Plutio vs Acuity: Complete Comparison (2026)

Acuity books appointments, but the workflow ends there. A client books a discovery call, the session goes well, and they want a three-month engagement. But Acuity doesn't do proposals, doesn't track projects, and doesn't invoice for ongoing work. So you end up adding three more apps just to handle what comes after.

Plutio handles scheduling and the entire client lifecycle that follows: proposals that convert to projects automatically, time tracking that flows into invoices, and a branded portal where clients check progress without emailing you. Try Plutio free and see how much simpler client work gets when everything connects.

Last updated February 2026

4.6

Quick comparison (TLDR)

Acuity Scheduling (now part of Squarespace) is appointment scheduling software for service businesses. Clients book appointments from your availability, pay deposits, and receive reminders automatically. Acuity includes timezone handling, intake forms, and calendar sync. The platform focuses on scheduling and stops there: no project management, no proposals, no contracts, and no full invoicing. When you need to track deliverables or bill for ongoing work, you open other apps.

Plutio is an all-in-one platform that includes scheduling as part of a complete client workflow. Booking works similarly: clients pick a time and it syncs to your calendar. But Plutio also handles proposals, contracts, invoicing, project management, and client portals. When a booking happens, Plutio can automatically create a project, send documents, or start an onboarding sequence.

Key differences at a glance

Project management: Plutio has Kanban boards, Gantt charts, task dependencies, and project templates. Acuity has no project management at all.
Proposals and contracts: Plutio includes a drag-and-drop proposal builder with e-signatures. Acuity has no proposal or contract features.
Invoicing: Plutio has a visual invoice builder, recurring invoices, and subscription management. Acuity only collects payments at booking time.
Time tracking: Plutio tracks time at the task level and converts hours to invoices. Acuity has no time tracking.
Client portal: Plutio gives clients a branded portal at your domain to see progress, files, and messages. Acuity only provides booking confirmations.
White-label branding: Plutio offers custom domains, custom SMTP, and full white-labeling. Acuity shows its branding on booking pages.

The bottom line: Acuity covers session-based work where the booking is the deliverable, especially if you use Squarespace for your website. The trade-off: no project management, proposals, or invoicing after the appointment. Plutio connects appointments to ongoing projects, deliverables, and client work with proposals, tracking, and invoicing in one platform.

Project and task management

A client books a strategy session. The session identifies three projects over the next quarter. Where does that ongoing work live?

Acuity

Appointments only, no project management. Acuity tracks scheduled sessions and appointment history. There is no project structure, no task tracking, and no deliverable management. When a session leads to ongoing work, that work lives in separate tools like Trello, Asana, or Notion. You cannot see how tasks connect or track progress over time.

No project management
No tasks or Kanban boards
No Gantt charts or timelines
No subtasks or dependencies
No project templates
Appointment history only

Plutio

See your work however makes sense to you. Some people think in Kanban boards, others need a Gantt chart to see the timeline. Plutio gives you five different views of the same project. Switch between them depending on what you are doing. When a project has dozens of tasks spanning months, you can nest subtasks under each milestone, link dependent tasks so deadlines shift together automatically, and build templates that recreate the whole structure every time you book a new client.

5 views: Kanban, Gantt, List, Table, Calendar
Subtasks with unlimited nesting levels
Task dependencies with visual links
Recurring tasks (daily, weekly, monthly, custom)
Project templates with auto-task creation
Custom fields, statuses, and priorities
Time estimates and actual time per task
File attachments on tasks

Time tracking and billing

Hourly work needs time tracking. When you cannot track time, you either estimate and lose money or use another app and lose context.

Acuity

No time tracking. Acuity is scheduling software. Plutio tracks when appointments are booked, but there is no time tracking for work done. If you do hourly work outside of scheduled sessions, you need Toggl, Harvest, or another time tracking app. Those hours live in a separate system from your scheduling and invoicing.

No time tracking
No timers or manual entry
No billable hour reports
No invoice from time logs
Requires separate time tracking app

Plutio

Time tracking that connects to everything. You click a button on any task and the timer starts. When you are done, that time is already attached to the task, the project, and the client. At the end of the week, you pull up your time logs and generate an invoice with one click. The hours are already there, broken down exactly how you tracked them. You can set different rates for different clients or even different types of work. Your team's time shows up in one place where you can approve it before billing.

One-click timer on any task
Manual entry and timer options
Task-level AND project-level tracking
Billable vs non-billable separation
Custom rates per task, project, or client
Time reports by client, project, team
One-click invoice from time logs
Team timesheet approval workflow

Client visibility and communication

Clients email you for status updates because they have nowhere else to check. A portal changes that.

Acuity

Booking confirmation only. Clients receive confirmation emails and calendar invites. They can reschedule or cancel appointments through Acuity. But there is no ongoing workspace where clients see project progress, files, or deliverables. After the appointment is booked, communication happens through email or separate tools.

