Plutio vs Bonsai: Complete Comparison (2026)

Bonsai handles contracts and invoices, but there's no custom domain, no full white-labeling, and signed proposals don't automatically trigger project creation. Contracts get signed and payments come through... but once the paperwork is done, the project has to be created manually even though templates exist.

Plutio handles contracts and payments and the project workflow that follows: proposals that auto-create projects with task templates, time tracking that flows into invoices, and a branded portal at your domain where clients check progress without emailing you.

Last updated February 2026

4.6

Quick comparison (TLDR)

Bonsai is freelance business software built for proposals, contracts, invoices, and project management. Templates are functional, e-signatures work, and clients can pay directly. On the Premium plan ($39/month), Bonsai includes Gantt charts, subtasks, and task dependencies. But proposals and projects are separate: when a client signs, you manually create the project. There is no client portal where clients can log in to see task progress, and no white-labeling to remove Bonsai branding from client-facing pages.

Plutio is an all-in-one client management platform built for the full workflow. When a client approves a proposal, Plutio automatically creates a project with tasks based on the scope. Clients log into a branded portal at your custom domain where they see their tasks, files, deadlines, and progress in real time. Everything runs under your brand.

Key differences at a glance

Proposal-to-project automation: When a client approves a proposal in Plutio, a project is created automatically with tasks from your template, so you start work immediately. In Bonsai, proposals and projects are separate, so you spend 10-15 minutes per client manually creating the project after every approval.
Client portal with task visibility: Plutio clients log into a fully branded portal at your domain and see their tasks, files, and progress in real time, which eliminates status update emails. Bonsai clients see invoices and documents but cannot see task progress or deadlines.
White-labeling: Plutio offers a custom domain (yourcompany.com), custom login pages, and complete removal of Plutio branding. Bonsai lets you add your logo to documents, but client-facing pages show Bonsai branding and URLs.
Team permissions: Plutio offers granular custom roles so contractors see only their assigned tasks without accessing client financials. Bonsai has 4 fixed roles (Owner, Admin, PM, Member) with limited customization.

Bonsai covers solo freelancers who need professional templates for proposals and contracts with basic project tracking. The trade-off: no proposal-to-project automation, no client portal with task visibility, and no white-labeling. Plutio handles proposals that auto-create projects, clients who see their progress in a branded portal, and full white-labeling as you grow.

Project and task management

When projects get complex, simple task lists are not enough. You need to see how tasks relate to each other, which deadlines are at risk, and how work is distributed across your team.

Bonsai

Project management on Premium plan. Bonsai includes Gantt charts with drag-and-drop, nested subtasks, and task dependencies (Waiting on, Blocking, Related to) on the Premium plan ($39/month). Kanban boards have limited customization. Task templates with dependencies are available. However, proposals and projects are separate in Bonsai. When a client approves a proposal, you still manually create the project and set up tasks.

For freelancers who work solo and manage projects directly, Bonsai's project management covers the basics. The gap appears in the handoff: there is no automatic flow from signed proposal to active project.

Gantt chart with drag-and-drop (Premium)
Nested subtasks supported
Task dependencies
Kanban view (limited customization)
No auto-project creation from proposals
Manual setup for each new client

Plutio

Project management that starts automatically. Kanban boards show work moving through stages. Gantt charts show timelines and dependencies. List view for quick triage. The difference is what happens when a proposal is signed: Plutio creates the project automatically with tasks from your template, so you start work immediately instead of spending time on manual setup.

Project templates mean your entire workflow is pre-built: tasks, subtasks, dependencies, time estimates. When a new client signs, everything is already in place.

5 views: Kanban, Gantt, List, Table, Calendar
Auto-create project when proposal is signed
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

Time tracking and billing

A client questions an invoice line item. Can you show them exactly what that time was spent on? When time connects to tasks, billing disputes disappear.

Bonsai

Time tracking included. Bonsai includes time tracking with timers and manual entry. Mark time as billable or non-billable. Generate invoices from tracked time.

However, time is tracked at the project level, not the task level. When a client questions a line item, you cannot show them exactly which tasks that time was spent on. Missing task-level detail creates friction in billing conversations.

Timer and manual entry
Invoice from time logs
Billable/non-billable separation
Project-level only (not task-level)
Limited timesheet reporting

Plutio

Time connects to tasks and invoices. Track time at the task level with one-click timers. Time rolls up to projects automatically. Generate invoices from tracked hours with a complete breakdown of what was worked on. Clients see transparency; you spend zero time on billing disputes.

