.

Plutio connects the entire flow. The proposal becomes the project. The signed contract triggers automations that assign tasks, notify your team, and invite the client to their branded portal. The client sees progress, files, and deliverables without emailing you for updates.

What this actually looks like

A client signs your proposal. In Plutio:

A project is created automatically with tasks organized across your workflow phases
Your contractor gets assigned tasks with due dates, your team sees their work
The client gets access to a portal at clients.yourbrand.com where they see the timeline and upload files
Every hour your team tracks flows directly into the final invoice
You start working immediately without copying data between apps

The proposal you wrote is now the project you run.

Why freelancers switch to Plutio

When proposals and projects are disconnected, tasks get missed and invoices do not match the original scope. When everything is connected:

Clients check progress in their branded portal instead of sending status emails
Invoices match the work because they pull from completed tasks and tracked time
Team members see only their assigned tasks, not your revenue or full client list
Project templates save 30+ minutes of admin work per new booking

Studios handling 20+ projects per year use Plutio to handle the complexity that Bloom was not designed to manage.

The brand advantage

High-end clients expect a consistent brand experience. When your proposal links to a Bloom-hosted page and your client portal shows Bloom's logo, that experience breaks. Plutio allows you to white-label everything. You use your own domain, your own colors, your own email address, and even custom CSS. Clients feel like they are logging into your studio's private system, not a generic third-party tool.

Switching to Plutio felt like I finally took my business seriously. The project management is light years ahead of Bloom, and my clients love having their own branded portal at my domain. The portal feels like my studio built it.
AS
Studio OwnerCreative Agency

#2. Sprout Studio, print sales focus, expensive setup

Sprout Studio is built for photographers who rely on print sales. The platform integrates image delivery, online proofing, and design ordering directly into the CRM. If your business model depends on selling upsells after the shoot, Sprout's gallery-to-sales workflow is complete with sales tools.

However, the project management features are rigid compared to dedicated tools. Sprout lacks fluid Gantt charts and adaptable task dependencies, so complex multi-day shoots can be hard to organize. Sprout is also expensive, with the full feature set costing $58/month or more.

For photographers who sell prints and albums, Sprout is worth the price. For those who deliver digital files and need strong project management for their team, Sprout is often overkill.

Sprout Studio is specialized for photographers who need sales galleries, online proofing, and print ordering integrated with their CRM.

Sprout is expensive, takes weeks to configure fully, and limits project management flexibility compared to dedicated tools.

Sprout does a lot, but it took me three weeks to set everything up. If you're not selling prints and albums, you're paying for features you'll never use.
KM
Portrait PhotographerSolo Professional

#3. HoneyBook, client intake, basic projects

HoneyBook simplifies client intake with Smart Files that combine proposals, contracts, and invoices. The text-message style communication and modern mobile app make it easy to book clients quickly.

But like Bloom, HoneyBook stops at booking. The project management is a flat list of tasks without stages, timelines, or dependencies. There is no white-labeling, so your clients see "Powered by HoneyBook" on every file. If you have a team, you cannot restrict their access effectively.

HoneyBook is effective for solo freelancers who need a simple booking flow. The platform fails for studios that need to manage complex projects or coordinate a team.

HoneyBook handles booking and client intake effectively for solo freelancers who do not need team features or custom branding.

HoneyBook offers only basic task lists, no white-labeling, and no granular permissions for team members.

#4. Dubsado, deep customization, steep learning curve

Dubsado offers deep customization for intake forms. You can build complex conditional logic where one answer triggers a specific follow-up. Photographers who want to craft a very specific automated journey often choose Dubsado.

The downside is the setup time. Dubsado is effectively a blank canvas that requires weeks to configure. The system creates rigid workflows that break if a project deviates from the plan. Dubsado also lacks visual project management tools like Kanban or Gantt charts.

Dubsado is for tinkerers who want to build complex automations. The tool is not for studios that want a system that works out of the box or handles visual project management.

Dubsado offers deep customization for photographers who want complete control over form logic and automation.

Dubsado requires weeks of setup, workflows allow little flexibility, and project management remains basic.

#5. Bonsai, contracts and tax prep, basic projects

Bonsai handles the financial side of freelancing well. Its proposals, contracts, and tax features are solid for US-based freelancers who need help with 1099 filings and expense tracking.

But for photographers, it lacks critical features. There are no image galleries, no visual project boards, and no client portals for delivering work. Bonsai is primarily an admin tool, not a project delivery system.

If your main pain point is taxes and contracts, Bonsai helps. If you need to manage shoots, edits, and deliveries, the tool is too limited.

Bonsai works for freelancers who primarily need help with contracts, invoices, and tax preparation.

Bonsai lacks image galleries, visual project management, and client delivery features needed by studios.

What is the best Bloom alternative for creatives in 2026?

Compare pricing, project management, team features, and white-labeling across the top photography business tools.

