Plutio vs HoneyBook: Complete Comparison (2026)

HoneyBook raised Starter from $19 to $36/mo in February 2025, and that $36/mo plan still has zero automations, zero team members, and zero integrations. Essentials costs $59/mo to unlock automations and remove "Powered by HoneyBook" branding. Premium costs $129/mo for more than two team members. Every payment runs through HoneyBook at 2.9% + $0.25 per card transaction. Smart Files combine proposals, contracts, and payments for client intake, but once a contract is signed, project management is a flat task list with no Kanban boards, no Gantt charts, and no task dependencies.

Plutio starts at $19/mo with automations, project management, and client portals on every plan: proposals that convert to projects with tasks already assigned, Kanban and Gantt views for tracking milestones, time tracking that flows into invoices, and a branded portal where clients check progress without emailing you.

Last updated February 2026

4.6

Quick comparison (TLDR)

HoneyBook is booking and client intake software for service businesses. Smart Files combine proposals, contracts, invoices, and scheduling into one visual document where clients review, sign, pay, and book in one session. HoneyBook raised prices by 89% in February 2025: Starter went from $19 to $36/mo, Essentials from $39 to $59/mo, and Premium from $79 to $129/mo. The $36/mo Starter plan has zero automations, zero scheduling, zero integrations, and zero team members. After the client books, project management is limited to flat task checklists with no Kanban boards, no Gantt charts, and no task dependencies.

Plutio is an all-in-one platform that covers intake and the work that follows. Proposals and contracts 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 multi-month projects. Time tracking at the task level connects directly to invoicing. Clients see their project progress in a branded portal instead of emailing for updates. Core starts at $19/mo with automations, project management, time tracking, and client portals included.

Key differences at a glance

Pricing and plan restrictions: Plutio Core starts at $19/mo with automations, project management, time tracking, and client portals included. HoneyBook Starter costs $36/mo and locks out automations, scheduling, integrations, and team members. Essentials costs $59/mo to unlock automations. Premium costs $129/mo for more than two team members.
Project management: Plutio includes Kanban boards, Gantt charts, subtasks, and task dependencies for managing multi-month projects. HoneyBook has flat task checklists only, so when projects span months with dozens of tasks, most users open a separate project app and rebuild their workflow there.
White-label branding: Plutio runs under your brand with custom domains, branded login pages, custom SMTP emails, and full white-labeling ($9/mo add-on on Core and Pro, included on Max). HoneyBook has no custom domains on any plan, and "Powered by HoneyBook" stays visible until Essentials ($59/mo).
Time tracking: Plutio tracks hours on individual tasks with one-click timers and generates invoices directly from time logs. HoneyBook has project-level time tracking (manual entry on desktop, stopwatch on mobile) but no task-level tracking, so when a client asks which specific tasks consumed the hours, there is no breakdown to show them.
Invoicing and billing: Plutio has a drag-and-drop invoice builder, subscription management for recurring billing, and accepts Stripe, Square, PayPal, and ACH. HoneyBook has fixed invoice templates, no subscription management, and locks payments into their own processor at 2.9% + $0.25 per card transaction.
Client communication: Plutio has a unified inbox where client emails auto-sort into conversation threads, a shared team inbox so no one misses urgent messages, and embeddable live chat for your website. HoneyBook has basic email sync but no shared team inbox and no auto-sorting of client threads.

The bottom line: HoneyBook processes client intake through Smart Files, but locks automations and team members behind $59-$129/mo plans, has no Kanban or Gantt views, and shows HoneyBook branding on every client touchpoint. Plutio starts at $19/mo with automations, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, time tracking, and client portals all included, running everything under your own domain.

Project and task management

A multi-month project has dozens of tasks across several phases: kickoff call, milestone reviews, revision rounds, final handoff. Can you see it all on a timeline? Or is it a flat checklist?

HoneyBook

Flat task checklists with due dates. HoneyBook gives you a list of tasks with due dates. A flat list works for a quick project, but when a multi-month engagement has dozens of tasks across phases, you cannot see how any of it fits together. HoneyBook has no Kanban boards, no Gantt charts, no subtasks, no task dependencies, and no project templates with tasks. Most users end up opening a separate project management app alongside HoneyBook to manage the actual work.

