Plutio vs Harvest: Complete Comparison (2026)
Harvest covers time tracking and invoicing, but there are no proposals, no contracts, no project boards, and no client portal at any plan level. Hours get logged and invoices go out... but the proposal that started the project, the contract that locked in scope, and the client updates all live in separate tools that Harvest never connects to.
Plutio handles time tracking and invoicing and the client workflow that follows: proposals that convert to projects on client signature, tracked hours that become invoice line items in one click, contracts with e-signatures that protect scope before work starts, and a branded portal at your domain where clients check progress without emailing you.
Last updated February 2026
Winner
9out of 10
Time Tracking
Invoicing
Proposals
Contracts
Client Portal
7out of 10
Time Tracking
Invoicing
Proposals
Contracts
Client Portal
Quick comparison (TLDR)
Harvest is a time tracking and invoicing tool built for professional services teams. The Teams plan costs $13.75/seat/month (or $11/seat/month annual). Time tracking runs across web, desktop, and mobile, and tracked hours feed directly into invoices. Harvest does not include proposals, contracts, e-signatures, a client portal, scheduling, or CRM at any plan level.
Plutio is an all-in-one client management platform that covers the same time tracking and invoicing, plus the workflow that surrounds them. A proposal accepted in Plutio creates a project automatically. Tracked hours populate invoice line items in one click. Clients log into a branded portal at your domain to review work, sign documents, and pay invoices, so they stop emailing you asking where things stand.
Key differences at a glance
- Proposals and contracts: Plutio includes a proposal builder, interactive pricing tables, e-signatures, and contract templates on every plan. Harvest has no proposals or contracts at any plan level.
- Client portal: Plutio includes a white-labeled portal at your own domain. Harvest gives clients a link to view and pay invoices only, with no way to see project status or access shared documents.
- Project management: Plutio includes task boards, dependencies, milestones, and project templates that connect to time tracking and invoicing. Harvest has basic task creation with no visual boards or dependencies.
- Pricing: Plutio starts at $19/month for one user covering every feature. Harvest Teams costs $11/seat/month annual for time tracking and invoicing only.
- Connected workflow: Plutio connects proposal to project to time log to invoice automatically. Harvest covers the time log and invoice steps; the proposal, client portal, and project management each need a separate tool on top.
Harvest fits if your team already uses Asana or Jira for project management and just needs time tracking and QuickBooks sync added on top. Plutio fits if you want proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing, and a branded client portal in one place at a lower total monthly cost than running Harvest alongside two to three other tools.
Time tracking
Can you track billable hours accurately and turn them into invoices without a manual step?
Harvest
Harvest's time tracking is the core of the product, and the basics are reliable. A live timer runs on the web app, the desktop app, and the iOS and Android mobile apps. A calendar sync with Google and Outlook converts calendar events to time entries. The April 2024 iOS widget added one-tap timer access from the home screen. Automated tracking reminders help teams log consistently. Harvest locks timesheet approvals behind the Enterprise plan for managers who need to review team time before invoicing. Harvest's time tracking connects directly to its invoicing system: a billable project generates a draft invoice from tracked hours in one click. Timesheet approvals, margin reporting, required notes on time entries, and SAML SSO are locked behind the Enterprise plan at $14/seat/month annual.
- Live timer on web, desktop app, iOS, and Android
- Calendar sync with Google and Outlook for time entry creation
- iOS home screen widget for one-tap timer access
- Automated reminders for consistent tracking
- Timesheet approvals on Enterprise plan only ($14/seat/month annual)
- No offline mode; you need an active internet connection to log any time entries
- Free plan limited to 1 user and 2 active projects
VS
Plutio
Plutio's time tracking connects directly to projects and invoices. A timer starts from any task in any project. Tracked hours accumulate against the project budget in real time and populate invoice line items without a manual export step. Billable rates are configurable per user, per project, or per task. Time logs attach to the specific task they belong to, so a client can see exactly what work the hours covered when reviewing the invoice. Manual time entry works for hours logged after the fact.
The proposal-to-project connection is where the workflow starts: a freelancer sends a proposal with scope and estimated hours, the client signs, a project creates automatically with the agreed scope, and tracked hours feed into the final invoice without copying data between tools.
- Timer from any task, with real-time project budget tracking
- Tracked hours populate invoice line items in one click
- Configurable billable rates per user, project, or task
- Manual time entry for hours logged after the fact
- Time log connects to the task it belongs to for client-visible detail
- Available on every plan from $19/month
Invoicing and billing
What happens when it's time to send the invoice and collect payment?