PRICING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Starting price	$19/month (Solo plan)	$14/month (Starter plan, $7/month annual)	$36/month (Starter, $29/month annual)	$28-44/month (Starter plan, Dec 2025 pricing)	$15/month (Basic, $9/month annual)
Free plan	No free plan (14-day trial available)	No free plan (7-day trial)	No free plan (7-day trial)	No free plan (21-day trial)	No free plan (trial available)
Trial period	14-day free trial	7-day free trial	7-day trial + 60-day money-back guarantee	21-day free trial (all Premier features)	Free trial available
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Manage projects and tasks	Fully flexible project and task setup you can shape to your workflow	Project tracker (focus on booking, limited task management)	Projects with task lists and pipeline	Projects with task boards	Basic project and task management
Project roles and permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each part of a project	Team collaboration on Plus plan only	5 team roles with project access control	3 fixed roles (Basic, Accountant, Admin)	4 fixed roles (PMs cannot view financials)
Multiple task boards	Unlimited boards to run parallel workflows in the same project	Single board view per project; focus on simple lists	You cannot use task boards	You cannot use task boards	Strictly restricted to 1 board per project
Embeddable project boards	Live project boards embedded into client portals or websites	No embeddable project boards	You cannot embed project views	You cannot embed project views	Embedding live project boards is not supported
Sharable project boards	Read-only public links for sharing progress without risk	Project access via client portal only	You can share projects via the client portal only	You can share via the client portal only	Portal access only (no public read-only links)
Project stages and milestones	Define custom project lifecycles for different types of work	No milestones supported (simple workflow steps only)	You can use pipeline stages, but they are predefined	You can use project statuses, but no milestones	Milestones with Gantt chart visualization
Connected proposals, contracts, and invoices	Everything related stays connected to the project automatically	Connected lifecycle (contracts and invoices inside projects)	Integrated via Smart Files	Proposals, contracts, and invoices live inside projects	Manual linking (no automatic project integration)
Custom project data fields	Track, sort, filter, and report on custom project data	No custom project fields	Basic custom fields	Basic custom fields	Text, number, date, URL (no filtering)
Kanban boards	Drag-and-drop tasks across customizable columns	Drag-and-drop workflows act as Kanban boards	You cannot view tasks in a kanban board	Kanban view added in Dubsado 3.0 (Nov 2025)	Kanban view (limited customization)
Table view	Bulk-edit tasks like a spreadsheet	No task table view	You cannot view tasks in a table	You cannot view tasks in a table	Basic table view (no bulk editing)
List view	Clean task lists with clear hierarchy	Included	You can view projects in a list	You can manage tasks in simple lists	Simple list view with basic sorting
Calendar view	See tasks and deadlines on a calendar	Included	You can see bookings on a calendar	You can see deadlines and appointments on a calendar	Calendar view for tasks and deadlines
Gantt view	Plan work visually with task order and dependencies	No native Gantt view	You cannot view work on a gantt chart	You cannot view work on a gantt chart	Gantt chart with drag-and-drop
Subtasks	Break work down into multiple nested levels	No nested subtasks	You cannot split tasks into subtasks	You cannot split tasks into subtasks	Nested subtasks supported
Email to task	Turn emails into tasks without manual copying	No email-to-task	Not supported (email sync only)	You cannot create tasks from emails	No email-to-task conversion
Task comments	Keep discussions tied directly to each task	Built-in chat widget for client communication	You cannot comment on tasks	You cannot comment on tasks	Comments stay attached to tasks only
Task attachments	Store files directly on the task they belong to	Asset delivery via online galleries and project file sharing	You can share files, but not attach them to tasks	You can upload files, but not attach them to tasks	File attachments (no file manager)
Task priorities	Define priority levels that fit your workflow	No task priorities	You cannot set task priorities	You cannot set task priorities	No priority levels
Task labels & color coding	Use unlimited labels to visually organize tasks	Custom lead statuses and workflow stages	You cannot label or color-code tasks	You cannot label or color-code tasks	No color coding (labels only)
Multiple task assignees	Assign tasks to one or multiple teammates	Single assignee (focus on solo creative)	You cannot assign tasks to multiple people	You cannot assign tasks to multiple people	One assignee per task (no multi-assign)
Task templates	Reuse task-level structures across projects	Full project workflows can be templated and reused	You cannot reuse task templates	You can reuse workflows and form templates	Task templates with dependencies
Task permissions	Control access at the individual task level	No task-level permissions	You cannot set permissions per task	You cannot set permissions per task	Project-level only (no task-level)
Task dependencies	Prevent work from starting out of order	No task dependencies	You cannot link tasks together	You cannot link tasks together	Waiting on, Blocking, Related to
Recurring tasks	Automate repeating work with flexible schedules		You cannot create recurring tasks	You cannot create recurring tasks	Daily, weekly, monthly, milestones
Custom task data fields	Add task-level fields for tracking custom details	No custom task fields	Basic custom fields	Basic custom fields	Custom fields (text and number only)
TIME TRACKING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Time tracking system	Easily track time using timers or manual entries	Time tracking is currently in development (Roadmap)	Basic time tracking (manual entry on desktop, stopwatch on mobile)	You cannot track time	Timer and manual time entry
Task-level tracking	Log time directly against tasks and subtasks	Time tracking not yet available	Project-level only, no task-level tracking	You cannot track time per task	Limited to task-level only (no subtask tracking)
Project-level tracking	See time spent per project and per client	Time tracking not yet available	Time tracked at project level	You cannot track time per project	Time tracked per project
Billable time tracking	Clearly separate billable and non-billable time	Time tracking not yet available	Billable time tracking available	You cannot bill time automatically	Billable and non-billable categorization
Billable time invoicing	Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps	Time tracking not yet available	Invoice from time logs (desktop only)	There is no time to invoice	One-click invoice from time entries
Timesheet reports	View detailed time reports by task, project, or client	Time tracking not yet available	Basic time logs per project	You cannot generate timesheets	Detailed timesheet reports
Team timesheets	See how each team member tracks their time	Time tracking not yet available	Team members can log time on shared projects	You cannot see team time reports	Per-member timesheets with locking
PROPOSALS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Create and send proposals	Create proposals clients can review, approve, and sign in one flow	Integrated proposals with automatic contract linking	Smart files combine proposals and contracts	Proposals with pricing tables	Customizable proposals with e-signatures
Drag-and-drop proposal builder	Create custom, branded proposals without layout limits or code	Professional, customizable proposal templates with branding	You can edit sections, not free drag-and-drop)	You can build proposals using drag-and-drop forms	Visual editor (no true drag-and-drop)
Reusable proposal templates	Reuse proven proposal layouts across clients	Reusable templates for different service types	You can use proposal templates	You can use proposal templates	Industry templates plus custom templates
Real-time proposal analytics	See exactly when proposals are opened and reviewed	Basic status tracking (sent, viewed, accepted)	You can see when a proposal is viewed	You cannot see proposal view analytics	Real-time view tracking
