Best HoneyBook alternatives for freelancers & agencies (2026) - when you need more than Smart Files

HoneyBook helps you book clients with proposals, contracts, invoices, and a simple accept-and-pay flow. It's good enough for getting a client signed and paid, but once the work begins, you usually end up managing tasks, files, and progress somewhere else.

This page explains what HoneyBook is good at, where it falls behind, and the best alternatives in 2026 for freelancers and agencies.

Last updated January 2026

What is HoneyBook

HoneyBook is a client booking and billing tool that lets you send proposals, contracts, and invoices in one client friendly flow. Many freelancers use it to make it easy for clients to accept, sign, and pay without a long back and forth.

TLDR (summary)

HoneyBook is good for booking clients with proposals, contracts, and invoices. It is not built to run ongoing project work where tasks, files, feedback, and client visibility stay tied together. If you want booking plus a clear project setup where work, communication, and payments stay tied together from start to finish, Plutio is the most complete HoneyBook alternative for freelancers and agencies in 2026.

Choose Plutio over HoneyBook so the proposal you send automatically creates the project, the signed contract starts the workflow, and your client sees tasks, files, and progress without chasing you.

What HoneyBook does well

HoneyBook is built to help you book clients with a smooth approval and payment flow. It's especially good when you want proposals, contracts, and invoices to feel simple for clients to approve and pay.

It fits best for freelancers who care about a clean booking experience and want clients to move from yes to paid quickly.

HoneyBook works well for:

Sending proposals clients can review and accept
Collecting contract signatures
Sending invoices and taking payments
Keeping client details tied to bookings and documents
Using templates for common client paperwork
Handling basic follow ups and reminders

For booking and getting paid, it's a strong fit if project management happens elsewhere.

Where HoneyBook falls short

HoneyBook works well until the client is booked and the work becomes ongoing. Once you need to manage the project, manage tasks and files, track progress, and handle feedback and approvals, you end up using other tools once the work starts.

That gap shows up when the paperwork is done, then you set up the project in another app and client updates live in email.

Common gaps include:

Limited project management for tasks, files, and timelines
No strong client portal for progress, files, and approvals
Feedback and changes are not tied to tasks in a clear way
Progress updates often turn into manual client chasing
You may pay for booking here and project management somewhere else

Most people switch when they want the booking flow to be the start of the project, not the end of the tool.

Great to get into, but never try to leave. You'll hate them. It is very difficult to manage workflows and export your data efficiently if you decide to switch.
AP
Austin P.Small Business Owner

What a professional HoneyBook alternative needs

A professional HoneyBook alternative should keep the smooth client approval flow, but also handle what happens after the client is booked. It should connect proposals, contracts, tasks, files, invoices, and payments to the same project so the work stays organized.

The goal is one place where agreements, work steps, and billing stay tied together, so you do not rebuild projects in multiple apps.

A strong alternative should include:

Proposals that can turn into a project plan, so you don't rebuild setup after approval
Contracts with e-signatures tied to the same project, so agreements stay linked to work
Project management for tasks, deadlines, and timelines, so work stays clear day to day
Files and feedback tied to tasks, so reviews and changes don't get lost
Client portal access for progress, files, and approvals, so clients don't chase status
Invoices and payments tied to the project or milestones, so billing matches the plan
Approvals for deliverables and changes, so signoffs are clear
Branding for client-facing pages, so it feels like your business

This is what separates a single-purpose tool from a complete client work tool.

#1. Plutio - top all-in-one HoneyBook alternative in 2026

HoneyBook's Smart Files are great for that first moment. Proposal, contract, invoice, all bundled together. The client clicks, signs, pays, done. You feel like you have your act together.

Then the payment clears and you realize: now you actually have to do the work. And HoneyBook has nothing for that. No tasks. No project setup. No place for the client to see what's happening. So you open Asana to build the project from scratch. You flip back to HoneyBook to remember what you promised. You paste the scope into a new doc. You set up folders. You send the client a separate link to a separate tool. An hour later, you're finally ready to start.

This happens every single time. The tool that was supposed to save you time just created more work.

Plutio works differently. When a client accepts your proposal and signs, the project is already there. The tasks are already created based on the scope you wrote. The client already has access to a portal where they can see progress. Onboarding forms are already collecting what you need. You don't rebuild anything because the agreement and the work are the same thing.

What this actually looks like

Say you're a brand designer. A client books a discovery call. You have a great conversation. In Plutio, here's what happens next:

You send a proposal with your packages, pricing, and timeline
The client picks a package and signs in one click
A project appears with tasks like "Collect brand assets," "Create moodboard," "First concepts due"
An invoice is already attached to the project, ready to send or auto-scheduled
The client gets a branded portal where they can see deadlines, upload files, and check progress
You start working. No setup. No copying. No switching apps.

The proposal you wrote becomes the project you run. That's the difference.

Why this matters more than it sounds

When your proposal and project are disconnected, small things slip. You forget a deliverable you promised. The client asks for an update and you scramble to summarize. The invoice doesn't match the scope because you changed things along the way. It's not catastrophic, but it's constant friction.

When everything is connected:

Clients can check progress themselves instead of asking you
Invoices match the work because they're tied to the same scope
You don't lose track of what you promised because it's in the same place you're working
Reminders and follow-ups happen automatically based on real project steps

Real results from Plutio customers: YazMarketing boosted their sales pipeline by 80% with automated proposals. West 7th Design Studio reduced client support calls by 90% using dashboards and inbox. Cheri Lasota halved her admin workload. These results come from having everything connected instead of scattered across tools.

Switching isn't hard

HoneyBook makes exporting data more difficult than most platforms, but you can still bring your client list into Plutio. Our team helps with complex migrations if needed. Plutio has been around for over 10 years, refined based on real feedback from freelancers and agencies who use it every day.