Harvest
Harvest generates invoices directly from tracked time and logged expenses. A project with tracked billable hours produces a draft invoice in one click. Payment reminders send automatically on a schedule. Online payment collection works through Stripe (credit card and ACH bank transfer) and PayPal. Recurring invoices handle repeat client billing. The January 2024 update added multi-recipient invoice emails, shareable invoice links, and in-app invoice preview. Harvest syncs invoice data with QuickBooks Online and Xero for accountants who need the bookkeeping layer. Harvest has no estimate-to-invoice workflow, no interactive pricing tables, no proposal builder that converts to a project on acceptance, and no contract or e-signature capability at any plan level.
- Invoice generation from tracked time and expenses in one click
- Online payment via Stripe and PayPal
- Recurring invoices and automated payment reminders
- QuickBooks Online and Xero sync for bookkeeping
- No proposal or estimate that converts to a project automatically
- No interactive pricing tables or branded proposal delivery
- No contract or e-signature workflow at any plan level
VS
Plutio
Plutio's invoicing connects to the full client workflow. A proposal accepted by a client creates a project automatically. When the project ends, tracked hours become invoice line items in one click. Payment collection runs through Stripe and PayPal. Automatic payment reminders send on a schedule for unpaid invoices. Recurring invoices handle ongoing retainer clients. The invoice connects to the project it came from, so the client can see the scope, the work, and the payment history in one place.
Because proposals, projects, time tracking, and invoicing all live in Plutio, you never export data between systems. Invoices go out branded with your logo and colors, not Plutio's, so the client never sees which platform you use.
- Invoice generation from tracked hours in one click
- Proposals that convert to invoices and projects automatically
- Branded invoices with your logo and colors
- Online payment via Stripe and PayPal
- Recurring invoices and automatic payment reminders
- Full invoice history accessible in the client portal
Proposals and contracts
How does each tool handle the work before the project starts?
Harvest
Harvest has no proposal or contract functionality at any plan level. Freelancers who need to send a proposal before a project starts and collect a signature before work begins use a separate tool: Proposify, PandaDoc, Bonsai, DocuSign, or another contract service. The signed document lives outside Harvest. When the project becomes active in Harvest, the link between the proposal scope and the actual tracked hours simply does not exist inside Harvest. There is no proposal builder, no interactive pricing table, no branded proposal delivery, no contract template library, and no e-signature workflow anywhere in Harvest, including on the Enterprise plan at $14/seat/month annual.
- No proposal builder at any plan level
- No contract templates or e-signature capability
- No proposal-to-project conversion on client acceptance
- Separate tools required for both proposals and contracts
VS
Plutio
Plutio's proposals and contracts connect directly to the project that follows. A proposal in Plutio includes a scope narrative, line items with pricing, and optional deposit collection. The client receives a branded link and signs using a built-in e-signature field. Acceptance creates a project automatically with the agreed scope loaded. A contract can attach to the same proposal or send separately for projects with existing scopes. All signatures generate an audit trail for legal protection.
Because proposals and projects live in the same platform as time tracking, a freelancer can track hours against the exact tasks that were scoped in the proposal, then generate an invoice from those tracked hours at the end. No copying scope from one tool to another.
- Proposal builder with branded delivery and e-signatures
- Interactive pricing tables and scope narratives
- Proposal acceptance automatically creates a project
- Contract templates with e-signature and audit trail
- Deposit collection on proposal acceptance
- Connected to time tracking and invoicing in the same workflow
Project management
Can each tool manage the work itself, or just log the time?
Harvest
Harvest has basic task and project management designed to support time tracking, not replace a dedicated project management tool. Projects have budget targets that display real-time burn as hours are logged. Tasks can be created and assigned within a project for organizing work by type. Harvest's project management amounts to task lists and a budget bar, not a full work management environment. There are no task boards, no Kanban views, no task dependencies, no subtasks, no milestones, and no project templates in Harvest at any plan level.
- Project budget tracking with real-time burn against the quoted scope
- Task creation and assignment per project
- Project management requires a separate tool (Asana, Trello, Jira, or Basecamp)
- No task boards, no Kanban views, no visual pipeline
- No task dependencies, subtasks, or milestones
- No project templates that pre-populate tasks and scope
VS
Plutio
Plutio's project management connects tasks directly to time tracking and billing. Projects include task boards with custom statuses, task dependencies, file attachments, comments, and milestone tracking. A task that takes two hours generates two hours on the time log without switching apps. Project templates pre-populate tasks and scope for recurring project types, which a new proposal can load automatically on signature. Budget tracking shows how much of the quoted scope has been used as hours accumulate.
For freelancers managing multiple clients simultaneously, Plutio's project list shows all active work with status, budget health, and upcoming deadlines in one place.
- Task boards with custom statuses and drag-and-drop
- Task dependencies and milestone tracking
- Time tracking attached to individual tasks
- Project templates that auto-populate on proposal signature
- Budget tracking connected to time logs
- File attachments and comments on every task
Client portal and communication
What does a client experience when working with you?