Appointment confirmation emails
Reschedule and cancel options
No client portal
No project visibility
No file sharing workspace
No ongoing client communication

Plutio

Your clients get their own branded space. When your client logs in, they see yourcompany.com, not some third-party software. The portal shows their tasks, files, deadlines, and messages all in one place. They can check progress whenever they want instead of emailing you. When you finish a deliverable, they approve it right there. When they need to upload assets, they do it in the same place. You control what they see, so your internal workflow stays private.

Custom domain (like clients.yourcompany.com)
White-label branding (remove Plutio)
Custom CSS for full styling control
Tasks, files, deadlines visible to clients
In-app messaging tied to projects
Deliverable approval workflow
File uploads from clients
Invoice and payment history

Client communication and inbox

A client emails you a project change. Your associate asks about the deliverables. A partner sends updated timelines. Without a central place, you check three apps and still miss something urgent.

Acuity

Appointment notifications only. Acuity sends automated emails for appointment confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups. Clients can reply to these emails, but there is no unified inbox. No way to see all client communications in one place. No team inbox. Communication happens in your regular email, not inside Acuity.

Appointment confirmation emails
Automated reminders
Follow-up emails after appointments
No unified inbox
No team inbox
No client conversation threads
No live chat

Plutio

All your client conversations in one place. When a client emails you, that message shows up in their thread alongside every other conversation you have had with them: project updates, file shares, payment confirmations. Your whole team sees the same inbox, so when you are away and a client sends an urgent message, your assistant can handle it. You can reply from your regular email and it syncs back. If you want to chat internally about a client, create a team channel. Need to capture leads from your website? Embed live chat.

Multi-email integration (connect all accounts)
Shared team inbox (everyone sees client emails)
Auto-sort emails into client 1:1 threads
Project conversations stay with the project
Team channels for internal discussions
Direct messages between teammates
@mentions pull people into conversations
Embeddable live chat for your website

Workflows and automation

A client books a session. What happens automatically after that? Does the workflow stop at reminders, or does it continue into projects and invoicing?

Acuity

Scheduling-focused automation. Acuity automates appointment workflows: confirmation emails, reminder sequences, and follow-up messages. The automation stops at scheduling. There is no automation for project creation, task assignment, or invoice generation because Acuity does not have those features. For anything beyond appointment reminders, you need Zapier or another tool.

Appointment confirmation emails
Custom reminder sequences
Follow-up emails
Zapier integration available
No project automation
No invoice automation
No task creation automation rules
No conditional logic

Plutio

Automation that responds to what happens. You build automations visually with drag and drop. When a project status changes, a task completes, a payment arrives, or a deadline passes, Plutio can do things automatically: create tasks, send emails, update statuses, assign work to your team, generate invoices. You can chain multiple actions with if-then logic. If a client pays their deposit, the welcome email goes out and the project moves to active. If a task is overdue, you get notified. Automation works across everything, not just scheduling.

Visual drag-and-drop builder
Start on project status change
Start on task completion
Start on payment received
Start on form submission
Start on date or deadline
Conditional logic branching
Webhook integrations

Team and agency scaling

You hire your first team member or contractor. Can they see their appointments without accessing client payments? When permissions work, growth does not mean chaos.

Acuity

Multiple calendars for team scheduling. Acuity supports multiple staff calendars on higher plans. Each team member has their own availability and booking page. Clients can choose who they want to book with. The team features focus on scheduling, not project collaboration. There are no custom roles, no per-project access, and no workload views.

Multiple staff calendars
Individual availability per team member
Choose staff at booking
No custom role creation
No per-project access control
No workload or capacity views
No contractor-specific permissions

Plutio

Add people without losing control. When you hire your first associate, you create a role for them. Maybe they can see their tasks but not client payments. Maybe they can access some projects but not others. You decide exactly what each person sees and does. If you bring on a contractor for one project, they only see that project. Your other clients stay private. When you grow into an agency with multiple brands, you run separate workspaces under one account. You see everyone's workload in one dashboard and approve timesheets before they hit invoices.

Custom role creation with granular permissions
Per-project and per-task access control
Contractor access (assigned tasks only)
Client access (portal permissions)
Internal notes hidden from clients
Multi-workspace for agencies
Team workload and capacity views
Timesheet approval workflow

White-label branding and customization

Your clients should see YOUR brand everywhere. Not your software vendor's logo. When clients log in, book meetings, receive invoices, and check progress, every touchpoint should reinforce your brand.

Acuity

Branding on booking pages. Acuity lets you customize your booking page with your logo, colors, and images. Confirmation emails can include your branding. But the URL shows acuityscheduling.com unless you set up a subdomain redirect. There is no client portal to brand. Emails come from Acuity servers, not your domain.

Logo and colors on booking page
Custom booking page images
Branded confirmation emails
Acuity URL visible (subdomain workaround)
No client portal to brand
No custom SMTP
No full white-labeling

Plutio

Your clients see your brand everywhere. When a client logs in, they go to yourcompany.com, not some third-party URL. The login page has your logo and colors. The interface matches your brand. Emails come from you@yourcompany.com because you connect your own email server. If you want to embed the entire client workspace into your own website, you can. You can even write custom CSS if you need exact control. Your clients never see 'Powered by Plutio' anywhere. As far as they know, you built this yourself.