When time data flows through your system instead of living in a separate app like Toggl, invoicing takes minutes instead of hours and clients never question what they are paying for.

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

'Hey, just checking in on the project status?' When clients can log in and see their progress, they stop emailing you for updates.

Bonsai

Document portal for contracts and invoices. Bonsai gives clients a place to view invoices, estimates, and documents. Clients can sign contracts and pay invoices through the portal. Premium plan removes Bonsai branding from documents. However, clients cannot see task progress, project status, or deadlines. There is no custom domain support, so the URL shows Bonsai, not your brand.

When clients want to know the status of their project, they email you. The portal shows signed documents and payment history, but not what is currently being worked on.

Invoice and document access
Contract signing
Premium removes Bonsai branding on docs
No task visibility for clients
No real-time progress view
No custom domain support

Plutio

Clients get their own branded workspace. 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 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 (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.

Bonsai

Basic email notifications only. Bonsai sends email notifications when things happen: a client signs, a payment arrives, a form is submitted. You get the notification in your regular inbox. But there is no shared team inbox. No auto-sorting of client threads. No way to see all communications with a client in one place.

Email notifications for events
Messages attached to projects
No shared team inbox
No team channels
No direct messaging
No auto-sort into client threads
No embeddable 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

Automation and workflows

A lead fills out your inquiry form. Does that automatically create a project, assign onboarding tasks, and schedule a follow-up? Or do you do it manually every time?

Bonsai

Document flow automation. Bonsai links proposals to contracts to invoices. When a proposal is accepted, the contract can be auto-sent. Contract triggers can send follow-up emails. The document flow covers the paperwork phase well.

However, proposals do not automatically create projects. When a client signs, you still manually create the project and assign tasks. There is no way to auto-generate a project with your task template when a proposal is approved.

Proposal to contract automation
Contract to invoice flows
Contract and proposal triggers
No proposal-to-project automation
No auto-task assignment from templates
Manual project setup each time

Plutio

Visual automation across everything. Automatically run actions based on project status, task completion, form submissions, or client activity. Automate follow-ups, reminders, project creation, and status updates. The visual builder makes complex workflows easy to create without code.

When a lead becomes a client, automation handles the repetitive setup: creating the project, assigning onboarding tasks, scheduling the kickoff, and sending welcome materials. Automated setup saves 15-30 minutes per new client.

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 contractor. Can they see their assigned tasks without accessing client financials? When permissions work, growth does not mean chaos.

Bonsai

Fixed team roles. Bonsai supports team members with 4 preset roles: Owner, Admin, Project Manager, and Member. Project Managers cannot view financials. Members have limited access.

Bonsai has no custom role creation, no per-project access control, no contractor-specific permissions, and no multi-workspace support. Coordination across multiple projects often requires Trello, Asana, or Slack.

4 user levels (Owner, Admin, PM, Member)
Team member access on paid plans
No custom role creation
No per-project access control
No contractor-specific permissions
No multi-workspace support

Plutio

Granular permissions for growing teams. Control who sees what at project, task, or document level. Add contractors who see only their assigned tasks. Add team members who manage projects but not financials. Add clients who see only their portal. Scales from solo to agency without changing tools.

When you hire your first contractor, they get access to exactly what they need and nothing more. Granular access protects client privacy and your business data while letting you delegate effectively.

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.

Bonsai

Logo customization on documents. You can add your logo to proposals, contracts, and invoices, which is standard. Client-facing pages show Bonsai branding. The URL shows Bonsai, not your domain. Emails come from Bonsai servers. There is no way to hide that you are using their platform.

Logo on documents and invoices
Color customization on documents
Bonsai branding always visible
No custom domain support
No custom interface theming
No branded login pages
No custom SMTP for emails
Cannot remove Bonsai identity

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.

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 sending invoices. It's recurring subscriptions, payment plans, transaction tracking, and branded documents that look like they came from your business.

Bonsai

Invoicing with payment collection. Bonsai creates invoices and accepts payments via Stripe, PayPal, and other processors. Recurring invoices work well. The invoicing is functional and handles the basics.

Invoice design uses templates with limited customization. The experience is straightforward for simple billing needs but lacks the visual builder and subscription management features for complex billing scenarios.

Invoices with online payments
Stripe and PayPal integration
Recurring invoices supported
No drag-and-drop invoice builder
Limited subscription management
Fixed template layouts only
Limited invoice branding

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.