Harvest
Harvest gives clients a link to view and pay invoices, and nothing more. When an invoice goes out in Harvest, the client receives an email with a link that opens the invoice at a Harvest-hosted URL. The client can approve, dispute, or pay directly from that link. Clients have no way to see project progress, share files, message the team, or track task status in any client-facing environment. Harvest has no client portal at any plan level, so every project update, file delivery, and status question happens outside the tool, typically by email.
- Shareable invoice links for online viewing and payment
- No client portal; clients have no way to see project status
- No file sharing or deliverable delivery in Harvest
- No messaging or client communication tools
- Harvest limits client contact to invoice receipt and payment, nothing more
VS
Plutio
Plutio includes a white-labeled client portal at your own domain. Clients log in to a branded environment that carries your logo, colors, and domain name, not Plutio's. Inside the portal, clients see project progress, review and comment on files, sign documents, and pay invoices without switching between email threads and separate tools. Messaging between the freelancer and the client happens inside the portal, keeping the communication thread attached to the relevant project.
- White-labeled portal at your own custom domain
- Clients see project progress, tasks, and milestones
- File sharing and deliverable review inside the portal
- Document signing (proposals, contracts) in the portal
- Invoice payment directly inside the portal
- Messaging thread attached to each project
Reporting and analytics
Which tool tells you where your time went and how much you made?
Harvest
Harvest's reporting covers the basics a time-tracking tool needs. Standard reporting covers time by project, client, and team member. Budget monitoring shows real-time burn against the project budget. Capacity reports show team utilization across projects. The June 2025 update expanded the margin reporting dashboard to show revenue, cost, and profit margins per client, project, team member, and task. Margin reporting, the activity log, and custom report scheduling are locked behind the Enterprise plan at $14/seat/month annual.
- Time reports by project, client, and team member
- Budget monitoring with real-time burn tracking
- Team capacity and utilization visualization
- Margin reporting: Enterprise plan only ($14/seat/month annual)
- Activity log and custom report scheduling: Enterprise plan only
- No revenue or payment trend reporting on Teams plan
VS
Plutio
Plutio connects time data, project data, and billing data in the same reporting environment. A freelancer can see how many billable hours were tracked against a project, what percentage of the quoted budget those hours consumed, and whether the project was invoiced on time. Payment reports show unpaid invoices, average payment time, and revenue by client. The business dashboard surfaces the metrics that matter most for a solo service business: active projects, unbilled hours, pending payments, and upcoming deadlines.
You see the full picture in one place because the data was never split across tools to begin with.
- Business dashboard with active project and payment metrics
- Time reports by project, client, and task
- Budget vs actuals tracking per project
- Payment and revenue reporting by client
- Unbilled hours summary for open projects
- Connected data across proposals, time logs, and invoices
Pricing
What does each tool actually cost when you factor in everything you need?
Harvest
Harvest restructured its pricing in November 2024, replacing the old Free/Pro plans with Free/Teams/Enterprise. The Free plan covers one user and two active projects, which is not practical for freelancers managing more than a single client simultaneously. The Teams plan at $13.75/seat/month (or $11/seat/month annual) covers unlimited users with full time tracking and invoicing. The Enterprise plan at $17.50/seat/month ($14 annual) adds margin reporting, timesheet approvals, required time notes, an activity log, and SAML SSO. The November 2024 change raised the monthly price of the basic paid plan from $12/seat to $13.75/seat. The Teams plan covers time tracking and invoicing only, so proposals, contracts, and a client portal each require a separate subscription on top.
- Free plan: 1 user, 2 active projects
- Teams: $11/seat/month annual, unlimited users and projects
- Enterprise: $14/seat/month annual, adds margin reporting
- Teams plan raised approximately 15% in November 2024
- Margin reporting locked to Enterprise plan
- Per-seat pricing grows with team size
VS
Plutio
Plutio starts at $19/month for one user with access to every feature on the platform. That single subscription covers proposals, contracts, project management, time tracking, and invoicing, plus a white-labeled client portal, messaging, forms, scheduling, and a business dashboard. There are no feature tiers that lock key tools behind higher plans. A freelancer using Plutio at $19/month has access to the same capabilities as a larger team at higher plan levels, with higher plans adding more seats and storage, not gating tools behind plan upgrades. See Plutio pricing for the full breakdown.
A freelancer running Harvest Teams ($11/seat/month annual) alongside a proposal tool ($21/month), a contract tool (included in most proposal tools), and a client portal ($39/month) pays approximately $71/month for the combined stack. Plutio covers all of that for $19/month.
