| | Zoho CRM Standard $14/user/mo, Professional $23/user/mo. Zoho Projects Premium $4/user/mo. Zoho Invoice free (limited). Stack total: $28+/user/mo | $36/month (Starter, $29/month annual) | $15/month (Basic, $9/month annual) | $21/month (Lite, 5 clients) | Free plan (2 users). Paid plans from $12/seat/month (Essential, $9/seat annual) | $19/month (Start plan, $15/month annual) |
| No free plan (14-day trial available) | Free CRM (3 users), free Invoice (500 invoices/year, 2 users, Zoho branding), but most core apps require paid plans | No free plan (7-day trial) | No free plan (trial available) | No free plan (30-day trial) | Free plan for up to 2 users | No free plan (14-day trial) |
| | 15-day free trial on most Zoho apps | 7-day trial + 60-day money-back guarantee | | | 7-day free trial on paid plans | |
Manage projects and tasks | Fully flexible project and task setup you can shape to your workflow | Full project and task management via Zoho Projects with Kanban, Gantt, and milestone views | Projects with task lists and pipeline | Basic project and task management | Basic project tracking with profitability focus | Full project management with Kanban, Gantt, task lists, milestones, and dependencies | Flexible project management with multiple modules |
Project roles and permissions | Control exactly who can view or edit each part of a project | Role-based permissions in Zoho Projects | 5 team roles with project access control | 4 fixed roles (PMs cannot view financials) | Team member permissions (Admin, Manager, Employee) | Role-based access control with customizable permissions per project | You can control project access using roles and permission rules |
| Unlimited boards to run parallel workflows in the same project | Multiple boards per project in Zoho Projects | You cannot use task boards | Strictly restricted to 1 board per project | No task boards (list-based tracking only) | Multiple task boards per project with Kanban view | You can create multiple boards, but each must be configured manually |
Embeddable project boards | Live project boards embedded into client portals or websites | No embeddable project boards | You cannot embed project views | Embedding live project boards is not supported | No embeddable project views | No embeddable project boards | You cannot embed live project boards externally |
| Read-only public links for sharing progress without risk | Client portal access in Zoho Projects (no public read-only links) | You can share projects via the client portal only | Portal access only (no public read-only links) | Clients can view documents in portal only | No shared or public project links | You can share projects using permission-based access |
Project stages and milestones | Define custom project lifecycles for different types of work | Milestones and project statuses in Zoho Projects | You can use pipeline stages, but they are predefined | Milestones with Gantt chart visualization | No project stages or milestones | Project milestones with Gantt chart visualization and dependencies | You can define stages and milestones per project |
Connected proposals, contracts, and invoices | Everything related stays connected to the project automatically | Separate apps — Zoho Projects, Zoho Sign, and Zoho Invoice are not natively connected in one workflow | Integrated via Smart Files | Manual linking (no automatic project integration) | Estimates and invoices connect (no contracts) | Invoices and contracts linked to projects (Documents Builder, Dec 2025). No native proposals yet | Modules are separate but can be linked manually |
Custom project data fields | Track, sort, filter, and report on custom project data | Custom fields available in Zoho Projects | | Text, number, date, URL (no filtering) | | Custom fields on projects and tasks | |
| Drag-and-drop tasks across customizable columns | Kanban board view in Zoho Projects | You cannot view tasks in a kanban board | Kanban view (limited customization) | | Kanban board view for projects and tasks | You can view and manage tasks in Kanban boards |
| Bulk-edit tasks like a spreadsheet | Table/spreadsheet view in Zoho Projects | You cannot view tasks in a table | Basic table view (no bulk editing) | | | You can view records in tables, but columns and behavior are rigid |
| Clean task lists with clear hierarchy | List view available in Zoho Projects | You can view projects in a list | Simple list view with basic sorting | | | You can manage tasks in a standard list view |
| See tasks and deadlines on a calendar | Calendar view for tasks and deadlines in Zoho Projects | You can see bookings on a calendar | Calendar view for tasks and deadlines | Calendar shows events, not tasks | Calendar view for tasks and deadlines | You can see tasks and deadlines on a calendar |
| Plan work visually with task order and dependencies | Gantt chart with dependencies in Zoho Projects | You cannot view work on a gantt chart | Gantt chart with drag-and-drop | | Gantt chart with dependencies and milestones | No native Gantt chart view |
| Break work down into multiple nested levels | Nested subtasks supported in Zoho Projects | You cannot split tasks into subtasks | Nested subtasks supported | | | You can break tasks into subtasks |
| Turn emails into tasks without manual copying | Email-to-task available in Zoho Projects via email forwarding | Not supported (email sync only) | No email-to-task conversion | No email-to-task conversion | Email integration available (no direct email-to-task) | |
| Keep discussions tied directly to each task | Comments with @mentions on tasks in Zoho Projects | You cannot comment on tasks | Comments stay attached to tasks only | Team discussion on projects | Comments and @mentions on tasks | You can comment directly on tasks |
| Store files directly on the task they belong to | File attachments on tasks in Zoho Projects | You can share files, but not attach them to tasks | File attachments (no file manager) | Files can be attached to projects | File attachments on tasks | You can attach files directly to tasks |
| Define priority levels that fit your workflow | Task priority levels in Zoho Projects | You cannot set task priorities | | | | You can assign priorities to tasks |
Task labels & color coding | Use unlimited labels to visually organize tasks | Tags and color coding in Zoho Projects | You cannot label or color-code tasks | No color coding (labels only) | No task labels or color coding | Labels and color coding on tasks | You can label and color-code tasks |