Live messenger on proposals	Answer questions directly while clients review proposals	Built-in chat widget for client questions	You cannot chat inside proposals	You cannot chat inside proposals	No live chat in proposals
Proposal flow automation	Move from proposal to contract, invoice, or booking automatically	Smooth flow from lead capture to booking and contract	Complete Smart Files flow	You can add proposal items like services or products	Proposal-contract link only (no scheduler)
Convert proposal to invoice	Create invoices directly from approved proposals	Auto-generate invoices once a booking is confirmed	Accepted proposals create invoices	Accepted proposals create invoices	Auto-generate invoice from accepted proposal
Packages and add-ons	Offer upsells and add-ons directly inside proposals	Define service packages and offer optional add-ons	You can offer packages and add-ons	You can offer packages and add-ons	Packages with single, multi-select options
Interactive pricing tables	Let clients choose options before approving	Static pricing with optional selections	Pricing updates dynamically	Pricing updates based on selections	Static pricing only (no client selection)
Dynamic data and variables	Auto-fill proposal content with client and project data	Automatic data merging for client and booking details	You can use smart fields	You can use smart fields	Basic smart fields (limited variables)
Expiration dates	Automatically expire proposals after a set date	No automated proposal expiration	You can set proposal expiry	You cannot set proposal expiry dates	Manual expiry dates (no automation)
PDF Export	Download as branded PDFs	Downloadable PDF versions for all documents	You can download proposal PDFs	You can download proposal PDFs	Basic PDF export (limited branding)
Reusable content blocks	Create reusable proposal sections you can reuse on demand	No reusable content blocks	You can reuse proposal sections	You can reuse form sections	Reusable blocks not supported (templates only)
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure electronic signatures on proposals	Integrated e-signatures for proposals and contracts	Clients can sign online	Clients can sign documents online	Basic e-signatures (limited audit trail)
Custom proposal data fields	Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on	No custom proposal fields	Basic custom fields	Basic custom fields	Text and date custom fields only
CONTRACTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Create and sign contracts	Create, send, and sign contracts in one continuous flow	Legally binding contracts built into the booking flow	Smart files combine contracts and invoices	Contract creation with automation	Legally vetted templates with e-signatures
Drag-and-drop contract builder	Create fully custom contracts with flexible layouts, no code or formatting limits	Template-based contract builder with visual editor	You cannot visually build contracts	You can build contracts using form blocks	Visual editor (no full drag-and-drop)
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure signatures with audit trails and signer verification	Full e-signature support with audit trails	Contracts support legal e-signatures	Contracts support legal e-signatures	Legally binding e-signatures
Multi-signature / signees	Collect signatures from multiple people on the same contract	Support for multiple signers per document	You can collect multiple signatures, with fixed roles	You can collect multiple signatures, setup is limited	Multiple signers and recipients
Reusable contract templates	Reuse contract structures to create new agreements faster	Reusable contract templates included	You can use contract templates	You can use contract templates	Industry-specific and custom templates
Auto-reminders automation	Automatically follow up until contracts are signed	Automated follow-ups for unsigned contracts	You can send automatic reminders	Reminders send automatically	Auto-reminders (stop after 16 days overdue)
Dynamic data/variables	Auto-fill contract content with client and project data	Auto-fill contract data with booking information	You can use smart fields in contracts	You can use smart fields in contracts	Basic smart fields (limited variables)
Contract automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a contract is signed	Automated invoice generation upon contract signature	Contracts can trigger workflows	Contracts trigger workflows	Contract & proposal triggers only
View notifications	See when contracts are opened and reviewed	Real-time notifications for contract activity	You receive contract notifications	You receive signing notifications	Basic email notifications (no detailed tracking)
PDF download with signature certificate	Download signed contracts with official proof of signature	Download signed contracts in PDF format	You can download signed PDFs	You can download signed PDFs	Basic PDF download (limited certificate)
Custom signer data fields	Collect structured signer information during signing		You cannot customize signer fields	You cannot customize signer fields	Standard fields only (name & email)
Custom contract data fields	Create custom contract data you can sort, filter, and report on	Basic custom fields for contact information	Basic custom fields	Basic custom fields	Custom fields (contact info only)
INVOICES & PAYMENTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Create invoices and get paid	Send invoices and collect payments in one connected flow	Professional invoices with integrated payments	Invoices with instant online payments	Invoices with payment plans	Invoicing with multiple payment options
Fully branded invoices	Match invoices to your brand with custom logos, colors, and layout	Customizable logos and brand colors on all invoices	You can brand invoices	You can brand invoices	Limited branding (logo and colors only)
Drag and drop invoice builder	Create custom invoice layouts visually without formatting limits	Visual editor based on fixed templates	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Pre-built templates (no drag-drop)
Customizable line items	Edit pricing, quantities, descriptions, and structure freely	Flexible line item management	You can edit line items	You can edit line items	Line items (no advanced customization)
Item or invoice discounts	Apply discounts at the item or full invoice level	Automated and manual discount calculations	You can apply discounts	You can apply discounts	Discounts (percentage or fixed, no tiered)
Customizable taxes	Create tax rules that match your location and use case	Custom tax group assignments	You can set tax rates	You can set tax rates	Basic tax configuration (no automation)
ACH payments	Accept bank transfers for lower-fee payments	Supported via Stripe and Bloom Payments	You can accept bank transfers	You can accept bank payments	ACH via Bonsai Payments (US, UK, CA, AU only)
Stripe integration	Accept credit and debit cards instantly	Full Stripe integration with automated tracking	You can accept payments via Stripe	You can accept payments via Stripe	Stripe payments supported
Square integration	Collect in-person payments when needed	Integrated Square payment processing	You cannot accept payments via Square	You cannot accept payments via Square	Not supported
PayPal integration	Let clients pay using PayPal	Standard PayPal integration included	You cannot accept payments via PayPal	You cannot accept payments via PayPal	PayPal payments supported
Flexible partial payments	Collect deposits and split payments across milestones	Retainers and split payment schedules	You can accept partial payments	You can accept partial payments	Partial payments (manual milestone setup)
Payment plans	Break invoices into scheduled installments	Automated payment schedules and installments	You can split invoices into payments	You can split invoices into payments	Payment plans (limited automation)
Automated recurring invoices	Automatically send invoices on a recurring schedule	Automated recurring billing for retainers	You can schedule payments, not subscriptions	You can schedule invoices, not subscriptions	Weekly, biweekly, monthly, yearly recurrence
Subscription management	Manage ongoing client subscriptions and billing	Subscription and retainer management tools	You cannot manage subscriptions	You cannot manage subscriptions	Recurring invoices (no subscription portal)