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 a static quote?

Bonsai

Professional proposal templates. Bonsai has functional proposal and contract templates. E-signatures work smoothly. Clients can pay deposits through the same flow. The paperwork phase is clean and professional.

The limitation appears after signing. Proposals do not automatically create projects with tasks. You manually create the project and rebuild your task list based on the proposal scope, which takes 10-15 minutes per client.

Professional proposal templates
E-signatures supported
Contract templates included
Deposit collection on approval
No drag-and-drop editing
No interactive pricing selection
No auto-convert to project
Limited engagement 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: Bonsai vs Plutio

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

With Bonsai, here is how it usually goes:

You send a proposal with your pricing and terms
They sign the contract and pay the deposit
You manually create a new project (proposals and projects are separate)
You set up the task board, which takes 10-15 minutes per client
The client emails asking for updates because the portal only shows documents
You reply with status updates while juggling actual work

With Plutio, here is how it works:

You send a proposal with pricing and contract
They sign and pay the deposit
A project is automatically created with your template: dozens of tasks already assigned
You see everything on a Gantt chart timeline with dependencies
The client logs into a branded portal at yourcompany.com and sees tasks, files, and progress
They check their portal instead of emailing you for updates

Bonsai covers proposals, contracts, and invoices. Plutio handles proposals, contracts, and invoices plus creates projects automatically when proposals are signed, tracks time at the task level, and gives clients a branded portal where they can see exactly what is happening.

Where Plutio wins (the proof)

These are verifiable differences, not opinions.

1. Proposal-to-project automation: Plutio has it, Bonsai does not

Bonsai: Proposals and projects are separate. When a proposal is accepted, you manually create the project. Bonsai has project templates, but they do not auto-generate when a proposal is signed.

Plutio: When a proposal is accepted, a project is created automatically with tasks mapped from your template. Zero manual handoff. Start working immediately.

The proof: Bonsai's documentation covers proposals and project management separately because they do not connect automatically.

2. Client portal with task visibility: Progress view vs document view

Bonsai: Clients can view invoices and documents through a portal. Premium plan removes Bonsai branding on documents. But clients cannot see task progress, deadlines, or project status.

Plutio: Clients log into a portal at your custom domain. They see tasks, files, deadlines, and progress. They approve deliverables in the same place. Real-time visibility eliminates status request emails.

The proof: Check Bonsai's pricing page. Client portal is listed for Essentials+, but task visibility for clients is not mentioned because it is not included.

3. White-labeling: Your brand everywhere vs logo on documents

Bonsai: You can add your logo to documents. Premium removes Bonsai branding from documents. But client-facing pages still show Bonsai URLs, and there is no custom domain support.

Plutio: Custom domain (yourcompany.com), branded login pages, custom colors throughout, custom SMTP for emails. Clients see your brand exclusively.

The proof: Bonsai's features page does not mention custom domains or full white-labeling because the platform does not support them.

When Bonsai might still work

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

You want built-in tax and accounting features. Bonsai includes expense tracking, tax categorization, and estimated quarterly taxes. If you want invoicing and bookkeeping in one tool, Bonsai's accounting features cover the basics.
You work solo and do not need client-facing project visibility. If clients do not need to log in and see task progress, Bonsai's document portal covers contracts and invoices well.
You want the lowest starting price. Bonsai's Basic plan starts at $9/month (annual), which is lower than most competitors for solo freelancers who need proposals and invoicing.
You are already invested in Bonsai workflows. If you have years of client history and templates built in Bonsai, migration cost might not be worth the disruption.

But if you want proposals that automatically create projects with your task templates, need a client portal where clients see task progress at your custom domain, or plan to grow a team with granular custom permissions, Plutio fits better.

Why they switched: real outcomes

What happens when freelancers 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 separate tools for proposals and project management.

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 everything runs under your brand, the admin overhead drops and capacity for real work increases.

Final verdict

Bonsai and Plutio approach the client journey from different angles. Both are well-reviewed: Plutio holds a 4.4/5 on G2 while Bonsai is popular for its proposal and contract templates.

Bonsai has built professional templates for proposals, contracts, and invoices. E-signatures work smoothly, and payments connect to multiple processors. The Premium plan ($39/month) includes Gantt charts, subtasks, and task dependencies. For solo freelancers who need structured paperwork and project management without client-facing visibility, Bonsai covers the basics.

