| | $36/month (Starter, $29/month annual) | $28-44/month (Starter plan, Dec 2025 pricing) | $15/month (Basic, $9/month annual) | $60/month (single plan, $50/month annual) | $19/month (Start plan, $15/month annual) | $21/month (Lite, 5 clients) |
| No free plan (14-day trial available) | No free plan (7-day trial) | No free plan (21-day trial) | No free plan (trial available) | No free plan (7-day trial only) | No free plan (14-day trial) | No free plan (30-day trial) |
| | 7-day trial + 60-day money-back guarantee | 21-day free trial (all Premier features) | | | | |
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 | Flexible project management with multiple modules | Basic project tracking with profitability focus |
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) | You can control project access using roles and permission rules | Team member permissions (Admin, Manager, Employee) |
| 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 | | You can create multiple boards, but each must be configured manually | No task boards (list-based tracking 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 | You cannot embed live project boards externally | No embeddable project views |
| 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 | You can share projects using permission-based access | Clients can view documents in portal only |
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 | You can define stages and milestones per project | No project 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 | Modules are separate but can be linked manually | Estimates and invoices connect (no contracts) |
Custom project data fields | Track, sort, filter, and report on custom project data | | | Text, number, date, URL (no filtering) | | | |
| Drag-and-drop tasks across customizable columns | You cannot view tasks in a kanban board | Kanban view added in Dubsado 3.0 (Nov 2025) | Kanban view (limited customization) | Legacy list-based interface only | You can view and manage tasks in Kanban boards | |
| Bulk-edit tasks like a spreadsheet | You cannot view tasks in a table | Table view is the default task display in Dubsado 3.0 | Basic table view (no bulk editing) | No spreadsheet-style editing | You can view records in tables, but columns and behavior are rigid | |
| 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 | You can manage tasks in a standard list 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 | You can see tasks and deadlines on a calendar | Calendar shows events, not tasks |
| 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 native Gantt chart view | |
| 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 | You can break tasks into subtasks | |
| 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) | | No email-to-task conversion |
| 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 | You can comment directly on tasks | Team discussion on projects |
| 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 | You can attach files directly to tasks | Files can be attached to projects |
| Define priority levels that fit your workflow | You cannot set task priorities | You cannot set task priorities | | You cannot set task priority levels | You can assign priorities to tasks | |
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 | You can label and color-code tasks | No task labels or color coding |
| 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 | You can assign multiple people, but coordination is manual | Tasks can be assigned to team members |
| 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 | You can reuse task templates | Project templates available |
| 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 | Permissions are controlled by roles, not per-task rules | No task-level permissions |
| Prevent work from starting out of order | You cannot link tasks together | You cannot link tasks together | Waiting on, Blocking, Related to | | Task dependencies require Pinnacle plan ($99/month) | |
| Automate repeating work with flexible schedules | You cannot create recurring tasks | You cannot create recurring tasks | Daily, weekly, monthly, milestones | | You can create recurring tasks | |
| Add task-level fields for tracking custom details | | | Custom fields (text and number only) | | | |
| Easily track time using timers or manual entries | Basic time tracking (manual entry on desktop, stopwatch on mobile) | Built-in time tracker (Premier plan only, enhanced in 3.0) | Timer and manual time entry | Start and stop timers or log time manually | You can track time using timers or manual entry | Timer and manual time entry |
| Log time directly against tasks and subtasks | Project-level only, no task-level tracking | Time tracker available (Premier plan) | Limited to task-level only (no subtask tracking) | Time tracked per task via Time Log tab within projects | You can track time directly on tasks | Time tracked per service, not per task |
| See time spent per project and per client | Time tracked at project level | Time tracked per project (Premier plan) | | Track time across different projects and clients | You can track total time per project | Time tracked per project and client |
| Clearly separate billable and non-billable time | Billable time tracking available | Billable hours logged to invoices (Premier plan) | Billable and non-billable categorization | You cannot set billing rules for time | You must manually define what counts as billable | Billable and non-billable hours supported |
| Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps | Invoice from time logs (desktop only) | Tracked time can be added to invoices (Premier plan) | One-click invoice from time entries | Convert tracked billable time into an invoice | Tracked time can be invoiced with manual confirmation | Time entries convert to invoices |
| View detailed time reports by task, project, or client | Basic time logs per project | Basic time logs (Premier plan) | Detailed timesheet reports | You cannot generate timesheet reports | You can generate detailed time reports | Detailed time reports available |