Automated payment reminders	Follow up automatically until invoices are paid	Automated follow-ups for overdue invoices	Payment reminders send automatically	Payment reminders send automatically	Automated reminders (stop after 16 days)
Reusable invoice templates	Reuse invoice layouts without rebuilding each time	Save and reuse invoice structures	You can reuse invoice templates	You can reuse invoice templates	Templates available (limited customization)
Multiple currency support	Bill clients globally in their local currency	Manual currency selection per project	You can use one account currency only	You can use one account currency	Multi-currency (manual exchange rates)
Invoice automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when invoices are sent or paid		Contracts can trigger workflows	Contracts trigger workflows	Payment & form triggers only
View notifications	See when invoices are opened and paid	Email and in-app notifications for invoice activity	You receive contract notifications	You receive signing notifications	Email notifications (no real-time tracking)
Built-in expense tracking	Track project-related costs alongside invoices	No native expense tracking features	You cannot track expenses	You cannot track expenses	Expense tracking (auto-categorization via bank sync)
Invoice deposits	Collect upfront payments before work starts	Flexible deposit and retainer requests	You can request deposits	You can request deposits	Deposits supported (manual collection)
Auto-invoice billable time	Turn tracked time into invoices automatically	Not available (Time tracking is on roadmap)	There is no time to convert	There is no time to convert	Time-to-invoice (manual confirmation required)
Custom invoice data fields	Create custom invoice data you can sort, filter, and report on	Standard custom field support on invoices	Basic custom fields	Basic custom fields	Text and date custom fields only
INBOX Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Centralized unified inbox	Manage email, chat, and messages from one shared inbox	Project-based messenger (no global unified inbox)	Messages and emails live in one inbox	Messages and emails live in one place	A unified client inbox is not supported
Full email integration	Connect and manage all your email accounts in one place	Gmail and Outlook sync for project threads	You can sync your email	You can sync your email	Send-only (no inbox sync)
Embeddable live chat	Add real-time chat to your website and client portals	No native website live chat	You cannot add live chat to your site	You cannot add live chat to your site	Not supported
Instant direct messages	Message teammates privately without leaving your workspace	Built-in messenger for clients and leads	You cannot DM teammates	You cannot DM teammates	Direct messaging is not supported
Contextual project conversations	Keep conversations tied directly to the project they belong to	All messages tied directly to projects and leads	Messages are tied to projects	Messages are tied to projects	No in-app project messaging
Team channels	Create shared spaces for team-wide discussions	No internal team communication channels	You cannot create team channels	You cannot create team channels	Team chat is not supported
Customized channels	Organize channels by team, topic, or workflow		Channels are not supported	Channels are not supported	Not supported
@mentions	Notify teammates instantly inside conversations	No @mentions in client messenger	You cannot mention teammates	You cannot mention teammates	Not supported
Message read receipts	See when messages are read	See when client views messages and documents	You can see when clients read messages	You can see when clients read messages	Read receipts are not supported
File sharing in chat	Share files directly inside conversations	Direct asset sharing within the messenger	You can share files in messages	You can share files in messages	Share files and links in portal messages
Shared email inbox	Collaborate on incoming emails as a team	No shared team email inbox	Team email is not shared	Team email is not shared	Not supported
Inbox mobile app	Access and respond to messages on mobile	Mobile messenger app available	Mobile inbox available	Mobile inbox available	Not supported
Email reply to inbox	Reply from your email client and keep conversations synced	Email replies sync back to the project messenger	Email replies sync to conversations	Email replies sync to conversations	Not supported
FILES Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Store and manage files	Keep all client and project files in one organized place	Centralized project asset and document management	Files exist per project only	Files are stored per project only	Project document storage with client access
Advanced folder organization	Organize files by project, client, or structure you choose	Project-level organization (no complex hierarchy)	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Project-level only (no granular)
Folder permissions	Control who can view or edit folders	Granular control over portal asset visibility	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Project-level only (no granular)
People folders	Group files by person when needed	No person-based file organization	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported
Project folders	Keep files scoped to each project	Automatic file grouping by project and lead	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Project-based file sections in portal
In-app previews	Preview files instantly without downloading	Native image and document previews	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported
Custom file data fields	Capture file metadata you can sort and filter		You can add custom fields	You can add custom fields to forms and records	Contact info only (no CRM fields)
Built-in documents	Create and edit documents directly inside Plutio		Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	No built-in document editor
Comments on files and docs	Leave comments directly on files and documents		Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	No file commenting system
Bulk file actions	Move, tag, or manage many files at once		Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported
Files search & filter	Find files quickly using search and filters		Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported
External cloud sync	Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox		Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported
Secure sharing controls	Restrict access with permissions or passwords		Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported
File sharing links	Share files externally with controlled access		Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Portal sharing only (no direct file links)
SCHEDULING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Schedule meetings	Let clients book meetings directly without back-and-forth emails	Integrated scheduler with lead capture forms	Scheduler with intake forms	Custom scheduler with workflows	Booking pages with calendar sync
Branded booking page	Build a fully branded, customizable booking system using a drag-and-drop editor	Customizable booking pages with brand colors	Branding options are limited	Branding options are limited	Custom branding on booking pages
Advanced availability management	Define flexible availability rules applied automatically to bookings	Flexible scheduling windows and availability rules	You can control availability	You can control availability	Event types with availability windows
Automatic buffer times	Add buffer time automatically between meetings	Automatic padding between booked sessions	You can add buffer times	You can add buffer times	Buffer times (no daily limits)
Multiple meeting types	Create unlimited booking types with different rules and setups	Unlimited meeting types with custom rules	You can offer multiple session types	You can offer multiple appointment types	Custom event types with different durations
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook)	Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically	Automatic two-way sync with major calendars	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Calendar sync (Google and Outlook only)
Customizable booking confirmations	Fully customizable confirmation pages with no layout or branding limits	Customizable confirmation emails and pages	Confirmation customization is limited	Confirmation customization is limited	Email customization (limited template control)