- All features from $19/month: no feature tiers
- Proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing, portal all included
- 14-day free trial, no credit card required
- Cheaper than Harvest Teams plus two supplementary tools
- No per-seat pricing at the entry level
- White-labeling included at no additional cost
Plutio vs Harvest: full feature comparison for 2026
Time tracking, invoicing, proposals, contracts, client portal, and project management compared
PRICING | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Starting price | $19/month (Core plan) | $9/seat/month (Teams, annual) or $10.80/seat/month (monthly). Free plan for 1 seat and 2 projects. |
Free plan | No free plan (14-day trial available) | Free plan for 1 seat and up to 2 projects (unlimited time tracking and invoicing) |
Trial period | 14-day free trial | 30-day free trial on Teams plan |
PROJECT MANAGEMENT | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Manage projects and tasks | Fully flexible project and task setup you can shape to your workflow | Basic project and task structure for time and budget tracking only (no kanban, no Gantt, no dependencies) |
Project roles and permissions | Control exactly who can view or edit each part of a project | Admin and member roles only (no granular project-level permissions) |
Multiple task boards | Unlimited boards to run parallel workflows in the same project | No board views (list-only task display) |
Embeddable project boards | Live project boards embedded into client portals or websites | No embeddable project boards |
Sharable project boards | Read-only public links for sharing progress without risk | No shareable project boards |
Project stages and milestones | Define custom project lifecycles for different types of work | No project stages or milestones |
Connected proposals, contracts, and invoices | Everything related stays connected to the project automatically | Invoices link to tracked time (no proposals or contracts) |
Custom project data fields | Track, sort, filter, and report on custom project data | No custom project data fields |
Kanban boards | Drag-and-drop tasks across customizable columns | No kanban boards |
Table view | Bulk-edit tasks like a spreadsheet | Basic list view for tasks (no advanced table features) |
List view | Clean task lists with clear hierarchy | Default list view for tasks and projects |
Calendar view | See tasks and deadlines on a calendar | No calendar view for tasks |
Gantt view | Plan work visually with task order and dependencies | No Gantt view |
Subtasks | Break work down into multiple nested levels | Tasks within projects (no nested subtasks) |
Email to task | Turn emails into tasks without manual copying | No email-to-task feature |
Task comments | Keep discussions tied directly to each task | Notes on time entries (no dedicated task comment threads) |
Task attachments | Store files directly on the task they belong to | No file attachments on tasks |
Task priorities | Define priority levels that fit your workflow | No task priority levels |
Task labels & color coding | Use unlimited labels to visually organize tasks | No task labels or color coding |
Multiple task assignees | Assign tasks to one or multiple teammates | Single assignee per task |
Task templates | Reuse task-level structures across projects | No task or project templates |
Task permissions | Control access at the individual task level | No task-level permissions |
Task dependencies | Prevent work from starting out of order | No task dependencies |
Recurring tasks | Automate repeating work with flexible schedules | No recurring tasks (recurring time entries only) |
Custom task data fields | Add task-level fields for tracking custom details | No custom task data fields |
TIME TRACKING | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Time tracking system | Easily track time using timers or manual entries | Start/stop timer and manual time entry (browser extension, desktop, and mobile) |
Task-level tracking | Log time directly against tasks and subtasks | Track time per task with start/stop timer and manual entry |
Project-level tracking | See time spent per project and per client | Time and budget tracking per project with rollup reports and cost analysis |
Billable time tracking | Clearly separate billable and non-billable time | Billable and non-billable categorization with hourly rates per person or project |
Billable time invoicing | Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps | Auto-populate invoices from tracked billable time (core Harvest feature) |
Timesheet reports | View detailed time reports by task, project, or client | Detailed timesheet reports with filters by project, client, team member, and date range |
Team timesheets | See how each team member tracks their time | Team timesheet views with member-level breakdowns and capacity reporting |
PROPOSALS | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Create and send proposals | Create proposals clients can review, approve, and sign in one flow | Estimates/quotes only (not full proposals with contracts or e-signatures) |
Drag-and-drop proposal builder | Create custom, branded proposals without layout limits or code | No proposal builder |
Reusable proposal templates | Reuse proven proposal layouts across clients | No reusable proposal templates |
Real-time proposal analytics | See exactly when proposals are opened and reviewed | No proposal analytics |
Live messenger on proposals | Answer questions directly while clients review proposals | No live messenger on proposals |
Proposal flow automation | Move from proposal to contract, invoice, or booking automatically | No proposal flow automation |
Convert proposal to invoice | Create invoices directly from approved proposals | No proposal-to-invoice conversion (estimates only) |
Packages and add-ons | Offer upsells and add-ons directly inside proposals | No packages or add-ons in proposals |
Interactive pricing tables | Let clients choose options before approving | No interactive pricing tables |
Dynamic data and variables | Auto-fill proposal content with client and project data | No dynamic data or variables in proposals |
Expiration dates | Automatically expire proposals after a set date | Expiration dates on estimates only (no proposals) |
