17hats vs HoneyBook: Full Comparison (2026)

17hats vs HoneyBook: two client management platforms that handle intake but leave tasks, timelines, and time tracking to other apps.

Freelancers and small service businesses need proposals, contracts, invoicing, and some way to manage tasks, track hours, and organize files. Both platforms cover proposals, contracts, and invoicing, but neither has Kanban boards, task dependencies, or file management, so tasks, timelines, and time tracking still happen in Trello, Asana, or a spreadsheet, and data gets copied between tools manually.

17hats bundles CRM, proposals, contracts, invoicing, scheduling, and basic time tracking into one subscription. The flat $60/month covers all features for solo users, but there are no team features at all, integrations are limited to a handful of apps, the interface has not been visually updated in years, and Kanban boards or Gantt charts do not exist.

HoneyBook combines proposals, contracts, and invoicing into one interactive document. but task-level time tracking, file organization, and API access are all missing, and per-user pricing on higher tiers makes team scaling expensive.

Plutio does everything 17hats and HoneyBook do, plus Kanban boards, task-level time tracking that flows into invoices, a white-labeled client portal on a custom domain, and unlimited team members on every plan. If proposals, project completion, and billing need to live in one connected workflow... Plutio handles the full lifecycle in one platform.

Last updated February 2026

4.6

Quick comparison (TLDR)

17hats is a flat-rate platform that bundles CRM, proposals, contracts, invoicing, scheduling, forms, and basic time tracking into a single $60/month plan ($50/month annual). Solo freelancers get every feature at one price with no per-user fees. But the platform only supports solo use, so team features, Kanban boards, and most third-party integrations are missing.

HoneyBook focuses on client-facing documents with smart files that combine proposals, contracts, and invoicing into one interactive experience. Automation workflows trigger follow-ups and reminders without manual intervention. But pricing scales with users ($36-129/month depending on tier), and task-level time tracking, file management, and API access are missing entirely.

Key differences at a glance

Pricing model: 17hats charges a flat $60/month for everything. HoneyBook starts at $36/month (Starter) but limits features per tier, and the Premium plan costs $129/month for full access.
Team support: 17hats supports solo users only, with no team collaboration features. HoneyBook supports teams on the Premium plan with unlimited members, but per-seat pricing applies on lower tiers.
Proposals: 17hats has a basic proposal builder with line items. HoneyBook uses smart files that let clients view proposals, sign contracts, and pay invoices from one interactive document.
Automation: 17hats has workflow templates that trigger actions like follow-up emails and status changes. HoneyBook has automation workflows with conditional logic and branching, but only on the Essentials tier ($59/month) and above.
Time tracking: 17hats includes basic time tracking as an add-on ($5/month). HoneyBook has no built-in time tracking at all. Neither platform connects tracked hours to invoice line items automatically.
Scheduling: 17hats includes basic appointment scheduling. HoneyBook's scheduler supports session types, buffer times, and calendar sync on Essentials and above.

The verdict? 17hats includes everything at a flat rate, but has no team features, no Kanban boards, and a dated interface. HoneyBook has smart files and automation, but per-tier pricing means the best features cost $59-129/month, time tracking is missing entirely, and the portal shows HoneyBook branding. If one platform needs to handle proposals, project management with Kanban boards, task-level time tracking, and invoicing without per-user fees, Plutio covers the full workflow for $19/month.

Tired of switching between apps?

There's a third option

Kanban boards, task-level time tracking, white-labeled client portals, and invoicing with no per-user fees. All in one platform for $19/month.

No credit card required

Plutio - Your entire business, one login away

4.6/5 Rating

4.4/5 Rating

4.6/5 Rating

4.7/5 Rating

Setup and getting started

A new freelancer signs up and wants to send their first proposal to a client. How long does setup take, and how much configuration is needed before the platform is usable?

17hats

Everything included from day one, but configuration takes time. 17hats gives access to every feature immediately: CRM, proposals, contracts, invoicing, scheduling, forms, and workflows. The 7-day free trial covers everything. But the interface has more menus and settings than most competitors, and most users report spending 2-3 days configuring their workspace before sending the first proposal. Templates exist for common document types, but customization options are limited compared to newer platforms. The dashboard shows pending items and overdue tasks, but there is no onboarding wizard or guided setup, so new users navigate the interface through trial and error.

Every feature available immediately
7-day free trial with full access
CRM, invoicing, and scheduling built in
Interface has a steeper learning curve
No guided onboarding wizard
Setup takes 2-3 days for most users

HoneyBook

Guided onboarding, but full features require higher tiers. HoneyBook walks new users through account setup with a step-by-step wizard that covers branding, payment setup, and the first smart file. Most users send their first proposal within 1-2 hours of signing up. The smart file format combines proposals, contracts, and invoices into one interactive document that clients can view, sign, and pay from a single link. The 7-day trial plus 60-day money-back guarantee gives more time to evaluate. The catch: the Starter plan ($36/month) limits features like automation and reporting, so the full experience requires the Essentials ($59/month) or Premium tier ($129/month).

Guided onboarding wizard
First proposal sent within 1-2 hours
Smart files combine proposals, contracts, invoices
Full features locked behind higher tiers
Starter plan limits automation and reporting

Proposals and contracts

A client asks for a quote with clear terms and a signature line. Can the platform produce a proposal and binding contract without hours of formatting work?

17hats

Functional proposals with separate contract handling. 17hats builds proposals with line items, descriptions, and payment terms. Contracts are separate documents with e-signature support. Clients receive a link, review the proposal, then sign the contract and make a payment. The workflow is linear but requires separate steps, and the proposal templates cover standard service businesses without much design customization. There is no way to let clients select between package options or adjust quantities within the proposal itself. For straightforward fixed-price services, the proposal-to-contract flow works. For complex quotes with multiple deliverable options, the formatting restrictions slow things down.

Proposals with line items and payment terms
E-signature on contracts
Client signs and pays from one link
Proposals and contracts are separate documents
Limited design customization
No interactive package selection for clients

HoneyBook

Smart files merge proposals, contracts, and payments. HoneyBook's main differentiator is the smart file format. Proposals, contracts, and invoicing combine into one interactive document. Clients view the scope, sign the contract, and pay the deposit from a single page without switching between tabs or documents. The templates cover creative industries like photography, design, and event planning. Customization on Essentials and above includes brand colors, logos, and custom sections. The limitation: the Starter plan restricts template customization, and there is no way to create truly dynamic proposals where clients configure their own package from a menu of options.

Smart files combine proposals, contracts, and invoices
Client signs and pays from one document
Templates for creative industries included
Full customization requires Essentials tier or above
No client-configurable package builder

Invoicing and payments

The work is done, and the invoice needs to go out. Can the platform handle different billing models, process payments, and follow up on overdue invoices without manual effort?