With Plutio we don't jump between apps anymore! Everything from projects to invoicing is finally connected in one fully-branded app.
Yazan & MawahebAgency Owners

#2. Dubsado

Dubsado is used to send proposals, sign contracts, create invoices, schedule meetings, and automate client intake. It is known for its flexibility and advanced form logic, which allows freelancers to build highly customized intake workflows.

Dubsado supports complex conditional logic, custom fields, and multi-step workflows that HoneyBook does not offer. Many users choose it specifically because they want fine-grained control over how information is collected and processed.

The trade-off is complexity. Initial setup can take significant time, and workflows often require ongoing maintenance. Automation is powerful for intake, but project management and day-to-day project work are usually handled in separate tools.

Dubsado works well for freelancers who want deep customization and complex intake flows with conditional logic.

Dubsado is less suitable for freelancers who want a simple, connected app where proposals, contracts, invoices, projects, and communication work together without extensive setup.

If you're looking for Dubsado to work for an email campaign, it's not really what it's set up for. Its workflows do not work well for drip campaigns with complex triggers.
MR
Michelle R.Business Consultant

#3. Bonsai

Bonsai is used to send proposals, sign contracts, create invoices, track time, and manage basic accounting. It is designed for solo freelancers who want proposals, contracts, invoices, and finances in one place.

Bonsai includes time tracking, expense tracking, and tax preparation tools that HoneyBook does not offer. For freelancers who want to keep bookkeeping and billing together, Bonsai provides more financial depth than HoneyBook.

Like HoneyBook, Bonsai's project management is minimal. After contracts are signed and invoices are paid, projects, tasks, and client communication have to be handled in other tools or set up manually.

Bonsai works well for solo freelancers who want proposals, contracts, invoices, and basic accounting in one place.

Bonsai is less suitable once managing ongoing client work requires projects, tasks, and communication to stay connected across the workflow.

The task management in Bonsai is very basic compared to dedicated tools. It's fine for simple lists, but for real project management, I still have to use Trello or Asana.
VR
Verified ReviewerCreative Agency

#4. 17hats

17hats is used to send proposals, sign contracts, create invoices, schedule meetings, and manage leads. It is designed for solo freelancers who want broad coverage in a single platform without deep customization.

17hats covers many basics, but workflows are rigid, customization is limited, and automation is constrained to simple triggers. The platform is designed for sole proprietors and does not support multiple agency-level portal access.

For solo freelancers who want one tool to handle basic needs without much configuration, 17hats can work. Once agencies grow or workflows become more complex, the lack of flexibility becomes limiting.

17hats works well for solo freelancers who want one tool to handle proposals, contracts, invoices, and scheduling without complex setup.

17hats is not suitable for agencies, flexible workflows, or freelancers who need projects, tasks, and communication to stay connected across the work from proposal to final payment.

17hats was designed for sole proprietors and it shows. There are no advanced client and project controls, which makes it very difficult to scale as soon as you have more than one person in the app.
VR
Verified ReviewerAgency Owner

#5. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is used to create invoices, track expenses, manage time, and handle basic accounting. It is designed for freelancers and small businesses who need bookkeeping accuracy and straightforward payment collection.

FreshBooks handles invoicing and payments well. It does not support proposals, contracts, client onboarding, project management, or client portals. Freelancers who use FreshBooks typically pair it with other tools for agreements and project work.

For freelancers whose main need is accounting and invoicing, FreshBooks is a solid choice. For freelancers who want proposals, contracts, invoices, and projects connected in one workflow, FreshBooks is not designed for that purpose.

FreshBooks works well for freelancers who need straightforward accounting, invoicing, and expense tracking.

FreshBooks is not suitable for freelancers who want to manage the full workflow from proposal to project work in one connected app.

The pricing tiers are a major pain point. You're limited on the number of clients you can have, and it gets expensive quickly as you grow. Plus, the project management side is very underdeveloped.
VR
Verified ReviewerBusiness Owner

#6. SuiteDash

SuiteDash is another option for freelancers looking to manage their business. It offers tools for project management and client communication, often used as a direct alternative to HoneyBook.

While it provides a solid feature set for internal work, many freelancers find that it lacks the deep integration between proposals, contracts, and invoicing that Plutio offers in one connected workspace.

SuiteDash works well if you need basic project management and internal collaboration.

It is less suitable if you want a fully whitelabeled experience where every part of your business is connected under one roof.

Which alternative fits you best?

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Final verdict

What the data shows

We spent time reading reviews, looking at real usage patterns, and studying customer stories to understand how HoneyBook and Plutio compare once client work moves beyond the first call.

G2 ratings: HoneyBook holds a 4.4-star rating from 185 reviews. Plutio sits close at 4.3 stars from 57 reviews. That gap isn't really about quality. It reflects where each tool spends its energy. HoneyBook reviews focus heavily on how easy it is to book clients, send a contract, and get paid. Plutio reviews talk more about managing the work after that initial yes.

How this plays out in real work: HoneyBook feels great at the start. You can send proposals, collect signatures, schedule calls, and give clients a portal to log into. For many freelancers, that already removes a lot of friction. The challenge shows up once the project actually starts. Tasks change. Files go back and forth. Clients want updates. Over time, HoneyBook starts to feel like the place where the relationship began, not where the work lives.

If you pause and look at the full flow side by side in our comparison table, the difference becomes easier to see. Both tools handle the early steps well. Plutio simply keeps going, connecting proposals directly into active projects with tasks, files, and shared client visibility.

Customer outcomes: When YazMarketing moved to Plutio, they didn't lose the simplicity they liked. They gained a smoother handoff from proposal to execution, which helped them grow their sales pipeline by 80%.

The bottom line: HoneyBook is a strong way to start working with clients. Plutio starts there too, but stays useful once the work gets real. The choice comes down to how long you want one tool to carry the relationship.