| See how each team member tracks their time | Team members can log time on shared projects | You cannot see team time reports | Per-member timesheets with locking | No team breakdown for time entries | You can view time logs per team member | Team time tracking on higher plans |
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 | Proposals with line items and attachments | Estimates only (not full proposals) |
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 | You can edit proposals visually, but layout control is complex | No visual proposal builder |
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 | You can use prebuilt proposal templates | Estimate templates available |
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 | | You cannot see proposal views or activity | You can see status changes, not detailed viewing analytics | No proposal view tracking |
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 | You cannot message clients inside proposals | |
| 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) | Limited proposal-to-booking flow | |
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 | You can convert proposals to invoices with manual steps | Convert estimates to invoices |
| 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 | You can create packages using configuration rules | |
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 | Pricing tables exist but do not update dynamically | |
Dynamic data and variables | Auto-fill proposal content with client and project data | | | Basic smart fields (limited variables) | Use tokens to insert client and project data automatically | You can use variables to auto-fill proposal content | Basic placeholders available |
| 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 | You can set proposal expiration dates | Manual expiry dates on estimates |
| | You can download proposal PDFs | You can download proposal PDFs | Basic PDF export (limited branding) | You can download proposals as PDFs | You can download proposals as PDFs | |
| 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 | You can reuse content via templates, not blocks | No reusable content blocks |
Legally binding e-signatures | Collect secure electronic signatures on proposals | | Clients can sign documents online | Basic e-signatures (limited audit trail) | Clients can sign your agreements online | Clients can sign proposals online | |
Custom proposal data fields | Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on | | | Text and date custom fields only | Not supported. You cannot customize signer fields | Custom fields available with configuration | No custom proposal fields |
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 | Contracts use structured templates, not free-form builders | |
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 | Contracts support legally binding signatures | |
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 | You can add multiple signers to contracts | |
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 | You can use predefined 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 | Signing reminders send automatically | |
| 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 | Variables auto-fill contract 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 | Contracts can trigger workflows only if configured | |
| 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 | You receive notifications when contracts are viewed or signed | Email notifications when viewed |
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 | Signed contracts can be downloaded with certificates | |
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 | Signer fields are configurable with limits | |
Custom contract data fields | Create custom contract data you can sort, filter, and report on | | | Custom fields (contact info only) | | Custom fields available with configuration | |
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 | Full invoicing with payment tracking | Full invoicing with online payments |
| Match invoices to your brand with custom logos, colors, and layout | | | Limited branding (logo and colors only) | Basic invoicing (no smart tax automation) | Invoices support logos, colors, and branding | Customizable invoice branding |
Drag and drop invoice builder | Create custom invoice layouts visually without formatting limits | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | Pre-built templates (no drag-drop) | Template-based (no drag-and-drop designer) | Visual builder but complex setup | Template-based editor only |
| Edit pricing, quantities, descriptions, and structure freely | | | Line items (no advanced customization) | You can customize invoice line items | You can edit invoice line items | Fully customizable line items |
Item or invoice discounts | Apply discounts at the item or full invoice level | | | Discounts (percentage or fixed, no tiered) | You can add discounts to line items | You can apply discounts to invoices | |
| Create tax rules that match your location and use case | | | Basic tax configuration (no automation) | You can set custom tax rules | You can configure tax rates | |
| 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) | | You can accept bank payments | ACH bank payments supported |
| Accept credit and debit cards instantly | You can accept payments via Stripe | You can accept payments via Stripe | Stripe payments supported | Stripe integration available | You can accept payments through Stripe | Stripe payments supported |
| Collect in-person payments when needed | You cannot accept payments via Square | You cannot accept payments via Square | | Square integration available | You cannot accept payments via Square | |
| Let clients pay using PayPal | You cannot accept payments via PayPal | You cannot accept payments via PayPal | PayPal payments supported | PayPal integration available | You can accept payments via PayPal | PayPal payments supported |
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 | You can accept partial payments | Partial payments supported |
| 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 | You can split invoices into installments | |
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) | You can schedule recurring invoices | Recurring invoices supported |