17hats

Invoicing included with automatic reminders. 17hats handles invoicing on the single plan with the ability to create invoices from proposals or from scratch. Payment reminders go out automatically when invoices are overdue. Clients pay through integrated payment processing (credit card and ACH), and 17hats does not add platform fees on top of the processor's rates. Recurring invoices can be set on a schedule. The invoicing works for standard billing cycles, but there is no way to create invoices directly from tracked time without manual data entry. For hourly workers billing 20+ hours per week, the disconnect between time logs and invoices adds 15-20 minutes per billing cycle.

Invoicing with automatic payment reminders
Credit card and ACH payment processing
No platform fees on top of processor rates
Recurring invoice scheduling
No automatic time-to-invoice flow
Manual data entry for hourly billing

HoneyBook

Invoicing tied to smart files with multiple payment options. HoneyBook connects invoicing to the smart file workflow. An invoice can be part of the same document as the proposal and contract, so clients see the full context when paying. Payment processing supports credit cards (2.9% + $0.25), ACH/bank transfer (1.5%), and checks. Auto-reminders follow up on unpaid invoices. The Essentials plan adds QuickBooks Online integration for accounting sync. The catch: invoice design options are rigid compared to dedicated invoicing tools, and there is no way to generate invoices from tracked hours because HoneyBook has no time tracking at all. Platforms with task-level time tracking convert tracked hours directly into invoice line items.

Invoicing within smart files
Multiple payment methods (card, ACH, check)
Auto-reminders for unpaid invoices
QuickBooks integration on Essentials+
No time tracking, so no time-to-invoice flow
Rigid invoice design options

Scheduling and calendar

Clients need to book calls, consultations, or sessions. Can the platform handle scheduling without adding Calendly or Acuity as another subscription?

17hats

Basic scheduling with online booking. 17hats includes appointment scheduling with shareable booking links. Clients pick from available time slots, and the appointment appears on the 17hats calendar. Confirmation and reminder emails go out automatically. The scheduling covers the basics for solo service providers: one-on-one appointments, buffer times between meetings, and calendar sync. But session types (like 30-minute vs 60-minute consultations on the same booking page) are missing, group booking is not supported, and intake forms cannot be attached to the scheduling flow. For freelancers who only need basic appointment booking, the built-in scheduler removes the need for a separate tool. For anyone with multiple service types or complex availability rules, Calendly or Acuity typically runs alongside.

Shareable booking links
Automatic confirmations and reminders
Calendar sync
No multiple session types
No group booking
No intake forms attached to scheduling

HoneyBook

Session types and branding, but customization locked behind higher tiers. HoneyBook's scheduler supports multiple session types on the same booking page, so clients choose between a 15-minute intro call and a 60-minute consultation without needing separate links. Buffer times between sessions prevent back-to-back overload. Calendar sync works with Google Calendar and iCal. The scheduling page carries the business brand on Essentials and above. The Starter plan includes scheduling but limits some customization. HoneyBook also connects scheduling to the CRM, so a booked session automatically creates a client record and can trigger an automation workflow. For service businesses that book 10+ sessions per week, the connected flow between scheduling, CRM, and automation reduces the manual steps between booking and follow-up.

Multiple session types on one page
Buffer times between sessions
Scheduling connected to CRM and automation
Branded booking page on Essentials+
Customization limited on Starter plan
No group booking

CRM and client management

As the client list grows past 20-30 active relationships, tracking who needs follow-up, which invoices are pending, and where each project stands becomes critical. How does each platform handle client data?

17hats

Contact management with lead capture forms. 17hats includes a CRM that tracks contacts, lead sources, and interaction history. Custom lead inquiry forms can be embedded on a website to capture prospect information and trigger automatic responses. The CRM connects to proposals, contracts, and invoices, so each contact shows their full document history. Pipeline tracking is basic: contacts move through stages, but there is no visual pipeline board or drag-and-drop interface. For solo freelancers managing 10-30 clients, the contact list with linked documents is enough. For anyone tracking leads through multiple stages with different follow-up sequences, the CRM feels limited compared to dedicated tools.

Contact management with lead capture forms
Automatic responses to new leads
Full document history per contact
No visual pipeline board
Basic pipeline stage tracking
Limited follow-up sequence options

HoneyBook

Visual pipeline with automation triggers. HoneyBook's CRM shows clients in a visual pipeline view where contacts move through stages like inquiry, proposal sent, contract signed, and project active. The pipeline connects to automation workflows, so moving a client to a new stage can trigger emails, tasks, or document sends. Client profiles show every interaction, document, and payment in one timeline. The CRM also includes lead source tracking and basic reporting on conversion rates. The limitation: the pipeline is not customizable beyond the default stages on the Starter plan. Custom stages and detailed reporting require Essentials or above. For service businesses that need to see the full client journey from inquiry to payment, HoneyBook's CRM uses drag-and-drop pipeline stages and automation triggers, while 17hats uses a list-based approach. But custom stages and detailed reporting require Essentials or above.

Visual pipeline with drag-and-drop stages
Automation triggers on stage changes
Full client timeline with all interactions
Lead source and conversion tracking
Custom stages require Essentials+
Detailed reporting locked behind higher tiers

Project management and workflow

The contract is signed and the deposit is paid. Now tasks, deadlines, and deliverables need tracking. Can the platform handle that without opening a separate project management app?

17hats

No real project management. 17hats does not have a project management module. Task boards, task lists tied to projects, Gantt charts, and deliverable tracking against deadlines are all missing from the platform. The closest feature is a to-do list on the dashboard, but tasks are not connected to specific clients or projects. Once the contract is signed and the deposit paid, tasks, deadlines, and progress tracking move to another app entirely. Most 17hats users run Trello, Asana, or a spreadsheet alongside for project tracking. The disconnect means project updates, client communications, and billing live in separate systems with no automatic connection between them.

No task management within projects
No Kanban boards or visual workflow
No Gantt charts or timeline views
No task dependencies or subtasks
Tasks, timelines, and time tracking happen in a separate app

HoneyBook

Basic task tracking but no Kanban boards, timelines, or dependencies. HoneyBook includes a task feature that creates to-do items tied to projects. Tasks have due dates and can trigger reminders. But the tasks are checklist-style items rather than a real project management system. Kanban boards for visual workflow, Gantt charts for timeline planning, task dependencies that automatically reschedule when something slips, and subtasks for breaking complex deliverables into steps are all absent. For a one-week branding project, the task checklist is enough. For a 3-month website build or ongoing retainer work with multiple phases, a separate project management tool still runs alongside. Platforms with built-in Kanban boards and timeline views handle tasks, time tracking, and invoicing in the same system.

Tasks with due dates tied to projects
Task reminders and notifications
No Kanban boards
No Gantt charts
No task dependencies or subtasks
Checklist-style, not real project management

Client communication and branding

When clients check on project status, review documents, or pay invoices, whose brand do they see? Custom branding builds trust, especially for premium services where the client experience is part of the value.