With Plutio we don't jump between apps anymore! Everything from projects to invoicing is finally connected in one fully-branded app.
Yazan & MawahebYazMarketing

HoneyBook alternatives comparison table

How each tool compares across key capabilities for freelancers and agencies.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Manage projects and tasks	Fully flexible project and task setup you can shape to your workflow	Projects with task lists and pipeline	Projects with task boards	Basic project and task management	Projects with pipelines and to-dos
Project roles and permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each part of a project	5 team roles with project access control	3 fixed roles (Basic, Accountant, Admin)	4 fixed roles (PMs cannot view financials)	3 user levels (paid plans only)
Multiple task boards	Unlimited boards to run parallel workflows in the same project	You cannot use task boards	You cannot use task boards	Strictly restricted to 1 board per project	Single to-do list only
Embeddable project boards	Live project boards embedded into client portals or websites	You cannot embed project views	You cannot embed project views	Embedding live project boards is not supported	No external project viewing
Sharable project boards	Read-only public links for sharing progress without risk	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)	No read-only project links
Project stages and milestones	Define custom project lifecycles for different types of work	You can use pipeline stages, but they are predefined	You can use project statuses, but no milestones	Milestones with Gantt chart visualization	You cannot define stages or milestones
Connected proposals, contracts, and invoices	Everything related stays connected to the project automatically	Integrated via Smart Files	Proposals, contracts, and invoices live inside projects	Manual linking (no automatic project integration)	All modules connect to the project lifecycle
Custom project data fields	Track, sort, filter, and report on custom project data	Basic custom fields	Basic custom fields	Text, number, date, URL (no filtering)	Limited custom fields
Kanban boards	Drag-and-drop tasks across customizable columns	You cannot view tasks in a kanban board	You cannot view tasks in a kanban board	Kanban view (limited customization)	Legacy list-based interface only
Table view	Bulk-edit tasks like a spreadsheet	You cannot view tasks in a table	You cannot view tasks in a table	Basic table view (no bulk editing)	No spreadsheet-style editing
List view	Clean task lists with clear hierarchy	You can view projects in a list	You can manage tasks in simple lists	Simple list view with basic sorting	You can manage tasks as simple to-do lists
Calendar view	See tasks and deadlines on a calendar	You can see bookings on a calendar	You can see deadlines and appointments on a calendar	Calendar view for tasks and deadlines	You can see tasks and bookings on a calendar
Gantt view	Plan work visually with task order and dependencies	You cannot view work on a gantt chart	You cannot view work on a gantt chart	Gantt chart with drag-and-drop	No Gantt chart feature
Subtasks	Break work down into multiple nested levels	You cannot split tasks into subtasks	You cannot split tasks into subtasks	Nested subtasks supported	All tasks are single-level only
Email to task	Turn emails into tasks without manual copying	Not supported (email sync only)	You cannot create tasks from emails	No email-to-task conversion	Not supported (email sync only)
Task comments	Keep discussions tied directly to each task	You cannot comment on tasks	You cannot comment on tasks	Comments stay attached to tasks only	You cannot comment directly on tasks
Task attachments	Store files directly on the task they belong to	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)	You cannot attach files to tasks
Task priorities	Define priority levels that fit your workflow	You cannot set task priorities	You cannot set task priorities	No priority levels	You cannot set task priority levels
Task labels & color coding	Use unlimited labels to visually organize tasks	You cannot label or color-code tasks	You cannot label or color-code tasks	No color coding (labels only)	You cannot tag or color-code tasks
Multiple task assignees	Assign tasks to one or multiple teammates	You cannot assign tasks to multiple people	You cannot assign tasks to multiple people	One assignee per task (no multi-assign)	Single assignee per task only
Task templates	Reuse task-level structures across projects	You cannot reuse task templates	You can reuse workflows and form templates	Task templates with dependencies	You can reuse task lists through workflows
Task permissions	Control access at the individual task level	You cannot set permissions per task	You cannot set permissions per task	Project-level only (no task-level)	You cannot control permissions per task
Task dependencies	Prevent work from starting out of order	You cannot link tasks together	You cannot link tasks together	Waiting on, Blocking, Related to	Not supported
Recurring tasks	Automate repeating work with flexible schedules	You cannot create recurring tasks	You cannot create recurring tasks	Daily, weekly, monthly, milestones	Basic recurring
Custom task data fields	Add task-level fields for tracking custom details	Basic custom fields	Basic custom fields	Custom fields (text and number only)	Limited custom fields
TIME TRACKING	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Time tracking system	Easily track time using timers or manual entries	You cannot track time	You cannot track time	Timer and manual time entry	Start and stop timers or log time manually
Task-level tracking	Log time directly against tasks and subtasks	You cannot track time per task	You cannot track time per task	Limited to task-level only (no subtask tracking)	You cannot track time per task
Project-level tracking	See time spent per project and per client	You cannot track time per project	You cannot track time per project	Time tracked per project	Track time across different projects and clients
Billable time tracking	Clearly separate billable and non-billable time	You cannot bill time automatically	You cannot bill time automatically	Billable and non-billable categorization	You cannot set billing rules for time
Billable time invoicing	Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps	There is no time to invoice	There is no time to invoice	One-click invoice from time entries	Convert tracked billable time into an invoice
Timesheet reports	View detailed time reports by task, project, or client	You cannot generate timesheets	You cannot generate timesheets	Detailed timesheet reports	You cannot generate timesheet reports
Team timesheets	See how each team member tracks their time	You cannot see team time reports	You cannot see team time reports	Per-member timesheets with locking	No team breakdown for time entries
PROPOSALS	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Create and send proposals	Create proposals clients can review, approve, and sign in one flow	Smart files combine proposals and contracts	Proposals with pricing tables	Customizable proposals with e-signatures	Quotes with limited design options
Drag-and-drop proposal builder	Create custom, branded proposals without layout limits or code	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)	You cannot drag and drop proposal sections
Reusable proposal templates	Reuse proven proposal layouts across clients	You can use proposal templates	You can use proposal templates	Industry templates plus custom templates	Save and reuse your own proposal templates
Real-time proposal analytics	See exactly when proposals are opened and reviewed	You can see when a proposal is viewed	You cannot see proposal view analytics	Real-time view tracking	You cannot see proposal views or activity
Live messenger on proposals	Answer questions directly while clients review proposals	You cannot chat inside proposals	You cannot chat inside proposals	No live chat in proposals	You cannot chat inside proposals