| 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) | Subscriptions can be managed with setup | Retainers available on Plus plan |
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 | Payment reminders send automatically | Automated late payment reminders |
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 | You can reuse invoice templates | Invoice templates available |
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) | You can invoice in multiple currencies with account limits | |
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) | Contracts can trigger workflows only if configured | |
| 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) | You receive notifications when contracts are viewed or signed | Email notifications when viewed |
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) | | | Full expense tracking with receipts |
| Collect upfront payments before work starts | | | Deposits supported (manual collection) | Deposit payments supported | You can request invoice deposits | Deposit invoicing 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 | Time can be invoiced with manual confirmation | Time to invoice conversion |
Custom invoice data fields | Create custom invoice data you can sort, filter, and report on | | | Text and date custom fields only | | Custom fields available with configuration | |
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 | Messages are grouped by module, not unified | |
| Connect and manage all your email accounts in one place | | | Send-only (no inbox sync) | Email sync & templates included | You can sync external email accounts | |
| 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 | | No native live chat feature | Live chat is available via portal widgets | |
| Message teammates privately without leaving your workspace | | | Direct messaging is not supported | | Direct messages exist with limits | |
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) | Context depends on where the message was sent | Project discussions available |
| Create shared spaces for team-wide discussions | You cannot create team channels | You cannot create team channels | Team chat is not supported | | You cannot create team chat channels | |
| Organize channels by team, topic, or workflow | Channels are not supported | Channels are not supported | | | | |
| Notify teammates instantly inside conversations | You cannot mention teammates | You cannot mention teammates | | | @mentions work in specific areas only | |
| 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) | Read receipts are not consistently visible | |
| Share files directly inside conversations | You can share files in messages | You can share files in messages | Share files and links in portal messages | | Files are attached to records, not chat threads | |
| Collaborate on incoming emails as a team | | | | | Limited team email sharing | |
| Access and respond to messages on mobile | | | | | Mobile app has limited inbox features | |
| Reply from your email client and keep conversations synced | Email replies sync to conversations | Email replies sync to conversations | | Email replies sync to inbox | Limited email reply support | |
| 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) | You can store and manage files centrally | Basic file storage in projects |
Advanced folder organization | Organize files by project, client, or structure you choose | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | Project-level only (no granular) | | Project-based file sections | |
| Control who can view or edit folders | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | Project-level only (no granular) | | | |
| Group files by person when needed | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | | Basic storage (no dedicated file management system) | Files are project-attached only | |
| Keep files scoped to each project | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | Project-based file sections in portal | Basic storage (no dedicated file management system) | Project-based file sections | Files organized by project |
| Preview files instantly without downloading | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | | | Preview via project files | |
| 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 | You can add custom fields across modules | |
| Create and edit documents directly inside Plutio | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | 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) | | No file commenting system | | Comments on project files | |
| Move, tag, or manage many files at once | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | | Basic management (no bulk operations) | | |
| Find files quickly using search and filters | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | | Basic search (limited filtering options) | Search within project files | |
| Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | | | | Dropbox and Google Drive integrations |
| Restrict access with permissions or passwords | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | | Client portal only (no public sharing controls) | Role-based sharing controls | |
| Share files externally with controlled access | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | Portal sharing only (no direct file links) | Client portal only (no direct sharing links) | Project-based sharing only | |
| 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 | Scheduler with calendar sync | |
| 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) | Booking pages support custom branding | |
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) | You can define availability rules | |
| Add buffer time automatically between meetings | | | Buffer times (no daily limits) | Buffer time between meetings | You can add buffer times to bookings | |
| 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 | You can offer multiple booking types | |
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook) | Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | Calendar sync (Google and Outlook only) | Two-way sync (Google & Outlook) | | Calendar sync for late payments only |
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 | Confirmation messages have limited customization | |