17hats

Client portal with limited branding. 17hats has a client portal where clients view proposals, contracts, invoices, and appointment details. Email communication syncs to the CRM, so interactions are logged against client records. But the portal carries 17hats branding, and there is no custom domain option. Clients see the 17hats interface rather than a fully branded experience. For freelancers positioning as premium services, having clients interact with a third-party branded portal instead of their own business undercuts the brand positioning. The email integration handles conversation tracking, but the client-facing experience does not feel like an extension of the freelancer's brand.

Client portal for documents and invoices
Email sync to CRM
17hats branding on portal
No custom domain
No white-labeling option

HoneyBook

Branded documents with some portal limitations. HoneyBook allows adding brand colors, logos, and custom fonts to smart files, proposals, and invoices on the Essentials plan and above. The client experience when receiving and interacting with documents carries more brand customization than 17hats. But the portal URL still shows HoneyBook's domain, and full white-labeling does not exist. The Starter plan has limited branding customization. For agencies and freelancers who need clients to see only their business brand throughout the entire experience, neither platform delivers true white-labeling. Platforms like Plutio support custom domains with complete brand removal, so clients only see the service provider's business throughout the portal.

Brand colors, logos, and fonts on documents
Brand colors and fonts on client-facing documents
Portal URL shows HoneyBook's domain
No full white-labeling
Branding customization limited on Starter

Skip the comparison?

Get proposals, projects, and billing in one app

17hats and HoneyBook handle client intake. Plutio handles the entire workflow: proposals, Kanban boards, task-level time tracking, invoicing, and white-labeled client portals.

No credit card required

4.6/5 Rating

4.4/5 Rating

4.6/5 Rating

4.7/5 Rating

17hats vs HoneyBook pricing breakdown

17hats and HoneyBook use very different pricing models. 17hats charges a flat monthly rate with one plan that includes everything. HoneyBook uses tiered pricing that locks features behind more expensive plans.

17hats Pricing (2026)

Single plan: $60/month ($50/month annual, $33/month on bi-yearly). Includes CRM, proposals, contracts, invoicing, scheduling, forms, workflows, and a client portal. Everything in one subscription.
Add-ons: Time tracking, bank connections, extra users, or multiple brands cost $5-10/month each.
No free plan. 7-day free trial with full access.

HoneyBook Pricing (2026)

Starter: $36/month ($29/month annual). Basic CRM, smart files, invoicing, and scheduling. Limited automation and reporting.
Essentials: $59/month ($49/month annual). Adds automation workflows, QuickBooks integration, expense tracking, reports, branding removal, and 2 team members.
Premium: $129/month ($109/month annual). Unlimited team members, multiple companies, full reporting, priority support, and dedicated onboarding specialist.
No free plan. 7-day trial plus 60-day money-back guarantee.

The real cost: what solo freelancers actually pay

For a solo freelancer, 17hats costs $60/month for everything (or $50/month annual). HoneyBook Starter costs $36/month, but automation and reporting are not included, so most users upgrade to Essentials at $59/month. The prices are close for solo use. The gap widens with supplementary tools:

Project management: Trello Free or Asana Starter ($0-11/month)
Time tracking: Toggl or Harvest ($0-12/month)
Dedicated accounting: QuickBooks or Wave ($0-25/month)

A typical multi-tool stack runs $80-130/month for a solo freelancer. All-in-one platforms like Plutio start at $19/month for solo users with proposals, projects, time tracking, and invoicing in one subscription with no per-user fees.

The verdict: 17hats is simpler: one plan, one price, everything included. HoneyBook is cheaper at the Starter tier but requires upgrading for automation and team features. Both require supplementary tools for managing tasks and tracking hours, which inflates the total cost beyond the sticker price.

Which tool fits your business type?

The core difference between 17hats and HoneyBook comes down to whether flat-rate simplicity or a combined proposal-contract-invoice format matters more for a specific type of service business.

Solo freelancers with simple workflows

17hats charges a flat $60/month for everything, so there is no tier decision. But the interface takes longer to learn, team features do not exist, and Kanban boards are missing entirely. The flat $60/month includes every feature, so there is no decision about which plan to pick. For a freelance writer or consultant who sends 5-10 proposals per month, invoices on project completion, and needs basic scheduling, 17hats covers the basics without per-feature pricing. The trade-off: the interface takes longer to learn, and the lack of team features means growth beyond solo work requires a platform change.

Creative freelancers (photographers, designers, event planners)

HoneyBook targets this audience with smart files. The smart file format merges proposals, contracts, and invoices into one document, and the templates target creative industries. Photographers and event planners who send 15-20 proposals per month get the combined proposal-contract-invoice format, but per-user pricing means bringing on a second shooter or assistant increases the monthly bill. The automation on Essentials ($59/month) handles follow-up sequences and payment reminders, but requires the higher-priced tier.

Hourly consultants and coaches

Neither platform supports hourly billing natively. 17hats has basic time tracking as a $5/month add-on, but tracked hours do not flow into invoices automatically. HoneyBook has no time tracking at all. Consultants billing 20-40 hours per week need a separate tool like Toggl or Harvest for time logging, then manual transfer of totals into invoices. Platforms with task-level time tracking that connects directly to invoicing handle hourly billing without the manual step.

Growing teams (2-5 people)

HoneyBook's Premium plan ($129/month) supports unlimited team members, which 17hats does not offer at all. 17hats has no team features at all, so adding even one team member means switching platforms entirely. But HoneyBook's team tools are limited compared to dedicated project management platforms, with role-based permissions, contractor-specific access levels, and shared project dashboards all missing. For teams that need real collaboration alongside client management, dedicated all-in-one platforms handle both.

Service businesses with high client volume

HoneyBook's automation workflows handle high-volume client intake without manual effort. When a new inquiry comes in, automation can send a welcome email, create a project, and trigger a follow-up sequence. 17hats has workflow templates that automate some steps, but the automation is less visual and harder to configure. For businesses processing 30+ new clients per month, HoneyBook's automation reduces the admin per client from 15-20 minutes to under 5 minutes.

What both tools are missing

17hats and HoneyBook both handle proposals, contracts, and invoicing well. But once the contract is signed and the first task kicks off, most users find themselves opening two or three other apps to manage tasks, track hours, and organize files.

Project management stops at checklists

17hats has no project management features at all. HoneyBook has basic task checklists tied to projects. Neither platform has Kanban boards for visual workflow, Gantt charts for timeline planning, subtasks with nesting, or task dependencies that automatically reschedule when something slips. For a one-day photoshoot, a checklist is enough. For a 3-month website build with multiple phases and client approvals, a separate project management tool runs alongside, and project details get copied between systems manually.

No task-level time tracking

17hats offers basic time tracking as a paid add-on ($5/month), but the tracking is project-level only. HoneyBook has no time tracking at all. Neither platform lets users see which specific task consumed the hours, set different rates per task type, or generate invoices automatically from tracked time. Consultants who bill 20+ hours per week end up using Toggl or Harvest alongside, then manually copying totals into invoices. The manual transfer takes 15-30 minutes per billing cycle and introduces errors when numbers get copied incorrectly between systems.

