Plutio vs Dubsado: Complete Comparison (2026)

Dubsado automates intake, but the project management ends at task lists. Flows guide clients through questionnaires, proposals, and contracts automatically. They sign, pay, and you're booked. But Dubsado has no Kanban boards, no Gantt charts, no time tracking, and the client portal shows Dubsado branding. So once the contract is signed, managing the actual work happens elsewhere.

Plutio handles intake automation and the project delivery that follows: Kanban and Gantt views for tracking work, time logs that flow into invoices, and a white-labeled portal at your domain where clients see progress without emailing you. Try it free and see how much simpler client work gets when everything connects.

Last updated January 2026

Quick comparison (TLDR)

Dubsado is client onboarding software built for service businesses. The visual Flows builder (a drag-and-drop automation tool) handles the path from inquiry to signed contract. Customizable forms support pixel-level CSS styling. Service professionals have relied on it for years to book clients on autopilot. But after the contract is signed, project management is limited to basic task lists with no Kanban boards, no Gantt charts, and no time tracking. When the actual work begins, most users open other apps to manage it.

Plutio is an all-in-one platform that handles onboarding and the work that comes after. Forms and proposals bring clients in. When a client signs, Plutio creates a project with tasks from your template automatically. Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and task dependencies manage complex projects. Time tracking connects directly to invoicing. Clients see their project progress in a branded portal at your domain instead of emailing you for updates.

Key differences at a glance

White-label branding: Plutio supports custom domains (clients.yourbrand.com), branded login pages, and custom SMTP so clients never see Plutio branding. Dubsado shows Dubsado branding in the client portal and has limited domain customization.
Project management: Plutio includes Kanban boards, Gantt charts, subtasks, and task dependencies for visualizing your entire workflow across multiple clients. Dubsado has simple task lists only, so when projects get complex, you open a separate project app.
Time tracking: Plutio tracks hours on tasks with one-click timers and generates invoices directly from time logs, so clients see exactly what they paid for. Dubsado has no time tracking, so you run a separate timer app and manually copy hours into invoices.
Client visibility: Plutio clients log into a branded portal at your domain and see their tasks, files, and project status in real time, which eliminates constant status request emails. Dubsado clients see documents and forms only, so they email you asking for updates.
Invoicing and billing: Plutio has a visual drag-and-drop invoice builder with recurring invoices, subscriptions, and payment plans. Dubsado has invoicing but no subscriptions and no time-to-invoice conversion.
Client communication: Plutio has a unified inbox that combines email, in-app messaging, and team channels in one place. Dubsado has email sync but no shared team inbox or internal channels.

The bottom line: Choose Dubsado if you only need intake automation to get clients booked with deep CSS customization for forms. Choose Plutio if you need one platform from inquiry through project delivery without switching between onboarding, project management, time tracking, and invoicing apps.

Project and task management

You book a multi-month project. Now there are dozens of tasks across several months: kickoff call, milestone reviews, deliverable handoffs, final delivery. Can you see it all on a timeline? Or is it a flat checklist you hope is complete?

Dubsado

Improved with Dubsado 3.0. Dubsado 3.0 (November 2025) added Kanban view for projects, letting you switch between table and board views. You can assign tasks to projects and set due dates.

However, Dubsado still has no Gantt charts, no subtasks, no task dependencies, and no project templates. Complex multi-month projects may still require additional tools for timeline planning and dependency tracking.

Basic task list with due dates
Kanban view (new in 3.0)
No Gantt charts
No subtasks or dependencies
No project templates

Plutio

Five ways to see your work, all connected to the same tasks. Kanban boards show tasks moving through stages, so you can see what is in progress, what is blocked, and what is waiting for review at a glance. Gantt charts map timelines across weeks or months with visible dependencies, so you know exactly when one delay will cascade into others. When you drag a task to reschedule, everything connected shifts automatically.

Within tasks, you create unlimited subtasks with their own assignees and due dates. Set dependencies so task B waits for task A. Attach files directly to tasks so deliverables live where they belong. Save any project as a template so when a new client signs, you have a proven structure ready in seconds.

Kanban boards with custom columns
Gantt charts with drag-to-reschedule
List, Table, and Calendar views
Subtasks with their own assignees
Task dependencies and blocking
Recurring tasks for retainer clients
Project templates for repeatable work
Custom fields for your workflow

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.

Dubsado

No time tracking at all. Dubsado has no time tracking feature. No timer. No manual entry. No connection between time and billing. If you charge by the hour or want to show clients how long revisions took, you need a separate time tracking app like Toggl or Harvest.

The problem is disconnection. Time data lives in one system while invoices live in another. When you bill a client, you manually calculate hours from your time tracker, then manually create invoice line items in Dubsado. When a client questions a charge, you have no automatic audit trail connecting the invoice to the time logs.

No time tracking feature
No timer or manual entry
Requires a separate time tracking app
Manual invoice creation from time data
No connection between time and billing

Plutio

Track time, bill from it, never argue about hours. Start a timer when you begin working on a task. Stop it when you are done. Time logs attach to specific tasks so you have a detailed record of what you did and when. Set hourly rates per task type, per project, or per client. Separate billable from non-billable time so internal work does not inflate client invoices.