Basic task checklists
Due dates on tasks
No Kanban or Gantt views
No subtasks or nesting
No task dependencies
No project templates with tasks

Plutio

See your work however makes sense to you. Kanban boards show tasks moving through stages. Gantt charts map timelines across months with visible dependencies. Plutio gives you five views of the same project, and you switch between them depending on what you are doing. When a project has dozens of tasks spanning months, you can nest subtasks under each milestone, link dependent tasks so deadlines shift together automatically, and build templates that recreate the whole structure every time you book a new client.

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

Time tracking and billing

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

HoneyBook

Project-level time tracking with manual entry. HoneyBook lets you log hours with manual entry on desktop or a stopwatch on mobile. Hours attach to the project as a whole, not to individual tasks. HoneyBook has no task-level time tracking, no billable rate customization, and no time reports by category. When a client asks why something took 8 hours, you cannot show which specific tasks consumed the time. You can invoice from time logs, but only on desktop.

Manual time entry on desktop
Stopwatch on mobile app
Invoice from time logs (desktop only)
No task-level time tracking
No billable rate customization
No time reports by category

Plutio

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

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

Client visibility and communication

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

HoneyBook

A portal that shows HoneyBook's brand, not yours. HoneyBook updated their client portal in 2025. Clients can now see milestones, assigned tasks, and files. HoneyBook has no custom domain, no white-labeling, and no way to hide HoneyBook branding from your clients. The portal URL shows HoneyBook, not your domain. Internal workflow tasks stay hidden, but clients cannot see real-time progress on the work you are doing for them.

Project milestones and dates visible
Client-facing tasks with deadlines
File and invoice access
No custom domain
HoneyBook branding visible on Starter ($36/mo)
No real-time progress view

Plutio

Your clients get their own branded space. When a client logs in, they see your domain (like clients.yourcompany.com), not third-party software. The portal shows their tasks, files, deadlines, and messages all in one place. They can check progress whenever they want. When you finish a task, they approve it right there. When they need to upload assets, they do it in the same place. You control what they see, so your internal workflow stays private. White-labeling costs $9/mo as an add-on on Core and Pro, and comes included on Max.

Custom domain (yourcompany.com)
White-label branding ($9/mo add-on)
Custom CSS for full styling control
Tasks, files, deadlines visible to clients
In-app messaging tied to projects
Task approval workflow
File uploads from clients
Invoice and payment history

Client communication and inbox

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

HoneyBook

Email sync with messages tied to projects. HoneyBook syncs your email and clients can message you inside the platform, which keeps things attached to the right project. HoneyBook has no shared team inbox, no auto-sorting into client threads, and no embeddable live chat. If you have a team, everyone has their own view and cannot collaborate on client requests. When a client emails about the project, that message does not automatically sort into their history alongside previous conversations.

Email sync to platform
Messages tied to projects
Client communication in-app
No shared team inbox
No team channels
No direct messaging
No auto-sort into client threads
No embeddable live chat

Plutio

All your client conversations in one place. When a client emails you, that message shows up in their thread alongside every other conversation: project updates, file shares, payment confirmations. Your whole team sees the same inbox, so when you are away and a client sends an urgent message, your assistant handles it. Reply from your regular email and Plutio syncs it back. Chat internally about a client in a team channel. Capture leads from your website with embeddable live chat.

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

Smart Files vs. connected automation

HoneyBook Smart Files combine intake documents visually. The question is what happens after the client signs and real work begins.

HoneyBook

Smart Files and automation for the intake phase. HoneyBook's Smart Files combine proposals, contracts, invoices, and scheduling into one visual document. The client clicks through, signs, pays, and books in one flow. HoneyBook rebuilt their automation system in 2025 with if-then branching, AI-powered workflow suggestions, and tag-based conditions. Automations are locked behind Essentials ($59/mo), so Starter users ($36/mo) have zero automation capability.

After the client books, you are back to flat task lists. The project does not create itself from the proposal. Automation covers intake, follow-ups, and reminders, but cannot create tasks or run actions in external tools without Zapier.

Visual all-in-one Smart Files
Conditional branching logic (Essentials+ only)
AI-powered workflow builder (Essentials+ only)
No automatic project creation
No task mapping from proposals
No webhook integrations
Zero automations on Starter ($36/mo)

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. Automations are included on every Plutio plan starting at $19/mo.