No white-labeled client portal

Neither platform offers true white-labeling. 17hats' client portal shows 17hats branding with no custom domain. HoneyBook allows brand customization on documents but the portal URL still shows HoneyBook's domain. For agencies and freelancers whose brand experience is part of the value they deliver, clients seeing third-party branding undercuts the positioning. Platforms like Plutio support fully branded portals where clients see only the service provider's business on a custom domain.

No file management system

Neither platform has a dedicated file management system. Documents are attached to projects or clients, but an organized file structure, version control, and a file sharing portal where clients can upload deliverables or review materials are all missing. Most users end up sharing files through Google Drive or Dropbox, adding another tool to the stack. Platforms with built-in file management keep project files organized alongside tasks and invoices.

Limited integrations

17hats connects to a handful of apps, primarily payment processors and calendar tools. HoneyBook has more integrations including QuickBooks, Zapier, and calendar sync, but the ecosystem is still smaller than platforms like monday.com or Asana. For freelancers who use Google Workspace, Slack, and accounting software, the lack of native connections means manual data transfer or paying for Zapier as a bridge.

What users do when neither tool is enough

When 17hats or HoneyBook cannot handle the full workflow alone, users take one of two paths: build a multi-tool stack and accept the manual handoffs, or move to a platform designed for the complete client lifecycle.

The typical workaround stack

Most users end up assembling something like this:

17hats or HoneyBook for proposals, contracts, and invoicing ($36-60/month)
Trello, Asana, or ClickUp for project management ($0-25/month)
Toggl, Clockify, or Harvest for time tracking ($0-12/month)
Google Drive or Dropbox for file sharing ($0-15/month)
QuickBooks or Wave for accounting ($0-25/month)

That is four or five subscriptions totaling $60-140/month for a solo freelancer, with multiple logins and constant manual data transfer between each tool.

The hidden cost: time spent on handoffs

The subscription cost is the visible expense. The hidden cost is the workflow friction. When a contract gets signed in HoneyBook, someone has to manually create a project in Asana, set up a time tracking entry in Toggl, then copy completed hours into an invoice when the work is done. Each handoff takes 5-15 minutes. Across 15-20 clients per year, that is 25-40 hours annually spent on data transfer that software should handle automatically.

The one-platform path

All-in-one platforms exist that handle proposals, project management, time tracking, and invoicing in a single system. The question is whether learning a new interface is worth the effort versus maintaining an existing multi-tool setup. For users who have invested time customizing 17hats workflows or building HoneyBook smart file templates, migration feels like starting over. For users already juggling four apps and spending hours on handoffs, switching to one platform can recover 2-4 hours per week.

What one platform looks like in practice

If that sounds worth exploring: Plutio is one platform that covers the complete workflow. Proposals convert into projects with Kanban boards. Time tracking happens at the task level and flows directly into invoice line items. Clients access a portal on a custom domain, not the software vendor's. The comparison table below shows exactly where Plutio fills the gaps that 17hats and HoneyBook leave open.

Final verdict: 17hats vs HoneyBook

17hats and HoneyBook both cover freelance client intake: proposals, contracts, and invoicing. The differences emerge in pricing simplicity, client-facing experience, and what happens after the contract is signed.

17hats makes sense when:

Flat-rate pricing matters more than interface design. The single $60/month plan includes everything, but the interface has not been updated in years and takes 2-3 days to configure.
Solo operation is the long-term plan. 17hats supports one person only, so any growth beyond solo means migrating to a different platform.
Lead capture forms are a priority. 17hats' embeddable forms capture leads and trigger responses, but follow-up sequences are basic compared to dedicated CRM tools.
Budget predictability outweighs feature depth. One price with no surprises, but no Kanban boards, no task dependencies, and limited integrations.

HoneyBook makes sense when:

Smart files matter more than project management depth. HoneyBook combines proposals, contracts, and invoicing into one document, but time tracking, file management, and API access are all missing.
Automation is worth the price jump. HoneyBook's automation builder handles follow-ups and stage changes, but requires the Essentials plan ($59/month) or above.
The team is growing beyond solo. HoneyBook Premium ($129/month) supports unlimited team members, but per-tier pricing on lower plans means adding team members requires upgrading.
Mobile access matters more than feature depth. HoneyBook's mobile app covers proposal creation and client communication, but time tracking and project management are missing on every plan.

Consider a unified platform if:

Managing three or more tools to run the client workflow is eating into productive hours every week.
Manual data transfer between proposals, projects, time tracking, and invoicing creates errors or delays billing.
Projects are complex enough to need Kanban boards, timelines, or task dependencies, not just checklists.
The brand requires clients to see a custom domain and logo, not the software vendor's branding.
The business needs task-level time tracking that converts directly into invoice line items.

The reality: Switching means learning a new system and migrating existing data. For most users, migration takes a focused weekend. The ongoing time savings typically recover that investment within a month.

The bottom line: 17hats offers flat-rate simplicity with everything included for solo freelancers. HoneyBook combines proposals, contracts, and invoicing into smart files with automation. Both handle intake but stop there. Task management, time tracking, and file management happen in other apps. If the workflow already spans multiple tools and the handoffs between them feel like wasted time, the comparison table below shows how Plutio stacks up against both.

Research and sources

This comparison is based on official documentation review, pricing page verification, and analysis of user feedback across review platforms. All data was verified in February 2026.

Research methodology

Each tool was evaluated through official feature documentation, pricing pages, and analysis of user reviews across Capterra, G2, GetApp, and TrustRadius. The focus was on common pain points from lower-rated reviews where users share honest limitations rather than promotional praise.

Platform ratings (February 2026)

17hats: 4.4/5 on Capterra (133 reviews), 4.3/5 on GetApp. No active G2 listing. Praised for all-in-one value and automation, criticized for pricing increases, interface complexity, and limited support channels.
HoneyBook: 4.5/5 on G2 (600+ reviews), 4.7/5 on Capterra (800+ reviews). Praised for smart files, client experience, and mobile app. Criticized for invoice rigidity, per-tier pricing, and slow payment processing.
Plutio: 4.6/5 on G2 (200+ reviews), praised for all-in-one coverage and white-labeling.

Common user complaints (from 1-3 star reviews)

17hats users frequently mention: "Pricing went from $150 to $600/year without major improvements," "Steep learning curve for the interface," "Limited integrations with other tools," "No team features at all"

HoneyBook users frequently mention: "Invoice customization is too rigid," "Payment processing is slow and expensive," "Per-tier pricing locks key features behind expensive plans," "No time tracking makes hourly billing impossible"

Pricing sources (verified February 2026)

Feature verification

If any information here is inaccurate or outdated, please let us know so the page can be updated.