When it is time to invoice, generate a bill directly from your time logs with one click. The invoice shows exactly what was worked on, how long it took, and what the rate was. Clients see transparency. You spend zero time on timesheet admin.

One-click timer on any task
Manual time entry for past work
Time attached to tasks and projects
Billable vs non-billable separation
Custom hourly rates per client/project
Generate invoices from time logs
Time reports for profitability analysis
Team timesheets for agencies

Client visibility and communication

Clients email for updates because they have nowhere to check progress themselves. A portal changes that.

Dubsado

Clients see documents only, not project progress. Dubsado client portals show proposals, contracts, invoices, and forms. Clients can sign documents and make payments. Dubsado has no task visibility for clients, no project progress view, no custom domain, and Dubsado branding is visible everywhere.

The result is that clients email you for updates because the portal does not show them. They do not know if you are on round 2 of revisions or waiting for their feedback. So they ask. And you spend time writing status emails instead of doing billable work.

Document and form access
No task visibility for clients
No project status visible
Dubsado branding visible
Clients email for updates

Plutio

Your own branded client portal where clients see everything. Each client gets a login to your platform at your domain (like clients.yourbrand.com), with your logo, in your colors. They see their projects, tasks, files, messages, and invoices in one place. They know what is in progress, what is waiting on them, and what is coming next. When clients can see their own progress, they stop emailing you for updates.

Clients can approve deliverables directly in the portal. They can upload files for your review. They can message you with questions that stay attached to the right project instead of getting lost in email threads.

Fully white-labeled portal
Custom domain (clients.yourbrand.com)
Task and project progress visible
Files organized by project
In-portal messaging
Deliverable approval workflow
Invoice and payment history
Mobile-responsive for clients

Client communication and inbox

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

Dubsado

Email sync but no unified team inbox. Dubsado can sync with your email so you see client messages inside the platform. Messages tie to projects, which helps with organization.

The limitation is team communication. There is no shared inbox where your whole team sees client emails. No internal channels for team discussions. No direct messaging between teammates. When you work with contractors or partners, you still need a separate tool like Slack for internal coordination, which means context about projects lives in two places.

Email sync available
Messages tied to projects
No shared team inbox
No internal team channels
No direct messaging
No @mentions

Plutio

One inbox for everything client-related. Connect multiple email accounts and see all client communication in one place. Emails automatically sort into client threads so you never lose context. When a client emails about a project, that message appears in the project conversation alongside your internal notes.

Beyond email, you get team channels for internal discussions that stay separate from client-facing conversations. Direct messages between teammates. @mentions to pull people into specific conversations. The result is that client communication, team coordination, and project discussions all happen in one place instead of scattered across email, Slack, and comments in three different apps.

Multi-email account integration
Shared team inbox
Auto-sort emails into client threads
Project conversations stay with projects
Team channels for internal discussions
Direct messages between teammates
@mentions in conversations
Embeddable live chat for your website

Flows vs connected automation

Dubsado Flows chain intake documents visually. The question is what happens after the client signs and real work begins.

Dubsado

Flows excel at intake automation. Dubsado's visual Flows builder chains forms, proposals, contracts, and invoices into multi-step sequences. When a lead fills out an inquiry, Flows can automatically send a questionnaire, then a proposal, then a contract, then an invoice. For the booking phase, Flows handles complex multi-step sequences with email reminders and conditional paths.

Dubsado Flows cannot create projects from templates, cannot auto-assign tasks, cannot run actions when tasks complete, and have no webhook integrations. When the intake phase ends and real work begins, automation stops and manual work takes over. Most Dubsado users manually create projects in a separate tool after the contract is signed.

Visual node-based Flows builder
Multi-step intake sequences
Email sequence automation
Cannot create projects from templates
Cannot auto-assign tasks
No actions on task completion
No webhook or API automation

Plutio

Automation that continues into project execution. When a client signs a proposal, Plutio can automatically create a project from a template, assign tasks to team members, set deadlines based on the start date, send a welcome email to the client, and schedule the first invoice. The automation does not stop at booking.

Build workflows with a visual drag-and-drop builder. Start automations on form submission, payment received, task completion, project status change, or specific dates. Add conditional logic so different paths run based on project type or client tier. When a project reaches 'Ready for Review', automatically notify the client and schedule a follow-up if they do not respond within 3 days.

Visual drag-and-drop workflow builder
Start on 20+ events (forms, payments, tasks, dates)
Auto-create projects from templates
Auto-assign tasks to team members
Conditional logic branching
Multi-step workflow sequences
Webhook integrations for external tools
Automation logs for troubleshooting

Automation and workflow

Both tools automate follow-ups and reminders. The difference is how far beyond intake the automation extends.

Dubsado

Automation built for the intake phase. Dubsado's automation excels at the booking process. When a lead fills out your form, you can start an automated sequence: send a questionnaire, wait for completion, send a proposal, wait for signature, send an invoice. The Flows builder makes these sequences visual and easy to understand.