The limitations appear in the handoff. Proposals do not create projects automatically, so each new client requires manual setup. Clients cannot see task progress or deadlines in their portal. There is no custom domain support and no way to fully white-label the experience.

Plutio handles proposals and contracts, then continues into connected project management. When a proposal is accepted, a project is created automatically with your template. Clients log into a branded portal at your domain and see their progress. Time tracking connects tasks to invoices. Everything runs under your brand.

The bottom line: Bonsai covers solo freelancers who need professional document templates with tax features, where clients do not need to see project progress. The trade-off: no proposal-to-project automation and no branded client portal. Plutio handles proposals that auto-create projects, clients who see their progress in a branded portal, and full white-labeling as you scale.

How to switch from Bonsai to Plutio

Switching from Bonsai to Plutio means connecting your client work instead of managing it in separate pieces.

Step 1: Export your Bonsai data
Download clients, projects, and invoices as CSV files from your Bonsai dashboard. Export contracts as PDFs for your records.

Step 2: Import into Plutio
Upload the CSVs to Plutio. The importer maps Bonsai fields like Client Name, Email, and Project Status directly to Plutio.

Step 3: Set up your project templates
Create templates for your common project types. Include tasks, subtasks, dependencies, and automations. The key difference is these templates auto-generate when proposals are signed.

Step 4: Configure your client portal
Set up your custom domain, add your branding, and decide what clients can see. When ready, invite clients to their new workspace.

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
Bonsai: 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 Bonsai: full feature comparison for 2026

Project management, time tracking, client portals, proposals, invoicing, and automation compared side by side