Custom domain (clients see yourcompany.com)
Full white-label (remove all Plutio branding)
Custom interface theme (your brand colors everywhere)
Branded login and signup pages
Custom SMTP (emails from your domain)
Full workspace embedding into your site
Custom CSS for complete styling control
Custom logo throughout the platform

Invoicing, billing, and subscriptions

Getting paid is more than collecting deposits. Billing includes recurring charges, payment plans, and invoices that reflect your brand.

Acuity

Payment collection at booking only. Acuity collects payments when clients book appointments. You can require deposits or full payment upfront. Stripe and Square process the payments. But there is no invoice builder. No way to send invoices for work done. No subscription management. No recurring invoices. For anything beyond booking payments, you need QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or another accounting tool.

Payment at booking (deposits or full)
Stripe and Square integration
Session packages
No invoice builder
No invoices for project work
No subscription management
No recurring invoices
No payment plans

Plutio

Billing that works like you are running a real business. You open the invoice builder and drag elements where you want them. Logo here, line items there, payment terms at the bottom. The result looks like something you designed, not a template you filled in. When you have retainer clients, you set up subscriptions that charge them automatically every month. When someone needs to pay in installments, you split the invoice and schedule the charges. All your payment processors connect: Stripe, Square, PayPal, bank transfers. At the end of the week, you pull up your time logs and turn them into invoices with one click.

Drag-and-drop invoice builder (visual design)
Subscription management (auto-billing)
Recurring invoices on schedule
Payment plans with installments
Multiple gateways: Stripe, Square, PayPal, ACH
Full transaction history and tracking
Fully branded invoice design
One-click invoice from time logs

Proposals and contracts

Your proposal is the first document a potential client sees. When they open it, do they see modern interactive pricing? Or just a booking page?

Acuity

No proposals or contracts. Acuity is scheduling software. Acuity can sell session packages at booking, but there is no proposal builder, no custom scoping, and no e-signatures. If you need to send a proposal for a complex engagement, you use PandaDoc, Better Proposals, or another tool. Contracts happen outside of Acuity entirely.

Session packages at booking
No proposal builder
No custom scoping
No e-signatures
No contracts
No proposal analytics

Plutio

Proposals that close deals. You drag in sections, add interactive pricing tables where clients pick packages or add-ons, and send something that looks like you built a custom app for them. When they accept, the proposal converts into a project automatically with tasks from your template. Contracts attach to the same flow with e-signatures and full audit trails. You see exactly when someone opened your proposal, what they clicked, and how long they looked at each section.

Drag-and-drop proposal builder
Interactive pricing tables
Package and add-on selection
Auto-convert to project on approval
E-signatures with audit trail
Real-time view tracking
Proposal templates
Proposal-to-invoice automation

Running a client project: Acuity vs Plutio

A client finds your website, likes your work, and fills out your inquiry form. What happens next?

With Acuity, here is how it usually goes:

Client books a paid discovery session through Acuity
Session happens and client wants to continue with a larger engagement
You create a proposal in PandaDoc or Better Proposals
Client signs in PandaDoc
You set up subsequent sessions in Acuity
You track action items and deliverables in Notion or Trello
You send invoices through QuickBooks or FreshBooks
Client asks where to see their action items
You share a Google folder and update it manually

With Plutio, here is how it works:

Client books a discovery session through Plutio
Session happens and client wants to continue
You send a proposal with a 3-month package
Client signs and the project creates automatically
Sessions and milestones appear on the project timeline
Client logs into their portal to see progress
Action items from each session become tasks
Invoices attach to the same project

Acuity books sessions. Plutio runs the engagement that follows.

Where Plutio wins (the proof)

These are verifiable differences, not opinions.

1. Project management: Plutio has it, Acuity does not

Acuity: Appointment scheduling only. No project structure, no tasks, no Kanban boards, no Gantt charts, no task dependencies. Acuity tracks appointments and stops there.

Plutio: Five project views (Kanban, Gantt, List, Table, Calendar). Subtasks with unlimited nesting. Task dependencies that shift deadlines together automatically. Project templates that recreate your entire workflow for each new client.

The proof: G2 reviewers consistently mention needing to pair Acuity with Trello, Asana, or Notion for actual project work because Acuity is scheduling software only.

2. Invoicing: Full billing vs payment collection at booking

Acuity: Collects payments when clients book appointments. No invoice builder. No recurring invoices. No subscription management. For anything beyond booking payments, you need QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or another accounting tool.

Plutio: Drag-and-drop invoice builder. Subscription management for automatic monthly billing. Payment plans. Multiple gateways: Stripe, Square, PayPal, ACH.

The proof: Acuity's official documentation confirms payment collection is tied to appointment booking only, with no standalone invoicing capability.

3. Client portal: Your brand vs booking confirmation

Acuity: Clients receive booking confirmations and can reschedule appointments. No ongoing workspace where clients see project progress, files, or deliverables.