PDF Export | Download as branded PDFs | PDF export available for invoices and estimates |
Reusable content blocks | Create reusable proposal sections you can reuse on demand | No reusable content blocks |
Legally binding e-signatures | Collect secure electronic signatures on proposals | No e-signatures |
Custom proposal data fields | Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on | No proposal custom data fields |
CONTRACTS | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Create and sign contracts | Create, send, and sign contracts in one continuous flow | No contracts |
Drag-and-drop contract builder | Create fully custom contracts with flexible layouts, no code or formatting limits | No drag-and-drop contract builder |
Legally binding e-signatures | Collect secure signatures with audit trails and signer verification | No e-signatures on contracts |
Multi-signature / signees | Collect signatures from multiple people on the same contract | No multi-signature support |
Reusable contract templates | Reuse contract structures to create new agreements faster | No contract templates |
Auto-reminders automation | Automatically follow up until contracts are signed | No contract auto-reminders |
Dynamic data/variables | Auto-fill contract content with client and project data | No dynamic data variables in contracts |
Contract automation triggers | Trigger automated workflows the moment a contract is signed | No contract automation triggers |
View notifications | See when contracts are opened and reviewed | No contract view notifications |
PDF download with signature certificate | Download signed contracts with official proof of signature | No signed contract PDF download |
Custom signer data fields | Collect structured signer information during signing | No custom signer data fields |
Custom contract data fields | Create custom contract data you can sort, filter, and report on | No custom contract data fields |
INVOICES & PAYMENTS | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Create invoices and get paid | Send invoices and collect payments in one connected flow | Create and send invoices from tracked time with Stripe and PayPal payment collection |
Fully branded invoices | Match invoices to your brand with custom logos, colors, and layout | Branded invoices with logo and custom colors |
Drag and drop invoice builder | Create custom invoice layouts visually without formatting limits | No drag-and-drop invoice builder (template-based) |
Customizable line items | Edit pricing, quantities, descriptions, and structure freely | Customizable line items with services catalog |
Item or invoice discounts | Apply discounts at the item or full invoice level | Discounts supported on invoices |
Customizable taxes | Create tax rules that match your location and use case | Custom tax rates supported on invoices |
ACH payments | Accept bank transfers for lower-fee payments | ACH bank transfers via Stripe integration |
Stripe integration | Accept credit and debit cards instantly | Native Stripe integration for invoice payments |
Square integration | Collect in-person payments when needed | No Square integration |
PayPal integration | Let clients pay using PayPal | Native PayPal integration for invoice payments |
Flexible partial payments | Collect deposits and split payments across milestones | No partial payment support |
Payment plans | Break invoices into scheduled installments | No payment plans or installment schedules |
Automated recurring invoices | Automatically send invoices on a recurring schedule | Automated recurring invoices with flexible frequency options |
Subscription management | Manage ongoing client subscriptions and billing | No subscription management |
Automated payment reminders | Follow up automatically until invoices are paid | Automated payment reminders for overdue invoices |
Reusable invoice templates | Reuse invoice layouts without rebuilding each time | Reusable invoice templates available |
Multiple currency support | Bill clients globally in their local currency | Multiple currency support on invoices |
Invoice automation triggers | Trigger automated workflows when invoices are sent or paid | No invoice automation triggers |
View notifications | See when invoices are opened and paid | Email notifications when invoices are viewed and paid |
Built-in expense tracking | Track project-related costs alongside invoices | Built-in expense tracking with receipt photos and reimbursements |
Invoice deposits | Collect upfront payments before work starts | No invoice deposit support |
Auto-invoice billable time | Turn tracked time into invoices automatically | Core feature — auto-populate invoices from tracked billable time |
Custom invoice data fields | Create custom invoice data you can sort, filter, and report on | No custom invoice data fields |
INBOX | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Centralized unified inbox | Manage email, chat, and messages from one shared inbox | No unified inbox |
Full email integration | Connect and manage all your email accounts in one place | No email integration |
Embeddable live chat | Add real-time chat to your website and client portals | No embeddable live chat |
Instant direct messages | Message teammates privately without leaving your workspace | No direct messaging |
Contextual project conversations | Keep conversations tied directly to the project they belong to | No project conversations |
Team channels | Create shared spaces for team-wide discussions | No team channels |
Customized channels | Organize channels by team, topic, or workflow | No customized channels |
@mentions | Notify teammates instantly inside conversations | No @mentions |
Message read receipts | See when messages are read | No message read receipts |
File sharing in chat | Share files directly inside conversations | No file sharing in chat |
Shared email inbox | Collaborate on incoming emails as a team | No shared email inbox |
Inbox mobile app | Access and respond to messages on mobile | No inbox mobile app |
Email reply to inbox | Reply from your email client and keep conversations synced | No email reply to inbox |