17hats vs HoneyBook vs Plutio: full feature comparison

See how all three tools compare on project management, time tracking, invoicing, proposals, and client portals

PRICING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Starting price	$19/month (Core plan)	$60/month (single plan, $50/month annual)	$36/month (Starter, $29/month annual)
Free plan	No free plan (14-day trial available)	No free plan (7-day trial only)	No free plan (7-day trial)
Trial period	14-day free trial	7-day free trial	7-day trial + 60-day money-back guarantee
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Manage projects and tasks	Fully flexible project and task setup you can shape to your workflow	Projects with pipelines and to-dos	Projects with task lists and pipeline
Project roles and permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each part of a project	3 user levels (paid plans only)	5 team roles with project access control
Multiple task boards	Unlimited boards to run parallel workflows in the same project	Single to-do list only	You cannot use task boards
Embeddable project boards	Live project boards embedded into client portals or websites	No external project viewing	You cannot embed project views
Sharable project boards	Read-only public links for sharing progress without risk	No read-only project links	You can share projects via the client portal only
Project stages and milestones	Define custom project lifecycles for different types of work	You cannot define stages or milestones	You can use pipeline stages, but they are predefined
Connected proposals, contracts, and invoices	Everything related stays connected to the project automatically	All modules connect to the project lifecycle	Integrated via Smart Files
Custom project data fields	Track, sort, filter, and report on custom project data	Limited custom fields	Basic custom fields
Kanban boards	Drag-and-drop tasks across customizable columns	Legacy list-based interface only	You cannot view tasks in a kanban board
Table view	Bulk-edit tasks like a spreadsheet	No spreadsheet-style editing	You cannot view tasks in a table
List view	Clean task lists with clear hierarchy	You can manage tasks as simple to-do lists	You can view projects in a list
Calendar view	See tasks and deadlines on a calendar	You can see tasks and bookings on a calendar	You can see bookings on a calendar
Gantt view	Plan work visually with task order and dependencies	No Gantt chart feature	You cannot view work on a gantt chart
Subtasks	Break work down into multiple nested levels	All tasks are single-level only	You cannot split tasks into subtasks
Email to task	Turn emails into tasks without manual copying	Not supported (email sync only)	Not supported (email sync only)
Task comments	Keep discussions tied directly to each task	You cannot comment directly on tasks	You cannot comment on tasks
Task attachments	Store files directly on the task they belong to	You cannot attach files to tasks	You can share files, but not attach them to tasks
Task priorities	Define priority levels that fit your workflow	You cannot set task priority levels	You cannot set task priorities
Task labels & color coding	Use unlimited labels to visually organize tasks	You cannot tag or color-code tasks	You cannot label or color-code tasks
Multiple task assignees	Assign tasks to one or multiple teammates	Single assignee per task only	You cannot assign tasks to multiple people
Task templates	Reuse task-level structures across projects	You can reuse task lists through workflows	You cannot reuse task templates
Task permissions	Control access at the individual task level	You cannot control permissions per task	You cannot set permissions per task
Task dependencies	Prevent work from starting out of order	Not supported	You cannot link tasks together
Recurring tasks	Automate repeating work with flexible schedules	Basic recurring	You cannot create recurring tasks
Custom task data fields	Add task-level fields for tracking custom details	Limited custom fields	Basic custom fields
TIME TRACKING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Time tracking system	Easily track time using timers or manual entries	Start and stop timers or log time manually	Basic time tracking (manual entry on desktop, stopwatch on mobile)
Task-level tracking	Log time directly against tasks and subtasks	Time tracked per task via Time Log tab within projects	Project-level only, no task-level tracking
Project-level tracking	See time spent per project and per client	Track time across different projects and clients	Time tracked at project level
Billable time tracking	Clearly separate billable and non-billable time	You cannot set billing rules for time	Billable time tracking available
Billable time invoicing	Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps	Convert tracked billable time into an invoice	Invoice from time logs (desktop only)
Timesheet reports	View detailed time reports by task, project, or client	You cannot generate timesheet reports	Basic time logs per project
Team timesheets	See how each team member tracks their time	No team breakdown for time entries	Team members can log time on shared projects
PROPOSALS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Create and send proposals	Create proposals clients can review, approve, and sign in one flow	Quotes with limited design options	Smart files combine proposals and contracts
Drag-and-drop proposal builder	Create custom, branded proposals without layout limits or code	You cannot drag and drop proposal sections	You can edit sections, not free drag-and-drop)
Reusable proposal templates	Reuse proven proposal layouts across clients	Save and reuse your own proposal templates	You can use proposal templates
Real-time proposal analytics	See exactly when proposals are opened and reviewed	You cannot see proposal views or activity	You can see when a proposal is viewed
Live messenger on proposals	Answer questions directly while clients review proposals	You cannot chat inside proposals	You cannot chat inside proposals
Proposal flow automation	Move from proposal to contract, invoice, or booking automatically	Limited flow (no integrated scheduler sync)	Complete Smart Files flow
Convert proposal to invoice	Create invoices directly from approved proposals	You can turn accepted proposals into invoices	Accepted proposals create invoices
Packages and add-ons	Offer upsells and add-ons directly inside proposals	You cannot offer configurable packages	You can offer packages and add-ons
Interactive pricing tables	Let clients choose options before approving	Pricing tables are static	Pricing updates dynamically
Dynamic data and variables	Auto-fill proposal content with client and project data	Use tokens to insert client and project data automatically	You can use smart fields
Expiration dates	Automatically expire proposals after a set date	You cannot set proposal expiry dates	You can set proposal expiry
PDF Export	Download as branded PDFs	You can download proposals as PDFs	You can download proposal PDFs
Reusable content blocks	Create reusable proposal sections you can reuse on demand	Save and reuse sections across different documents	You can reuse proposal sections
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure electronic signatures on proposals	Clients can sign your agreements online	Clients can sign online
Custom proposal data fields	Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on	Not supported. You cannot customize signer fields	Basic custom fields
CONTRACTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Create and sign contracts	Create, send, and sign contracts in one continuous flow	Contracts with e-signature capture	Smart files combine contracts and invoices
Drag-and-drop contract builder	Create fully custom contracts with flexible layouts, no code or formatting limits	You cannot visually build contracts	You cannot visually build contracts
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure signatures with audit trails and signer verification	E-signatures meet standard legal requirements	Contracts support legal e-signatures
Multi-signature / signees	Collect signatures from multiple people on the same contract	You cannot collect signatures from multiple people	You can collect multiple signatures, with fixed roles
Reusable contract templates	Reuse contract structures to create new agreements faster	You can use contract templates	You can use contract templates
Auto-reminders automation	Automatically follow up until contracts are signed	You can send automatic reminders	You can send automatic reminders
Dynamic data/variables	Auto-fill contract content with client and project data	You can insert custom fields	You can use smart fields in contracts
Contract automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a contract is signed	Contracts can trigger workflows	Contracts can trigger workflows
View notifications	See when contracts are opened and reviewed	You receive email notifications	You receive contract notifications
PDF download with signature certificate	Download signed contracts with official proof of signature	You can download signed PDFs	You can download signed PDFs
Custom signer data fields	Collect structured signer information during signing	Not supported. You cannot customize signer fields	You cannot customize signer fields
Custom contract data fields	Create custom contract data you can sort, filter, and report on	Not supported	Basic custom fields
INVOICES & PAYMENTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Create invoices and get paid	Send invoices and collect payments in one connected flow	Invoices with Stripe and PayPal	Invoices with instant online payments
Fully branded invoices	Match invoices to your brand with custom logos, colors, and layout	Basic invoicing (no smart tax automation)	You can brand invoices