| 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 | Redirects require workflow configuration | |
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 | Contracts can trigger workflows only if configured | |
| Send automatic reminders without manual follow-ups | Meeting reminders send automatically | Meeting reminders send automatically | Auto-reminders (email only, no SMS) | | Meeting reminders send automatically | |
Automatic timezone detection | Handle timezones automatically without manual adjustments | Timezones adjust automatically | Timezones adjust automatically | Timezone detection (basic support) | | Timezones adjust automatically | Timezone support for invoicing |
Paid appointments (Stripe/PayPal) | Collect payments during booking without extra steps | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | Require payment to book via Bonsai Payments or Stripe | Pay upon booking with full or partial payment options | Payments via integrations only | |
| Build booking forms with full control over questions and layout | | | Custom intake questions and forms on booking events | You can collect info on booking | You can customize booking forms | |
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 | You can set booking limits | |
Rescheduling and cancellation controls | Define flexible rules for rescheduling and cancellations | Clients can reschedule or cancel | Clients can reschedule or cancel | Clients can reschedule or cancel from confirmation email | | Clients can reschedule or cancel bookings | |
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 | Workflow automation with triggers | |
| 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 | You can build trigger-based workflows | Limited payment and invoice triggers |
| Run workflows on schedules you control, not fixed intervals | Workflows cannot repeat on a schedule | Workflows cannot repeat on a schedule | | | Workflows can run on schedules | |
| Chain multiple actions into one continuous automation | Workflows can include multiple steps | Workflows can include multiple steps | | Single actions. Complex multi-step flows not supported | You can chain multiple automation steps | |
| Create conditional paths instead of one-size-fits-all flows | Branching exists, but options are limited | Branching exists, but is limited | | | Conditional logic is supported | |
| Add precise timing between steps, down to minutes or days | You can delay workflow steps | You can delay workflow steps | | Supported. You can delay workflow steps | | |
| 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 | Records can be created automatically with setup | |
| Reorganize work automatically without manual cleanup | Items cannot be duplicated automatically | Items cannot be duplicated automatically | | | Records can be duplicated automatically | |
| Automatically archive or remove records based on rules | Items cannot be deleted via automation | Items cannot be deleted automatically | | | Deletion requires safeguards and rules | |
| 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) | You can trigger API calls and webhooks | |
| 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 | Emails can be sent automatically | Automated invoice and reminder emails |
| Add notes or comments automatically where work happens | You cannot post comments via automation | You cannot post comments via automation | | No internal commenting system | Comments can be posted via workflows | |
| See exactly what ran, when, and why | You cannot view automation logs | You cannot view automation logs | | Basic activity log (no detailed execution history) | Automation activity is logged | |
| Pass data between steps dynamically without manual mapping | | | | You can use tokens for dynamic data | Variables work across automation | Basic invoice placeholders |
| Run workflows that span projects, tasks, proposals, invoices, and more | Forms, bookings, and payments trigger workflows | Forms, payments, and bookings trigger workflows | | Linear only (limited cross-module connectivity) | Actions can trigger across modules | Clients link to invoices and projects |
| 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 | Form builder with file uploads | |
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) | Contracts use structured templates, not free-form builders | |
| 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 | You can reuse form templates | |
| 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 | You can add custom fields across modules | |
| 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 | Fields can change based on answers | |
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 | Notifications can send on submission | |
| 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 | Contracts can trigger workflows only if configured | |
| Embed forms anywhere without layout restrictions | | | Embed via iframe (limited styling control) | Included. You can embed forms on your site | Forms can be embedded on websites | |
Advanced field preferences | Control required, hidden, and default field behavior | | Field behavior is limited | | Basic field settings (no advanced validation) | Field behavior options are limited | |
Comprehensive field types | Collect text, files, dates, selections, and more | | | | Standard fields (text, date, select) supported | Most common field types are available | |
| 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 | Forms can include signatures | |
| Accept file uploads as part of form submissions | | | 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 | | Included. Custom redirect links supported | Redirects after submission are supported | |
| 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 CRM with lead portals | Client management included |
| 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) | You can group contacts into companies | Client records only (no companies) |
Custom contact data fields | Collect and manage structured contact data you define | | | Custom fields (text and select only) | Included. Unlimited custom contact fields | CRM fields are customizable | |
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 | Activity history exists across modules | Client activity history available |