Redirect after booking	Send bookers anywhere after scheduling, not just a fixed thank-you page	Redirect users to any URL after successful booking	You cannot redirect after booking	You cannot redirect after booking	Redirect supported (basic URL redirect)
Booking automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a meeting is booked	Trigger automated workflows upon booking confirmation	Contracts can trigger workflows	Contracts trigger workflows	Booking triggers (limited action types)
Smart meeting reminders	Send automatic reminders without manual follow-ups	Automated email and SMS appointment reminders	Meeting reminders send automatically	Meeting reminders send automatically	Auto-reminders (email only, no SMS)
Automatic timezone detection	Handle timezones automatically without manual adjustments		Timezones adjust automatically	Timezones adjust automatically	Timezone detection (basic support)
Paid appointments (Stripe/PayPal)	Collect payments during booking without extra steps		Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported
Custom booking forms	Build booking forms with full control over questions and layout		Booking forms are fixed	Booking forms are fixed	Not supported
Minimum notice / daily booking limits	Set booking limits to control lead time and daily volume	Set custom lead times and daily meeting caps	You can set booking limits	You can set booking limits	Notice periods (no per-event daily limits)
Rescheduling and cancellation controls	Define flexible rules for rescheduling and cancellations	Self-service rescheduling and cancellation options	Clients can reschedule or cancel	Clients can reschedule or cancel	Not supported
AUTOMATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Automated workflows builder	Build advanced workflows visually without code or rigid templates	Sequence-based workflows (no visual branching builder)	AI-powered workflow builder with branching	Visual node-based Flows builder	Contract, proposal, invoice, form triggers
Trigger-based workflows	Start workflows from real events across projects, clients, and payments	Triggers for leads, bookings, projects, and payments	You can automate actions with workflows	You can automate automation actions with workflows	Contract signed, proposal accepted, form filled
Schedule-based workflows	Run workflows on schedules you control, not fixed intervals	Automated follow-up sequences on custom schedules	Workflows cannot repeat on a schedule	Workflows cannot repeat on a schedule	Not supported
Multi-step workflows	Chain multiple actions into one continuous automation	Chain multiple automated actions in a sequence	Workflows can include multiple steps	Workflows can include multiple steps	Not supported
True/False branching	Create conditional paths instead of one-size-fits-all flows	Linear sequences only (no conditional branching)	Branching exists, but options are limited	Branching exists, but is limited	Not supported
Delay-based actions	Add precise timing between steps, down to minutes or days	Add delays between sequence steps	You can delay workflow steps	You can delay workflow steps	Not supported
Create & update records	Create, update, or move records automatically across the system	Limited to lead and project status updates	Creation actions are limited	Creation actions are limited	Auto-create (projects and clients only)
Move & duplicate records	Reorganize work automatically without manual cleanup	Automated status transitions move leads through pipeline	Items cannot be duplicated automatically	Items cannot be duplicated automatically	Not supported
Delete & archive records	Automatically archive or remove records based on rules	Manual archiving preferred for project security	Items cannot be deleted via automation	Items cannot be deleted automatically	Not supported
API calls (webhooks)	Trigger or receive real-time events from external systems	Zapier integration and outgoing webhooks supported	You cannot use APIs or webhooks	You cannot use APIs or webhooks	Webhooks (outgoing only, no incoming)
Send emails	Send automated emails tied to real workflow events	Automated email sequences with smart fields	Workflows can send emails	Workflows can send emails	Logo & colors (no custom domain)
Post comments	Add notes or comments automatically where work happens	No automated comment posting	You cannot post comments via automation	You cannot post comments via automation	Not supported
Complete automation logs	See exactly what ran, when, and why	Basic sequence history and activity log	You cannot view automation logs	You cannot view automation logs	Not supported
Auto-fill data/variables	Pass data between steps dynamically without manual mapping	Smart fields and tokens for dynamic data injection	You can use smart fields	You can use smart fields	Not supported
Cross-entity connections	Run workflows that span projects, tasks, proposals, invoices, and more	Workflow triggers span leads, booking, and projects	Forms, bookings, and payments trigger workflows	Forms, payments, and bookings trigger workflows	Not supported
FORMS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Create branded forms	Build fully branded forms that match your workflow and client experience	Professional, branded lead capture and intake forms	Questionnaires with limited styling	Branded forms with smart fields	Branded intake and questionnaire forms
Drag-and-drop form builder	Design forms visually with full layout control, no code required	Visual form builder with custom field support	You cannot visually build contracts	You can build contracts using form blocks	Form editor (no true drag-and-drop)
Reusable form templates	Reuse form structures without rebuilding from scratch	Save and reuse common form structures	You cannot reuse form templates	You can reuse form templates	Form templates with auto-CRM sync
Custom form data fields	Collect structured data you can sort, filter, and report on	Capture custom project and client data via forms	You can add custom fields	You can add custom fields to forms and records	Custom fields (limited field types)
Smart conditional logic	Show or hide fields based on responses, not static forms	Static forms (no native conditional branching logic)	Fields cannot change based on answers	Fields can change based on answers	Conditional logic (limited complexity)
Instant email notifications	Get notified immediately when forms are submitted	Immediate email alerts for all form submissions	You can email on submission	You can email on submission	Email notifications (no customization)
Form automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when a form is submitted	Submit forms to trigger project creation and sequences	Contracts can trigger workflows	Contracts trigger workflows	Basic automation triggers (limited actions)
Embed forms	Embed forms anywhere without layout restrictions	Easy embedding on any website or landing page	You can embed forms	You can embed forms	Embed via iframe (limited styling control)
Advanced field preferences	Control required, hidden, and default field behavior	Standard required/optional field settings	Field behavior is fixed	Field behavior is limited	Not supported
Comprehensive field types	Collect text, files, dates, selections, and more	Support for text, choice, date, and file types	Field types are limited	Field types are limited	Not supported
Form signature field	Collect legally binding signatures directly inside forms	Basic e-signatures (primarily via contract documents)	Forms can include signatures	Forms can include signatures	E-signature field (basic, no advanced options)
File upload fields	Accept file uploads as part of form submissions	Allow clients to upload assets directly via forms	File uploads are limited	Clients can upload files	Clients can upload files to projects
Redirect after submission	Send submitters to a custom next step, not a fixed thank-you page	Redirect to custom URL or thank-you page	You cannot redirect after submit	You cannot redirect after submit	Not supported
CRM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Manage clients and leads	Manage contacts and companies in one connected system	Integrated CRM for tracking leads and active projects	Pipeline with AI lead prioritization	CRM with auto-created client records	CRM with Deals pipeline for leads
Full company management	Track organizations, not just individual contacts	Contact-first organization (basic company grouping)	Companies exist, but contacts come first	Companies exist, contacts come first	Companies (basic info only, no hierarchy)