Drag and drop invoice builder	Create custom invoice layouts visually without formatting limits	Template-based (no drag-and-drop designer)	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Customizable line items	Edit pricing, quantities, descriptions, and structure freely	You can customize invoice line items	You can edit line items
Item or invoice discounts	Apply discounts at the item or full invoice level	You can add discounts to line items	You can apply discounts
Customizable taxes	Create tax rules that match your location and use case	You can set custom tax rules	You can set tax rates
ACH payments	Accept bank transfers for lower-fee payments	ACH payments supported	You can accept bank transfers
Stripe integration	Accept credit and debit cards instantly	Stripe integration available	You can accept payments via Stripe
Square integration	Collect in-person payments when needed	Square integration available	You cannot accept payments via Square
PayPal integration	Let clients pay using PayPal	PayPal integration available	You cannot accept payments via PayPal
Flexible partial payments	Collect deposits and split payments across milestones	You can set up payment schedules	You can accept partial payments
Payment plans	Break invoices into scheduled installments	You can set up payment schedules	You can split invoices into payments
Automated recurring invoices	Automatically send invoices on a recurring schedule	Recurring invoices (no automated subscription portal)	You can schedule payments, not subscriptions
Subscription management	Manage ongoing client subscriptions and billing	Recurring invoices (no automated subscription portal)	You cannot manage subscriptions
Automated payment reminders	Follow up automatically until invoices are paid	Automated reminders supported	Payment reminders send automatically
Reusable invoice templates	Reuse invoice layouts without rebuilding each time	You can reuse templates and content	You can reuse invoice templates
Multiple currency support	Bill clients globally in their local currency	Basic support (no automated exchange rates)	You can use one account currency only
Invoice automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when invoices are sent or paid	Simple triggers (no multi-step automation)	Contracts can trigger workflows
View notifications	See when invoices are opened and paid	Activity log (no real-time updates)	You receive contract notifications
Built-in expense tracking	Track project-related costs alongside invoices	You can track expenses	You cannot track expenses
Invoice deposits	Collect upfront payments before work starts	Deposit payments supported	You can request deposits
Auto-invoice billable time	Turn tracked time into invoices automatically	You can add tracked time to invoices	There is no time to convert
Custom invoice data fields	Create custom invoice data you can sort, filter, and report on	Limited custom fields	Basic custom fields
INBOX Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Centralized unified inbox	Manage email, chat, and messages from one shared inbox	Communication is limited to email sync	Messages and emails live in one inbox
Full email integration	Connect and manage all your email accounts in one place	Email sync & templates included	You can sync your email
Embeddable live chat	Add real-time chat to your website and client portals	No native live chat feature	You cannot add live chat to your site
Instant direct messages	Message teammates privately without leaving your workspace	Email sync only	You cannot DM teammates
Contextual project conversations	Keep conversations tied directly to the project they belong to	Email sync (limited to project-specific threads)	Messages are tied to projects
Team channels	Create shared spaces for team-wide discussions	Email sync only	You cannot create team channels
Customized channels	Organize channels by team, topic, or workflow	Not supported	Channels are not supported
@mentions	Notify teammates instantly inside conversations	Email sync only	You cannot mention teammates
Message read receipts	See when messages are read	Activity log (tracks when emails are opened)	You can see when clients read messages
File sharing in chat	Share files directly inside conversations	Email sync only	You can share files in messages
Shared email inbox	Collaborate on incoming emails as a team	Not supported	Team email is not shared
Inbox mobile app	Access and respond to messages on mobile	Limited mobile support	Mobile inbox available
Email reply to inbox	Reply from your email client and keep conversations synced	Email replies sync to inbox	Email replies sync to conversations
FILES Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Store and manage files	Keep all client and project files in one organized place	Basic storage (no dedicated file management system)	Files exist per project only
Advanced folder organization	Organize files by project, client, or structure you choose	Not supported	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Folder permissions	Control who can view or edit folders	Not supported	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
People folders	Group files by person when needed	Basic storage (no dedicated file management system)	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Project folders	Keep files scoped to each project	Basic storage (no dedicated file management system)	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
In-app previews	Preview files instantly without downloading	External storage only	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Custom file data fields	Capture file metadata you can sort and filter	Unlimited contact & project fields	You can add custom fields
Built-in documents	Create and edit documents directly inside Plutio	You can connect quotes to contracts and invoices	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Comments on files and docs	Leave comments directly on files and documents	Not supported	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Bulk file actions	Move, tag, or manage many files at once	Basic management (no bulk operations)	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Files search & filter	Find files quickly using search and filters	Basic search (limited filtering options)	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
External cloud sync	Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox	No native cloud sync	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Secure sharing controls	Restrict access with permissions or passwords	Client portal only (no public sharing controls)	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
File sharing links	Share files externally with controlled access	Client portal only (no direct sharing links)	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
SCHEDULING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Schedule meetings	Let clients book meetings directly without back-and-forth emails	Simple scheduler, no team round-robin	Scheduler with intake forms
Branded booking page	Build a fully branded, customizable booking system using a drag-and-drop editor	Basic scheduler (limited team coordination)	Branding options are limited
Advanced availability management	Define flexible availability rules applied automatically to bookings	Basic scheduler (limited team coordination)	You can control availability
Automatic buffer times	Add buffer time automatically between meetings	Buffer time between meetings	You can add buffer times
Multiple meeting types	Create unlimited booking types with different rules and setups	Multiple session types supported	You can offer multiple session types
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook)	Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically	Two-way sync (Google & Outlook)	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Customizable booking confirmations	Fully customizable confirmation pages with no layout or branding limits	Custom confirmation emails	Confirmation customization is limited
Redirect after booking	Send bookers anywhere after scheduling, not just a fixed thank-you page	Included. Redirect after booking supported	You cannot redirect after booking
Booking automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a meeting is booked	Trigger actions on booking	Contracts can trigger workflows
Smart meeting reminders	Send automatic reminders without manual follow-ups	Auto meeting reminders	Meeting reminders send automatically
Automatic timezone detection	Handle timezones automatically without manual adjustments	Supported	Timezones adjust automatically
Paid appointments (Stripe/PayPal)	Collect payments during booking without extra steps	Pay upon booking with full or partial payment options	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Custom booking forms	Build booking forms with full control over questions and layout	You can collect info on booking	Booking forms are fixed
Minimum notice / daily booking limits	Set booking limits to control lead time and daily volume	Booking limits & notice supported	You can set booking limits
Rescheduling and cancellation controls	Define flexible rules for rescheduling and cancellations	Not supported	Clients can reschedule or cancel
AUTOMATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Automated workflows builder	Build advanced workflows visually without code or rigid templates	Trigger-based automation, no visual builder	AI-powered workflow builder with branching
Trigger-based workflows	Start workflows from real events across projects, clients, and payments	Event-driven automation supported	You can automate actions with workflows
Schedule-based workflows	Run workflows on schedules you control, not fixed intervals	Not supported	Workflows cannot repeat on a schedule
Multi-step workflows	Chain multiple actions into one continuous automation	Single actions. Complex multi-step flows not supported	Workflows can include multiple steps
True/False branching	Create conditional paths instead of one-size-fits-all flows	Linear workflows only	Branching exists, but options are limited