PRICING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Starting price	$19/month (Core plan)	$15/month (Basic, $9/month annual)
Free plan	No free plan (14-day trial available)	No free plan (trial available)
Trial period	14-day free trial	7-day free trial
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Manage projects and tasks	Fully flexible project and task setup you can shape to your workflow	Basic project and task management
Project roles and permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each part of a project	4 fixed roles (PMs cannot view financials)
Multiple task boards	Unlimited boards to run parallel workflows in the same project	Strictly restricted to 1 board per project
Embeddable project boards	Live project boards embedded into client portals or websites	Embedding live project boards is not supported
Sharable project boards	Read-only public links for sharing progress without risk	Portal access only (no public read-only links)
Project stages and milestones	Define custom project lifecycles for different types of work	Milestones with Gantt chart visualization
Connected proposals, contracts, and invoices	Everything related stays connected to the project automatically	Manual linking (no automatic project integration)
Custom project data fields	Track, sort, filter, and report on custom project data	Text, number, date, URL (no filtering)
Kanban boards	Drag-and-drop tasks across customizable columns	Kanban view (limited customization)
Table view	Bulk-edit tasks like a spreadsheet	Basic table view (no bulk editing)
List view	Clean task lists with clear hierarchy	Simple list view with basic sorting
Calendar view	See tasks and deadlines on a calendar	Calendar view for tasks and deadlines
Gantt view	Plan work visually with task order and dependencies	Gantt chart with drag-and-drop
Subtasks	Break work down into multiple nested levels	Nested subtasks supported
Email to task	Turn emails into tasks without manual copying	No email-to-task conversion
Task comments	Keep discussions tied directly to each task	Comments stay attached to tasks only
Task attachments	Store files directly on the task they belong to	File attachments (no file manager)
Task priorities	Define priority levels that fit your workflow	No priority levels
Task labels & color coding	Use unlimited labels to visually organize tasks	No color coding (labels only)
Multiple task assignees	Assign tasks to one or multiple teammates	One assignee per task (no multi-assign)
Task templates	Reuse task-level structures across projects	Task templates with dependencies
Task permissions	Control access at the individual task level	Project-level only (no task-level)
Task dependencies	Prevent work from starting out of order	Waiting on, Blocking, Related to
Recurring tasks	Automate repeating work with flexible schedules	Daily, weekly, monthly, milestones
Custom task data fields	Add task-level fields for tracking custom details	Custom fields (text and number only)
TIME TRACKING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Time tracking system	Easily track time using timers or manual entries	Timer and manual time entry
Task-level tracking	Log time directly against tasks and subtasks	Limited to task-level only (no subtask tracking)
Project-level tracking	See time spent per project and per client	Time tracked per project
Billable time tracking	Clearly separate billable and non-billable time	Billable and non-billable categorization
Billable time invoicing	Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps	One-click invoice from time entries
Timesheet reports	View detailed time reports by task, project, or client	Detailed timesheet reports
Team timesheets	See how each team member tracks their time	Per-member timesheets with locking
PROPOSALS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Create and send proposals	Create proposals clients can review, approve, and sign in one flow	Customizable proposals with e-signatures
Drag-and-drop proposal builder	Create custom, branded proposals without layout limits or code	Visual editor (no true drag-and-drop)
Reusable proposal templates	Reuse proven proposal layouts across clients	Industry templates plus custom templates
Real-time proposal analytics	See exactly when proposals are opened and reviewed	Real-time view tracking
Live messenger on proposals	Answer questions directly while clients review proposals	No live chat in proposals
Proposal flow automation	Move from proposal to contract, invoice, or booking automatically	Proposal-contract link only (no scheduler)
Convert proposal to invoice	Create invoices directly from approved proposals	Auto-generate invoice from accepted proposal
Packages and add-ons	Offer upsells and add-ons directly inside proposals	Packages with single, multi-select options
Interactive pricing tables	Let clients choose options before approving	Static pricing only (no client selection)
Dynamic data and variables	Auto-fill proposal content with client and project data	Basic smart fields (limited variables)
Expiration dates	Automatically expire proposals after a set date	Manual expiry dates (no automation)
PDF Export	Download as branded PDFs	Basic PDF export (limited branding)
Reusable content blocks	Create reusable proposal sections you can reuse on demand	Reusable blocks not supported (templates only)
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure electronic signatures on proposals	Basic e-signatures (limited audit trail)
Custom proposal data fields	Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on	Text and date custom fields only
CONTRACTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Create and sign contracts	Create, send, and sign contracts in one continuous flow	Legally vetted templates with e-signatures
Drag-and-drop contract builder	Create fully custom contracts with flexible layouts, no code or formatting limits	Visual editor (no full drag-and-drop)
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure signatures with audit trails and signer verification	Legally binding e-signatures
Multi-signature / signees	Collect signatures from multiple people on the same contract	Multiple signers and recipients
Reusable contract templates	Reuse contract structures to create new agreements faster	Industry-specific and custom templates
Auto-reminders automation	Automatically follow up until contracts are signed	Auto-reminders (stop after 16 days overdue)
Dynamic data/variables	Auto-fill contract content with client and project data	Basic smart fields (limited variables)
Contract automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a contract is signed	Contract & proposal triggers only
View notifications	See when contracts are opened and reviewed	Basic email notifications (no detailed tracking)
PDF download with signature certificate	Download signed contracts with official proof of signature	Basic PDF download (limited certificate)
Custom signer data fields	Collect structured signer information during signing	Standard fields only (name & email)
Custom contract data fields	Create custom contract data you can sort, filter, and report on	Custom fields (contact info only)