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

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.

HoneyBook

Team access depends entirely on your plan tier. HoneyBook has five preset roles (Owner, Super Admin, Admin, Moderator, Basic) and you pick which one fits each person. Starter ($36/mo) includes zero team members. Essentials ($59/mo) allows up to two. Only Premium ($129/mo) includes unlimited team members (up to 10). If you need your bookkeeper to access financial data, that is a separate add-on. You cannot create custom roles, so if those five presets do not match how you work, you adjust your workflow to fit them.

5 preset team roles
Premium has unlimited members (up to 10)
Starter ($36/mo): zero team members
Essentials ($59/mo): up to 2 members only
No custom role creation
Bookkeeper access is separate add-on

Plutio

Add people without losing control. When you hire your first associate, 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, run separate workspaces under one account. See everyone's workload in one dashboard and approve timesheets before they hit invoices.

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

White-label branding and customization

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

HoneyBook

Your clients see HoneyBook branding on every touchpoint. You can put your logo on proposals and invoices, which is standard. But when clients log into their portal, they see HoneyBook branding. The URL shows HoneyBook, not your domain. Emails come from HoneyBook servers. HoneyBook has no custom domain, no custom interface theming, no branded login pages, no custom SMTP, and no workspace embedding on any plan. "Powered by HoneyBook" is removed on Essentials ($59/mo) and above, but the portal still uses HoneyBook URLs and emails still come from HoneyBook servers.

Logo branding on documents
"Powered by HoneyBook" removed on Essentials+
No custom domain on any plan
No custom interface theming
No branded login pages
No custom SMTP for emails
No workspace embedding

Plutio

Your clients see your brand everywhere. When a client logs in, they go to yourcompany.com, not a third-party URL. The login page has your logo and colors. The interface matches your brand. Emails come from you@yourcompany.com because you connect your own email server. Embed the entire client workspace into your own website if you want. Write custom CSS for complete control. White-labeling costs $9/mo as an add-on on Core and Pro, and comes included on Max.

Custom domain (clients see yourcompany.com)
Full white-label ($9/mo add-on, included on Max)
Custom interface theme (your brand colors)
Branded login and signup pages
Custom SMTP (emails from your domain)
Full workspace embedding into your site
Custom CSS for complete styling control
Custom logo throughout the platform

Invoicing, billing, and subscriptions

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

HoneyBook

Fixed invoice templates with HoneyBook's own payment processor. HoneyBook processes all payments through its own system at 2.9% + $0.25 per card transaction and 3.4% + $0.09 for Amex. You can split payments across multiple dates for deposits and final payments. The invoice uses a fixed template where you fill in fields and send it. HoneyBook has no drag-and-drop invoice builder, no subscription management for retainer clients, and no custom invoice design. ACH transfers are available at 1.5% flat, but you cannot use your own Stripe or PayPal account.

Invoices with online payments
Payment plans available
ACH at 1.5% flat
No drag-and-drop invoice builder
No subscription management
Fixed template layouts only
Locked into HoneyBook payment processor
3.4% + $0.09 for Amex transactions

Plutio

Billing that looks and works the way you need it to. Open the invoice builder and drag elements where you want them. Logo here, line items there, payment terms at the bottom. The result looks like something you designed, not a template you filled in. When you have retainer clients, set up subscriptions that charge them automatically every month. When someone needs to pay in installments, split the invoice and schedule the charges. Connect your own Stripe, Square, PayPal, or bank transfer accounts directly, at their standard rates with no markup from Plutio.

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

Proposals and contracts

When a lead becomes a client, they sign something. The question is whether that signature connects to what happens next or sits in a separate system.

HoneyBook

Smart Files put proposals, contracts, and payments into one document. HoneyBook Smart Files combine proposals, contracts, invoices, and scheduling into one visual document. The client clicks through, signs, pays, and books. Smart Files put pricing, terms, and booking into one sequence.

After signing, HoneyBook records the contract but the project does not create itself from the proposal. You cannot map proposal line items to project tasks. Most users manually set up the project in a separate tool after booking.