Plutio: Custom domain (clients see yourcompany.com). Branded login pages. Clients see tasks, files, deadlines, and messages in one place. Your clients never see "Plutio" anywhere.

The proof: Check Acuity's help center for client portal features. The term appears only in context of rescheduling appointments, not ongoing project visibility.

When Acuity might still work

No tool fits every workflow. Acuity might still work if:

Your work is session-based. Therapists, massage therapists, and fitness instructors who charge per appointment may not need project management. The booking is the work. When the session ends, the work ends.
You use Squarespace. Acuity is owned by Squarespace and integrates directly. If your website runs on Squarespace, the booking integration is native.
You need specialized scheduling features. Acuity has spent years perfecting timezone handling, intake forms, appointment packages, and calendar sync. For pure scheduling, Acuity includes more for that use case.
You already have other tools for everything else. If you have QuickBooks for invoicing, Notion for projects, and PandaDoc for proposals, adding Acuity for scheduling keeps each tool specialized.

But if you want scheduling connected to proposals, projects, invoicing, and client portals in one platform, Plutio handles the complete workflow.

Why they switched: real outcomes

What happens when scheduling-focused businesses switch to Plutio?

West 7th Design Studio reduced client support requests by 90% after switching. Clients got one branded portal to see progress instead of emailing for every update. Their work stayed in one place instead of scattered across booking software and separate project tools.

YazMarketing increased their sales pipeline by 80% after moving to Plutio. Connecting proposals directly to projects meant less manual handoff, faster client onboarding, and more capacity to take on new work.

These results come from connecting the full workflow. When proposals flow into projects automatically, when clients can check their own portal, and when scheduling links to invoicing, the admin overhead drops and capacity for real work increases.

Final verdict

Acuity and Plutio approach the client journey from different angles. Both are highly rated: Plutio holds a 4.4/5 on G2 while Acuity holds high reviews for its scheduling capabilities.

Acuity has built a notable scheduling experience. Clients pick a time, fill out intake forms, pay deposits, and receive automated reminders. For therapists, fitness instructors, and anyone who charges per appointment, Acuity handles that workflow from start to finish.

The limitations appear when appointments lead to ongoing work. Acuity has no project management, no proposal builder, no contract system, and no full invoicing. Most Acuity users end up adding PandaDoc for proposals ($35/month), Trello or Notion for tasks (free-$15/month), and QuickBooks for invoicing ($30/month). The combined cost runs $65-80/month in addition to Acuity.

Plutio handles scheduling with proposals, contracts, invoicing, project management, and client portals connected in one platform. Run everything under your own domain with full white-labeling. Track time at the task level and convert to invoices in one click. Clients see progress in a branded portal that looks like it was built for your business.

The bottom line: Acuity covers session-based work that completes when the appointment ends. The trade-off: nothing to manage deliverables, projects, or billing after the session. Plutio connects appointments to projects, deliverables, and ongoing client work you need to manage.

How to switch from Acuity to Plutio

Switching from Acuity to Plutio means gaining project management, proposals, and client portals.

Step 1: Set up scheduling in Plutio
Create your appointment types and connect your calendar. Plutio syncs with Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCal.

Step 2: Create proposal templates
Set up templates for your packages and programs with interactive pricing. Unlike Acuity, these can include custom scoping and e-signatures.

Step 3: Update your booking links
Replace Acuity links on your website and profiles with Plutio scheduling links. Embed the booking widget directly on your site.

Step 4: Migrate active clients
Create projects for ongoing client engagements and invite them to their branded portal. Import client contact information via CSV.

Research & Sources

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

Pricing verification sources

Plutio: Official pricing, GetApp reviews
Acuity Scheduling: Official pricing, G2 reviews

Verification methodology

For each feature in the comparison table:

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

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

Plutio vs Acuity: full feature comparison for 2026

Scheduling, project management, client portals, proposals, invoicing, and automation compared side by side