Dubsado automation covers lead nurture, client onboarding, and payment reminders. You can schedule emails, set delays, and create branching logic based on form responses. For everything before the project starts, Dubsado automation handles most scenarios.

Visual Flows builder for sequences
Starts on form submission
Email scheduling and delays
Branching based on responses
No actions when tasks complete
No project-based automation
No webhook actions

Plutio

Automation that runs your entire workflow. Plutio automation starts where Dubsado automation stops. Yes, you can automate the intake process: forms, proposals, and onboarding emails. But you can also automate what happens after the project begins.

When a task is marked complete, send a client notification. When a project reaches a certain status, schedule a check-in. When a payment is received, update the project and assign the next tasks. When a deadline is 3 days away, remind the assignee. The automation builder covers 20+ events (forms, payments, tasks, status changes, dates) that can start automations.

20+ automation starting points across all modules
Actions on task completion
Actions on project status changes
Actions on payments and invoices
Date-based scheduling
Conditional branching
Webhook integrations
Action logs for debugging

Team and agency scaling

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

Dubsado

Team access depends on your plan and preset roles. Dubsado has three fixed roles: Basic, Accountant, and Admin. You pick which one fits each person. The Starter plan includes limited team members. Premier includes more, but additional users cost $25-60/month depending on team size.

The limitation is flexibility. You cannot create custom roles, so if those three presets do not match how you work, you adjust your workflow to fit them. You cannot give a contractor access to just one project while hiding others. Permissions are broad rather than granular.

3 preset roles (Basic, Accountant, Admin)
Team members on paid plans
No custom role creation
No per-project permissions
No granular access control
Additional users cost extra

Plutio

Add people without losing control. When you hire your first contractor, 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
Granular permission controls
Per-project access control
Contractor-only visibility
Multi-workspace for agencies
Team workload views
Timesheet approval workflow
Internal notes hidden from clients

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.

Dubsado

Branding on documents, Dubsado branding elsewhere. Your logo appears on proposals, contracts, and forms. You can customize form CSS for pixel-level control over how intake documents look. For the booking phase, branding options are solid.

Dubsado has no custom domain support, no complete white-labeling, and Dubsado branding appears in the client portal. The result is that your client experience has mixed branding, which undermines the premium feel you are trying to create.

Logo on documents and forms
Custom CSS on forms
Dubsado branding in portal
Limited domain customization
Mixed branding experience
Complex email configuration

Plutio

Complete white-labeling everywhere clients look. Set up a custom domain so clients visit clients.yourbrand.com, not plutio.com. Configure branded login pages with your logo, colors, and backgrounds. Send emails from your own domain using custom SMTP so every message looks like it came from you, not from software.

Go deeper with CSS customization if you want pixel-perfect control over every element. Remove all traces of Plutio so clients experience your brand from start to finish. Premium clients expect premium experiences, and white-labeling lets you deliver that without building custom software.

Custom domain support
Branded login pages
Logo, colors, typography
Custom SMTP for emails
CSS customization for full control
Custom JavaScript for integrations
No Plutio branding visible
Embed workspace in your site

Invoicing, billing, and subscriptions

Getting paid is more than sending invoices. Billing includes invoices, recurring charges, payment plans, and the tracking that ties it all together.

Dubsado

Solid invoicing for the booking phase. Dubsado invoices include payment plans, automatic reminders, and Stripe integration. You can brand invoices with your logo and colors. Dubsado invoicing handles payment collection during the booking process.

The limitations appear in ongoing billing. No subscription management for recurring services. No time-to-invoice conversion because there is no time tracking. No Square or PayPal payment options. When you need to bill clients for ongoing work rather than upfront payments, Dubsado requires manual invoice creation each time.

Invoices with payment plans
Automatic payment reminders
Stripe integration
No subscription management
No time-to-invoice conversion
No Square or PayPal

Plutio

Everything billing needs, designed visually. Build invoices with a drag-and-drop editor where you control exactly how they look. Set up recurring invoices for retainer clients that send automatically on schedule. Create payment plans that split large projects into installments. Manage subscriptions with automatic billing and renewal reminders.

Accept payments through Stripe, Square, PayPal, or ACH bank transfers. Track transactions with a complete payment history per client. Generate invoices from time logs with one click so billable hours flow directly into client bills. Every invoice is fully branded with your colors, logo, and domain.

Drag-and-drop invoice builder
Recurring invoices on schedule
Subscription management
Payment plans with installments
Stripe, Square, PayPal, ACH
Full transaction history
One-click invoice from time logs
Fully branded invoice design

Running a client project: Dubsado vs Plutio

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

With Dubsado, here is how it usually goes:

Inquiry lands in Dubsado. Your Flow sends a questionnaire automatically.
They fill it out. The Flow sends your pricing guide.
They are interested. The Flow sends a proposal.
They accept, sign the contract, and pay the deposit.
You are excited. The onboarding worked perfectly.
Now you have months of work ahead with dozens of tasks, milestones, and deliverables.
You open Trello to create a board for this client.
You add cards for each phase and rebuild the scope from memory.
You track time in Toggl, switching between apps constantly.
Client emails asking for a status update.
You write a status email instead of doing billable work.