FILES | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Store and manage files | Keep all client and project files in one organized place | No built-in file storage |
Advanced folder organization | Organize files by project, client, or structure you choose | No folder organization |
Folder permissions | Control who can view or edit folders | No folder permissions |
People folders | Group files by person when needed | No people folders |
Project folders | Keep files scoped to each project | No project file folders |
In-app previews | Preview files instantly without downloading | No in-app file previews |
Custom file data fields | Capture file metadata you can sort and filter | No custom file data 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 comments |
Bulk file actions | Move, tag, or manage many files at once | No bulk file actions |
Files search & filter | Find files quickly using search and filters | No file search or filter |
External cloud sync | Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox | No external cloud sync |
Secure sharing controls | Restrict access with permissions or passwords | No secure sharing controls |
File sharing links | Share files externally with controlled access | No file sharing links |
SCHEDULING | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Schedule meetings | Let clients book meetings directly without back-and-forth emails | No scheduling or booking feature |
Branded booking page | Build a fully branded, customizable booking system using a drag-and-drop editor | No booking pages |
Advanced availability management | Define flexible availability rules applied automatically to bookings | No availability management |
Automatic buffer times | Add buffer time automatically between meetings | No buffer times |
Multiple meeting types | Create unlimited booking types with different rules and setups | No meeting types |
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook) | Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically | No scheduling or calendar sync |
Customizable booking confirmations | Fully customizable confirmation pages with no layout or branding limits | No booking confirmations |
Redirect after booking | Send bookers anywhere after scheduling, not just a fixed thank-you page | No booking redirects |
Booking automation triggers | Trigger automated workflows the moment a meeting is booked | No booking automation |
Smart meeting reminders | Send automatic reminders without manual follow-ups | No meeting reminders |
Automatic timezone detection | Handle timezones automatically without manual adjustments | No scheduling feature |
Paid appointments (Stripe/PayPal) | Collect payments during booking without extra steps | No paid appointments |
Custom booking forms | Build booking forms with full control over questions and layout | No booking forms |
Minimum notice / daily booking limits | Set booking limits to control lead time and daily volume | No booking limits |
Rescheduling and cancellation controls | Define flexible rules for rescheduling and cancellations | No rescheduling or cancellation controls |
AUTOMATION | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Automated workflows builder | Build advanced workflows visually without code or rigid templates | No automation builder |
Trigger-based workflows | Start workflows from real events across projects, clients, and payments | No trigger-based workflows |
Schedule-based workflows | Run workflows on schedules you control, not fixed intervals | No scheduled workflows |
Multi-step workflows | Chain multiple actions into one continuous automation | No multi-step workflows |
True/False branching | Create conditional paths instead of one-size-fits-all flows | No conditional branching |
Delay-based actions | Add precise timing between steps, down to minutes or days | No delay-based actions |
Create & update records | Create, update, or move records automatically across the system | No record automation |
Move & duplicate records | Reorganize work automatically without manual cleanup | No duplicate actions |
Delete & archive records | Automatically archive or remove records based on rules | No delete automation |
API calls (webhooks) | Trigger or receive real-time events from external systems | REST API and webhooks available |
Send emails | Send automated emails tied to real workflow events | Automated invoice and reminder emails |
Post comments | Add notes or comments automatically where work happens | No comment automation |
Complete automation logs | See exactly what ran, when, and why | No automation logs |
Auto-fill data/variables | Pass data between steps dynamically without manual mapping | No auto-fill variables |
Cross-entity connections | Run workflows that span projects, tasks, proposals, invoices, and more | No cross-entity automation |
FORMS | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Create branded forms | Build fully branded forms that match your workflow and client experience | No form builder |
Drag-and-drop form builder | Design forms visually with full layout control, no code required | No visual form builder |
Reusable form templates | Reuse form structures without rebuilding from scratch | No form templates |
Custom form data fields | Collect structured data you can sort, filter, and report on | No custom form fields |
Smart conditional logic | Show or hide fields based on responses, not static forms | No conditional logic |
Instant email notifications | Get notified immediately when forms are submitted | No form notifications |
Form automation triggers | Trigger automated workflows when a form is submitted | No form automation |
Embed forms | Embed forms anywhere without layout restrictions | No embeddable forms |
Advanced field preferences | Control required, hidden, and default field behavior | No advanced field preferences |
Comprehensive field types | Collect text, files, dates, selections, and more | No form field types |
Form signature field | Collect legally binding signatures directly inside forms | No signature field on forms |
File upload fields | Accept file uploads as part of form submissions | No form file uploads |
Redirect after submission | Send submitters to a custom next step, not a fixed thank-you page | No form redirects |