Custom contact data fields	Collect and manage structured contact data you define	Add custom CRM fields for contacts and leads	You can add CRM fields	You can add CRM fields	Custom fields (text and select only)
Complete activity timeline	See every interaction with a client in one place	Activity feed with project and message history	You can see full activity history	You can see full activity history	Activity log (projects and invoices only)
Contacts labeling and grouping	Organize contacts flexibly without rigid pipelines	Segment contacts by project type and lead status	You can tag and segment contacts	You can tag and segment contacts	Tags (no advanced segmentation)
WIKI Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Comprehensive knowledge base	Create an internal wiki for processes, docs, and guides	No native internal wiki or document builder	You cannot create an internal wiki	You cannot create an internal wiki	Not supported
Beautiful rich text pages	Write structured, formatted content without complexity	No native rich-text page builder	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	Not supported
Unlimited nested pages	Build deep knowledge hierarchies without limits	No native nested page support	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	Not supported
Granular page permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each page	No native knowledge base permissions	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	Not supported
DASHBOARDS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Custom dashboards and pages	Build dashboards around what matters to you, not fixed metrics	Fixed overview dashboard (not customizable)	HoneyBook does not have custom dashboards	Dubsado has a home page, not custom dashboards	Dashboard (fixed layout, no customization)
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder	Design dashboards visually with full layout control	Fixed dashboard layout with preset widgets	Limited dashboard widgets	Included	Pre-configured widgets only
Charts widget	Visualize data with customizable charts	Basic financial and lead conversion charts	Basic charts only	Requires manual setup	Charts (revenue and time only)
Metrics widget	Track key numbers without manual reporting	Track key revenue and booking metrics	Basic metrics only	Included	Metrics (revenue and project totals only)
Goals widget	Monitor progress toward defined goals	No native goal tracking widget	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	Not supported
Notes widget	Add contextual notes directly to dashboards	No native dashboard notes widget	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	No notes widget
Calendar widget	View upcoming events alongside work and metrics	Integrated calendar with project and booking events	Calendar on dashboard	Included	Calendar widget (upcoming tasks only)
Financial widgets	Track revenue and expenses in the same view	High-level revenue and invoice tracking	Revenue & invoice tracking	Included	Revenue tracking (invoices only, no expenses)
BRANDING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
White-label and branding	Run the entire platform under your brand	Remove Bloom branding on the Premium plan	HoneyBook branding, not white-label	Dubsado branding, not white-label	Documents and portal only (no admin theming)
Custom interface theme	Apply your brand colors across the system	Fixed interface colors (no admin theming)	UI theme cannot be customized	UI theme cannot be customized	No admin interface theming
Stylesheet customization	Fine-tune styling beyond basic theming	No custom CSS access for the interface	You cannot apply custom CSS	You cannot apply custom CSS	No CSS customization
Custom login/signup pages	Use branded authentication pages instead of generic screens	Logo branding on fixed login structures	Login pages cannot be customized	Login pages cannot be customized	Branded login (fixed layout)
Email branding	Send all system emails with your branding	Logo inclusion (no complex template customization)	You can brand outgoing emails	You can brand outgoing emails	Logo in emails (no custom templates)
Custom brand fonts	Use your own fonts throughout the platform	No custom font upload support	You cannot use custom fonts	You cannot use custom fonts	No custom fonts
Custom brand logos	Replace all platform logos with your own	Add your logo to portal, documents, and emails	You can add your logo	You can add your logo	Logo (documents and portal only)
Custom domain name	Run everything on your own domain	Connect a custom domain on the Premium plan	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	No custom domain
Custom email SMTP	Send emails from your own email infrastructure	Standard integrated email delivery (no custom SMTP)	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	No custom SMTP
Full workspace embedding	Embed Plutio directly into your website or product	No native option to embed the full workspace	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	No workspace embedding
CUSTOMIZATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Flexible workspace setup	Shape the platform to match how your business works	Fixed creative-focused project hierarchy	HoneyBook has fixed workspace	Dubsado has fixed workspace	No workspace customization
Main menu editor	Add, remove, or reorder navigation items freely	Fixed navigation (cannot rearrange main menu)	You cannot customize navigation	You cannot customize navigation	Fixed menu (no customization)
User-based menus	Show different navigation for different roles	Same menu structure for all user types	Menus are the same for all users	Menus are the same for all users	Same menu for all users
Custom user roles	Create role types beyond preset permissions	Limited preset roles (Admin, Member, Client)	You cannot define custom roles	You cannot define custom roles	4 fixed roles (no custom)
Advanced user permissions	Control access at a granular level	Project and lead visibility controls	Permissions are not configurable	Permissions are not configurable	Project permissions (no granular control)
SSO / OAuth	Support enterprise-grade single sign-on	No enterprise-grade SSO support	You cannot use SSO	You cannot use SSO	Email & password login only
INTEGRATIONS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Connect with other tools	Integrate with external systems without lock-in	Zapier, Gmail, Outlook, and major payment gateways	Zapier only	Zapier only	Integrations (Zapier and Make only)
Zapier integration	Connect to thousands of apps without custom code	Full Zapier connectivity with triggers and actions	You can connect HoneyBook to Zapier	You can connect Dubsado to Zapier	Zapier (limited triggers and actions)
Make.com integration	Build advanced automation scenarios visually	Possible via Zapier (no direct Make module)	You cannot connect via Make	You cannot connect via Make	Make.com (limited modules)
Pabbly Connect	Connect services without usage-based limits	No native Pabbly Connect integration	You cannot connect via Pabbly	You cannot connect via Pabbly	No Pabbly integration
Full REST API access	Build custom integrations with full system access	No public REST API available for custom dev	You cannot access an API	You cannot access an API	REST API (read-only, limited endpoints)
Incoming & outgoing webhooks	Send and receive real-time events	Outgoing webhooks available via settings	You cannot use webhooks	You cannot use webhooks	Webhooks (outgoing only, limited events)
PLATFORM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bloom 101/184	HoneyBook 83/199	Dubsado 90/199	Bonsai 40/199
Mobile apps	Access your business from native mobile apps	Native iOS and Android companion apps	Full-featured iOS and Android apps	iOS and Android with Tap to Pay	Mobile apps (iOS and Android, limited features)
iOS app	Full-featured iPhone app	Native iPhone app for on-the-go management	You can use HoneyBook on iOS	You can use Dubsado on iOS	iOS app (basic features only)
Android app	Full-featured Android app	Native Android app with basic project features	You can use HoneyBook on Android	You can use Dubsado on Android	Android app (basic features only)
Mac desktop app	Native macOS app for desktop workflows	Web-based only (no native Mac desktop app)	There is no desktop app	There is no desktop app	Web only (no Mac app)
Windows desktop app	Native Windows app for desktop workflows	Web-based only (no native Windows desktop app)	There is no desktop app	There is no desktop app	Web only (no Windows app)