With Plutio, here is how it works:

Inquiry lands and starts your automated workflow.
Questionnaire, pricing guide, and proposal go out automatically.
They sign, they pay.
A project is created from your template with all tasks, phases, and deadlines pre-built.
You track time as you work, right on each task.
Client logs into their portal at clients.yourcompany.com and sees exactly where you are in the process.
When deliverables are ready, they approve them in the portal.
Invoice is generated from your time logs and they pay online.
Final delivery happens through the portal with a message thread attached.

Dubsado books the project. Plutio runs the project.

Where Plutio wins (the proof)

These are verifiable differences, not opinions.

1. Time tracking: Plutio has it, Dubsado does not

Dubsado: No time tracking feature at all. No timer. No manual entry. If you bill hourly or want to show clients how long tasks took, you need a separate app.

Plutio: One-click timers on any task. Manual entry for past work. Time logs connect directly to invoices with one click.

The proof: Search Dubsado's official help center for time tracking. The feature does not exist. G2 reviews frequently mention this gap.

2. Project management: Gantt charts and Kanban vs basic lists

Dubsado: Basic task lists with due dates. No visual project views, no subtasks, and no dependencies.

Plutio: Five project views (Kanban, Gantt, List, Table, Calendar). Subtasks with unlimited nesting. Task dependencies that auto-shift deadlines.

The proof: G2 reviewers consistently mention needing to pair Dubsado with Trello, Asana, or Monday.com for project management.

3. White-labeling: Your brand vs Dubsado brand

Dubsado: Your logo on documents. Dubsado branding in the client portal. No custom domain.

Plutio: Custom domain (clients.yourcompany.com). Branded login pages. Custom SMTP. Complete white-labeling with no Plutio branding visible.

The proof: Check Dubsado's features page for custom domains or white-labeling. The feature is not listed because it does not exist.

When Dubsado might be the better choice

No tool is perfect for everyone. Dubsado might be the better choice if:

Your work ends when the client books. If you deliver quickly after contracts are signed and do not need to manage multi-month projects with complex task structures, Dubsado handles intake well.
You need deep CSS control on forms. Dubsado's form builder allows pixel-level CSS customization that Plutio does not match. If your brand guidelines require exact styling on intake forms, Dubsado offers more control.
You have existing Flows that work. If you have spent years building complex Flows and they serve your business well, rebuilding them in another platform has a real cost.
You only invoice at booking. If all your billing happens upfront during the booking phase and you never bill for ongoing work or time, Dubsado invoicing covers that use case.

But if you track time, manage multi-month projects, want clients to see progress, or need complete white-labeling, Plutio is the stronger choice.

Why they switched: real outcomes

What happens when Dubsado users switch to Plutio?

West 7th Design Studio reduced client support requests by 90% after switching. Instead of fielding constant status emails, they gave clients one branded portal to see project progress. Their team stopped rebuilding project structures in Trello after every booking.

YazMarketing increased their sales pipeline by 80% after moving to Plutio. Connecting proposals directly to projects meant no manual handoffs, faster onboarding, and more capacity to take on new work.

These results come from eliminating the stack. When you stop running Dubsado plus Trello plus Toggl and consolidate into one platform, you stop losing time to app switching and manual data entry. The workflows that took 3 tools now take 1.

Final verdict

Dubsado and Plutio approach the client journey from different angles. Both are well-rated: Plutio holds a 4.4/5 on G2 while Dubsado has a 4.3/5 on G2 based on 72 reviews. The difference is scope.

Dubsado built something service professionals genuinely love: an onboarding system that works. The Flows builder handles complex sequences. The form customization is deep. Getting clients from inquiry to signed contract is easier with Dubsado than with most alternatives.

The limitations appear after the contract is signed. Dubsado was built to book the project, not manage the project. Most Dubsado users run a stack: Dubsado for onboarding, Trello or Asana for tasks, Toggl for time tracking. Running multiple apps means 3-4 tools, 3-4 logins, and the constant work of keeping data synchronized.

Plutio is built on a different premise: one platform from inquiry to final delivery. Onboarding connects to project management. Time tracking connects to invoicing. Clients see their project in a branded portal instead of emailing you.

The bottom line: Choose Dubsado if onboarding is where your workflow ends and you want deep form customization. Choose Plutio if you are tired of running Dubsado + Trello + Toggl and want one platform that replaces the stack.

How to switch from Dubsado to Plutio

Switching from Dubsado to Plutio means keeping your onboarding automation while adding real project management.

Step 1: Export your Dubsado data
Download your client list and project information as CSV files from Dubsado's export feature.

Step 2: Import into Plutio
Upload the CSVs to Plutio's importer. Client names, emails, and project details transfer directly into your new workspace.

Step 3: Set up your project templates
Recreate your project types as templates in Plutio. Each template includes tasks, phases, and deadlines that auto-populate when new projects start.

Step 4: Configure your client portal
Set up your custom domain, upload your logo, and configure branding so clients see your company, not software branding.