| Assign tasks to one or multiple teammates | Multiple assignees per task in Zoho Projects | You cannot assign tasks to multiple people | One assignee per task (no multi-assign) | Tasks can be assigned to team members | Multiple assignees per task | You can assign multiple people, but coordination is manual |
| Reuse task-level structures across projects | Task and project templates in Zoho Projects | You cannot reuse task templates | Task templates with dependencies | Project templates available | Task and project templates | You can reuse task templates |
| Control access at the individual task level | Role-based task access (no per-task granular permissions) | You cannot set permissions per task | Project-level only (no task-level) | No task-level permissions | Role-based task access control | Permissions are controlled by roles, not per-task rules |
| Prevent work from starting out of order | Task dependencies supported in Zoho Projects | You cannot link tasks together | Waiting on, Blocking, Related to | | Task dependencies with Gantt visualization | Task dependencies require Pinnacle plan ($99/month) |
| Automate repeating work with flexible schedules | Recurring tasks in Zoho Projects | You cannot create recurring tasks | Daily, weekly, monthly, milestones | | Recurring tasks supported | You can create recurring tasks |
| Add task-level fields for tracking custom details | Custom fields on tasks in Zoho Projects | | Custom fields (text and number only) | | | |
| Easily track time using timers or manual entries | Built-in time tracking in Zoho Projects only (separate from Zoho CRM and Zoho Invoice) | Basic time tracking (manual entry on desktop, stopwatch on mobile) | Timer and manual time entry | Timer and manual time entry | Built-in time tracking at project and task level | You can track time using timers or manual entry |
| Log time directly against tasks and subtasks | Task-level time tracking in Zoho Projects | Project-level only, no task-level tracking | Limited to task-level only (no subtask tracking) | Time tracked per service, not per task | | You can track time directly on tasks |
| See time spent per project and per client | Project-level time logs and rollup reports in Zoho Projects | Time tracked at project level | | Time tracked per project and client | Time tracking per project | You can track total time per project |
| Clearly separate billable and non-billable time | Billable time in Zoho Projects (not automatically connected to Zoho Invoice) | Billable time tracking available | Billable and non-billable categorization | Billable and non-billable hours supported | | You must manually define what counts as billable |
| Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps | No direct connection from Zoho Projects time logs to Zoho Invoice — separate apps require manual export | Invoice from time logs (desktop only) | One-click invoice from time entries | Time entries convert to invoices | Convert billable time to invoices | Tracked time can be invoiced with manual confirmation |
| View detailed time reports by task, project, or client | Timesheet reports in Zoho Projects | Basic time logs per project | Detailed timesheet reports | Detailed time reports available | Timesheet reports available | You can generate detailed time reports |
| See how each team member tracks their time | Team timesheets with approval workflow in Zoho Projects (Premium plan) | Team members can log time on shared projects | Per-member timesheets with locking | Team time tracking on higher plans | | You can view time logs per team member |
Create and send proposals | Create proposals clients can review, approve, and sign in one flow | No native proposal builder — requires third-party tools like Proposify or Qwilr | Smart files combine proposals and contracts | Customizable proposals with e-signatures | Estimates only (not full proposals) | Basic proposal/estimate creation (no interactive builder) | Proposals with line items and attachments |
Drag-and-drop proposal builder | Create custom, branded proposals without layout limits or code | No proposal builder in any Zoho app | You can edit sections, not free drag-and-drop) | Visual editor (no true drag-and-drop) | No visual proposal builder | No drag-and-drop proposal builder | You can edit proposals visually, but layout control is complex |
Reusable proposal templates | Reuse proven proposal layouts across clients | No native proposal templates | You can use proposal templates | Industry templates plus custom templates | Estimate templates available | Basic estimate templates (limited customization) | You can use prebuilt proposal templates |
Real-time proposal analytics | See exactly when proposals are opened and reviewed | No proposal view analytics | You can see when a proposal is viewed | | No proposal view tracking | No real-time proposal analytics | You can see status changes, not detailed viewing analytics |
Live messenger on proposals | Answer questions directly while clients review proposals | No live messenger on proposals | You cannot chat inside proposals | No live chat in proposals | | No live messenger on proposals | You cannot message clients inside proposals |
| Move from proposal to contract, invoice, or booking automatically | No proposal-to-project automation | Complete Smart Files flow | Proposal-contract link only (no scheduler) | | No proposal-specific automation | Limited proposal-to-booking flow |
Convert proposal to invoice | Create invoices directly from approved proposals | No native proposal-to-invoice conversion | Accepted proposals create invoices | Auto-generate invoice from accepted proposal | Convert estimates to invoices | Convert estimates/proposals to invoices with one click | You can convert proposals to invoices with manual steps |
| Offer upsells and add-ons directly inside proposals | No native proposal packages or add-ons | You can offer packages and add-ons | Packages with single, multi-select options | | No packages or add-ons in proposals | You can create packages using configuration rules |
Interactive pricing tables | Let clients choose options before approving | No interactive pricing tables | Pricing updates dynamically | Static pricing only (no client selection) | | No interactive pricing tables | Pricing tables exist but do not update dynamically |
Dynamic data and variables | Auto-fill proposal content with client and project data | No dynamic data variables in proposals | | Basic smart fields (limited variables) | Basic placeholders available | Dynamic variables with automatic data filling in Document Builder | You can use variables to auto-fill proposal content |
