Plutio vs Pipedrive: Complete Comparison (2026)

Pipedrive tracks deals through a visual sales pipeline, but once a deal closes, there are no proposals with interactive pricing, no contracts with e-signatures, no project management for the actual work, no time tracking connected to billing, and no client portal where clients check progress. The CRM record stays in Pipedrive while the project, invoicing, and client communication happen across 3-5 separate tools that don't share data.

Plutio handles client relationships and the workflow that follows: proposals that auto-create projects with task templates, contracts with e-signatures attached to the same client record, time tracking that feeds into invoices, and a branded portal at your domain where clients check progress without emailing you.

Last updated March 2026

4.6

Quick comparison (TLDR)

Pipedrive is a CRM built around a visual sales pipeline. Deals move through customizable stages with activity logging, email tracking, and revenue forecasts. Pipedrive Essential costs $14/user/month (annual). But once a deal closes, there's no proposal builder, no contract signing, no project management, no time tracking connected to billing, and no client portal for project visibility. The CRM record stays in Pipedrive while the work moves to separate tools.

Plutio is an all-in-one client management platform that handles the full workflow. When a client approves a proposal, Plutio creates the project automatically with tasks from your template. Contracts attach to the same client record. Time tracking feeds into invoices. Clients log into a branded portal at your custom domain. Flat pricing starts at $19/month with no per-user fees.

Key differences at a glance

Deal-to-project connection: Plutio proposals auto-create projects when signed, with tasks mapped from the scope. Pipedrive has no proposal builder and no project management, so every closed deal requires manual project setup in a separate tool.
Client portal: Plutio clients log into a branded portal at your domain to see tasks, files, deadlines, and invoices. Pipedrive has no client-facing portal, so progress updates require manual emails.
Invoicing and payments: Plutio generates invoices from tracked time and collects payments through Stripe, PayPal, and Square. Pipedrive has no invoicing on any plan and requires FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
Pricing model: Plutio charges $19/month (Core) or $39/month (Pro) with no per-user fees. Pipedrive charges $14-99/user/month, so a 5-person team pays $70-495/month for CRM alone.

Pipedrive fits sales teams that track deals and hand off to a separate operations team. Plutio fits freelancers and agencies where the person closing the deal is the same person delivering the work.

CRM and client management

A lead reaches out. How do you track the relationship, log interactions, and keep the conversation moving toward a signed agreement?

Pipedrive

Visual sales pipeline with deal stages. Pipedrive organizes contacts into a drag-and-drop pipeline where deals move through customizable stages. Each deal shows the expected value, close date, and next activity. Email integration logs conversations automatically, and activity reminders keep follow-ups on schedule. The CRM handles contact databases with custom fields, company records, and relationship linking.

But the CRM stops at the deal. Once a client says yes, there's no way to convert that deal into a project, generate a proposal with pricing, or attach a signed contract to the same record. The deal sits in the pipeline while the work happens elsewhere.

Visual pipeline with drag-and-drop stages
Email integration and activity logging
Revenue forecasts and reporting
Custom fields and contact database
No proposal or contract generation
No project creation from closed deals
No client-facing portal

Plutio

Client records that connect to every document and project. Plutio's CRM tracks contacts with custom fields, interaction history, and relationship notes. But the client record goes further: proposals, contracts, projects, invoices, and portal access all link to the same client, so nothing gets disconnected. When a proposal is approved, the project creates itself. When time is tracked, the invoice pulls from the same record. The entire history from first contact to last payment lives in one place.

Contact database with custom fields
Client records linked to proposals and contracts
Project creation from approved proposals
Invoice history per client
Branded portal access per client
Interaction notes and activity timeline

Proposals and contracts

The client is interested. How do you send a proposal with pricing options, get a contract signed, and turn that agreement into active work?

Pipedrive

No proposal or contract builder. Pipedrive has no built-in proposal creator, no pricing tables, and no interactive options where clients choose packages. Freelancers using Pipedrive create proposals in PandaDoc, Proposify, or Google Docs, then link the document to the deal record manually.