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
Dubsado: Official pricing, G2 reviews

Verification methodology

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 Dubsado: full feature comparison for 2026

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

PRICING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Starting price	$19/month (Solo plan)	$28-44/month (Starter plan, Dec 2025 pricing)
Free plan	No free plan (14-day trial available)	No free plan (21-day trial)
Trial period	14-day free trial	21-day free trial (all Premier features)
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Manage projects and tasks	Fully flexible project and task setup you can shape to your workflow	Projects with task boards
Project roles and permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each part of a project	3 fixed roles (Basic, Accountant, Admin)
Multiple task boards	Unlimited boards to run parallel workflows in the same project	You cannot use task boards
Embeddable project boards	Live project boards embedded into client portals or websites	You cannot embed project views
Sharable project boards	Read-only public links for sharing progress without risk	You can share via the client portal only
Project stages and milestones	Define custom project lifecycles for different types of work	You can use project statuses, but no milestones
Connected proposals, contracts, and invoices	Everything related stays connected to the project automatically	Proposals, contracts, and invoices live inside projects
Custom project data fields	Track, sort, filter, and report on custom project data	Basic custom fields
Kanban boards	Drag-and-drop tasks across customizable columns	Kanban view added in Dubsado 3.0 (Nov 2025)
Table view	Bulk-edit tasks like a spreadsheet	You cannot view tasks in a table
List view	Clean task lists with clear hierarchy	You can manage tasks in simple lists
Calendar view	See tasks and deadlines on a calendar	You can see deadlines and appointments on a calendar
Gantt view	Plan work visually with task order and dependencies	You cannot view work on a gantt chart
Subtasks	Break work down into multiple nested levels	You cannot split tasks into subtasks
Email to task	Turn emails into tasks without manual copying	You cannot create tasks from emails
Task comments	Keep discussions tied directly to each task	You cannot comment on tasks
Task attachments	Store files directly on the task they belong to	You can upload files, but not attach them to tasks
Task priorities	Define priority levels that fit your workflow	You cannot set task priorities
Task labels & color coding	Use unlimited labels to visually organize tasks	You cannot label or color-code tasks
Multiple task assignees	Assign tasks to one or multiple teammates	You cannot assign tasks to multiple people
Task templates	Reuse task-level structures across projects	You can reuse workflows and form templates
Task permissions	Control access at the individual task level	You cannot set permissions per task
Task dependencies	Prevent work from starting out of order	You cannot link tasks together
Recurring tasks	Automate repeating work with flexible schedules	You cannot create recurring tasks
Custom task data fields	Add task-level fields for tracking custom details	Basic custom fields
TIME TRACKING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Time tracking system	Easily track time using timers or manual entries	You cannot track time
Task-level tracking	Log time directly against tasks and subtasks	You cannot track time per task
Project-level tracking	See time spent per project and per client	You cannot track time per project
Billable time tracking	Clearly separate billable and non-billable time	You cannot bill time automatically
Billable time invoicing	Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps	There is no time to invoice
Timesheet reports	View detailed time reports by task, project, or client	You cannot generate timesheets
Team timesheets	See how each team member tracks their time	You cannot see team time reports
PROPOSALS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Create and send proposals	Create proposals clients can review, approve, and sign in one flow	Proposals with pricing tables
Drag-and-drop proposal builder	Create custom, branded proposals without layout limits or code	You can build proposals using drag-and-drop forms
Reusable proposal templates	Reuse proven proposal layouts across clients	You can use proposal templates
Real-time proposal analytics	See exactly when proposals are opened and reviewed	You cannot see proposal view analytics
Live messenger on proposals	Answer questions directly while clients review proposals	You cannot chat inside proposals
Proposal flow automation	Move from proposal to contract, invoice, or booking automatically	You can add proposal items like services or products
Convert proposal to invoice	Create invoices directly from approved proposals	Accepted proposals create invoices
Packages and add-ons	Offer upsells and add-ons directly inside proposals	You can offer packages and add-ons
Interactive pricing tables	Let clients choose options before approving	Pricing updates based on selections
Dynamic data and variables	Auto-fill proposal content with client and project data	You can use smart fields
Expiration dates	Automatically expire proposals after a set date	You cannot set proposal expiry dates
PDF Export	Download as branded PDFs	You can download proposal PDFs
Reusable content blocks	Create reusable proposal sections you can reuse on demand	You can reuse form sections
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure electronic signatures on proposals	Clients can sign documents online
Custom proposal data fields	Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on	Basic custom fields
CONTRACTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Create and sign contracts	Create, send, and sign contracts in one continuous flow	Contract creation with automation
Drag-and-drop contract builder	Create fully custom contracts with flexible layouts, no code or formatting limits	You can build contracts using form blocks
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure signatures with audit trails and signer verification	Contracts support legal e-signatures
Multi-signature / signees	Collect signatures from multiple people on the same contract	You can collect multiple signatures, setup is limited
Reusable contract templates	Reuse contract structures to create new agreements faster	You can use contract templates
Auto-reminders automation	Automatically follow up until contracts are signed	Reminders send automatically
Dynamic data/variables	Auto-fill contract content with client and project data	You can use smart fields in contracts
Contract automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a contract is signed	Contracts trigger workflows
View notifications	See when contracts are opened and reviewed	You receive signing notifications
PDF download with signature certificate	Download signed contracts with official proof of signature	You can download signed PDFs