INVOICES & PAYMENTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Create invoices and get paid	Send invoices and collect payments in one connected flow	Invoicing with multiple payment options
Fully branded invoices	Match invoices to your brand with custom logos, colors, and layout	Limited branding (logo and colors only)
Drag and drop invoice builder	Create custom invoice layouts visually without formatting limits	Pre-built templates (no drag-drop)
Customizable line items	Edit pricing, quantities, descriptions, and structure freely	Line items (no advanced customization)
Item or invoice discounts	Apply discounts at the item or full invoice level	Discounts (percentage or fixed, no tiered)
Customizable taxes	Create tax rules that match your location and use case	Basic tax configuration (no automation)
ACH payments	Accept bank transfers for lower-fee payments	ACH via Bonsai Payments (US, UK, CA, AU only)
Stripe integration	Accept credit and debit cards instantly	Stripe payments supported
Square integration	Collect in-person payments when needed	Not supported
PayPal integration	Let clients pay using PayPal	PayPal payments supported
Flexible partial payments	Collect deposits and split payments across milestones	Partial payments (manual milestone setup)
Payment plans	Break invoices into scheduled installments	Payment plans (limited automation)
Automated recurring invoices	Automatically send invoices on a recurring schedule	Weekly, biweekly, monthly, yearly recurrence
Subscription management	Manage ongoing client subscriptions and billing	Recurring invoices (no subscription portal)
Automated payment reminders	Follow up automatically until invoices are paid	Automated reminders (stop after 16 days)
Reusable invoice templates	Reuse invoice layouts without rebuilding each time	Templates available (limited customization)
Multiple currency support	Bill clients globally in their local currency	Multi-currency (manual exchange rates)
Invoice automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when invoices are sent or paid	Payment & form triggers only
View notifications	See when invoices are opened and paid	Email notifications (no real-time tracking)
Built-in expense tracking	Track project-related costs alongside invoices	Expense tracking (auto-categorization via bank sync)
Invoice deposits	Collect upfront payments before work starts	Deposits supported (manual collection)
Auto-invoice billable time	Turn tracked time into invoices automatically	Time-to-invoice (manual confirmation required)
Custom invoice data fields	Create custom invoice data you can sort, filter, and report on	Text and date custom fields only
INBOX Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
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	Send-only (no inbox sync)
Embeddable live chat	Add real-time chat to your website and client portals	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	No in-app project messaging
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	Not supported
Message read receipts	See when messages are read	Read receipts are not supported
File sharing in chat	Share files directly inside conversations	Share files and links in portal messages
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	Bonsai 43/199
Store and manage files	Keep all client and project files in one organized place	Project document storage with client access
Advanced folder organization	Organize files by project, client, or structure you choose	Project-level only (no granular)
Folder permissions	Control who can view or edit folders	Project-level only (no granular)
People folders	Group files by person when needed	Not supported
Project folders	Keep files scoped to each project	Project-based file sections in portal
In-app previews	Preview files instantly without downloading	Not supported
Custom file data fields	Capture file metadata you can sort and filter	Contact info only (no CRM fields)
Built-in documents	Create and edit documents directly inside Plutio	No built-in document editor
Comments on files and docs	Leave comments directly on files and documents	No file commenting system
Bulk file actions	Move, tag, or manage many files at once	Not supported
Files search & filter	Find files quickly using search and filters	Not supported
External cloud sync	Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox	Not supported
Secure sharing controls	Restrict access with permissions or passwords	Not supported
File sharing links	Share files externally with controlled access	Portal sharing only (no direct file links)
SCHEDULING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Schedule meetings	Let clients book meetings directly without back-and-forth emails	Booking pages with calendar sync
Branded booking page	Build a fully branded, customizable booking system using a drag-and-drop editor	Custom branding on booking pages
Advanced availability management	Define flexible availability rules applied automatically to bookings	Event types with availability windows
Automatic buffer times	Add buffer time automatically between meetings	Buffer times (no daily limits)
Multiple meeting types	Create unlimited booking types with different rules and setups	Custom event types with different durations
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook)	Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically	Calendar sync (Google and Outlook only)
Customizable booking confirmations	Fully customizable confirmation pages with no layout or branding limits	Email customization (limited template control)
Redirect after booking	Send bookers anywhere after scheduling, not just a fixed thank-you page	Redirect supported (basic URL redirect)
Booking automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a meeting is booked	Booking triggers (limited action types)
Smart meeting reminders	Send automatic reminders without manual follow-ups	Auto-reminders (email only, no SMS)
Automatic timezone detection	Handle timezones automatically without manual adjustments	Timezone detection (basic support)
Paid appointments (Stripe/PayPal)	Collect payments during booking without extra steps	Require payment to book via Bonsai Payments or Stripe
Custom booking forms	Build booking forms with full control over questions and layout	Custom intake questions and forms on booking events
Minimum notice / daily booking limits	Set booking limits to control lead time and daily volume	Notice periods (no per-event daily limits)
Rescheduling and cancellation controls	Define flexible rules for rescheduling and cancellations	Clients can reschedule or cancel from confirmation email
AUTOMATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Automated workflows builder	Build advanced workflows visually without code or rigid templates	Contract, proposal, invoice, form triggers
Trigger-based workflows	Start workflows from real events across projects, clients, and payments	Contract signed, proposal accepted, form filled
Schedule-based workflows	Run workflows on schedules you control, not fixed intervals	Not supported