| Automatically expire proposals after a set date | No proposal expiration dates | You can set proposal expiry | Manual expiry dates (no automation) | Manual expiry dates on estimates | Expiration dates on estimates | You can set proposal expiration dates |
| | PDF export available in various Zoho apps (not proposal-specific) | You can download proposal PDFs | Basic PDF export (limited branding) | | | You can download proposals as PDFs |
| Create reusable proposal sections you can reuse on demand | No reusable proposal content blocks | You can reuse proposal sections | Reusable blocks not supported (templates only) | No reusable content blocks | No reusable content blocks | You can reuse content via templates, not blocks |
Legally binding e-signatures | Collect secure electronic signatures on proposals | Via Zoho Sign — separate paid app ($10/user/mo) | | Basic e-signatures (limited audit trail) | | No e-signatures on proposals | Clients can sign proposals online |
Custom proposal data fields | Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on | No proposal custom fields (no native proposal module) | | Text and date custom fields only | No custom proposal fields | Custom variables and fields available in Document Builder | Custom fields available with configuration |
Create and sign contracts | Create, send, and sign contracts in one continuous flow | Zoho Sign handles e-signatures (separate paid app, $10/user/mo). Zoho Contracts is a separate enterprise product | Smart files combine contracts and invoices | Legally vetted templates with e-signatures | | Contract creation via Documents Builder (Dec 2025). E-signatures not yet available | |
Drag-and-drop contract builder | Create fully custom contracts with flexible layouts, no code or formatting limits | No drag-and-drop contract builder | You cannot visually build contracts | Visual editor (no full drag-and-drop) | | Template-based Documents and Contracts Builder (Dec 2025) | Contracts use structured templates, not free-form builders |
Legally binding e-signatures | Collect secure signatures with audit trails and signer verification | Via Zoho Sign — legally binding e-signatures (separate paid app) | Contracts support legal e-signatures | Legally binding e-signatures | | No e-signatures (must use third-party) | Contracts support legally binding signatures |
Multi-signature / signees | Collect signatures from multiple people on the same contract | Multiple signers via Zoho Sign (separate app) | You can collect multiple signatures, with fixed roles | Multiple signers and recipients | | No multi-signature support | You can add multiple signers to contracts |
Reusable contract templates | Reuse contract structures to create new agreements faster | No native contract templates (Zoho Contracts is a separate enterprise product) | You can use contract templates | Industry-specific and custom templates | | Reusable document templates with on-brand designs and HTML editor | You can use predefined contract templates |
Auto-reminders automation | Automatically follow up until contracts are signed | Automated reminders via Zoho Sign (separate app) | You can send automatic reminders | Auto-reminders (stop after 16 days overdue) | | No contract auto-reminders | Signing reminders send automatically |
| Auto-fill contract content with client and project data | No dynamic variables in contracts (no native contract builder) | You can use smart fields in contracts | Basic smart fields (limited variables) | | Dynamic variables with automatic data filling from CRM and other modules | Variables auto-fill contract fields |
Contract automation triggers | Trigger automated workflows the moment a contract is signed | No contract automation triggers | Contracts can trigger workflows | Contract & proposal triggers only | | No contract automation triggers | Contracts can trigger workflows only if configured |
| See when contracts are opened and reviewed | View and sign notifications via Zoho Sign (separate app) | You receive contract notifications | Basic email notifications (no detailed tracking) | Email notifications when viewed | No contract view notifications | You receive notifications when contracts are viewed or signed |
PDF download with signature certificate | Download signed contracts with official proof of signature | Signed PDF with certificate via Zoho Sign (separate app) | You can download signed PDFs | Basic PDF download (limited certificate) | | No e-signature or signature certificates | Signed contracts can be downloaded with certificates |
Custom signer data fields | Collect structured signer information during signing | No custom signer data fields | You cannot customize signer fields | Standard fields only (name & email) | | No custom signer data fields | Signer fields are configurable with limits |
Custom contract data fields | Create custom contract data you can sort, filter, and report on | No custom contract fields (no native contract builder) | | Custom fields (contact info only) | | Custom variables available in Document Builder templates | Custom fields available with configuration |
Create invoices and get paid | Send invoices and collect payments in one connected flow | Zoho Invoice is free but limited (500 invoices/year, 2 users, Zoho branding on free plan) | Invoices with instant online payments | Invoicing with multiple payment options | Full invoicing with online payments | Create and send invoices with online payment collection | Full invoicing with payment tracking |
| Match invoices to your brand with custom logos, colors, and layout | Custom branding in Zoho Invoice (Zoho footer shown on free plan; full custom branding on paid plans) | | Limited branding (logo and colors only) | Customizable invoice branding | Branded invoices with company logo and colors | Invoices support logos, colors, and branding |
Drag and drop invoice builder | Create custom invoice layouts visually without formatting limits | Invoice builder in Zoho Invoice | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | Pre-built templates (no drag-drop) | Template-based editor only | Invoice editor (not drag-and-drop) | Visual builder but complex setup |
| Edit pricing, quantities, descriptions, and structure freely | Customizable line items in Zoho Invoice | | Line items (no advanced customization) | Fully customizable line items | Customizable line items on invoices | You can edit invoice line items |
Item or invoice discounts | Apply discounts at the item or full invoice level | Discounts on line items and invoices in Zoho Invoice | | Discounts (percentage or fixed, no tiered) | | | You can apply discounts to invoices |