PRICING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Starting price	$19/month (Core plan)	$20/month (Emerging, $16/month annual)
Free plan	No free plan (14-day trial available)	No free plan (7-day trial)
Trial period	14-day free trial	7-day free trial
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Manage projects and tasks	Fully flexible project and task setup you can shape to your workflow	Projects are not supported
Project roles and permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each part of a project	Projects are not supported
Multiple task boards	Unlimited boards to run parallel workflows in the same project	Task boards are not supported
Embeddable project boards	Live project boards embedded into client portals or websites	Project boards are not supported
Sharable project boards	Read-only public links for sharing progress without risk	Project boards are not supported
Project stages and milestones	Define custom project lifecycles for different types of work	Project stages and milestones are not supported
Connected proposals, contracts, and invoices	Everything related stays connected to the project automatically	Limited to payment collection only
Custom project data fields	Track, sort, filter, and report on custom project data	Projects are not supported
Kanban boards	Drag-and-drop tasks across customizable columns	Kanban boards are not supported
Table view	Bulk-edit tasks like a spreadsheet	Task tables are not supported
List view	Clean task lists with clear hierarchy	Task lists are not supported
Calendar view	See tasks and deadlines on a calendar	The calendar shows appointments only, not projects or tasks
Gantt view	Plan work visually with task order and dependencies	Gantt charts are not supported
Subtasks	Break work down into multiple nested levels	Tasks and subtasks are not supported
Email to task	Turn emails into tasks without manual copying	Not supported
Task comments	Keep discussions tied directly to each task	Task comments are not supported
Task attachments	Store files directly on the task they belong to	Tasks are not supported
Task priorities	Define priority levels that fit your workflow	Task prioritization is not supported
Task labels & color coding	Use unlimited labels to visually organize tasks	Color labels apply to appointments, not tasks
Multiple task assignees	Assign tasks to one or multiple teammates	Multiple assignees are not supported
Task templates	Reuse task-level structures across projects	Task templates are not supported
Task permissions	Control access at the individual task level	Task-level permissions are not supported
Task dependencies	Prevent work from starting out of order	Task dependencies are not supported
Recurring tasks	Automate repeating work with flexible schedules	Tasks are not supported
Custom task data fields	Add task-level fields for tracking custom details	Tasks are not supported
TIME TRACKING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Time tracking system	Easily track time using timers or manual entries	Time tracking is not supported
Task-level tracking	Log time directly against tasks and subtasks	Task tracking is not supported
Project-level tracking	See time spent per project and per client	Project tracking is not supported
Billable time tracking	Clearly separate billable and non-billable time	Billable time tracking is not supported
Billable time invoicing	Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps	Invoicing is not supported
Timesheet reports	View detailed time reports by task, project, or client	Not supported
Team timesheets	See how each team member tracks their time	Team timesheets are not supported
PROPOSALS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Create and send proposals	Create proposals clients can review, approve, and sign in one flow	Acuity is for scheduling only
Drag-and-drop proposal builder	Create custom, branded proposals without layout limits or code	Proposals are not supported
Reusable proposal templates	Reuse proven proposal layouts across clients	Proposals are not supported
Real-time proposal analytics	See exactly when proposals are opened and reviewed	Proposal analytics are not supported
Live messenger on proposals	Answer questions directly while clients review proposals	Proposal messaging is not supported
Proposal flow automation	Move from proposal to contract, invoice, or booking automatically	Not supported
Convert proposal to invoice	Create invoices directly from approved proposals	Proposals and invoices are not supported
Packages and add-ons	Offer upsells and add-ons directly inside proposals	Proposal pricing packages are not supported
Interactive pricing tables	Let clients choose options before approving	Not supported
Dynamic data and variables	Auto-fill proposal content with client and project data	Not supported
Expiration dates	Automatically expire proposals after a set date	Not supported
PDF Export	Download as branded PDFs	Not supported
Reusable content blocks	Create reusable proposal sections you can reuse on demand	Not supported
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure electronic signatures on proposals	Not supported
Custom proposal data fields	Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on	Proposals are not supported
CONTRACTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Create and sign contracts	Create, send, and sign contracts in one continuous flow	Acuity is for scheduling only
Drag-and-drop contract builder	Create fully custom contracts with flexible layouts, no code or formatting limits	Intake forms can be built visually
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure signatures with audit trails and signer verification	E-signatures are not supported
Multi-signature / signees	Collect signatures from multiple people on the same contract	Contracts are not supported
Reusable contract templates	Reuse contract structures to create new agreements faster	Contracts are not supported
Auto-reminders automation	Automatically follow up until contracts are signed	Contract reminders are not supported
Dynamic data/variables	Auto-fill contract content with client and project data	Contracts are not supported
Contract automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a contract is signed	Automation is limited to booking and payment events
View notifications	See when contracts are opened and reviewed	Booking and payment notifications are supported
PDF download with signature certificate	Download signed contracts with official proof of signature	Contracts are not supported
Custom signer data fields	Collect structured signer information during signing	Contracts are not supported
Custom contract data fields	Create custom contract data you can sort, filter, and report on	Contracts are not supported
INVOICES & PAYMENTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Create invoices and get paid	Send invoices and collect payments in one connected flow	Invoicing with payment processing
Fully branded invoices	Match invoices to your brand with custom logos, colors, and layout	Logo only, fixed template layout
Drag and drop invoice builder	Create custom invoice layouts visually without formatting limits	Fixed templates, no layout control
Customizable line items	Edit pricing, quantities, descriptions, and structure freely	Customizable line items
Item or invoice discounts	Apply discounts at the item or full invoice level	Invoices are not supported