Visual all-in-one Smart Files
E-signature built in
Client booking flow in one document
No automatic project creation
No task mapping from proposals
No drag-and-drop proposal customization

Plutio

Proposals that create projects when signed. Build proposals with a drag-and-drop editor where each line item can map to actual project tasks. Add your branding, pricing options, and terms. Embed contracts directly in the proposal so clients review, sign, and pay in one flow.

When the client accepts, Plutio can automatically create a project from your template with all tasks, deadlines, and assignments ready. The signed contract attaches to the project. The deposit invoice is already sent. Zero manual handoffs between booking and execution.

Visual drag-and-drop proposal builder
Line items map to project tasks
E-signature built in
Contracts embedded in proposals
Auto-create project on acceptance
Deposit and milestone payments
Proposal view tracking
Reusable proposal templates

Running a client project: HoneyBook vs Plutio

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

With HoneyBook, here is how it usually goes:

You send a visual Smart File with pricing, contract, and booking
They sign and pay the deposit in one flow
The booking is confirmed
Now you need to manage months of tasks: kickoff calls, milestone reviews, revisions, final handoff
You open Trello or Notion because HoneyBook task checklists cannot handle multi-month timelines
The client can see milestones in the portal, but your internal task workflow stays separate
If you are on Starter ($36/mo), none of your follow-up emails are automated because Starter has zero automations

With Plutio, here is how it works:

You send a proposal with pricing and contract
They sign and pay the deposit
A project is automatically created from your template: dozens of tasks across months
You see everything on a Gantt chart timeline
The client logs into a branded portal and sees tasks, files, and progress in real time
You finish work on each task. Clients review and approve in the portal.
Invoice is generated from your time logs. They pay online.

HoneyBook processes the booking through Smart Files. Plutio processes the booking and then runs the entire project that follows, from automatic project creation to task management on Gantt charts to client portals where clients track every milestone.

Where Plutio wins (the proof)

These are verifiable differences, not opinions.

1. Pricing: $19/mo vs $36/mo with fewer features

HoneyBook: Starter costs $36/mo (raised from $19 in February 2025, an 89% increase). Starter has zero automations, zero team members, zero integrations, and zero scheduling. Essentials costs $59/mo. Premium costs $129/mo.

Plutio: Core costs $19/mo and includes automations, project management with Kanban and Gantt views, task-level time tracking, and client portals.

The proof: HoneyBook's pricing page lists Starter at $36/mo. HoneyBook's own help article confirms the February 2025 price changes.

2. Project management: Gantt and Kanban vs flat task lists

HoneyBook: Flat task checklists only, with no Kanban boards, no Gantt charts, no subtasks, no task dependencies, and no project templates with tasks.

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

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

3. White-labeling: Your brand vs HoneyBook's brand

HoneyBook: Your logo on proposals and invoices. No custom domains on any plan. "Powered by HoneyBook" stays visible on Starter ($36/mo). Portal URL shows HoneyBook, not your domain.

Plutio: Custom domain (clients see yourcompany.com). Branded login pages. Custom interface colors. Custom SMTP. White-labeling available as a $9/mo add-on on Core and Pro, included on Max.

The proof: Search HoneyBook's official documentation for custom domains or white-labeling. The feature does not exist on any plan.

When HoneyBook might still work

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

Client booking is the end of your workflow, but you are paying $36/mo+ for that. Photographers and event planners who wrap up quickly after booking may not need full project management. Smart Files put intake and onboarding into one flow, but Starter ($36/mo) has zero automations, so every follow-up is manual.
HoneyBook branding on client-facing pages does not bother you. There are no custom domains on any plan. Clients see HoneyBook URLs and branding throughout the portal.
You are already invested in HoneyBook workflows. If you have built years of automations in HoneyBook (Essentials or Premium) and switching would disrupt your business, the migration cost is real. But remember that existing pricing grandfathering only lasts one year from the February 2025 increase.

But if you manage multi-month projects, want white-labeling, need drag-and-drop invoicing, or want subscription billing for retainer clients, Plutio covers those gaps starting at $19/mo.

Why they switched: real outcomes

What happens when HoneyBook users switch to Plutio?

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

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

These results come from connecting the full workflow. When proposals flow into projects automatically, when clients can check their own portal, and when everything runs under your brand, the admin overhead drops and capacity for real work increases.