CRM | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Manage clients and leads | Manage contacts and companies in one connected system | Basic client and contact list (no CRM pipeline or lead tracking) |
Full company management | Track organizations, not just individual contacts | No company management |
Custom contact data fields | Collect and manage structured contact data you define | No custom contact fields |
Complete activity timeline | See every interaction with a client in one place | No activity timeline |
Contacts labeling and grouping | Organize contacts flexibly without rigid pipelines | No contact labeling or grouping |
WIKI | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Comprehensive knowledge base | Create an internal wiki for processes, docs, and guides | No knowledge base |
Beautiful rich text pages | Write structured, formatted content without complexity | No rich text pages |
Unlimited nested pages | Build deep knowledge hierarchies without limits | No nested pages |
Granular page permissions | Control exactly who can view or edit each page | No page permissions |
DASHBOARDS | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Custom dashboards and pages | Build dashboards around what matters to you, not fixed metrics | Basic project and time reporting dashboard (not customizable) |
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder | Design dashboards visually with full layout control | No drag-and-drop dashboard builder |
Charts widget | Visualize data with customizable charts | Charts in time and budget reports only |
Metrics widget | Track key numbers without manual reporting | Time and budget metrics in reports only |
Goals widget | Monitor progress toward defined goals | No goals widget |
Notes widget | Add contextual notes directly to dashboards | No notes widget |
Calendar widget | View upcoming events alongside work and metrics | No calendar widget |
Financial widgets | Track revenue and expenses in the same view | Revenue, expense, and invoice reporting but no custom dashboard widgets |
BRANDING | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
White-label and branding | Run the entire platform under your brand | No white-labeling |
Custom interface theme | Apply your brand colors across the system | No 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 | No custom login pages |
Email branding | Send all system emails with your branding | Logo and branding on invoice emails |
Custom brand fonts | Use your own fonts throughout the platform | No custom fonts |
Custom brand logos | Replace all platform logos with your own | Logo upload on invoices and branded documents |
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 | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Flexible workspace setup | Shape the platform to match how your business works | Workspaces, projects, tasks, and clients only (no flexible hierarchy) |
Main menu editor | Add, remove, or reorder navigation items freely | Fixed menu |
User-based menus | Show different navigation for different roles | Fixed menus for all users |
Custom user roles | Create role types beyond preset permissions | Admin and member roles only |
Advanced user permissions | Control access at a granular level | Project-level permissions only (admin and member roles) |
SSO / OAuth | Support enterprise-grade single sign-on | No SSO on Teams plan (Enterprise only) |
INTEGRATIONS | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Connect with other tools | Integrate with external systems without lock-in | 50+ native integrations including Asana, Trello, Jira, Slack, QuickBooks, Xero, Basecamp, and more |
Zapier integration | Connect to thousands of apps without custom code | Full Zapier integration |
Make.com integration | Build advanced automation scenarios visually | Make.com integration supported |
Pabbly Connect | Connect services without usage-based limits | Possible via API |
Full REST API access | Build custom integrations with full system access | Full REST API available |
Incoming & outgoing webhooks | Send and receive real-time events | Incoming and outgoing webhooks supported |
PLATFORM | Plutio 198/199 | Harvest 38/199 |
Mobile apps | Access your business from native mobile apps | iOS and Android apps with timer and time tracking |
iOS app | Full-featured iPhone app | Full iOS app available |
Android app | Full-featured Android app | Full Android app available |
Mac desktop app | Native macOS app for desktop workflows | Mac menubar app and browser extension (no full standalone desktop app) |
Windows desktop app | Native Windows app for desktop workflows | Windows menubar app and browser extension (no full standalone desktop app) |
Plutio vs Harvest FAQ: common questions answered
Does Plutio replace Harvest?
For freelancers who need proposals, contracts, a client portal, and project management alongside time tracking, Plutio covers more ground in one subscription. Harvest fits teams already using Asana or Jira for project management who need time tracking and invoicing only, or businesses that require direct QuickBooks or Xero sync.
What does Plutio cover that Harvest doesn't?
Plutio adds the workflow that surrounds time tracking and invoicing: a proposal builder with interactive pricing tables, contract templates with e-signatures, a project management layer with task boards and dependencies, and a white-labeled client portal at your own domain. Harvest covers time tracking and invoicing only. The practical difference is that Harvest requires two to four additional tools to handle the work before a project starts and after an invoice is sent.
Does Plutio offer a free trial?
Yes. Plutio offers a 14-day free trial with full access to all features. No credit card required. The trial includes proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing, project management, and client portals.
Does Harvest have proposals or contracts?
No. Harvest has no proposal builder, no contract templates, and no e-signature capability at any plan level, including Enterprise. Freelancers who use Harvest for billing use separate tools for proposals and contracts, such as Bonsai, PandaDoc, or DocuSign. Plutio includes proposals and contracts with e-signatures as part of the base plan at $19/month.