Customizable taxes	Create tax rules that match your location and use case	Invoices are not supported
ACH payments	Accept bank transfers for lower-fee payments	ACH support depends on the connected payment processor
Stripe integration	Accept credit and debit cards instantly	You can collect payments via Stripe during booking
Square integration	Collect in-person payments when needed	You can collect payments via Square during booking
PayPal integration	Let clients pay using PayPal	You can collect payments via PayPal during booking
Flexible partial payments	Collect deposits and split payments across milestones	You can require deposits for appointments
Payment plans	Break invoices into scheduled installments	Deposits are supported, scheduled installments are not
Automated recurring invoices	Automatically send invoices on a recurring schedule	Recurring invoices are not supported
Subscription management	Manage ongoing client subscriptions and billing	Recurring appointments are supported, not subscriptions
Automated payment reminders	Follow up automatically until invoices are paid	Payment reminders tied to bookings are supported
Reusable invoice templates	Reuse invoice layouts without rebuilding each time	Invoices are not supported
Multiple currency support	Bill clients globally in their local currency	Currency support depends on the payment processor
Invoice automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when invoices are sent or paid	Automation is limited to booking and payment events
View notifications	See when invoices are opened and paid	Booking and payment notifications are supported
Built-in expense tracking	Track project-related costs alongside invoices	Expense tracking is not supported
Invoice deposits	Collect upfront payments before work starts	Deposits can be required to confirm bookings
Auto-invoice billable time	Turn tracked time into invoices automatically	Time tracking is not supported
Custom invoice data fields	Create custom invoice data you can sort, filter, and report on	Invoices are not supported
INBOX Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Centralized unified inbox	Manage email, chat, and messages from one shared inbox	A unified client inbox is not supported
Full email integration	Connect and manage all your email accounts in one place	Emails are sent by Acuity, inbox sync is not supported
Embeddable live chat	Add real-time chat to your website and client portals	Live chat is not supported
Instant direct messages	Message teammates privately without leaving your workspace	Direct messaging is not supported
Contextual project conversations	Keep conversations tied directly to the project they belong to	Projects are not supported
Team channels	Create shared spaces for team-wide discussions	Team chat is not supported
Customized channels	Organize channels by team, topic, or workflow	Not supported
@mentions	Notify teammates instantly inside conversations	@mentions are not supported
Message read receipts	See when messages are read	Messaging is not supported
File sharing in chat	Share files directly inside conversations	Chat and file sharing are not supported
Shared email inbox	Collaborate on incoming emails as a team	Not supported
Inbox mobile app	Access and respond to messages on mobile	Not supported
Email reply to inbox	Reply from your email client and keep conversations synced	Not supported
FILES Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Store and manage files	Keep all client and project files in one organized place	File storage is not supported
Advanced folder organization	Organize files by project, client, or structure you choose	No file storage in Acuity
Folder permissions	Control who can view or edit folders	No file storage in Acuity
People folders	Group files by person when needed	No file storage in Acuity
Project folders	Keep files scoped to each project	No file storage in Acuity
In-app previews	Preview files instantly without downloading	No file storage in Acuity
Custom file data fields	Capture file metadata you can sort and filter	Custom fields are supported only in intake forms and client records
Built-in documents	Create and edit documents directly inside Plutio	No documents in Acuity
Comments on files and docs	Leave comments directly on files and documents	No file comments in Acuity
Bulk file actions	Move, tag, or manage many files at once	No file storage in Acuity
Files search & filter	Find files quickly using search and filters	No file search in Acuity
External cloud sync	Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox	Calendar sync only
Secure sharing controls	Restrict access with permissions or passwords	No file sharing in Acuity
File sharing links	Share files externally with controlled access	No file sharing in Acuity
SCHEDULING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Schedule meetings	Let clients book meetings directly without back-and-forth emails	Full-featured booking system
Branded booking page	Build a fully branded, customizable booking system using a drag-and-drop editor	Booking pages can be branded
Advanced availability management	Define flexible availability rules applied automatically to bookings	Availability rules per calendar and appointment type are supported
Automatic buffer times	Add buffer time automatically between meetings	Buffer times between appointments are supported
Multiple meeting types	Create unlimited booking types with different rules and setups	Multiple appointment types are supported
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook)	Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically	External calendar sync is supported
Customizable booking confirmations	Fully customizable confirmation pages with no layout or branding limits	Confirmation emails and reminders can be customized
Redirect after booking	Send bookers anywhere after scheduling, not just a fixed thank-you page	Redirects after booking are supported
Booking automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a meeting is booked	Automation is limited to booking and payment events
Smart meeting reminders	Send automatic reminders without manual follow-ups	Automatic appointment reminders are supported
Automatic timezone detection	Handle timezones automatically without manual adjustments	Timezone handling is supported
Paid appointments (Stripe/PayPal)	Collect payments during booking without extra steps	Stripe, Square, PayPal at booking
Custom booking forms	Build booking forms with full control over questions and layout	Intake forms can be customized
Minimum notice / daily booking limits	Set booking limits to control lead time and daily volume	Booking limits and notice rules are supported
Rescheduling and cancellation controls	Define flexible rules for rescheduling and cancellations	Clients can reschedule or cancel
AUTOMATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Automated workflows builder	Build advanced workflows visually without code or rigid templates	Booking triggers only
Trigger-based workflows	Start workflows from real events across projects, clients, and payments	Automation exists only around bookings and emails
Schedule-based workflows	Run workflows on schedules you control, not fixed intervals	Recurring workflows are not supported
Multi-step workflows	Chain multiple actions into one continuous automation	Multi-step workflows are not supported