Proposal flow automation	Move from proposal to contract, invoice, or booking automatically	Complete Smart Files flow	You can add proposal items like services or products	Proposal-contract link only (no scheduler)	Limited flow (no integrated scheduler sync)
Convert proposal to invoice	Create invoices directly from approved proposals	Accepted proposals create invoices	Accepted proposals create invoices	Auto-generate invoice from accepted proposal	You can turn accepted proposals into invoices
Packages and add-ons	Offer upsells and add-ons directly inside proposals	You can offer packages and add-ons	You can offer packages and add-ons	Packages with single, multi-select options	You cannot offer configurable packages
Interactive pricing tables	Let clients choose options before approving	Pricing updates dynamically	Pricing updates based on selections	Static pricing only (no client selection)	Pricing tables are static
Dynamic data and variables	Auto-fill proposal content with client and project data	You can use smart fields	You can use smart fields	Basic smart fields (limited variables)	Use tokens to insert client and project data automatically
Expiration dates	Automatically expire proposals after a set date	You can set proposal expiry	You cannot set proposal expiry dates	Manual expiry dates (no automation)	You cannot set proposal expiry dates
PDF Export	Download as branded PDFs	You can download proposal PDFs	You can download proposal PDFs	Basic PDF export (limited branding)	You can download proposals as PDFs
Reusable content blocks	Create reusable proposal sections you can reuse on demand	You can reuse proposal sections	You can reuse form sections	Reusable blocks not supported (templates only)	Save and reuse sections across different documents
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure electronic signatures on proposals	Clients can sign online	Clients can sign documents online	Basic e-signatures (limited audit trail)	Clients can sign your agreements online
Custom proposal data fields	Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on	Basic custom fields	Basic custom fields	Text and date custom fields only	Not supported. You cannot customize signer fields
CONTRACTS	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Create and sign contracts	Create, send, and sign contracts in one continuous flow	Smart files combine contracts and invoices	Contract creation with automation	Legally vetted templates with e-signatures	Contracts with e-signature capture
Drag-and-drop contract builder	Create fully custom contracts with flexible layouts, no code or formatting limits	You cannot visually build contracts	You can build contracts using form blocks	Visual editor (no full drag-and-drop)	You cannot visually build contracts
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure signatures with audit trails and signer verification	Contracts support legal e-signatures	Contracts support legal e-signatures	Legally binding e-signatures	E-signatures meet standard legal requirements
Multi-signature / signees	Collect signatures from multiple people on the same contract	You can collect multiple signatures, with fixed roles	You can collect multiple signatures, setup is limited	Multiple signers and recipients	You cannot collect signatures from multiple people
Reusable contract templates	Reuse contract structures to create new agreements faster	You can use contract templates	You can use contract templates	Industry-specific and custom templates	You can use contract templates
Auto-reminders automation	Automatically follow up until contracts are signed	You can send automatic reminders	Reminders send automatically	Auto-reminders (stop after 16 days overdue)	You can send automatic reminders
Dynamic data/variables	Auto-fill contract content with client and project data	You can use smart fields in contracts	You can use smart fields in contracts	Basic smart fields (limited variables)	You can insert custom fields
Contract automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a contract is signed	Contracts can trigger workflows	Contracts trigger workflows	Contract & proposal triggers only	Contracts can trigger workflows
View notifications	See when contracts are opened and reviewed	You receive contract notifications	You receive signing notifications	Basic email notifications (no detailed tracking)	You receive email notifications
PDF download with signature certificate	Download signed contracts with official proof of signature	You can download signed PDFs	You can download signed PDFs	Basic PDF download (limited certificate)	You can download signed PDFs
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)	Not supported. You cannot customize signer fields
Custom contract data fields	Create custom contract data you can sort, filter, and report on	Basic custom fields	Basic custom fields	Custom fields (contact info only)	Not supported
INVOICES & PAYMENTS	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Create invoices and get paid	Send invoices and collect payments in one connected flow	Invoices with instant online payments	Invoices with payment plans	Invoicing with multiple payment options	Invoices with Stripe and PayPal
Fully branded invoices	Match invoices to your brand with custom logos, colors, and layout	You can brand invoices	You can brand invoices	Limited branding (logo and colors only)	Basic invoicing (no smart tax automation)
Drag and drop invoice builder	Create custom invoice layouts visually without formatting limits	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Pre-built templates (no drag-drop)	Template-based (no drag-and-drop designer)
Customizable line items	Edit pricing, quantities, descriptions, and structure freely	You can edit line items	You can edit line items	Line items (no advanced customization)	You can customize invoice line items
Item or invoice discounts	Apply discounts at the item or full invoice level	You can apply discounts	You can apply discounts	Discounts (percentage or fixed, no tiered)	You can add discounts to line items
Customizable taxes	Create tax rules that match your location and use case	You can set tax rates	You can set tax rates	Basic tax configuration (no automation)	You can set custom tax rules
ACH payments	Accept bank transfers for lower-fee payments	You can accept bank transfers	You can accept bank payments	ACH via Bonsai Payments (US, UK, CA, AU only)	ACH payments supported
Stripe integration	Accept credit and debit cards instantly	You can accept payments via Stripe	You can accept payments via Stripe	Stripe payments supported	Stripe integration available
Square integration	Collect in-person payments when needed	You cannot accept payments via Square	You cannot accept payments via Square	Not supported	Square integration available
PayPal integration	Let clients pay using PayPal	You cannot accept payments via PayPal	You cannot accept payments via PayPal	PayPal payments supported	PayPal integration available
Flexible partial payments	Collect deposits and split payments across milestones	You can accept partial payments	You can accept partial payments	Partial payments (manual milestone setup)	You can set up payment schedules
Payment plans	Break invoices into scheduled installments	You can split invoices into payments	You can split invoices into payments	Payment plans (limited automation)	You can set up payment schedules
Automated recurring invoices	Automatically send invoices on a recurring schedule	You can schedule payments, not subscriptions	You can schedule invoices, not subscriptions	Weekly, biweekly, monthly, yearly recurrence	Recurring invoices (no automated subscription portal)
Subscription management	Manage ongoing client subscriptions and billing	You cannot manage subscriptions	You cannot manage subscriptions	Recurring invoices (no subscription portal)	Recurring invoices (no automated subscription portal)
Automated payment reminders	Follow up automatically until invoices are paid	Payment reminders send automatically	Payment reminders send automatically	Automated reminders (stop after 16 days)	Automated reminders supported