Delay-based actions	Add precise timing between steps, down to minutes or days	Supported. You can delay workflow steps	You can delay workflow steps
Create & update records	Create, update, or move records automatically across the system	Auto-create projects & invoices supported	Creation actions are limited
Move & duplicate records	Reorganize work automatically without manual cleanup	Not supported	Items cannot be duplicated automatically
Delete & archive records	Automatically archive or remove records based on rules	Manual only	Items cannot be deleted via automation
API calls (webhooks)	Trigger or receive real-time events from external systems	Supported via webhooks (no visual designer)	You cannot use APIs or webhooks
Send emails	Send automated emails tied to real workflow events	Automation can trigger emails	Workflows can send emails
Post comments	Add notes or comments automatically where work happens	No internal commenting system	You cannot post comments via automation
Complete automation logs	See exactly what ran, when, and why	Basic activity log (no detailed execution history)	You cannot view automation logs
Auto-fill data/variables	Pass data between steps dynamically without manual mapping	You can use tokens for dynamic data	You can use smart fields
Cross-entity connections	Run workflows that span projects, tasks, proposals, invoices, and more	Linear only (limited cross-module connectivity)	Forms, bookings, and payments trigger workflows
FORMS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Create branded forms	Build fully branded forms that match your workflow and client experience	Basic form templates, no branding control	Questionnaires with limited styling
Drag-and-drop form builder	Design forms visually with full layout control, no code required	Template-based (fixed form structures)	You cannot visually build contracts
Reusable form templates	Reuse form structures without rebuilding from scratch	Included. You can save and reuse forms	You cannot reuse form templates
Custom form data fields	Collect structured data you can sort, filter, and report on	Included. You can add custom fields to forms	You can add custom fields
Smart conditional logic	Show or hide fields based on responses, not static forms	Not supported. Forms are static	Fields cannot change based on answers
Instant email notifications	Get notified immediately when forms are submitted	Included. Email alerts on submission	You can email on submission
Form automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when a form is submitted	Included. Form submission can start workflows	Contracts can trigger workflows
Embed forms	Embed forms anywhere without layout restrictions	Included. You can embed forms on your site	You can embed forms
Advanced field preferences	Control required, hidden, and default field behavior	Basic field settings (no advanced validation)	Field behavior is fixed
Comprehensive field types	Collect text, files, dates, selections, and more	Standard fields (text, date, select) supported	Field types are limited
Form signature field	Collect legally binding signatures directly inside forms	Included. Electronic signatures available on forms	Forms can include signatures
File upload fields	Accept file uploads as part of form submissions	Included. Clients can upload files to forms	File uploads are limited
Redirect after submission	Send submitters to a custom next step, not a fixed thank-you page	Included. Custom redirect links supported	You cannot redirect after submit
CRM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Manage clients and leads	Manage contacts and companies in one connected system	Contact management with lead tracking	Pipeline with AI lead prioritization
Full company management	Track organizations, not just individual contacts	Organization tracking (no separate company records)	Companies exist, but contacts come first
Custom contact data fields	Collect and manage structured contact data you define	Included. Unlimited custom contact fields	You can add CRM fields
Complete activity timeline	See every interaction with a client in one place	Included. Tracks interactions per contact	You can see full activity history
Contacts labeling and grouping	Organize contacts flexibly without rigid pipelines	Included. Tag-based organization supported	You can tag and segment contacts
WIKI Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Comprehensive knowledge base	Create an internal wiki for processes, docs, and guides	Not supported. No built-in wiki or SOP system	You cannot create an internal wiki
Beautiful rich text pages	Write structured, formatted content without complexity	Not supported. No rich-text page builder	Not supported (requires integration)
Unlimited nested pages	Build deep knowledge hierarchies without limits	Not supported	Not supported (requires integration)
Granular page permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each page	Not supported	Not supported (requires integration)
DASHBOARDS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Custom dashboards and pages	Build dashboards around what matters to you, not fixed metrics	Fixed layout	HoneyBook does not have custom dashboards
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder	Design dashboards visually with full layout control	Not supported. Dashboard is pre-configured	Limited dashboard widgets
Charts widget	Visualize data with customizable charts	Basic financial charts (no custom chart creation)	Basic charts only
Metrics widget	Track key numbers without manual reporting	Standard metrics only (revenue, leads)	Basic metrics only
Goals widget	Monitor progress toward defined goals	Not supported. No internal goal tracking system	Not supported (requires integration)
Notes widget	Add contextual notes directly to dashboards	Not supported. No dashboard notes widget	Not supported (requires integration)
Calendar widget	View upcoming events alongside work and metrics	Included. Agenda and upcoming tasks displayed	Calendar on dashboard
Financial widgets	Track revenue and expenses in the same view	Included. Revenue and pending payments tracking	Revenue & invoice tracking
BRANDING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
White-label and branding	Run the entire platform under your brand	Logo only	HoneyBook branding, not white-label
Custom interface theme	Apply your brand colors across the system	Not supported. Themes are pre-defined	Color themes on Deliver+ (no Free plan theme customization)
Stylesheet customization	Fine-tune styling beyond basic theming	Not supported. No custom CSS access	You cannot apply custom CSS
Custom login/signup pages	Use branded authentication pages instead of generic screens	Logo branding only (fixed layout)	Login pages cannot be customized
Email branding	Send all system emails with your branding	Included. Add your logo to all messages	You can brand outgoing emails
Custom brand fonts	Use your own fonts throughout the platform	Not supported. No custom font uploads	You cannot use custom fonts
Custom brand logos	Replace all platform logos with your own	Included. Your logo on documents and emails	You can add your logo
Custom domain name	Run everything on your own domain	Not supported. Redirects to 17hats domain	Not supported (requires integration)
Custom email SMTP	Send emails from your own email infrastructure	Included. Send from your SMTP server	Not supported (requires integration)
Full workspace embedding	Embed Plutio directly into your website or product	Not supported	Not supported (requires integration)
CUSTOMIZATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Flexible workspace setup	Shape the platform to match how your business works	17hats has fixed workspace	HoneyBook has fixed workspace
Main menu editor	Add, remove, or reorder navigation items freely	Fixed menu (no customization)	You cannot customize navigation
User-based menus	Show different navigation for different roles	Not supported (fixed menu for all user roles)	Menus are the same for all users
Custom user roles	Create role types beyond preset permissions	Basic roles only (no granular permissions)	You cannot define custom roles
Advanced user permissions	Control access at a granular level	Not supported (no granular permission settings)	Permissions are not configurable
SSO / OAuth	Support enterprise-grade single sign-on	Email & password login only	You cannot use SSO
INTEGRATIONS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Connect with other tools	Integrate with external systems without lock-in	Zapier plus direct integrations	Zapier only
Zapier integration	Connect to thousands of apps without custom code	Included. Full Zapier connectivity	You can connect HoneyBook to Zapier
Make.com integration	Build advanced automation scenarios visually	Not supported natively	You cannot connect via Make
Pabbly Connect	Connect services without usage-based limits	Not supported natively	You cannot connect via Pabbly
Full REST API access	Build custom integrations with full system access	Included. API access available for developers	You cannot access an API
Incoming & outgoing webhooks	Send and receive real-time events	Supported. Automate events via webhooks	You cannot use webhooks
PLATFORM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	17hats 79/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Mobile apps	Access your business from native mobile apps	Limited features	Full-featured iOS and Android apps
iOS app	Full-featured iPhone app	Limited features (legacy mobile interface)	You can use HoneyBook on iOS
Android app	Full-featured Android app	Limited features (legacy mobile interface)	You can use HoneyBook on Android
Mac desktop app	Native macOS app for desktop workflows	Web only. No native Mac application	There is no desktop app
Windows desktop app	Native Windows app for desktop workflows	Web only. No native Windows application	There is no desktop app