| Create tax rules that match your location and use case | Tax configuration in Zoho Invoice | | Basic tax configuration (no automation) | | Tax configuration on invoices | You can configure tax rates |
| Accept bank transfers for lower-fee payments | ACH available via Stripe integration in Zoho Invoice (not direct) | You can accept bank transfers | ACH via Bonsai Payments (US, UK, CA, AU only) | ACH bank payments supported | | You can accept bank payments |
| Accept credit and debit cards instantly | Stripe payment gateway supported in Zoho Invoice | You can accept payments via Stripe | Stripe payments supported | Stripe payments supported | Stripe integration for payments | You can accept payments through Stripe |
| Collect in-person payments when needed | Square not natively supported (Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay available) | You cannot accept payments via Square | | | Square integration for online invoice payments | You cannot accept payments via Square |
| Let clients pay using PayPal | PayPal payment gateway supported in Zoho Invoice | You cannot accept payments via PayPal | PayPal payments supported | PayPal payments supported | PayPal integration for payments | You can accept payments via PayPal |
Flexible partial payments | Collect deposits and split payments across milestones | Partial payments supported in Zoho Invoice (limited configuration) | You can accept partial payments | Partial payments (manual milestone setup) | Partial payments supported | Basic partial payment support | You can accept partial payments |
| Break invoices into scheduled installments | Payment terms configurable in Zoho Invoice (no structured payment plan builder) | You can split invoices into payments | Payment plans (limited automation) | | | You can split invoices into installments |
Automated recurring invoices | Automatically send invoices on a recurring schedule | Recurring invoices and subscription billing in Zoho Invoice | You can schedule payments, not subscriptions | Weekly, biweekly, monthly, yearly recurrence | Recurring invoices supported | Basic recurring invoice support | You can schedule recurring invoices |
| Manage ongoing client subscriptions and billing | Subscription management via Zoho Subscriptions (separate app) | You cannot manage subscriptions | Recurring invoices (no subscription portal) | Retainers available on Plus plan | No subscription management | Subscriptions can be managed with setup |
Automated payment reminders | Follow up automatically until invoices are paid | Automated payment reminders in Zoho Invoice | Payment reminders send automatically | Automated reminders (stop after 16 days) | Automated late payment reminders | Automated payment reminders | Payment reminders send automatically |
Reusable invoice templates | Reuse invoice layouts without rebuilding each time | Invoice templates in Zoho Invoice | You can reuse invoice templates | Templates available (limited customization) | Invoice templates available | Reusable invoice templates | You can reuse invoice templates |
Multiple currency support | Bill clients globally in their local currency | Multi-currency support in Zoho Invoice | You can use one account currency only | Multi-currency (manual exchange rates) | | Multiple currency support | You can invoice in multiple currencies with account limits |
Invoice automation triggers | Trigger automated workflows when invoices are sent or paid | Basic automation in Zoho Invoice (limited compared to a full automation builder) | Contracts can trigger workflows | Payment & form triggers only | | Basic invoice automation (limited triggers) | Contracts can trigger workflows only if configured |
| See when invoices are opened and paid | Email notifications when invoices are viewed and paid in Zoho Invoice | You receive contract notifications | Email notifications (no real-time tracking) | Email notifications when viewed | Basic invoice view tracking | You receive notifications when contracts are viewed or signed |
Built-in expense tracking | Track project-related costs alongside invoices | Zoho Expense is a separate app (not built into Invoice or Projects) | You cannot track expenses | Expense tracking (auto-categorization via bank sync) | Full expense tracking with receipts | Built-in expense and revenue tracking with profit reports | |
| Collect upfront payments before work starts | Retainers/deposits supported in Zoho Invoice | | Deposits supported (manual collection) | Deposit invoicing supported | | You can request invoice deposits |
Auto-invoice billable time | Turn tracked time into invoices automatically | No direct connection from Zoho Projects time logs to Zoho Invoice — separate apps with no auto-billing | There is no time to convert | Time-to-invoice (manual confirmation required) | Time to invoice conversion | Convert billable time to invoices | Time can be invoiced with manual confirmation |
Custom invoice data fields | Create custom invoice data you can sort, filter, and report on | Custom fields on invoices in Zoho Invoice | | Text and date custom fields only | | Basic custom fields on invoices | Custom fields available with configuration |
Centralized unified inbox | Manage email, chat, and messages from one shared inbox | No unified inbox — Zoho Mail, Zoho Cliq, and Zoho CRM are all separate apps | Messages and emails live in one inbox | A unified client inbox is not supported | | No centralized unified inbox | Messages are grouped by module, not unified |
| Connect and manage all your email accounts in one place | Email via Zoho Mail integration (separate app) | | Send-only (no inbox sync) | | Email integration with IMAP sync (Gmail, Outlook, and more) | You can sync external email accounts |
| Add real-time chat to your website and client portals | Zoho SalesIQ provides embeddable live chat (separate app) | You cannot add live chat to your site | | | | Live chat is available via portal widgets |
| Message teammates privately without leaving your workspace | Zoho Cliq for team direct messaging (separate app) | | Direct messaging is not supported | | Built-in instant messenger with group channels, @mentions, and file sharing | Direct messages exist with limits |
Contextual project conversations | Keep conversations tied directly to the project they belong to | Conversations not natively connected to projects across separate Zoho apps | Messages are tied to projects | No in-app project messaging | Project discussions available | Comments and @mentions on projects (no dedicated conversations) | Context depends on where the message was sent |