Reusable invoice templates	Reuse invoice layouts without rebuilding each time	You can reuse invoice templates	You can reuse invoice templates	Templates available (limited customization)	You can reuse templates and content
Multiple currency support	Bill clients globally in their local currency	You can use one account currency only	You can use one account currency	Multi-currency (manual exchange rates)	Basic support (no automated 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	Simple triggers (no multi-step automation)
View notifications	See when invoices are opened and paid	You receive contract notifications	You receive signing notifications	Email notifications (no real-time tracking)	Activity log (no real-time updates)
Built-in expense tracking	Track project-related costs alongside invoices	You cannot track expenses	You cannot track expenses	Expense tracking (auto-categorization via bank sync)	You can track expenses
Invoice deposits	Collect upfront payments before work starts	You can request deposits	You can request deposits	Deposits supported (manual collection)	Deposit payments supported
Auto-invoice billable time	Turn tracked time into invoices automatically	There is no time to convert	There is no time to convert	Time-to-invoice (manual confirmation required)	You can add tracked time to invoices
Custom invoice data fields	Create custom invoice data you can sort, filter, and report on	Basic custom fields	Basic custom fields	Text and date custom fields only	Limited custom fields
INBOX	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Centralized unified inbox	Manage email, chat, and messages from one shared inbox	Messages and emails live in one inbox	Messages and emails live in one place	A unified client inbox is not supported	Communication is limited to email sync
Full email integration	Connect and manage all your email accounts in one place	You can sync your email	You can sync your email	Send-only (no inbox sync)	Email sync & templates included
Embeddable live chat	Add real-time chat to your website and client portals	You cannot add live chat to your site	You cannot add live chat to your site	Not supported	No native live chat feature
Instant direct messages	Message teammates privately without leaving your workspace	You cannot DM teammates	You cannot DM teammates	Direct messaging is not supported	Email sync only
Contextual project conversations	Keep conversations tied directly to the project they belong to	Messages are tied to projects	Messages are tied to projects	No in-app project messaging	Email sync (limited to project-specific threads)
Team channels	Create shared spaces for team-wide discussions	You cannot create team channels	You cannot create team channels	Team chat is not supported	Email sync only
Customized channels	Organize channels by team, topic, or workflow	Channels are not supported	Channels are not supported	Not supported	Not supported
@mentions	Notify teammates instantly inside conversations	You cannot mention teammates	You cannot mention teammates	Not supported	Email sync only
Message read receipts	See when messages are read	You can see when clients read messages	You can see when clients read messages	Read receipts are not supported	Activity log (tracks when emails are opened)
File sharing in chat	Share files directly inside conversations	You can share files in messages	You can share files in messages	Share files and links in portal messages	Email sync only
Shared email inbox	Collaborate on incoming emails as a team	Team email is not shared	Team email is not shared	Not supported	Not supported
Inbox mobile app	Access and respond to messages on mobile	Mobile inbox available	Mobile inbox available	Not supported	Limited mobile support
Email reply to inbox	Reply from your email client and keep conversations synced	Email replies sync to conversations	Email replies sync to conversations	Not supported	Email replies sync to inbox
FILES	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Store and manage files	Keep all client and project files in one organized place	Files exist per project only	Files are stored per project only	Project document storage with client access	Basic storage (no dedicated file management system)
Advanced folder organization	Organize files by project, client, or structure you choose	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Project-level only (no granular)	Not supported
Folder permissions	Control who can view or edit folders	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Project-level only (no granular)	Not supported
People folders	Group files by person when needed	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported	Basic storage (no dedicated file management system)
Project folders	Keep files scoped to each project	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Project-based file sections in portal	Basic storage (no dedicated file management system)
In-app previews	Preview files instantly without downloading	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported	External storage only
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)	Unlimited contact & project fields
Built-in documents	Create and edit documents directly inside Plutio	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	No built-in document editor	You can connect quotes to contracts and invoices
Comments on files and docs	Leave comments directly on files and documents	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	No file commenting system	Not supported
Bulk file actions	Move, tag, or manage many files at once	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported	Basic management (no bulk operations)
Files search & filter	Find files quickly using search and filters	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported	Basic search (limited filtering options)
External cloud sync	Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported	No native cloud sync
Secure sharing controls	Restrict access with permissions or passwords	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported	Client portal only (no public sharing controls)
File sharing links	Share files externally with controlled access	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Portal sharing only (no direct file links)	Client portal only (no direct sharing links)
SCHEDULING	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Schedule meetings	Let clients book meetings directly without back-and-forth emails	Scheduler with intake forms	Custom scheduler with workflows	Booking pages with calendar sync	Simple scheduler, no team round-robin
Branded booking page	Build a fully branded, customizable booking system using a drag-and-drop editor	Branding options are limited	Branding options are limited	Custom branding on booking pages	Basic scheduler (limited team coordination)
Advanced availability management	Define flexible availability rules applied automatically to bookings	You can control availability	You can control availability	Event types with availability windows	Basic scheduler (limited team coordination)
Automatic buffer times	Add buffer time automatically between meetings	You can add buffer times	You can add buffer times	Buffer times (no daily limits)	Buffer time between meetings
Multiple meeting types	Create unlimited booking types with different rules and setups	You can offer multiple session types	You can offer multiple appointment types	Custom event types with different durations	Multiple session types supported
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook)	Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Calendar sync (Google and Outlook only)	Two-way sync (Google & Outlook)
Customizable booking confirmations	Fully customizable confirmation pages with no layout or branding limits	Confirmation customization is limited	Confirmation customization is limited	Email customization (limited template control)	Custom confirmation emails