Final verdict

HoneyBook and Plutio approach the client journey from different angles. Both are rated well: Plutio holds a 4.4/5 on G2 while HoneyBook holds a 4.5/5 based on over 700 reviews.

HoneyBook built its workflow around Smart Files. A client clicks through one document, reviews pricing, signs the contract, pays the deposit, and books. But the 89% price hike in February 2025 pushed Starter to $36/mo, and that plan still locks out automations, team members, integrations, and scheduling. Essentials costs $59/mo. Premium costs $129/mo. Every payment runs through HoneyBook at 2.9% + $0.25 per card transaction.

After the booking, HoneyBook has flat task checklists with no Kanban boards, no Gantt charts, and only project-level time tracking. Clients see HoneyBook branding everywhere because there are no custom domains on any plan. Invoices use fixed templates with no visual builder and no subscription management for retainer clients. Most HoneyBook users end up adding Trello, Asana, or Notion for project work while their clients see another company's brand.

Plutio starts at $19/mo and includes automations, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, task-level time tracking, and client portals on every plan. Design invoices visually with drag-and-drop. Set up subscription billing for monthly retainers. Convert time logs to invoices in one click. Clients see progress in a branded portal at your own domain. White-labeling costs $9/mo as an add-on on Core and Pro, and comes included on Max.

The bottom line: HoneyBook processes client intake through Smart Files, but Starter costs $36/mo with zero automations, project management is flat task lists, and clients see HoneyBook branding on every touchpoint. Plutio starts at $19/mo with automations, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, task-level time tracking, drag-and-drop invoicing, subscription billing, and client portals that run under your own domain.

How to switch from HoneyBook to Plutio

Switching from HoneyBook to Plutio means keeping your client history while upgrading to full project management.

Step 1: Export your HoneyBook data
Download clients, projects, and invoices as CSV files from your HoneyBook dashboard.

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

Step 3: Set up your project templates
Create project templates for your common workflows. Include all the tasks, subtasks, and dependencies that HoneyBook could not support.

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

Research & Sources

Every comparison and price point on this page is backed by direct research conducted in February 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
HoneyBook: Official pricing, February 2025 pricing changes, G2 reviews

Verification methodology

For each feature in the comparison table:

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

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

Plutio vs HoneyBook: full feature comparison for 2026

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

PRICING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Starting price	$19/month (Core plan)	$36/month (Starter, $29/month annual)
Free plan	No free plan (14-day trial available)	No free plan (7-day trial)
Trial period	14-day free trial	7-day trial + 60-day money-back guarantee
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Collapse	Plutio 198/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Manage projects and tasks	Fully flexible project and task setup you can shape to your workflow	Projects with task lists and pipeline
Project roles and permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each part of a project	5 team roles with project access control
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 projects via the client portal only
Project stages and milestones	Define custom project lifecycles for different types of work	You can use pipeline stages, but they are predefined
Connected proposals, contracts, and invoices	Everything related stays connected to the project automatically	Integrated via Smart Files
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	You cannot view tasks in a kanban board
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 view projects in a list
Calendar view	See tasks and deadlines on a calendar	You can see bookings 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	Not supported (email sync only)
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 share 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 cannot reuse task 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	HoneyBook 83/199
Time tracking system	Easily track time using timers or manual entries	Basic time tracking (manual entry on desktop, stopwatch on mobile)
Task-level tracking	Log time directly against tasks and subtasks	Project-level only, no task-level tracking
Project-level tracking	See time spent per project and per client	Time tracked at project level
Billable time tracking	Clearly separate billable and non-billable time	Billable time tracking available
Billable time invoicing	Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps	Invoice from time logs (desktop only)
Timesheet reports	View detailed time reports by task, project, or client	Basic time logs per project
Team timesheets	See how each team member tracks their time	Team members can log time on shared projects
PROPOSALS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Create and send proposals	Create proposals clients can review, approve, and sign in one flow	Smart files combine proposals and contracts
Drag-and-drop proposal builder	Create custom, branded proposals without layout limits or code	You can edit sections, not free drag-and-drop)
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 can see when a proposal is viewed
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	Complete Smart Files flow
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 dynamically
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 can set proposal expiry
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 proposal sections
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure electronic signatures on proposals	Clients can sign online
Custom proposal data fields	Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on	Basic custom fields
CONTRACTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Create and sign contracts	Create, send, and sign contracts in one continuous flow	Smart files combine contracts and invoices
Drag-and-drop contract builder	Create fully custom contracts with flexible layouts, no code or formatting limits	You cannot visually build contracts
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, with fixed roles
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	You can send automatic reminders
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 can trigger workflows
View notifications	See when contracts are opened and reviewed	You receive contract 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	HoneyBook 83/199
Create invoices and get paid	Send invoices and collect payments in one connected flow	Invoices with instant online payments
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	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
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 transfers
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 payments, 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 only
Invoice automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when invoices are sent or paid	Contracts can trigger workflows
View notifications	See when invoices are opened and paid	You receive contract 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	HoneyBook 83/199
Centralized unified inbox	Manage email, chat, and messages from one shared inbox	Messages and emails live in one inbox
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	HoneyBook 83/199
Store and manage files	Keep all client and project files in one organized place	Files exist per project only
Advanced folder organization	Organize files by project, client, or structure you choose	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Folder permissions	Control who can view or edit folders	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
People folders	Group files by person when needed	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Project folders	Keep files scoped to each project	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
In-app previews	Preview files instantly without downloading	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Custom file data fields	Capture file metadata you can sort and filter	You can add custom fields
Built-in documents	Create and edit documents directly inside Plutio	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Comments on files and docs	Leave comments directly on files and documents	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Bulk file actions	Move, tag, or manage many files at once	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Files search & filter	Find files quickly using search and filters	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
External cloud sync	Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
Secure sharing controls	Restrict access with permissions or passwords	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
File sharing links	Share files externally with controlled access	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
SCHEDULING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Schedule meetings	Let clients book meetings directly without back-and-forth emails	Scheduler with intake forms
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 session types
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook)	Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
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 can 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	Fixed themes (non-customizable layouts)
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	HoneyBook 83/199
Automated workflows builder	Build advanced workflows visually without code or rigid templates	AI-powered workflow builder with branching
Trigger-based workflows	Start workflows from real events across projects, clients, and payments	You can automate 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 options are 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 via automation
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, bookings, and payments trigger workflows
FORMS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Create branded forms	Build fully branded forms that match your workflow and client experience	Questionnaires with limited styling
Drag-and-drop form builder	Design forms visually with full layout control, no code required	You cannot visually build contracts
Reusable form templates	Reuse form structures without rebuilding from scratch	You cannot reuse form templates
Custom form data fields	Collect structured data you can sort, filter, and report on	You can add custom fields
Smart conditional logic	Show or hide fields based on responses, not static forms	Fields cannot 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 can 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 fixed
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	File uploads are limited
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	HoneyBook 83/199
Manage clients and leads	Manage contacts and companies in one connected system	Pipeline with AI lead prioritization
Full company management	Track organizations, not just individual contacts	Companies exist, but 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	HoneyBook 83/199
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 (requires integration)
Unlimited nested pages	Build deep knowledge hierarchies without limits	Not supported (requires integration)
Granular page permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each page	Not supported (requires integration)
DASHBOARDS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Custom dashboards and pages	Build dashboards around what matters to you, not fixed metrics	HoneyBook does not have custom dashboards
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder	Design dashboards visually with full layout control	Limited dashboard widgets
Charts widget	Visualize data with customizable charts	Basic charts only
Metrics widget	Track key numbers without manual reporting	Basic metrics only
Goals widget	Monitor progress toward defined goals	Not supported (requires integration)
Notes widget	Add contextual notes directly to dashboards	Not supported (requires integration)
Calendar widget	View upcoming events alongside work and metrics	Calendar on dashboard
Financial widgets	Track revenue and expenses in the same view	Revenue & invoice tracking
BRANDING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	HoneyBook 83/199
White-label and branding	Run the entire platform under your brand	HoneyBook branding, not white-label
Custom interface theme	Apply your brand colors across the system	Color themes on Deliver+ (no Free plan theme customization)
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 (requires integration)
Custom email SMTP	Send emails from your own email infrastructure	Not supported (requires integration)
Full workspace embedding	Embed Plutio directly into your website or product	Not supported (requires integration)
CUSTOMIZATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	HoneyBook 83/199
Flexible workspace setup	Shape the platform to match how your business works	HoneyBook 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	HoneyBook 83/199
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 HoneyBook 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	HoneyBook 83/199
Mobile apps	Access your business from native mobile apps	Full-featured iOS and Android apps
iOS app	Full-featured iPhone app	You can use HoneyBook on iOS
Android app	Full-featured Android app	You can use HoneyBook 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 HoneyBook FAQ: common questions answered

Is Plutio better than HoneyBook?