Contracts require DocuSign or a similar e-signature tool. The signed contract lives in a separate system from the CRM, so matching deal records to signed agreements means switching between tabs. When scope changes during negotiations, the proposal in PandaDoc and the deal in Pipedrive get out of sync.

No proposal builder
No interactive pricing tables
No e-signature functionality
No contract templates
No proposal-to-project automation

Plutio

Proposals with interactive pricing that auto-create projects. Plutio proposals include pricing tables where clients choose packages, add optional items, and see the total update in real time. Contracts attach to the same document with e-signatures. When the client signs, Plutio creates the project automatically with tasks pulled from your template. The proposal, contract, and project all connect to the same client record.

Proposal builder with drag-and-drop sections
Interactive pricing tables with packages
Built-in contracts with e-signatures
Auto-project creation on approval
Proposal analytics (views, time spent)
Template library for repeat proposals

Project and task management

The deal is closed. How do you plan the work, assign tasks, track deadlines, and keep the project on schedule?

Pipedrive

No native project management. Pipedrive is a CRM, not a project management tool. There are no task boards, no Gantt charts, no timelines, no dependencies, and no subtasks for managing project work. Pipedrive offers a Projects add-on as a paid extra, but the add-on provides basic task lists without Kanban boards, Gantt views, or task dependencies.

Freelancers who use Pipedrive for CRM manage projects in Asana, Trello, ClickUp, or Monday.com alongside the CRM. Every closed deal requires manual project setup in a separate tool, duplicating client details and scope information that already existed in the CRM.

No Kanban boards or Gantt charts
No task dependencies or milestones
No project templates
No subtasks with nesting
Projects add-on available (paid extra, basic features)

Plutio

Full project management connected to the client lifecycle. Plutio includes Kanban boards, Gantt charts with visual dependencies, list views, table views, and calendar views. Tasks support subtasks with unlimited nesting, custom fields, priorities, and recurring schedules. Project templates define the full task structure so repeat engagements start from a proven setup.

The difference: projects create themselves from approved proposals. The scope defined in the proposal becomes the task list, so there's no manual project setup and no data duplication between tools.

5 project views: Kanban, Gantt, List, Table, Calendar
Task dependencies with visual links
Subtasks with unlimited nesting
Project templates with auto-creation
Recurring tasks (daily, weekly, monthly)
Custom fields, statuses, and priorities

Time tracking and billing

Hours add up. How do you track billable time and turn those hours into invoices that clients can pay online?

Pipedrive

No time tracking or invoicing. Pipedrive doesn't include time tracking, billable hour management, invoicing, or payment processing on any plan. Freelancers who bill hourly track time in Toggl or Harvest, create invoices in FreshBooks or QuickBooks, and collect payments through separate processors.

The disconnect means tracked hours live in one tool, invoices live in another, and the CRM record in Pipedrive has no visibility into how much time was spent or how much was billed. Creating an accurate invoice from tracked hours requires cross-referencing multiple tools manually.

No built-in time tracking
No billable rate management
No invoicing or invoice templates
No payment processing
No revenue tracking per project

Plutio

Time tracking that feeds directly into paid invoices. Track time at the task level with one-click timers or manual entry. Billable rates work per task, per project, or per client. When the billing period ends, select the tracked hours and generate an invoice with every task listed. Clients receive the invoice and pay online through Stripe, PayPal, or Square. The invoice, time log, and project all connect to the same client record.

One-click timer on any task
Billable vs non-billable separation
Custom rates per task, project, or client
Invoice generation from time logs
Online payments via Stripe, PayPal, Square
Revenue tracking per project and client

Client portals and branding

Clients want to see progress without emailing for updates. How does each tool give clients visibility into their own projects?

Pipedrive

No client-facing portal. Pipedrive is an internal tool for sales teams. There is no portal where clients log in to see project progress, download files, or check invoices. Every progress update, file share, and status check requires a manual email or phone call from the freelancer.

Client communication lives in email threads. When a client asks about project status, someone on the team writes a summary and sends it manually, adding 10-20 minutes per client per week in status update emails.