| Create shared spaces for team-wide discussions | Team channels via Zoho Cliq (separate app) | You cannot create team channels | Team chat is not supported | | Custom user groups for targeted team communication (Focus Group Collaboration) | You cannot create team chat channels |
| Organize channels by team, topic, or workflow | Custom channels in Zoho Cliq (separate app) | Channels are not supported | | | Custom user groups by department or project team for targeted communication | |
| Notify teammates instantly inside conversations | @mentions in Zoho Cliq and within individual apps (not unified) | You cannot mention teammates | | | | @mentions work in specific areas only |
| See when messages are read | Read receipts in Zoho Cliq (separate app) | You can see when clients read messages | Read receipts are not supported | | | Read receipts are not consistently visible |
| Share files directly inside conversations | File sharing in Zoho Cliq and other Zoho apps | You can share files in messages | Share files and links in portal messages | | Content sharing in instant team chats | Files are attached to records, not chat threads |
| Collaborate on incoming emails as a team | No shared email inbox feature | | | | | Limited team email sharing |
| Access and respond to messages on mobile | Zoho Mail and Zoho Cliq have mobile apps (separate apps) | | | | | Mobile app has limited inbox features |
| Reply from your email client and keep conversations synced | No unified email-reply-to-inbox feature | Email replies sync to conversations | | | | Limited email reply support |
| Keep all client and project files in one organized place | Zoho WorkDrive for file storage and management (separate app) | Files exist per project only | Project document storage with client access | Basic file storage in projects | File storage on projects (no dedicated file manager) | You can store and manage files centrally |
Advanced folder organization | Organize files by project, client, or structure you choose | Folder organization in Zoho WorkDrive | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | Project-level only (no granular) | | Project-based file organization (no advanced folder system) | Project-based file sections |
| Control who can view or edit folders | Permission-based folder access in Zoho WorkDrive | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | Project-level only (no granular) | | Project-level permissions apply to files | |
| Group files by person when needed | Team folders in Zoho WorkDrive (no people-specific personal folders) | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | | No people-specific folders | Files are project-attached only |
| Keep files scoped to each project | Project file folders in Zoho Projects (not auto-synced with WorkDrive) | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | Project-based file sections in portal | Files organized by project | Files organized within projects | Project-based file sections |
| Preview files instantly without downloading | File previews in Zoho WorkDrive | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | | | Preview via project files |
| Capture file metadata you can sort and filter | File metadata in Zoho WorkDrive (limited custom fields) | You can add custom fields | Contact info only (no CRM fields) | | No custom file data fields | You can add custom fields across modules |
| Create and edit documents directly inside Plutio | Zoho Writer for document creation (separate app in Zoho suite) | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | No built-in document editor | | Knowledge base with rich text pages | |
Comments on files and docs | Leave comments directly on files and documents | Comments on files and docs in Zoho WorkDrive and Writer | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | No file commenting system | | Comments on knowledge base pages (not on files) | Comments on project files |
| Move, tag, or manage many files at once | Bulk actions in Zoho WorkDrive (limited operations) | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | | | |
| Find files quickly using search and filters | Search and filter in Zoho WorkDrive | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | | Basic file search within projects | Search within project files |
| Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox | Google Drive and Dropbox sync via integration (not native WorkDrive sync) | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | Dropbox and Google Drive integrations | Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive integrations | |
| Restrict access with permissions or passwords | Secure sharing with permissions in Zoho WorkDrive | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | | | Project-level sharing controls | Role-based sharing controls |
| Share files externally with controlled access | Shareable file links in Zoho WorkDrive | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | Portal sharing only (no direct file links) | | No dedicated file sharing links | Project-based sharing only |
| Let clients book meetings directly without back-and-forth emails | Zoho Bookings for appointment scheduling (separate app) | Scheduler with intake forms | Booking pages with calendar sync | | No scheduling or booking system | Scheduler with calendar sync |
| Build a fully branded, customizable booking system using a drag-and-drop editor | Custom booking page in Zoho Bookings (separate app) | Branding options are limited | Custom branding on booking pages | | | Booking pages support custom branding |
Advanced availability management | Define flexible availability rules applied automatically to bookings | Availability rules in Zoho Bookings (separate app) | You can control availability | Event types with availability windows | | No availability management | You can define availability rules |
| Add buffer time automatically between meetings | Buffer times in Zoho Bookings (separate app) | | Buffer times (no daily limits) | | | You can add buffer times to bookings |
| Create unlimited booking types with different rules and setups | Multiple service types in Zoho Bookings (separate app) | You can offer multiple session types | Custom event types with different durations | | No meeting type configuration | You can offer multiple booking types |
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook) | Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically | Google and Outlook calendar sync via Zoho Calendar | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | Calendar sync (Google and Outlook only) | Calendar sync for late payments only | No calendar sync for scheduling | |