True/False branching	Create conditional paths instead of one-size-fits-all flows	Branching logic is not supported
Delay-based actions	Add precise timing between steps, down to minutes or days	Delays are limited to reminders
Create & update records	Create, update, or move records automatically across the system	Tasks, projects, and invoices are not supported
Move & duplicate records	Reorganize work automatically without manual cleanup	Appointment types can be duplicated
Delete & archive records	Automatically archive or remove records based on rules	Appointments can be deleted
API calls (webhooks)	Trigger or receive real-time events from external systems	API and webhooks are supported
Send emails	Send automated emails tied to real workflow events	Emails can be sent based on booking events
Post comments	Add notes or comments automatically where work happens	Not supported
Complete automation logs	See exactly what ran, when, and why	Basic activity logs are supported
Auto-fill data/variables	Pass data between steps dynamically without manual mapping	Variables work in emails and forms
Cross-entity connections	Run workflows that span projects, tasks, proposals, invoices, and more	Only scheduling modules are supported
FORMS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Create branded forms	Build fully branded forms that match your workflow and client experience	Unlimited custom intake forms
Drag-and-drop form builder	Design forms visually with full layout control, no code required	Intake forms can be built visually
Reusable form templates	Reuse form structures without rebuilding from scratch	Form templates can be reused
Custom form data fields	Collect structured data you can sort, filter, and report on	Custom fields are supported only in intake forms and client records
Smart conditional logic	Show or hide fields based on responses, not static forms	Conditional logic is limited
Instant email notifications	Get notified immediately when forms are submitted	Submission notifications are supported
Form automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when a form is submitted	Automation is limited to booking and payment events
Embed forms	Embed forms anywhere without layout restrictions	Forms can be embedded
Advanced field preferences	Control required, hidden, and default field behavior	Field behavior options are limited
Comprehensive field types	Collect text, files, dates, selections, and more	Common field types are supported
Form signature field	Collect legally binding signatures directly inside forms	Signature fields are not supported
File upload fields	Accept file uploads as part of form submissions	File uploads as managed files are not supported
Redirect after submission	Send submitters to a custom next step, not a fixed thank-you page	Redirects after submission are supported
CRM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Manage clients and leads	Manage contacts and companies in one connected system	Clients only
Full company management	Track organizations, not just individual contacts	Company records are not supported
Custom contact data fields	Collect and manage structured contact data you define	Custom fields exist for contacts only
Complete activity timeline	See every interaction with a client in one place	Activity history is limited to bookings
Contacts labeling and grouping	Organize contacts flexibly without rigid pipelines	Contact tagging is supported
WIKI Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Comprehensive knowledge base	Create an internal wiki for processes, docs, and guides	A knowledge base is not supported
Beautiful rich text pages	Write structured, formatted content without complexity	Not supported
Unlimited nested pages	Build deep knowledge hierarchies without limits	Not supported
Granular page permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each page	Not supported
DASHBOARDS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Custom dashboards and pages	Build dashboards around what matters to you, not fixed metrics	Acuity has no custom dashboards
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder	Design dashboards visually with full layout control	No dashboard builder in Acuity
Charts widget	Visualize data with customizable charts	Booking analytics only
Metrics widget	Track key numbers without manual reporting	Booking metrics only
Goals widget	Monitor progress toward defined goals	Not supported
Notes widget	Add contextual notes directly to dashboards	Not supported
Calendar widget	View upcoming events alongside work and metrics	Included
Financial widgets	Track revenue and expenses in the same view	Payment reports only
BRANDING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
White-label and branding	Run the entire platform under your brand	Booking pages only
Custom interface theme	Apply your brand colors across the system	Admin interface theming is not supported
Stylesheet customization	Fine-tune styling beyond basic theming	Custom CSS is not supported
Custom login/signup pages	Use branded authentication pages instead of generic screens	Custom login pages are not supported
Email branding	Send all system emails with your branding	Email branding is supported
Custom brand fonts	Use your own fonts throughout the platform	Not supported
Custom brand logos	Replace all platform logos with your own	Logo can be added to booking pages
Custom domain name	Run everything on your own domain	Not supported
Custom email SMTP	Send emails from your own email infrastructure	Not supported
Full workspace embedding	Embed Plutio directly into your website or product	Not supported
CUSTOMIZATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Flexible workspace setup	Shape the platform to match how your business works	Acuity has fixed structure
Main menu editor	Add, remove, or reorder navigation items freely	Navigation customization is not supported
User-based menus	Show different navigation for different roles	User-based menus are not supported
Custom user roles	Create role types beyond preset permissions	User roles are limited to scheduling permissions
Advanced user permissions	Control access at a granular level	Permissions apply only to scheduling access
SSO / OAuth	Support enterprise-grade single sign-on	SSO is available on higher plans
INTEGRATIONS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Connect with other tools	Integrate with external systems without lock-in	Direct Stripe, Square, PayPal
Zapier integration	Connect to thousands of apps without custom code	Zapier integration is supported
Make.com integration	Build advanced automation scenarios visually	Make integration is supported
Pabbly Connect	Connect services without usage-based limits	Possible via API
Full REST API access	Build custom integrations with full system access	REST API access is supported
Incoming & outgoing webhooks	Send and receive real-time events	Webhooks are supported
PLATFORM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Acuity 49/199
Mobile apps	Access your business from native mobile apps	iOS and Android apps
iOS app	Full-featured iPhone app	iOS app is supported
Android app	Full-featured Android app	Android app is supported
Mac desktop app	Native macOS app for desktop workflows	A native desktop app is not supported
Windows desktop app	Native Windows app for desktop workflows	A native desktop app is not supported