Plutio and HoneyBook serve different parts of the client workflow. HoneyBook processes client intake and booking through Smart Files. Plutio extends beyond booking into Kanban boards, Gantt charts, task-level time tracking, and white-labeled client portals. HoneyBook Starter costs $36/mo with zero automations. Plutio Core costs $19/mo with automations, project management, and client portals included.

Can Plutio replace HoneyBook?

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

Does HoneyBook have project management?

HoneyBook has flat task checklists with due dates. There are no Kanban boards, no Gantt charts, no subtasks, and no task dependencies. Most HoneyBook users pair it with Trello, Asana, or Notion for actual project management.

Does HoneyBook include time tracking?

Yes. HoneyBook includes time tracking with manual entry on desktop and a stopwatch on the mobile app. You can track billable hours by project and generate invoices from logged time.

What are HoneyBook Smart Files?

Smart Files are HoneyBook proprietary documents that combine proposals, contracts, invoices, and scheduling into one flow. Clients click through one document, review pricing, sign the contract, pay the deposit, and book their spot on the calendar in one experience.

Which tool is better for multi-month projects?

Multi-month projects with dozens of tasks require Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and task dependencies that HoneyBook does not have. Plutio offers five project views for timeline planning, client portals for file sharing and progress tracking, and project templates that recreate your workflow for each new client.

Can clients see project progress in both tools?

In HoneyBook, clients see project milestones, dates, assigned tasks, and files in the updated 2025 portal. Internal tasks and automations stay hidden. In Plutio, clients log into a branded portal where they see tasks, files, deadlines, and messages tied to their project with real-time progress updates.

How much does Plutio cost compared to HoneyBook?

HoneyBook Starter costs $36/mo ($29 on annual billing) with zero automations, zero team members, and zero integrations. Essentials costs $59/mo ($49 annual). Premium costs $129/mo ($109 annual). Plutio Core is $19/mo with automations, project management, time tracking, and client portals included. White-labeling is a $9/mo add-on.

Can I import my HoneyBook data into Plutio?

Yes. You can export clients, projects, and invoices from HoneyBook as CSV files and import them into Plutio. The migration maintains your client history and billing records.

Which tool has better automation?

HoneyBook Automations 2.0 includes conditional branching and tag-based conditions, but only on Essentials ($59/mo) and above. Starter ($36/mo) has zero automations. Plutio includes automations on every plan starting at $19/mo, with a visual builder that covers the entire project lifecycle including task completion triggers, project status changes, and cross-module actions.

Does Plutio offer white-label branding?

Yes. Plutio offers white-labeling including custom domains, branded login pages, custom SMTP for emails, and CSS customization. White-labeling is a $9/mo add-on on Core and Pro plans, and included on Max. HoneyBook has no custom domains on any plan and shows HoneyBook branding on client-facing pages.

Why do creatives switch from HoneyBook to Plutio?

Most creatives switch when they outgrow HoneyBook task lists. They need Gantt charts for project timelines, client portals for progress visibility, or task-level time tracking for hourly work. HoneyBook handles intake but lacks the project management depth that complex client work requires.

Does Plutio have a unified inbox?

Yes. Plutio has a unified inbox where you connect multiple email accounts and manage all client communication in one place. Client emails automatically sort into their conversation threads alongside project discussions. Your team shares one inbox so no one misses urgent requests. You can also embed live chat on your website. HoneyBook has basic email sync but no shared team inbox and no auto-sorting of client threads.

What integrations does Plutio support?

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

Does Plutio have a mobile app?

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

Does Plutio offer a free trial?

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

Is my data safe with Plutio?

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

How long has Plutio been around?

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

Can I import data from other tools into Plutio?

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

Does HoneyBook have recurring invoicing or subscriptions?

No. HoneyBook does not have 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.

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. HoneyBook team features are limited by plan tier.

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