Customizable booking confirmations | Fully customizable confirmation pages with no layout or branding limits | Booking confirmations in Zoho Bookings (separate app) | Confirmation customization is limited | Email customization (limited template control) | | | Confirmation messages have limited customization |
| Send bookers anywhere after scheduling, not just a fixed thank-you page | Redirect after booking in Zoho Bookings (separate app) | You cannot redirect after booking | Redirect supported (basic URL redirect) | | | Redirects require workflow configuration |
Booking automation triggers | Trigger automated workflows the moment a meeting is booked | Basic automation in Zoho Bookings (limited triggers) | Contracts can trigger workflows | Booking triggers (limited action types) | | | Contracts can trigger workflows only if configured |
| Send automatic reminders without manual follow-ups | Email reminders in Zoho Bookings (separate app) | Meeting reminders send automatically | Auto-reminders (email only, no SMS) | | | Meeting reminders send automatically |
Automatic timezone detection | Handle timezones automatically without manual adjustments | Timezone detection in Zoho Bookings | Timezones adjust automatically | Timezone detection (basic support) | Timezone support for invoicing | No timezone detection for booking | Timezones adjust automatically |
Paid appointments (Stripe/PayPal) | Collect payments during booking without extra steps | Paid bookings via Zoho Bookings with Stripe/PayPal integration (separate app) | Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts) | Require payment to book via Bonsai Payments or Stripe | | | Payments via integrations only |
| Build booking forms with full control over questions and layout | Custom intake questions in Zoho Bookings (separate app) | | Custom intake questions and forms on booking events | | | You can customize booking forms |
Minimum notice / daily booking limits | Set booking limits to control lead time and daily volume | Booking limits and notice periods in Zoho Bookings (separate app) | You can set booking limits | Notice periods (no per-event daily limits) | | | You can set booking limits |
Rescheduling and cancellation controls | Define flexible rules for rescheduling and cancellations | Rescheduling and cancellation in Zoho Bookings (separate app) | 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 | Workflow automation within individual Zoho apps; cross-app automation requires Zoho Flow (separate product) | AI-powered workflow builder with branching | Contract, proposal, invoice, form triggers | | Automation rules (no visual workflow builder) | Workflow automation with triggers |
| Start workflows from real events across projects, clients, and payments | Trigger-based workflows within each Zoho app (not unified across apps) | You can automate actions with workflows | Contract signed, proposal accepted, form filled | Limited payment and invoice triggers | Trigger-based automation rules | You can build trigger-based workflows |
| Run workflows on schedules you control, not fixed intervals | Scheduled workflows within individual Zoho apps | Workflows cannot repeat on a schedule | | | No schedule-based automation | Workflows can run on schedules |
| Chain multiple actions into one continuous automation | Multi-step workflows in Zoho Flow (separate product) or within individual apps | Workflows can include multiple steps | | | Multi-step business processes with stages and automated actions | You can chain multiple automation steps |
| Create conditional paths instead of one-size-fits-all flows | Conditional branching in Zoho Flow (separate product) | Branching exists, but options are limited | | | | Conditional logic is supported |
| Add precise timing between steps, down to minutes or days | Delay actions in Zoho Flow (separate product) | You can delay workflow steps | | | | |
| Create, update, or move records automatically across the system | Record creation and updates within individual Zoho apps | Creation actions are limited | Auto-create (projects and clients only) | | Create and update records via automation | Records can be created automatically with setup |
| Reorganize work automatically without manual cleanup | Record operations within individual Zoho apps | Items cannot be duplicated automatically | | | Move records (no duplicate action) | Records can be duplicated automatically |
| Automatically archive or remove records based on rules | Delete/archive within individual Zoho apps | Items cannot be deleted via automation | | | Archive records (no auto-delete) | Deletion requires safeguards and rules |
| Trigger or receive real-time events from external systems | Webhook support across Zoho apps | You cannot use APIs or webhooks | Webhooks (outgoing only, no incoming) | | | You can trigger API calls and webhooks |
| Send automated emails tied to real workflow events | Automated email sending in Zoho CRM and other apps | Workflows can send emails | Logo & colors (no custom domain) | Automated invoice and reminder emails | Send email notifications via automation | Emails can be sent automatically |
| Add notes or comments automatically where work happens | Comments automation within individual Zoho apps | You cannot post comments via automation | | | Leave comments via automation rules | Comments can be posted via workflows |
| See exactly what ran, when, and why | Automation logs within each Zoho app (not unified) | You cannot view automation logs | | | No complete automation logs | Automation activity is logged |
| Pass data between steps dynamically without manual mapping | Dynamic variables within individual Zoho apps | | | Basic invoice placeholders | | Variables work across automation |
| Run workflows that span projects, tasks, proposals, invoices, and more | No native cross-app automation — requires Zoho Flow (separate product) | Forms, bookings, and payments trigger workflows | | Clients link to invoices and projects | Basic cross-entity links (CRM to projects) | Actions can trigger across modules |
| Build fully branded forms that match your workflow and client experience | Zoho Forms for custom branded intake forms (separate app) | Questionnaires with limited styling | Branded intake and questionnaire forms | | Basic form creation (limited field types) | Form builder with file uploads |