Multi-step workflows	Chain multiple actions into one continuous automation	Not supported
True/False branching	Create conditional paths instead of one-size-fits-all flows	Not supported
Delay-based actions	Add precise timing between steps, down to minutes or days	Not supported
Create & update records	Create, update, or move records automatically across the system	Auto-create (projects and clients only)
Move & duplicate records	Reorganize work automatically without manual cleanup	Not supported
Delete & archive records	Automatically archive or remove records based on rules	Not supported
API calls (webhooks)	Trigger or receive real-time events from external systems	Webhooks (outgoing only, no incoming)
Send emails	Send automated emails tied to real workflow events	Logo & colors (no custom domain)
Post comments	Add notes or comments automatically where work happens	Not supported
Complete automation logs	See exactly what ran, when, and why	Not supported
Auto-fill data/variables	Pass data between steps dynamically without manual mapping	Not supported
Cross-entity connections	Run workflows that span projects, tasks, proposals, invoices, and more	Not supported
FORMS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Create branded forms	Build fully branded forms that match your workflow and client experience	Branded intake and questionnaire forms
Drag-and-drop form builder	Design forms visually with full layout control, no code required	Form editor (no true drag-and-drop)
Reusable form templates	Reuse form structures without rebuilding from scratch	Form templates with auto-CRM sync
Custom form data fields	Collect structured data you can sort, filter, and report on	Custom fields (limited field types)
Smart conditional logic	Show or hide fields based on responses, not static forms	Conditional logic (limited complexity)
Instant email notifications	Get notified immediately when forms are submitted	Email notifications (no customization)
Form automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when a form is submitted	Basic automation triggers (limited actions)
Embed forms	Embed forms anywhere without layout restrictions	Embed via iframe (limited styling control)
Advanced field preferences	Control required, hidden, and default field behavior	Not supported
Comprehensive field types	Collect text, files, dates, selections, and more	Not supported
Form signature field	Collect legally binding signatures directly inside forms	E-signature field (basic, no advanced options)
File upload fields	Accept file uploads as part of form submissions	Clients can upload files to projects
Redirect after submission	Send submitters to a custom next step, not a fixed thank-you page	Not supported
CRM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Manage clients and leads	Manage contacts and companies in one connected system	CRM with Deals pipeline for leads
Full company management	Track organizations, not just individual contacts	Companies (basic info only, no hierarchy)
Custom contact data fields	Collect and manage structured contact data you define	Custom fields (text and select only)
Complete activity timeline	See every interaction with a client in one place	Activity log (projects and invoices only)
Contacts labeling and grouping	Organize contacts flexibly without rigid pipelines	Tags (no advanced segmentation)
WIKI Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Comprehensive knowledge base	Create an internal wiki for processes, docs, and guides	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	Bonsai 43/199
Custom dashboards and pages	Build dashboards around what matters to you, not fixed metrics	Dashboard (fixed layout, no customization)
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder	Design dashboards visually with full layout control	Pre-configured widgets only
Charts widget	Visualize data with customizable charts	Charts (revenue and time only)
Metrics widget	Track key numbers without manual reporting	Metrics (revenue and project totals only)
Goals widget	Monitor progress toward defined goals	Not supported
Notes widget	Add contextual notes directly to dashboards	No notes widget
Calendar widget	View upcoming events alongside work and metrics	Calendar widget (upcoming tasks only)
Financial widgets	Track revenue and expenses in the same view	Revenue tracking (invoices only, no expenses)
BRANDING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
White-label and branding	Run the entire platform under your brand	Documents and portal only (no admin theming)
Custom interface theme	Apply your brand colors across the system	No admin interface theming
Stylesheet customization	Fine-tune styling beyond basic theming	No CSS customization
Custom login/signup pages	Use branded authentication pages instead of generic screens	Branded login (fixed layout)
Email branding	Send all system emails with your branding	Logo in emails (no custom templates)
Custom brand fonts	Use your own fonts throughout the platform	No custom fonts
Custom brand logos	Replace all platform logos with your own	Logo (documents and portal only)
Custom domain name	Run everything on your own domain	No custom domain
Custom email SMTP	Send emails from your own email infrastructure	No custom SMTP
Full workspace embedding	Embed Plutio directly into your website or product	No workspace embedding
CUSTOMIZATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Flexible workspace setup	Shape the platform to match how your business works	No workspace customization
Main menu editor	Add, remove, or reorder navigation items freely	Fixed menu (no customization)
User-based menus	Show different navigation for different roles	Same menu for all users
Custom user roles	Create role types beyond preset permissions	4 fixed roles (no custom)
Advanced user permissions	Control access at a granular level	Project permissions (no granular control)
SSO / OAuth	Support enterprise-grade single sign-on	Email & password login only
INTEGRATIONS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Connect with other tools	Integrate with external systems without lock-in	Integrations (Zapier and Make only)
Zapier integration	Connect to thousands of apps without custom code	Zapier (limited triggers and actions)
Make.com integration	Build advanced automation scenarios visually	Make.com (limited modules)
Pabbly Connect	Connect services without usage-based limits	No Pabbly integration
Full REST API access	Build custom integrations with full system access	REST API (read-only, limited endpoints)
Incoming & outgoing webhooks	Send and receive real-time events	Webhooks (outgoing only, limited events)
PLATFORM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Bonsai 43/199
Mobile apps	Access your business from native mobile apps	Mobile apps (iOS and Android, limited features)
iOS app	Full-featured iPhone app	iOS app (basic features only)
Android app	Full-featured Android app	Android app (basic features only)
Mac desktop app	Native macOS app for desktop workflows	Web only (no Mac app)
Windows desktop app	Native Windows app for desktop workflows	Web only (no Windows app)