Redirect after booking	Send bookers anywhere after scheduling, not just a fixed thank-you page	You cannot redirect after booking	You cannot redirect after booking	Redirect supported (basic URL redirect)	Included. Redirect after booking supported
Booking automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a meeting is booked	Contracts can trigger workflows	Contracts trigger workflows	Booking triggers (limited action types)	Trigger actions on booking
Smart meeting reminders	Send automatic reminders without manual follow-ups	Meeting reminders send automatically	Meeting reminders send automatically	Auto-reminders (email only, no SMS)	Auto meeting reminders
Automatic timezone detection	Handle timezones automatically without manual adjustments	Timezones adjust automatically	Timezones adjust automatically	Timezone detection (basic support)	Supported
Paid appointments (Stripe/PayPal)	Collect payments during booking without extra steps	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)	Requires manual setup	Not supported	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	You can collect info on booking
Minimum notice / daily booking limits	Set booking limits to control lead time and daily volume	You can set booking limits	You can set booking limits	Notice periods (no per-event daily limits)	Booking limits & notice supported
Rescheduling and cancellation controls	Define flexible rules for rescheduling and cancellations	Clients can reschedule or cancel	Clients can reschedule or cancel	Not supported	Not supported
AUTOMATION	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Automated workflows builder	Build advanced workflows visually without code or rigid templates	AI-powered workflow builder with branching	Visual node-based Flows builder	Contract, proposal, invoice, form triggers	Trigger-based automation, no visual builder
Trigger-based workflows	Start workflows from real events across projects, clients, and payments	You can automate actions with workflows	You can automate automation actions with workflows	Contract signed, proposal accepted, form filled	Event-driven automation supported
Schedule-based workflows	Run workflows on schedules you control, not fixed intervals	Workflows cannot repeat on a schedule	Workflows cannot repeat on a schedule	Not supported	Not supported
Multi-step workflows	Chain multiple actions into one continuous automation	Workflows can include multiple steps	Workflows can include multiple steps	Not supported	Single actions. Complex multi-step flows not supported
True/False branching	Create conditional paths instead of one-size-fits-all flows	Branching exists, but options are limited	Branching exists, but is limited	Not supported	Linear workflows only
Delay-based actions	Add precise timing between steps, down to minutes or days	You can delay workflow steps	You can delay workflow steps	Not supported	Supported. You can delay workflow steps
Create & update records	Create, update, or move records automatically across the system	Creation actions are limited	Creation actions are limited	Auto-create (projects and clients only)	Auto-create projects & invoices supported
Move & duplicate records	Reorganize work automatically without manual cleanup	Items cannot be duplicated automatically	Items cannot be duplicated automatically	Not supported	Not supported
Delete & archive records	Automatically archive or remove records based on rules	Items cannot be deleted via automation	Items cannot be deleted automatically	Not supported	Manual only
API calls (webhooks)	Trigger or receive real-time events from external systems	You cannot use APIs or webhooks	You cannot use APIs or webhooks	Webhooks (outgoing only, no incoming)	Supported via webhooks (no visual designer)
Send emails	Send automated emails tied to real workflow events	Workflows can send emails	Workflows can send emails	Logo & colors (no custom domain)	Automation can trigger emails
Post comments	Add notes or comments automatically where work happens	You cannot post comments via automation	You cannot post comments via automation	Not supported	No internal commenting system
Complete automation logs	See exactly what ran, when, and why	You cannot view automation logs	You cannot view automation logs	Not supported	Basic activity log (no detailed execution history)
Auto-fill data/variables	Pass data between steps dynamically without manual mapping	You can use smart fields	You can use smart fields	Not supported	You can use tokens for dynamic data
Cross-entity connections	Run workflows that span projects, tasks, proposals, invoices, and more	Forms, bookings, and payments trigger workflows	Forms, payments, and bookings trigger workflows	Not supported	Linear only (limited cross-module connectivity)
FORMS	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Create branded forms	Build fully branded forms that match your workflow and client experience	Questionnaires with limited styling	Branded forms with smart fields	Branded intake and questionnaire forms	Basic form templates, no branding control
Drag-and-drop form builder	Design forms visually with full layout control, no code required	You cannot visually build contracts	You can build contracts using form blocks	Form editor (no true drag-and-drop)	Template-based (fixed form structures)
Reusable form templates	Reuse form structures without rebuilding from scratch	You cannot reuse form templates	You can reuse form templates	Form templates with auto-CRM sync	Included. You can save and reuse forms
Custom form data fields	Collect structured data you can sort, filter, and report on	You can add custom fields	You can add custom fields to forms and records	Custom fields (limited field types)	Included. You can add custom fields to forms
Smart conditional logic	Show or hide fields based on responses, not static forms	Fields cannot change based on answers	Fields can change based on answers	Conditional logic (limited complexity)	Not supported. Forms are static
Instant email notifications	Get notified immediately when forms are submitted	You can email on submission	You can email on submission	Email notifications (no customization)	Included. Email alerts on submission
Form automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when a form is submitted	Contracts can trigger workflows	Contracts trigger workflows	Basic automation triggers (limited actions)	Included. Form submission can start workflows
Embed forms	Embed forms anywhere without layout restrictions	You can embed forms	You can embed forms	Embed via iframe (limited styling control)	Included. You can embed forms on your site
Advanced field preferences	Control required, hidden, and default field behavior	Field behavior is fixed	Field behavior is limited	Not supported	Basic field settings (no advanced validation)
Comprehensive field types	Collect text, files, dates, selections, and more	Field types are limited	Field types are limited	Not supported	Standard fields (text, date, select) supported
Form signature field	Collect legally binding signatures directly inside forms	Forms can include signatures	Forms can include signatures	E-signature field (basic, no advanced options)	Included. Electronic signatures available on forms
File upload fields	Accept file uploads as part of form submissions	File uploads are limited	Clients can upload files	Clients can upload files to projects	Included. Clients can upload files to forms
Redirect after submission	Send submitters to a custom next step, not a fixed thank-you page	You cannot redirect after submit	You cannot redirect after submit	Not supported	Included. Custom redirect links supported
CRM	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Manage clients and leads	Manage contacts and companies in one connected system	Pipeline with AI lead prioritization	CRM with auto-created client records	CRM with Deals pipeline for leads	Contact management with lead tracking
Full company management	Track organizations, not just individual contacts	Companies exist, but contacts come first	Companies exist, contacts come first	Companies (basic info only, no hierarchy)	Organization tracking (no separate company records)