Drag-and-drop form builder | Design forms visually with full layout control, no code required | Drag-and-drop builder in Zoho Forms (separate app) | You cannot visually build contracts | Form editor (no true drag-and-drop) | | Basic form builder (not full drag-and-drop) | Contracts use structured templates, not free-form builders |
| Reuse form structures without rebuilding from scratch | Form templates in Zoho Forms (separate app) | You cannot reuse form templates | Form templates with auto-CRM sync | | | You can reuse form templates |
| Collect structured data you can sort, filter, and report on | Custom fields in Zoho Forms (separate app) | You can add custom fields | Custom fields (limited field types) | | Limited custom field types | You can add custom fields across modules |
| Show or hide fields based on responses, not static forms | Conditional logic in Zoho Forms (separate app) | Fields cannot change based on answers | Conditional logic (limited complexity) | | No conditional logic in forms | Fields can change based on answers |
Instant email notifications | Get notified immediately when forms are submitted | Email notifications on form submission in Zoho Forms | You can email on submission | Email notifications (no customization) | | Email notifications on form submission | Notifications can send on submission |
| Trigger automated workflows when a form is submitted | Basic automation on submission in Zoho Forms (cross-app via Zoho Flow) | Contracts can trigger workflows | Basic automation triggers (limited actions) | | Basic form automation (limited triggers) | Contracts can trigger workflows only if configured |
| Embed forms anywhere without layout restrictions | Embeddable forms via Zoho Forms (separate app) | | Embed via iframe (limited styling control) | | | Forms can be embedded on websites |
Advanced field preferences | Control required, hidden, and default field behavior | Advanced field options in Zoho Forms | | | | No advanced field preferences | Field behavior options are limited |
Comprehensive field types | Collect text, files, dates, selections, and more | Wide range of field types in Zoho Forms | | | | Basic field types (text, number, date, dropdown) | Most common field types are available |
| Collect legally binding signatures directly inside forms | Signature field via Zoho Sign integration in Zoho Forms (separate app) | Forms can include signatures | E-signature field (basic, no advanced options) | | No signature field in forms | Forms can include signatures |
| Accept file uploads as part of form submissions | File upload fields in Zoho Forms | | Clients can upload files to projects | | File upload field available | |
Redirect after submission | Send submitters to a custom next step, not a fixed thank-you page | Redirect after submission in Zoho Forms | You cannot redirect after submit | | | No redirect after form submission | Redirects after submission are supported |
| Manage contacts and companies in one connected system | Full CRM with contacts, leads, and deals in Zoho CRM | Pipeline with AI lead prioritization | CRM with Deals pipeline for leads | Client management included | CRM with pipeline management, lead tracking, and deal stages | Full CRM with lead portals |
| Track organizations, not just individual contacts | Account/company management in Zoho CRM | Companies exist, but contacts come first | Companies (basic info only, no hierarchy) | Client records only (no companies) | Organization and company management in CRM | You can group contacts into companies |
Custom contact data fields | Collect and manage structured contact data you define | Custom fields on contacts in Zoho CRM | | Custom fields (text and select only) | | Custom fields on contacts | CRM fields are customizable |
Complete activity timeline | See every interaction with a client in one place | Activity timeline within Zoho CRM (not unified across all Zoho apps) | You can see full activity history | Activity log (projects and invoices only) | Client activity history available | Activity timeline on contacts and deals | Activity history exists across modules |
Contacts labeling and grouping | Organize contacts flexibly without rigid pipelines | Tags and segmentation in Zoho CRM | You can tag and segment contacts | Tags (no advanced segmentation) | | Contact tags and segmentation | Contacts can be tagged and segmented |
Comprehensive knowledge base | Create an internal wiki for processes, docs, and guides | Zoho Wiki for knowledge base (separate app) | You cannot create an internal wiki | | | Built-in knowledge base (wiki) with rich text pages | You can create internal knowledge bases |
Beautiful rich text pages | Write structured, formatted content without complexity | Rich text pages in Zoho Wiki (separate app) | Not supported (requires integration) | | | Rich text editor for wiki pages | |
| Build deep knowledge hierarchies without limits | Nested pages in Zoho Wiki (separate app, limited depth) | Not supported (requires integration) | | | Nested page structure in knowledge base | |
Granular page permissions | Control exactly who can view or edit each page | Page permissions in Zoho Wiki (separate app) | Not supported (requires integration) | | | Basic page permissions (project-level, not per-page) | |
Custom dashboards and pages | Build dashboards around what matters to you, not fixed metrics | Custom dashboards within individual Zoho apps (no unified cross-app dashboard) | HoneyBook does not have custom dashboards | Dashboard (fixed layout, no customization) | | Customizable dashboards with widgets | |
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder | Design dashboards visually with full layout control | Dashboard builder within Zoho Analytics (separate app) | Limited dashboard widgets | Pre-configured widgets only | No custom dashboard builder | Drag-and-drop dashboard builder | Widget-based, no drag-drop |
| Visualize data with customizable charts | Chart widgets in Zoho Analytics and individual app dashboards | | Charts (revenue and time only) | Financial charts available | | |
| Track key numbers without manual reporting | Metrics/KPI widgets in Zoho Analytics | | Metrics (revenue and project totals only) | Key financial metrics displayed | | |
| Monitor progress toward defined goals | Goals tracking in Zoho CRM (no unified goals widget across apps) | Not supported (requires integration) | | | | |
| Add contextual notes directly to dashboards | Notes within individual Zoho apps (no unified notes dashboard widget) | Not supported (requires integration) | | | Text widgets (not dedicated notes) | |