Custom signer data fields	Collect structured signer information during signing	You cannot customize signer fields
Custom contract data fields	Create custom contract data you can sort, filter, and report on	Basic custom fields
INVOICES & PAYMENTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Create invoices and get paid	Send invoices and collect payments in one connected flow	Invoices with payment plans
Fully branded invoices	Match invoices to your brand with custom logos, colors, and layout	You can brand invoices
Drag and drop invoice builder	Create custom invoice layouts visually without formatting limits	Requires manual setup
Customizable line items	Edit pricing, quantities, descriptions, and structure freely	You can edit line items
Item or invoice discounts	Apply discounts at the item or full invoice level	You can apply discounts
Customizable taxes	Create tax rules that match your location and use case	You can set tax rates
ACH payments	Accept bank transfers for lower-fee payments	You can accept bank payments
Stripe integration	Accept credit and debit cards instantly	You can accept payments via Stripe
Square integration	Collect in-person payments when needed	You cannot accept payments via Square
PayPal integration	Let clients pay using PayPal	You cannot accept payments via PayPal
Flexible partial payments	Collect deposits and split payments across milestones	You can accept partial payments
Payment plans	Break invoices into scheduled installments	You can split invoices into payments
Automated recurring invoices	Automatically send invoices on a recurring schedule	You can schedule invoices, not subscriptions
Subscription management	Manage ongoing client subscriptions and billing	You cannot manage subscriptions
Automated payment reminders	Follow up automatically until invoices are paid	Payment reminders send automatically
Reusable invoice templates	Reuse invoice layouts without rebuilding each time	You can reuse invoice templates
Multiple currency support	Bill clients globally in their local currency	You can use one account currency
Invoice automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when invoices are sent or paid	Contracts trigger workflows
View notifications	See when invoices are opened and paid	You receive signing notifications
Built-in expense tracking	Track project-related costs alongside invoices	You cannot track expenses
Invoice deposits	Collect upfront payments before work starts	You can request deposits
Auto-invoice billable time	Turn tracked time into invoices automatically	There is no time to convert
Custom invoice data fields	Create custom invoice data you can sort, filter, and report on	Basic custom fields
INBOX Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Centralized unified inbox	Manage email, chat, and messages from one shared inbox	Messages and emails live in one place
Full email integration	Connect and manage all your email accounts in one place	You can sync your email
Embeddable live chat	Add real-time chat to your website and client portals	You cannot add live chat to your site
Instant direct messages	Message teammates privately without leaving your workspace	You cannot DM teammates
Contextual project conversations	Keep conversations tied directly to the project they belong to	Messages are tied to projects
Team channels	Create shared spaces for team-wide discussions	You cannot create team channels
Customized channels	Organize channels by team, topic, or workflow	Channels are not supported
@mentions	Notify teammates instantly inside conversations	You cannot mention teammates
Message read receipts	See when messages are read	You can see when clients read messages
File sharing in chat	Share files directly inside conversations	You can share files in messages
Shared email inbox	Collaborate on incoming emails as a team	Team email is not shared
Inbox mobile app	Access and respond to messages on mobile	Mobile inbox available
Email reply to inbox	Reply from your email client and keep conversations synced	Email replies sync to conversations
FILES Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Store and manage files	Keep all client and project files in one organized place	Files are stored per project only
Advanced folder organization	Organize files by project, client, or structure you choose	Requires manual setup
Folder permissions	Control who can view or edit folders	Requires manual setup
People folders	Group files by person when needed	Requires manual setup
Project folders	Keep files scoped to each project	Requires manual setup
In-app previews	Preview files instantly without downloading	Requires manual setup
Custom file data fields	Capture file metadata you can sort and filter	You can add custom fields to forms and records
Built-in documents	Create and edit documents directly inside Plutio	Requires manual setup
Comments on files and docs	Leave comments directly on files and documents	Requires manual setup
Bulk file actions	Move, tag, or manage many files at once	Requires manual setup
Files search & filter	Find files quickly using search and filters	Requires manual setup
External cloud sync	Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox	Requires manual setup
Secure sharing controls	Restrict access with permissions or passwords	Requires manual setup
File sharing links	Share files externally with controlled access	Requires manual setup
SCHEDULING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Schedule meetings	Let clients book meetings directly without back-and-forth emails	Custom scheduler with workflows
Branded booking page	Build a fully branded, customizable booking system using a drag-and-drop editor	Branding options are limited
Advanced availability management	Define flexible availability rules applied automatically to bookings	You can control availability
Automatic buffer times	Add buffer time automatically between meetings	You can add buffer times
Multiple meeting types	Create unlimited booking types with different rules and setups	You can offer multiple appointment types
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook)	Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically	Requires manual setup
Customizable booking confirmations	Fully customizable confirmation pages with no layout or branding limits	Confirmation customization is limited
Redirect after booking	Send bookers anywhere after scheduling, not just a fixed thank-you page	You cannot redirect after booking
Booking automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a meeting is booked	Contracts trigger workflows
Smart meeting reminders	Send automatic reminders without manual follow-ups	Meeting reminders send automatically
Automatic timezone detection	Handle timezones automatically without manual adjustments	Timezones adjust automatically
Paid appointments (Stripe/PayPal)	Collect payments during booking without extra steps	Requires manual setup
Custom booking forms	Build booking forms with full control over questions and layout	Booking forms are fixed
Minimum notice / daily booking limits	Set booking limits to control lead time and daily volume	You can set booking limits