Does Harvest have a client portal?
No. Harvest does not have a client portal. Clients interact with Harvest only through invoice links that open a Harvest-hosted payment page. There is no branded environment, no way for clients to see project status, and no file sharing in a client-facing portal in Harvest. Plutio includes a white-labeled portal at your own domain on every plan.
How much does Plutio cost compared to Harvest?
Plutio starts at $19/month for one user with access to all features. Harvest Teams costs $13.75/seat/month (or $11/seat/month annual) for time tracking and invoicing. A freelancer running Harvest alongside a proposal tool ($21/month) and a client portal ($39/month) pays approximately $71/month. Plutio covers the same scope for $19/month. See Plutio pricing for full details.
Can I white-label Plutio with my own branding?
Yes. Plutio includes white-labeling with custom domains, branded login pages, logo and colors throughout, custom SMTP for email, and CSS customization. Clients see the freelancer's brand, not Plutio's. Harvest uses Harvest's domain and branding for client-facing invoice links with no white-labeling option.
Which is right for agencies, Harvest or Plutio?
Harvest's Enterprise plan at $14/seat/month annual adds margin reporting, timesheet approvals, and SAML SSO that agencies with larger teams find useful. Plutio handles team management with role-based permissions, shared client portals, and project dashboards. For agencies running proposals, contracts, time tracking, and client portals in one workflow, Plutio covers that in a single subscription. If the team is already embedded in Jira or Asana and the only gap is time tracking and billing, Harvest adds that without a platform change. Proposals and client communication still need separate tools in that setup.
Can I import data from Harvest into Plutio?
Yes. Export your time entries from Harvest as CSV files (available under Reports). Import the CSV into Plutio, mapping Harvest's project and client fields to Plutio's equivalent fields. Create client and project records in Plutio before importing time entries so the data lands in the right place. Plutio's support team can assist with the migration.
Does Harvest have project management?
Harvest has basic task creation and project budget tracking, but no visual project management. There are no task boards, no Kanban views, no task dependencies, no subtasks, no milestones, and no project templates. Harvest's own integrations page recommends pairing it with Asana, Trello, Jira, or Basecamp for actual project management. Plutio includes task boards, dependencies, milestones, and project templates connected to time tracking and invoicing.
Does Harvest have a free plan?
Yes, but it covers only one user and two active projects. For a freelancer managing more than two clients, the free plan is not practical. The next tier, Harvest Teams, costs $13.75/seat/month (monthly) or $11/seat/month (annual). Plutio has a 14-day free trial that covers every feature on the platform with no credit card required.
Does Plutio have time tracking like Harvest?
Yes. Plutio includes a live timer that runs from any task in any project. Time entries populate invoice line items directly without a manual export. Billable rates configure per user, project, or task. The Plutio timesheets page covers the full feature set. The key difference from Harvest: Plutio's time tracking connects to a proposal-to-project workflow, so hours track against the exact scope the client approved.
What integrations does Plutio support?
Plutio connects to 5,000+ apps through Zapier, including Google Calendar, Stripe, PayPal, Slack, and more. Plutio also has a REST API for custom integrations. Built-in integrations cover calendar sync, payment processors, and email services. Harvest connects directly to QuickBooks Online, Xero, Asana, Trello, Jira, Basecamp, Slack, and Stripe, which Plutio handles through Zapier rather than a direct integration.
Does Plutio have a mobile app?
Yes. Plutio has iOS and Android apps for managing projects, communicating with clients, tracking time, and sending invoices on the go. The mobile apps sync in real time with the web platform. Harvest also has mobile apps; Plutio covers the same ground within a platform that also handles proposals, projects, and client communication.
Is my data safe with Plutio?
Yes. All data is private, encrypted, and never used to train AI models. Plutio runs on SSL encryption, takes regular backups, and meets GDPR requirements. Data can be exported 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 receives regular updates and new features based on user needs. Harvest has been around longer but its feature set has not expanded significantly, which is why freelancers who need more than time tracking and invoicing tend to look elsewhere.
Does Plutio have a unified inbox?
Yes. Plutio has a unified inbox where multiple email accounts connect in one place. Client emails sort automatically into conversation threads. The whole team shares one inbox so no one misses urgent requests. Live chat can also be embedded on a website. Harvest has no messaging or inbox capability; client communication happens outside the platform.
Why do freelancers switch from Harvest to Plutio?
Three main reasons: first, Harvest has no proposal or contract workflow, so every project starts with a separate tool and a manual data transfer. Second, Harvest has no client portal, so clients receive invoice links rather than a professional, branded project environment. Third, the total cost of Harvest plus supplementary tools (proposal tool, client portal) exceeds what Plutio charges for the combined workflow. Freelancers who want the full workflow in one subscription switch when the multi-tool overhead outweighs the switching cost.
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