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Plutio vs Acuity FAQ: common questions answered

Can Plutio replace Acuity?

Yes for project-based freelancers. Plutio includes scheduling plus proposals, projects, invoicing, and client portals. For simple session-based businesses, Acuity may have more scheduling features.

Does Acuity have project management?

No. Acuity tracks appointments only. Projects, tasks, and deliverables require separate tools.

Does Acuity have proposals?

No. Acuity can sell session packages at booking, but has no proposal builder for custom engagements.

Which is better for coaches?

Acuity is designed for coaches who sell individual sessions. Plutio is better for coaches with programs, packages, and ongoing deliverables.

Does Acuity have a client portal?

Acuity has a client login to view/reschedule appointments. There is no workspace for projects, files, or progress.

Is Plutio scheduling as good as Acuity?

Acuity is built specifically for scheduling with features like intake forms, package sales, and timezone detection. Plutio covers core scheduling and adds proposals, contracts, project management, time tracking, invoicing, and client portals.

How much does Acuity cost?

Acuity Emerging ($20/mo), Growing ($34/mo), Powerhouse ($61/mo). For project work, add other tools. Plutio Core is $19/month with everything.

Can I use both Acuity and Plutio?

Yes. Some businesses use Acuity for appointment booking and Plutio for project management. But Plutio scheduling can replace Acuity for most use cases.

What integrations does Plutio support?

Plutio connects to 5,000+ apps through Zapier, including Google Calendar, Stripe, PayPal, QuickBooks, Slack, and more. Plutio also has a REST API for custom integrations. Native integrations include calendar sync, payment processors, and email services.

Does Plutio have a mobile app?

Yes. Plutio has native iOS and Android apps that let you manage projects, communicate with clients, track time, and send invoices from your phone. The mobile apps sync in real-time with the web platform.

Does Plutio offer a free trial?

Yes. Plutio offers a 14-day free trial with full access to all features. No credit card required to start. You can explore proposals, contracts, invoicing, project management, and client portals before choosing a plan.

Is my data safe with Plutio?

Yes. Your data is private, encrypted, and never used to train AI models. Plutio uses industry-standard security practices including SSL encryption, regular backups, and GDPR compliance. You can export your data at any time.

Can I white-label Plutio with my own branding?

Yes. Plutio offers complete white-labeling including custom domains, branded login pages, your logo and colors throughout, custom email templates with your SMTP, and CSS customization. Clients see your brand, not Plutio.

How long has Plutio been around?

Plutio has been built and refined for over 10 years based on real freelancer and agency feedback. The platform is actively developed with regular updates and new features added based on user needs.

Can I import data from other tools into Plutio?

Yes. Plutio supports CSV imports for clients, projects, and invoices. You can migrate from most business tools including HoneyBook, Dubsado, 17hats, and others. Our support team can help with complex migrations.

Is Plutio better than Acuity for freelancers?

It depends on your business model. Acuity is built for session-based work where the booking is the work (therapists, fitness instructors). Plutio is built for project-based work where scheduling leads to deliverables (consultants, coaches with programs, creatives). If you sell sessions, Acuity is focused. If you have ongoing client work, Plutio is more complete.

Does Plutio have a unified inbox?

Yes. Plutio has a unified inbox where you connect multiple email accounts and manage all client communication in one place. Client emails automatically sort into their conversation threads. Your team shares one inbox so no one misses urgent requests.

Can I use Plutio for team collaboration?

Yes. Plutio includes team features on all plans: shared inboxes, team channels, @mentions, task assignments, and workload views. You can create custom roles with granular permissions so team members see only what they need.

Does Acuity have time tracking?

No. Acuity is scheduling software without built-in time tracking. If you charge by the hour, you need a separate time tracking tool. Plutio includes time tracking with one-click timers and invoice generation from time logs.

Which has better automation?

Acuity includes scheduling automation: reminders, follow-ups, and booking confirmations. Plutio automation extends across the entire workflow: when a proposal is signed, Plutio can create a project, assign tasks, set deadlines, and send welcome emails automatically.

How much does Plutio cost compared to Acuity?

Acuity starts at $20/month (Emerging) up to $61/month (Powerhouse). But Acuity is scheduling only. To match Plutio features, you need PandaDoc ($35/month), a PM tool ($15/month), and QuickBooks ($30/month). The combined cost is $100+/month. Plutio starts at $19/month with scheduling, proposals, projects, and invoicing included.

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