Rescheduling and cancellation controls	Define flexible rules for rescheduling and cancellations	Clients can reschedule or cancel
AUTOMATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Automated workflows builder	Build advanced workflows visually without code or rigid templates	Visual node-based Flows builder
Trigger-based workflows	Start workflows from real events across projects, clients, and payments	You can automate automation actions with workflows
Schedule-based workflows	Run workflows on schedules you control, not fixed intervals	Workflows cannot repeat on a schedule
Multi-step workflows	Chain multiple actions into one continuous automation	Workflows can include multiple steps
True/False branching	Create conditional paths instead of one-size-fits-all flows	Branching exists, but is limited
Delay-based actions	Add precise timing between steps, down to minutes or days	You can delay workflow steps
Create & update records	Create, update, or move records automatically across the system	Creation actions are limited
Move & duplicate records	Reorganize work automatically without manual cleanup	Items cannot be duplicated automatically
Delete & archive records	Automatically archive or remove records based on rules	Items cannot be deleted automatically
API calls (webhooks)	Trigger or receive real-time events from external systems	You cannot use APIs or webhooks
Send emails	Send automated emails tied to real workflow events	Workflows can send emails
Post comments	Add notes or comments automatically where work happens	You cannot post comments via automation
Complete automation logs	See exactly what ran, when, and why	You cannot view automation logs
Auto-fill data/variables	Pass data between steps dynamically without manual mapping	You can use smart fields
Cross-entity connections	Run workflows that span projects, tasks, proposals, invoices, and more	Forms, payments, and bookings trigger workflows
FORMS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Create branded forms	Build fully branded forms that match your workflow and client experience	Branded forms with smart fields
Drag-and-drop form builder	Design forms visually with full layout control, no code required	You can build contracts using form blocks
Reusable form templates	Reuse form structures without rebuilding from scratch	You can reuse form templates
Custom form data fields	Collect structured data you can sort, filter, and report on	You can add custom fields to forms and records
Smart conditional logic	Show or hide fields based on responses, not static forms	Fields can change based on answers
Instant email notifications	Get notified immediately when forms are submitted	You can email on submission
Form automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when a form is submitted	Contracts trigger workflows
Embed forms	Embed forms anywhere without layout restrictions	You can embed forms
Advanced field preferences	Control required, hidden, and default field behavior	Field behavior is limited
Comprehensive field types	Collect text, files, dates, selections, and more	Field types are limited
Form signature field	Collect legally binding signatures directly inside forms	Forms can include signatures
File upload fields	Accept file uploads as part of form submissions	Clients can upload files
Redirect after submission	Send submitters to a custom next step, not a fixed thank-you page	You cannot redirect after submit
CRM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Manage clients and leads	Manage contacts and companies in one connected system	CRM with auto-created client records
Full company management	Track organizations, not just individual contacts	Companies exist, contacts come first
Custom contact data fields	Collect and manage structured contact data you define	You can add CRM fields
Complete activity timeline	See every interaction with a client in one place	You can see full activity history
Contacts labeling and grouping	Organize contacts flexibly without rigid pipelines	You can tag and segment contacts
WIKI Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Comprehensive knowledge base	Create an internal wiki for processes, docs, and guides	You cannot create an internal wiki
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	Dubsado 90/199
Custom dashboards and pages	Build dashboards around what matters to you, not fixed metrics	Dubsado has a home page, not custom dashboards
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder	Design dashboards visually with full layout control	Included
Charts widget	Visualize data with customizable charts	Requires manual setup
Metrics widget	Track key numbers without manual reporting	Included
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	Included
BRANDING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
White-label and branding	Run the entire platform under your brand	Dubsado branding, not white-label
Custom interface theme	Apply your brand colors across the system	UI theme cannot be customized
Stylesheet customization	Fine-tune styling beyond basic theming	You cannot apply custom CSS
Custom login/signup pages	Use branded authentication pages instead of generic screens	Login pages cannot be customized
Email branding	Send all system emails with your branding	You can brand outgoing emails
Custom brand fonts	Use your own fonts throughout the platform	You cannot use custom fonts
Custom brand logos	Replace all platform logos with your own	You can add your logo
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	Dubsado 90/199
Flexible workspace setup	Shape the platform to match how your business works	Dubsado has fixed workspace
Main menu editor	Add, remove, or reorder navigation items freely	You cannot customize navigation
User-based menus	Show different navigation for different roles	Menus are the same for all users
Custom user roles	Create role types beyond preset permissions	You cannot define custom roles
Advanced user permissions	Control access at a granular level	Permissions are not configurable
SSO / OAuth	Support enterprise-grade single sign-on	You cannot use SSO
INTEGRATIONS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Connect with other tools	Integrate with external systems without lock-in	Zapier only
Zapier integration	Connect to thousands of apps without custom code	You can connect Dubsado to Zapier
Make.com integration	Build advanced automation scenarios visually	You cannot connect via Make
Pabbly Connect	Connect services without usage-based limits	You cannot connect via Pabbly
Full REST API access	Build custom integrations with full system access	You cannot access an API
Incoming & outgoing webhooks	Send and receive real-time events	You cannot use webhooks
PLATFORM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Dubsado 90/199
Mobile apps	Access your business from native mobile apps	iOS and Android with Tap to Pay
iOS app	Full-featured iPhone app	You can use Dubsado on iOS
Android app	Full-featured Android app	You can use Dubsado on Android
Mac desktop app	Native macOS app for desktop workflows	There is no desktop app
Windows desktop app	Native Windows app for desktop workflows	There is no desktop app