Try Plutio free for 14 days

The verdict: Why Plutio is the best Bloom alternative

What Bloom includes: Visual lead forms, instant booking flows, contracts, invoicing, and image galleries. Bloom Starter costs $14/month, Standard $34/month, Plus $66/month.

What Bloom lacks: Real project management. No Gantt charts, no task dependencies, no team permissions, no custom domain portals, no time tracking. G2 reviewers consistently mention outgrowing Bloom once they hire help or manage multiple projects.

What Plutio adds: Full project management (Kanban, Gantt, dependencies), proposals that create projects automatically, team permissions where contractors see only their tasks, branded portals on your domain, and time tracking that flows into invoices. Plutio Solo costs $19/month.

The math: Bloom Standard ($34) + Asana ($11 for PM) + Toggl ($10 for time) = $55+/month for disconnected tools. Plutio = $19/month for everything connected.

Best for solo booking: Bloom excels at visual booking flows and image galleries if you just need to book and deliver without complex management.

Best for studio work: Plutio treats the signed proposal as the starting point. The project sets itself up, team members get assignments, and clients see progress in a branded portal at your domain.

The deciding question: Do you have a team, or do you manage multiple projects at once? If yes, Bloom's simple status tracker forces you to open separate tools. Plutio handles the complexity studios need.

What changes when you switch from Bloom?

Studios who switch from Bloom to Plutio report three consistent changes:

1. Projects set themselves up
In Bloom, you sign a client and then manually create the project somewhere else. In Plutio, when the proposal is accepted, the project creates itself with tasks from your template.

2. Clients see your brand only
Bloom portals show Bloom's URL and branding. Plutio gives clients a portal at clients.yourstudio.com with your logo, colors, and custom CSS. No third-party branding visible.

3. Team coordination stays in one place
With Bloom, you text assistants about schedules and track edits in spreadsheets. With Plutio, team members see their assigned tasks, you see everyone's progress, and clients check their portal for updates.

Switching to Plutio felt like I finally took my business seriously. The project management is light years ahead of Bloom, and my clients love having their own branded portal at my domain.
AS
Studio OwnerCreative Agency

How to migrate from Bloom to Plutio

Moving from Bloom to Plutio preserves your client relationships and booking history. Most photographers complete the switch in 1-2 hours of setup time, then run both tools in parallel for 2-4 weeks while active projects finish in Bloom and new projects start in Plutio.

Start your free Plutio trial:Sign up at plutio.com. You get 14 days free with no credit card required. The trial gives you time to set up your templates and test the workflow before committing.
Export your Bloom contacts:Go to your Bloom dashboard and export your client list as a CSV file. For project history and files, you may need to download these individually because Bloom does not offer bulk file export.
Import client data into Plutio:Upload your client CSV to Plutio. The importer maps Bloom fields like Client Name, Email, Phone, and project notes directly to Plutio's contact database. Custom fields can be added for any additional data.
Set up proposal templates:Recreate your Bloom booking packages as Plutio proposals. Include your pricing tiers, contract language, and payment schedules. Plutio proposals can include contracts, invoices, and scheduling in one flow, similar to Bloom's instant booking.
Create project templates:Build project templates with tasks organized by phase (booking confirmation, pre-shoot, shoot day, editing, delivery, follow-up). Templates auto-populate when proposals are approved, so you skip the manual setup after each booking.
Configure your branding:Set up your white-labeled portal with your custom domain (clients.yourstudio.com) and branding. Add your logo, colors, and custom CSS. Clients will see only your brand with no platform branding visible.
Connect payment processing:Link your Stripe or PayPal account to Plutio. If you use Square with Bloom, you can switch to Stripe or continue with Square through Zapier integration.
Set up automations:Use Plutio's automation builder to create workflows where signed contracts automatically create projects, assign tasks to team members, and send onboarding emails to clients. The connected flow means fewer manual steps after each booking.
Run both tools in parallel:For 2-4 weeks, complete active Bloom projects while starting new bookings in Plutio. Running in parallel avoids disrupting ongoing client work.
Invite clients to their new portal:Send existing clients access to their Plutio portal. They will see their project history, upcoming deadlines, files, and can communicate with you in one place. Once all active projects are in Plutio, cancel your Bloom subscription.