Custom contact data fields	Collect and manage structured contact data you define	You can add CRM fields	You can add CRM fields	Custom fields (text and select only)	Included. Unlimited custom contact fields
Complete activity timeline	See every interaction with a client in one place	You can see full activity history	You can see full activity history	Activity log (projects and invoices only)	Included. Tracks interactions per contact
Contacts labeling and grouping	Organize contacts flexibly without rigid pipelines	You can tag and segment contacts	You can tag and segment contacts	Tags (no advanced segmentation)	Included. Tag-based organization supported
WIKI	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Comprehensive knowledge base	Create an internal wiki for processes, docs, and guides	You cannot create an internal wiki	You cannot create an internal wiki	Not supported	Not supported. No built-in wiki or SOP system
Beautiful rich text pages	Write structured, formatted content without complexity	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported. No rich-text page builder
Unlimited nested pages	Build deep knowledge hierarchies without limits	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported
Granular page permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each page	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported
DASHBOARDS	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Custom dashboards and pages	Build dashboards around what matters to you, not fixed metrics	HoneyBook does not have custom dashboards	Dubsado has a home page, not custom dashboards	Dashboard (fixed layout, no customization)	Fixed layout
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder	Design dashboards visually with full layout control	Limited dashboard widgets	Included	Pre-configured widgets only	Not supported. Dashboard is pre-configured
Charts widget	Visualize data with customizable charts	Basic charts only	Requires manual setup	Charts (revenue and time only)	Basic financial charts (no custom chart creation)
Metrics widget	Track key numbers without manual reporting	Basic metrics only	Included	Metrics (revenue and project totals only)	Standard metrics only (revenue, leads)
Goals widget	Monitor progress toward defined goals	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported. No internal goal tracking system
Notes widget	Add contextual notes directly to dashboards	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	No notes widget	Not supported. No dashboard notes widget
Calendar widget	View upcoming events alongside work and metrics	Calendar on dashboard	Included	Calendar widget (upcoming tasks only)	Included. Agenda and upcoming tasks displayed
Financial widgets	Track revenue and expenses in the same view	Revenue & invoice tracking	Included	Revenue tracking (invoices only, no expenses)	Included. Revenue and pending payments tracking
BRANDING	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
White-label and branding	Run the entire platform under your brand	HoneyBook branding, not white-label	Dubsado branding, not white-label	Documents and portal only (no admin theming)	Logo only
Custom interface theme	Apply your brand colors across the system	UI theme cannot be customized	UI theme cannot be customized	No admin interface theming	Not supported. Themes are pre-defined
Stylesheet customization	Fine-tune styling beyond basic theming	You cannot apply custom CSS	You cannot apply custom CSS	No CSS customization	Not supported. No custom CSS access
Custom login/signup pages	Use branded authentication pages instead of generic screens	Login pages cannot be customized	Login pages cannot be customized	Branded login (fixed layout)	Logo branding only (fixed layout)
Email branding	Send all system emails with your branding	You can brand outgoing emails	You can brand outgoing emails	Logo in emails (no custom templates)	Included. Add your logo to all messages
Custom brand fonts	Use your own fonts throughout the platform	You cannot use custom fonts	You cannot use custom fonts	No custom fonts	Not supported. No custom font uploads
Custom brand logos	Replace all platform logos with your own	You can add your logo	You can add your logo	Logo (documents and portal only)	Included. Your logo on documents and emails
Custom domain name	Run everything on your own domain	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	No custom domain	Not supported. Redirects to 17hats domain
Custom email SMTP	Send emails from your own email infrastructure	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	No custom SMTP	Included. Send from your SMTP server
Full workspace embedding	Embed Plutio directly into your website or product	Not supported (requires integration)	Not supported	No workspace embedding	Not supported
CUSTOMIZATION	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Flexible workspace setup	Shape the platform to match how your business works	HoneyBook has fixed workspace	Dubsado has fixed workspace	No workspace customization	17hats has fixed workspace
Main menu editor	Add, remove, or reorder navigation items freely	You cannot customize navigation	You cannot customize navigation	Fixed menu (no customization)	Fixed menu (no customization)
User-based menus	Show different navigation for different roles	Menus are the same for all users	Menus are the same for all users	Same menu for all users	Not supported (fixed menu for all user roles)
Custom user roles	Create role types beyond preset permissions	You cannot define custom roles	You cannot define custom roles	4 fixed roles (no custom)	Basic roles only (no granular permissions)
Advanced user permissions	Control access at a granular level	Permissions are not configurable	Permissions are not configurable	Project permissions (no granular control)	Not supported (no granular permission settings)
SSO / OAuth	Support enterprise-grade single sign-on	You cannot use SSO	You cannot use SSO	Email & password login only	Email & password login only
INTEGRATIONS	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Connect with other tools	Integrate with external systems without lock-in	Zapier only	Zapier only	Integrations (Zapier and Make only)	Zapier plus direct integrations
Zapier integration	Connect to thousands of apps without custom code	You can connect HoneyBook to Zapier	You can connect Dubsado to Zapier	Zapier (limited triggers and actions)	Included. Full Zapier connectivity
Make.com integration	Build advanced automation scenarios visually	You cannot connect via Make	You cannot connect via Make	Make.com (limited modules)	Not supported natively
Pabbly Connect	Connect services without usage-based limits	You cannot connect via Pabbly	You cannot connect via Pabbly	No Pabbly integration	Not supported natively
Full REST API access	Build custom integrations with full system access	You cannot access an API	You cannot access an API	REST API (read-only, limited endpoints)	Included. API access available for developers
Incoming & outgoing webhooks	Send and receive real-time events	You cannot use webhooks	You cannot use webhooks	Webhooks (outgoing only, limited events)	Supported. Automate events via webhooks
PLATFORM	Plutio	HoneyBook	Dubsado	Bonsai	17hats	SuiteDash
Mobile apps	Access your business from native mobile apps	Full-featured iOS and Android apps	iOS and Android with Tap to Pay	Mobile apps (iOS and Android, limited features)	Limited features
iOS app	Full-featured iPhone app	You can use HoneyBook on iOS	You can use Dubsado on iOS	iOS app (basic features only)	Limited features (legacy mobile interface)
Android app	Full-featured Android app	You can use HoneyBook on Android	You can use Dubsado on Android	Android app (basic features only)	Limited features (legacy mobile interface)
Mac desktop app	Native macOS app for desktop workflows	There is no desktop app	There is no desktop app	Web only (no Mac app)	Web only. No native Mac application
Windows desktop app	Native Windows app for desktop workflows	There is no desktop app	There is no desktop app	Web only (no Windows app)	Web only. No native Windows application