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Plutio vs Dubsado FAQ: common questions answered

Is Plutio better than Dubsado?

Plutio and Dubsado excel at different things. Dubsado is built for onboarding and getting clients from inquiry to signed contract. Plutio handles onboarding and the work after: Kanban boards, Gantt charts, time tracking, and client portals. If you currently use Dubsado plus a separate project management and time tracking app, Plutio replaces all three.

Can Plutio replace Dubsado?

Yes. Plutio includes forms, proposals, contracts, invoices, scheduling, time tracking, and full project management in one platform. You can recreate your Dubsado Flows as Plutio automations with the added benefit that workflows can create projects and assign tasks automatically.

Does Dubsado have project management?

Dubsado has basic task lists with due dates and assignees. There are no Kanban boards, no Gantt charts, no subtasks, and no task dependencies. Most Dubsado users run a separate project management tool like Trello or Asana alongside Dubsado for actual project work.

Does Dubsado include time tracking?

No. Dubsado does not have any time tracking feature. If you need to track hours for billing or project visibility, you need a separate app like Toggl or Harvest. Plutio includes time tracking with automatic invoice generation on all plans.

What are Dubsado Flows?

Flows is Dubsado's visual automation builder that chains forms, proposals, contracts, and invoices into multi-step sequences. When a lead fills out an inquiry form, Flows can automatically send follow-up documents in order. Flows handles intake automation but cannot create projects or assign tasks.

Which tool is better for service businesses?

Dubsado is better if you only need to book clients and your work ends after contracts are signed. Plutio is better if you need to manage the actual project work, track time, and give clients visibility into progress. Most service businesses need both capabilities in one tool.

Can clients see project progress in both tools?

In Dubsado, clients see documents, forms, and invoices through the portal. They cannot see tasks or project status. In Plutio, clients see their tasks, files, deadlines, and overall project progress in a branded portal, which eliminates most status request emails.

How much does Plutio cost compared to Dubsado?

Dubsado Starter costs $28-35/month, Premier costs $44-55/month depending on billing cycle (prices increased December 2025). Plutio starts at $19/month and includes time tracking and advanced project management that Dubsado lacks. When you factor in replacing Toggl, Plutio often costs less overall.

Can I import my Dubsado data into Plutio?

Yes. Export your Dubsado clients and projects as CSV files, then import them into Plutio. Client names, emails, and project information transfer directly. You may need to manually recreate complex Flows as Plutio automations.

Which tool has better automation?

Dubsado Flows handle intake automation: chaining forms, proposals, and contracts. Plutio automation extends further into project execution: auto-creating projects, assigning tasks, running actions on task completion. Plutio automation covers more of the business workflow.

Does Plutio offer white-label branding?

Yes. Plutio supports custom domains (clients.yourbrand.com), branded login pages, custom email sending domains via SMTP, and complete removal of Plutio branding. Clients see your company throughout the entire experience.

Why do freelancers switch from Dubsado to Plutio?

Most switch when they are tired of running Dubsado plus Trello plus Toggl as separate apps. Plutio handles onboarding, project management, time tracking, and client portals in one platform, eliminating the need to sync data between multiple tools.

Does Plutio have a unified inbox?

Yes. Plutio's inbox combines email, in-app messaging, and team channels in one place. Connect multiple email accounts, see all client communication sorted by client, and have internal team discussions separate from client-facing threads.

What integrations does Plutio support?

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

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.

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 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. Dubsado team features are limited and require higher plan tiers.

Can I import data from other tools into Plutio?

Yes. Plutio supports CSV imports for clients, projects, and invoices. You can migrate from Dubsado easily. Export your data as CSV files and upload them to Plutio. Our support team can help with complex migrations.

Does Dubsado have recurring subscriptions?

No. Dubsado has invoicing but no subscription billing. You create a new invoice each time you want to bill a recurring client. Plutio includes subscription management where you set up a billing schedule once and clients are charged automatically each month.

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