Need help with migration? Our team can walk you through the setup process, help you configure templates, and answer questions. Contact us or start a trial and use the in-app chat to talk with our team.

Research & Sources

Every comparison and price point on this page is backed by direct research conducted in January 2026. We verify data across official product pages, user reviews, and third-party analysis to ensure accuracy.

Pricing verification sources

Plutio: Official pricing page, GetApp reviews
Bloom: Official pricing (Starter $14/mo, Standard $34/mo, Plus $66/mo)
Sprout Studio: Official pricing (Starter $29/mo, Studio $58/mo, Agency $97/mo)
HoneyBook: Official pricing
Dubsado: Official pricing
Bonsai: Official pricing

Verification methodology

For each feature in the comparison table:

We consult official product documentation and feature pages
We verify with multiple third-party sources (G2, GetApp, TrustRadius)
We cross-reference with video demonstrations and user reviews
We update pricing monthly based on current published rates

If you find any inaccuracies, please let us know so we can investigate and update immediately.

Frequently asked questions about Bloom alternatives

Can Plutio replace Bloom for photography businesses?

Yes. Plutio handles proposals, contracts, invoices, payments, scheduling, projects, tasks, client communication, client portals, automation, and time tracking in one app. Plutio covers everything Bloom does for booking and adds real project management for the work that comes after. For image delivery, most Plutio users integrate with specialized tools like Pic-Time or Pixieset, which offer more professional proofing and sales features than Bloom's built-in galleries.

Does Plutio have a white-label client portal?

Yes. Unlike Bloom, Plutio allows you to use your own custom domain (e.g., clients.yourstudio.com) and custom CSS to make the client portal reflect your brand exactly. Clients see your logo, your colors, and your domain. There is no Plutio branding visible anywhere in the client experience.

Which tool is better for photography teams and studios?

Plutio is stronger for teams. Plutio offers granular task permissions so contractors see only their assigned tasks, role-based access control to protect client conversations and revenue data, and collective task views where you can see what everyone is working on. Bloom's team features are limited to the Plus plan and do not offer the same level of permission control.

Is Plutio's project management as good as Trello or Asana?

Yes. Plutio includes Kanban boards, Gantt charts, list views, and task dependencies that match the power of dedicated project tools like Asana or Trello. The difference is that Plutio's project management is connected to your proposals, contracts, invoices, and client portal. When a proposal is signed, the project creates itself automatically with all tasks ready to go.

Can I import my client data from Bloom to Plutio?

Yes. You can export your client list from Bloom as a CSV file and import it directly into Plutio. The importer maps Bloom fields to Plutio's contact database. For files and contract documents, you may need to download these individually because Bloom does not offer bulk file export.

Does Bloom have a free plan?

No. Bloom offers a 7-day free trial. Paid pricing starts at $14/month for the Starter plan (invoicing, basic CRM, scheduling). Plutio offers a 14-day free trial with full access to all features, giving you more time to set up templates and test workflows before committing.

Can I use my own domain with Bloom?

Bloom supports custom domains on higher-tier plans, but clients still interact with Bloom-hosted pages. You cannot host a fully independent portal where Bloom's infrastructure is invisible. Plutio offers complete custom domain support where clients interact with your domain and see only your brand.

Does Plutio have image galleries?

No. Plutio focuses on project management, client portals, and the full booking-to-delivery workflow. For image proofing and gallery delivery, we recommend integrating with specialized tools like Pic-Time, Pixieset, or Cloudspot, which offer professional-grade proofing, sales galleries, and print fulfillment. Plutio connects to these tools through your workflow.

What is the main difference between Bloom and HoneyBook?

Bloom is specifically designed for photographers and includes native image galleries for delivery. HoneyBook is more general-purpose for all creative freelancers and focuses on the booking flow with Smart Files. Both have limited project management after the contract is signed. Plutio differs from both by adding real project management, team permissions, and branded client portals.

Is Sprout Studio better than Bloom?

Sprout Studio is more feature-rich for photographers who make revenue from print sales and album orders. Sprout includes sales galleries, online proofing, and print fulfillment. For photographers who do not need the gallery-to-sales workflow, Sprout can be expensive ($58-97/month) and complex to set up. Bloom is simpler and more affordable for beginners. Plutio is better if you need real project management and team features rather than print sales.

How long does it take to set up Plutio?

You can set up your basic workspace in minutes. Importing your client list from Bloom takes a few clicks. Setting up your first project template with tasks organized by phase takes about 15-30 minutes. Configuring your branded portal with custom domain and CSS takes about an hour. Most users complete their full setup in 1-2 hours and then run both tools in parallel while active projects finish.

Does Plutio have time tracking?

Yes. Plutio has built-in time tracking that connects to projects and tasks. You can track time manually or with a timer, then convert tracked hours directly into invoice line items. Time entries stay linked to the project so you always know where hours went. Bloom does not currently have time tracking, which is listed as a roadmap feature.

Can my clients see their project progress in Plutio?

Yes. Clients log into their branded portal and see their project dashboard, upcoming deadlines, files, and any tasks or deliverables you permit them to see. They can also approve deliverables, leave feedback, and communicate with you directly in the portal. The access reduces status-update emails because clients can check progress themselves.

Does Plutio offer a free trial?

Yes. Plutio offers a 14-day free trial with full access to all features. No credit card required to start. You can set up proposals, contracts, invoicing, project management, and client portals before choosing a plan. The trial gives you time to import your Bloom data and test the workflow with a real project.

Is my data safe if I move to Plutio?

Yes. Your data is private, encrypted, and never used to train any AI models. Plutio makes data export straightforward at any time, so you are never locked in. You can run both tools in parallel during migration to ensure nothing is lost before canceling your Bloom subscription.

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