How to migrate from HoneyBook to Plutio

Moving from HoneyBook to Plutio preserves your client relationships and billing history. HoneyBook's data export is more difficult than most platforms, but your most important information can be migrated.

Step 1: Export your HoneyBook data

Go to Contacts in HoneyBook and export your client list as a CSV file. For projects and files, you may need to download these individually because HoneyBook does not offer bulk file export.

Step 2: Import into Plutio

Upload your client CSV to Plutio. The importer maps HoneyBook fields like Client Name, Email, and Phone directly to Plutio's contact database. Additional fields can be added as custom fields.

Step 3: Set up your branding

Configure your whitelabeled portal with your domain and branding. Clients will see only your brand with no platform branding visible.

Step 4: Connect your workflows

Use Plutio's automation builder to set up workflows where signed contracts trigger project creation, task assignment, and client onboarding. Because Plutio connects proposals to projects to tasks, you will often need fewer separate automations.

Step 5: Invite your clients

Send clients access to their new portal. They will have access to their project history, files, and invoices in one place.

Frequently asked questions

Can Plutio replace HoneyBook?

Yes. Plutio includes proposals, contracts, invoices, payments, scheduling, projects, tasks, client communication, client portals, automation, and AI in one app. It covers everything HoneyBook does and adds project management and ongoing client work.

Is Plutio cheaper than HoneyBook?

Plutio offers competitive pricing with more features included at each tier. HoneyBook's Essentials plan is $49 per month billed annually. Plutio's comparable plans include full project management, whitelabeling, and unlimited client counts that HoneyBook restricts or charges extra for.

Can I use Plutio outside the US and Canada?

Yes. Plutio is available globally with multi-currency support. HoneyBook is designed primarily for the US and Canadian markets, which can limit international freelancers and agencies.

Does Plutio have Smart Files like HoneyBook?

Plutio approaches this differently. Instead of just combining agreements into one file, Plutio connects the entire flow. When a proposal is accepted, the contract is generated from it. When the contract is signed, the project work is automatically set up. Each step carries forward into a branded project portal where you and your client can manage the work together, not just the booking.

Is it hard to switch from HoneyBook?

HoneyBook's data export is more difficult than most platforms. You can export your client list as a CSV, but files and contracts often need to be downloaded individually. Plutio's import tools help you get set up quickly, and our support agency can assist with complex migrations.

Does Plutio have AI features?

Yes. Plutio's AI is built into workflows and can take actions, suggest next steps, and help manage projects proactively. HoneyBook added AI for email drafting and meeting summaries in 2024, but Plutio's AI is integrated more deeply into the workflow.

Can my team use Plutio?

Yes. Plutio supports agencies on all paid plans. HoneyBook requires the Premium plan at $109 per month for unlimited collaborators. Plutio is designed for client collaboration from the start.

Is Plutio good for photographers and creatives?

Yes. Plutio is used by photographers, videographers, designers, and creative agencies. It handles the booking workflow creatives need, plus the project management and client project work that HoneyBook does not provide.

Can I migrate my clients from HoneyBook?

Yes. You can export your client list from HoneyBook as a CSV and import it into Plutio. Files and agreements may need to be downloaded individually due to HoneyBook's export limitations. Once imported, you can continue working without starting over.

Is my data safe with Plutio?

Yes. Your data is private, encrypted, and never used to train AI models. Plutio makes data export straightforward at any time, so you are never locked in.

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