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 | Contacts can be tagged and segmented | |
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. No built-in wiki or SOP system | You can create internal knowledge bases | |
Beautiful rich text pages | Write structured, formatted content without complexity | Not supported (requires integration) | | | Not supported. No rich-text page builder | | |
| Build deep knowledge hierarchies without limits | Not supported (requires integration) | | | | | |
Granular page permissions | Control exactly who can view or edit each page | Not supported (requires integration) | | | | | |
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) | | | |
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder | Design dashboards visually with full layout control | Limited dashboard widgets | | Pre-configured widgets only | Not supported. Dashboard is pre-configured | Widget-based, no drag-drop | No custom dashboard builder |
| Visualize data with customizable charts | | | Charts (revenue and time only) | Basic financial charts (no custom chart creation) | | Financial charts available |
| Track key numbers without manual reporting | | | Metrics (revenue and project totals only) | Standard metrics only (revenue, leads) | | Key financial metrics displayed |
| Monitor progress toward defined goals | Not supported (requires integration) | | | Not supported. No internal goal tracking system | | |
| Add contextual notes directly to dashboards | Not supported (requires integration) | | | Not supported. No dashboard notes widget | | |
| View upcoming events alongside work and metrics | | | Calendar widget (upcoming tasks only) | Included. Agenda and upcoming tasks displayed | Limited calendar integration | |
| Track revenue and expenses in the same view | Revenue & invoice tracking | | Revenue tracking (invoices only, no expenses) | Included. Revenue and pending payments tracking | | Comprehensive financial widgets |
| Run the entire platform under your brand | HoneyBook branding, not white-label | Dubsado branding, not white-label | Documents and portal only (no admin theming) | | Full white-label with custom domains | Branding on invoices only |
| Apply your brand colors across the system | Color themes on Deliver+ (no Free plan theme customization) | Color themes on Deliver+ (no Free plan theme customization) | No admin interface theming | Not supported. Themes are pre-defined | UI theme options are limited | No interface customization |
| Fine-tune styling beyond basic theming | You cannot apply custom CSS | You cannot apply custom CSS | | Not supported. No custom CSS access | Custom CSS is supported with constraints | |
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) | Login and signup pages can be customized | |
| 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 | | Logo on emails (Premium only) |
| Use your own fonts throughout the platform | You cannot use custom fonts | You cannot use custom fonts | | Not supported. No custom font uploads | Font selection is limited | |
| Replace all platform logos with your own | | | Logo (documents and portal only) | Included. Your logo on documents and emails | | |
| Run everything on your own domain | Not supported (requires integration) | | | Not supported. Redirects to 17hats domain | | |
| Send emails from your own email infrastructure | Not supported (requires integration) | | | Included. Send from your SMTP server | | |
| Embed Plutio directly into your website or product | Not supported (requires integration) | | | | | |
| Shape the platform to match how your business works | HoneyBook has fixed workspace | Dubsado has fixed workspace | No workspace customization | 17hats has fixed workspace | | Fixed workspace structure |
| Add, remove, or reorder navigation items freely | You cannot customize navigation | You cannot customize navigation | Fixed menu (no customization) | Fixed menu (no customization) | Navigation can be rearranged with setup | |
| Show different navigation for different roles | Menus are the same for all users | Menus are the same for all users | | Not supported (fixed menu for all user roles) | Menus depend on assigned roles | Fixed menus for all users |
| 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) | You can define custom roles | |
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) | Permissions can be configured in detail | |
| Support enterprise-grade single sign-on | | | Email & password login only | Email & password login only | SSO is available on higher plans | |
| Integrate with external systems without lock-in | | | Integrations (Zapier and Make only) | Zapier plus direct integrations | Native integrations via API | 100+ integrations available |
| 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 | Zapier can connect to SuiteDash | |
| Build advanced automation scenarios visually | You cannot connect via Make | You cannot connect via Make | Make.com (limited modules) | | Make can connect to SuiteDash | |
| Connect services without usage-based limits | You cannot connect via Pabbly | You cannot connect via Pabbly | | | Pabbly can connect using API | |
| Build custom integrations with full system access | | | REST API (read-only, limited endpoints) | Included. API access available for developers | You can access a REST API | |
Incoming & outgoing webhooks | Send and receive real-time events | | | Webhooks (outgoing only, limited events) | Supported. Automate events via webhooks | | |
| 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) | | Mobile-responsive, no native apps | |
| | You can use HoneyBook on iOS | You can use Dubsado on iOS | iOS app (basic features only) | Limited features (legacy mobile interface) | Mobile app exists with limited functionality | |
| 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) | Android app exists with limited functionality | Full Android app available |
| Native macOS app for desktop workflows | | | | Web only. No native Mac application | No native Mac desktop app exists | |
| Native Windows app for desktop workflows | | | Web only (no Windows app) | Web only. No native Windows application | No native Windows desktop app exists | |