Try Plutio free

17hats vs HoneyBook FAQ

Is 17hats or HoneyBook better for freelancers?

17hats fits solo freelancers who want flat-rate pricing with every feature included at $60/month. HoneyBook fits freelancers who prioritize smart files that merge proposals, contracts, and invoicing into one document. The choice depends on whether pricing simplicity or client-facing presentation matters more.

How much does 17hats cost vs HoneyBook?

17hats charges a flat $60/month ($50/month annual) for everything. HoneyBook starts at $36/month (Starter) with limited features, $59/month (Essentials) for automation and reporting, and $129/month (Premium) for unlimited team members. For solo use with full features, 17hats and HoneyBook Essentials are similarly priced.

Does 17hats have time tracking?

17hats offers basic time tracking as a paid add-on at $5/month. The tracking logs hours against projects, but tracked time does not convert into invoice line items automatically. Manual data entry is needed to turn tracked hours into invoices. HoneyBook has no time tracking at all.

Does HoneyBook have project management?

HoneyBook has basic task checklists tied to projects with due dates and reminders. But there are no Kanban boards, Gantt charts, task dependencies, or subtasks. For multi-phase projects, most HoneyBook users run a separate project management tool like Trello or Asana alongside for progress tracking.

Can I use 17hats with a team?

17hats supports solo use only. Team collaboration features, user roles, and shared project access do not exist on the platform. For teams of 2 or more, HoneyBook Premium ($129/month) supports unlimited team members, or platforms like Plutio include unlimited team members on every plan.

What are HoneyBook smart files?

Smart files are HoneyBook's interactive documents that combine proposals, contracts, and invoices into one page. Clients view the scope, sign the contract, and make a payment from a single link without switching between separate documents. The format reduces client friction and makes the booking process faster.

Can I white-label 17hats or HoneyBook?

Neither platform offers full white-labeling. 17hats shows 17hats branding on the client portal with no custom domain option. HoneyBook allows brand customization on documents (logos, colors, fonts) on Essentials and above, but the portal URL still shows HoneyBook's domain. If full white-labeling matters, platforms like Plutio support custom domains with complete brand removal.

Which has better automation, 17hats or HoneyBook?

HoneyBook includes visual workflow builders with conditional logic and triggers based on client actions or stage changes. 17hats has workflow templates that automate basic sequences like follow-up emails and status changes. HoneyBook's automation handles branching workflows and multi-step sequences, but the visual builder requires the Essentials plan ($59/month) or above.

Does HoneyBook charge per user?

HoneyBook's Starter ($36/month) and Essentials ($59/month) plans include limited team members (Essentials allows 2). The Premium plan ($129/month) includes unlimited team members. Adding team members on lower tiers requires upgrading. 17hats has no team support at all.

Which has better scheduling, 17hats or HoneyBook?

HoneyBook's scheduler supports multiple session types on one booking page, buffer times, calendar sync, and connects to the CRM and automation workflows. 17hats has basic appointment scheduling with booking links and reminders but lacks session types and CRM integration. For service businesses booking 10+ sessions weekly, HoneyBook's scheduler covers more of the booking workflow.

Can I migrate from 17hats to HoneyBook?

Migration requires manual work. Neither platform has a direct import from the other. Client lists can be exported as CSV and imported, but proposals, contracts, workflows, and project data need to be recreated. Expect to spend a weekend migrating and testing before going live with the new platform.

Does 17hats have a mobile app?

17hats has a mobile app with basic access to contacts, invoices, and scheduling. HoneyBook's mobile app supports proposal creation, contract sending, invoice management, and client communication from the phone. For freelancers who manage clients primarily from mobile, HoneyBook's app covers more of the daily workflow.

What if neither 17hats nor HoneyBook fits my workflow?

If both platforms leave gaps in project management, time tracking, or team collaboration, look at all-in-one platforms that cover the complete client lifecycle. Key features to look for: Kanban boards, task-level time tracking, white-labeled client portals, and no per-user fees. Plutio is one platform that covers all of these, and the comparison table on this page shows how each tool stacks up feature by feature.

Does 17hats or HoneyBook have an API?

Neither platform has a public API for custom integrations. 17hats connects to a handful of apps natively. HoneyBook connects to more tools including QuickBooks, Zapier, and calendar services. For businesses that need custom integrations or data sync between specific tools, Zapier can bridge some gaps, but direct API access is not available on either platform.

Which platform has better customer support?

HoneyBook offers email and chat support with priority support and a dedicated onboarding specialist on the Premium plan ($129/month). 17hats provides email support with phone support available on the Premier tier. User reviews report mixed experiences on both: 17hats support is responsive but limited in channels, and HoneyBook support response times vary by plan tier.

Tired of the multi-tool workflow?

See what one platform looks like

Proposals, projects, time tracking, and invoicing in one place. No per-user fees, no copying data between apps.

No credit card required

4.6/5 Rating

4.4/5 Rating

4.6/5 Rating

4.7/5 Rating