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Plutio vs Bonsai FAQ: common questions answered

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 Bonsai or Plutio better for agencies?

Plutio is better for agencies because it offers granular team permissions, multi-client workspaces, and capacity planning. Bonsai was built for solo freelancers with limited team collaboration features.

Can Bonsai create projects from proposals automatically?

No. In Bonsai, proposals and projects are separate. When a proposal is approved, you manually create the project and rebuild your task list. Plutio creates the project automatically with tasks mapped from the scope.

Is Plutio better than Bonsai?

Bonsai and Plutio both cover proposals, contracts, invoicing, and project management. Bonsai's Premium plan ($39/month) includes Gantt charts and task dependencies. The key differences are: Plutio auto-creates projects when proposals are signed, Plutio offers client portals where clients see task progress, and Plutio provides full white-labeling with custom domains. If you work solo and do not need client-facing project visibility, Bonsai works. If you want connected workflows and branded client portals, Plutio fits better.

Can Plutio replace Bonsai?

Yes. Plutio includes proposals, contracts, e-signatures, invoices, payments, time tracking, and project management. You can import clients and invoices from Bonsai and continue without starting over.

Does Bonsai have time tracking?

Yes. Bonsai has basic time tracking with timers and manual entry. You can generate invoices from time logs. However, Bonsai time tracking is project-level only. You cannot see which specific tasks consumed your hours the way you can in Plutio.

Does Bonsai have project management?

Yes. Bonsai includes project management with task lists and Kanban boards. The Premium plan ($39/month) adds Gantt charts with drag-and-drop, nested subtasks, and task dependencies. Task templates with dependencies are available. The main limitation is that proposals do not automatically create projects when signed, so you manually set up each new client project.

Which tool is better for multi-month projects?

Both tools have Gantt charts and task dependencies on their higher plans. The difference is workflow connection: Plutio creates projects automatically when proposals are signed, so your task template is ready immediately. Plutio also lets clients log in to see project progress, which reduces status update emails during long projects. If you need client visibility and automatic project creation, Plutio covers more for multi-month work.

Can clients see project progress in both tools?

In Bonsai, clients can see documents and invoices in a basic portal. In Plutio, clients log into a branded portal at your domain where they see tasks, files, deadlines, and messages tied to their project with real-time progress updates.

How much does Plutio cost compared to Bonsai?

Bonsai starts at $15/month (Basic) or $25/month (Essentials) for monthly billing, with annual billing lowering these to $9/month and $19/month respectively. Plutio starts at $19/month (Core) or $49/month (Pro). Plutio includes project management, client portals, and white-labeling on all plans. Bonsai requires the Essentials plan ($25/month) for proposals and contracts, and Premium ($39/month) for Gantt views and removing Bonsai branding.

Can I import my Bonsai data into Plutio?

Yes. Export clients, projects, and invoices from Bonsai as CSV files and import them into Plutio. The migration maintains your client history and billing records.

Which tool has better automation?

Plutio automation extends across the entire workflow. When a proposal is signed, Plutio can create a project, assign tasks, set deadlines, and send emails automatically. Bonsai has workflow automation for reminders and follow-ups but cannot auto-create projects from proposals.

Why do freelancers switch from Bonsai to Plutio?

Most freelancers switch for three reasons: they want proposals to automatically create projects with task templates, they need clients to see project progress in a branded portal, or they want full white-labeling with custom domains. Bonsai covers contracts and invoicing, but does not connect proposals to automatic project creation, lacks client-facing task visibility, and does not support custom domains.

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. You can also embed live chat on your website.

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. Bonsai team features are more limited and designed primarily for solo freelancers.

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