| View upcoming events alongside work and metrics | Calendar view in individual apps (not a unified dashboard widget) | | Calendar widget (upcoming tasks only) | | Calendar widget on dashboard | Limited calendar integration |
| Track revenue and expenses in the same view | Financial reports in Zoho Invoice and Zoho Analytics (separate apps) | Revenue & invoice tracking | Revenue tracking (invoices only, no expenses) | Comprehensive financial widgets | Financial overview widgets (revenue, expenses, profit) | |
| Run the entire platform under your brand | No white-label — Zoho branding visible on free Invoice plan; full removal requires enterprise/developer plans | HoneyBook branding, not white-label | Documents and portal only (no admin theming) | Branding on invoices only | White-label available on Ultimate plan (custom pricing) | Full white-label with custom domains |
| Apply your brand colors across the system | No custom interface theming | Color themes on Deliver+ (no Free plan theme customization) | No admin interface theming | No interface customization | Basic theme customization (Advanced plan and above) | UI theme options are limited |
| Fine-tune styling beyond basic theming | | You cannot apply custom CSS | | | No custom CSS or stylesheet | Custom CSS is supported with constraints |
Custom login/signup pages | Use branded authentication pages instead of generic screens | No custom login or signup pages | Login pages cannot be customized | Branded login (fixed layout) | | Custom branding on login (Ultimate plan) | Login and signup pages can be customized |
| Send all system emails with your branding | Custom email branding in Zoho Invoice and CRM (Zoho footer shown on free plans) | You can brand outgoing emails | Logo in emails (no custom templates) | Logo on emails (Premium only) | Email branding (Ultimate plan) | |
| Use your own fonts throughout the platform | No custom brand font uploads | You cannot use custom fonts | | | | Font selection is limited |
| Replace all platform logos with your own | Logo upload available in individual Zoho apps | | Logo (documents and portal only) | | Custom logo/branding from Free plan for invoices; full white-labeling on Ultimate plan | |
| Run everything on your own domain | No custom domain for client portal | Not supported (requires integration) | | | Custom domain (Ultimate plan, custom pricing per user) | |
| Send emails from your own email infrastructure | Custom SMTP available in Zoho CRM and Zoho Mail (separate configuration per app) | Not supported (requires integration) | | | Custom email available on Ultimate plan (custom domain and email) | |
| Embed Plutio directly into your website or product | No full workspace embedding | Not supported (requires integration) | | | | |
| Shape the platform to match how your business works | Customizable within each Zoho app (not a unified workspace setup) | HoneyBook has fixed workspace | No workspace customization | Fixed workspace structure | Customizable workspace with modules | |
| Add, remove, or reorder navigation items freely | No main menu editor (separate app navigation per Zoho product) | You cannot customize navigation | Fixed menu (no customization) | | Configurable sidebar (limited menu editing) | Navigation can be rearranged with setup |
| Show different navigation for different roles | No user-based menu customization | Menus are the same for all users | | Fixed menus for all users | No user-based menu configuration | Menus depend on assigned roles |
| Create role types beyond preset permissions | Custom roles and profiles in Zoho CRM and other Zoho apps | You cannot define custom roles | 4 fixed roles (no custom) | | Custom user roles with permissions | You can define custom roles |
Advanced user permissions | Control access at a granular level | Role-based permissions in Zoho CRM and across Zoho apps | Permissions are not configurable | Project permissions (no granular control) | | Granular user permissions | Permissions can be configured in detail |
| Support enterprise-grade single sign-on | SSO via Zoho One (requires separate Zoho One subscription) | | Email & password login only | | SSO on Ultimate plan only | SSO is available on higher plans |
| Integrate with external systems without lock-in | Zapier, Zoho Flow, and native integrations across 45+ Zoho apps | | Integrations (Zapier and Make only) | 100+ integrations available | Integrations with Stripe, PayPal, Google, Slack, and more | Native integrations via API |
| Connect to thousands of apps without custom code | Zapier integration available for Zoho apps | You can connect HoneyBook to Zapier | Zapier (limited triggers and actions) | | No Zapier integration (uses Make.com, Pabbly Connect, and Apix Drive instead) | Zapier can connect to SuiteDash |
| Build advanced automation scenarios visually | Make.com integration available for Zoho apps | You cannot connect via Make | Make.com (limited modules) | | Full Make.com integration available | Make can connect to SuiteDash |
| Connect services without usage-based limits | Pabbly Connect integration available for Zoho apps | You cannot connect via Pabbly | | | Pabbly Connect integration available | Pabbly can connect using API |
| Build custom integrations with full system access | REST API available across Zoho apps | | REST API (read-only, limited endpoints) | | | You can access a REST API |
Incoming & outgoing webhooks | Send and receive real-time events | Webhooks supported across Zoho apps | | Webhooks (outgoing only, limited events) | | | |
| Access your business from native mobile apps | iOS and Android apps available for most Zoho apps (CRM, Projects, Invoice, and more) | Full-featured iOS and Android apps | Mobile apps (iOS and Android, limited features) | | Mobile apps for iOS and Android | Mobile-responsive, no native apps |
| | iOS apps available for Zoho CRM, Projects, Invoice, and more | You can use HoneyBook on iOS | iOS app (basic features only) | | | Mobile app exists with limited functionality |
| Full-featured Android app | Android apps available for Zoho CRM, Projects, Invoice, and more | You can use HoneyBook on Android | Android app (basic features only) | Full Android app available | | Android app exists with limited functionality |
| Native macOS app for desktop workflows | Web-based primarily; some Zoho apps have Mac desktop wrappers | | | | No Mac desktop app (web-only + mobile) | No native Mac desktop app exists |
| Native Windows app for desktop workflows | Web-based primarily; some Zoho apps have Windows desktop wrappers | | Web only (no Windows app) | | No Windows desktop app (web-only + mobile) | No native Windows desktop app exists |