No client portal
No white-labeling
No custom domain
No branded client experience
No self-service file access for clients

Plutio

Branded client portal at your custom domain. Clients log into a portal at yourdomain.com to see their projects, tasks, deadlines, files, invoices, and messages. The portal runs under your brand with custom logos, colors, and domain. Clients check progress without emailing, download files directly, approve deliverables, and pay invoices from one place. White-labeling removes all Plutio branding so clients see only your business identity.

Client portal with project visibility
Custom domain (yourdomain.com)
Full white-labeling
File sharing and downloads
Invoice access and online payments
Custom CSS for portal styling

Automation and workflows

Repetitive tasks slow the whole team down. How does each tool automate the work that follows a closed deal?

Pipedrive

Sales-focused automation with Workflows. Pipedrive automations trigger actions when deals change stages, activities are completed, or contacts are updated. Workflows can send emails, create activities, and update deal fields automatically. The automation engine handles the sales process from lead to close with conditional triggers and multi-step sequences.

But the automation stops at the deal. There are no triggers for project creation, task assignment, invoice generation, or client portal onboarding because Pipedrive doesn't have those features. Post-sale automation requires connecting Pipedrive to external tools through Zapier or Make.

Deal stage-based automations
Email sequences and follow-ups
Activity creation on triggers
No project creation automation
No invoice or billing automation
No client onboarding automation

Plutio

Workflow automation across the entire client lifecycle. Plutio automations trigger when proposals are approved, contracts are signed, tasks are completed, or invoices are paid. A signed proposal can auto-create a project, assign tasks to team members, send a welcome email to the client, and grant portal access, all without manual steps. Recurring invoices send automatically on schedule. Payment reminders follow up on overdue invoices.

Proposal approval triggers project creation
Task completion triggers next steps
Auto-send recurring invoices
Payment reminders for overdue invoices
Client onboarding automation
Custom workflow builder

Team collaboration and permissions

When your team grows, who sees what? How does each tool handle team roles, permissions, and collaboration?

Pipedrive

Sales team roles with visibility controls. Pipedrive offers role-based permissions where admins control who sees which deals, contacts, and pipeline stages. Visibility groups determine whether team members see all deals, team deals, or only their own. The permission system works for sales teams where deal ownership and territory management matter.

But per-user pricing means every team member adds to the monthly cost. A 5-person team on the Professional plan pays $245/month for CRM access alone, before adding any project management or billing tools.

Role-based permissions
Visibility groups for deals
Team deal assignment
Per-user pricing adds up
No project-level permissions
No contractor access levels

Plutio

Granular custom roles with flat pricing. Plutio custom roles define exactly what each team member can access: specific projects, specific clients, financial data, admin settings, and portal management. Contractors see only their assigned tasks without accessing client financials or other projects. The flat pricing model ($19/month Core, $39/month Pro, $199/month Max) covers the whole team without per-user fees.

Custom roles with granular permissions
Project-level access controls
Contractor access (task-only visibility)
Client-level permissions
Flat pricing regardless of team size
Real-time collaboration on tasks and docs

Integrations and ecosystem

No tool works in isolation. How does each platform connect to the rest of your workflow?

Pipedrive

400+ integrations with CRM focus. Pipedrive connects to email providers (Gmail, Outlook), calling tools (Aircall, JustCall), marketing automation (Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign), and productivity tools through a marketplace with 400+ apps. Zapier and Make handle custom automations for tools without native integrations. The API supports custom development.

Integrations sync CRM data but don't bridge the gap to project management, invoicing, or client portals. Connecting Pipedrive to FreshBooks through Zapier creates contacts in both tools but doesn't generate invoices from tracked time or link projects to deal records automatically.

400+ marketplace integrations
Email sync (Gmail, Outlook)
Zapier and Make support
REST API for custom development
Integrations sync CRM data only
No native billing integration

Plutio

5,000+ apps through Zapier plus native connections. Plutio connects to Google Calendar, Stripe, PayPal, Square, QuickBooks, Slack, and more through native integrations. The Zapier connection opens access to 5,000+ apps. The REST API supports custom development. Because Plutio already includes proposals, contracts, projects, invoicing, and client portals, the integration needs are smaller since there are fewer gaps to fill with external tools.

Native Stripe, PayPal, Square integrations
Google Calendar sync
5,000+ apps via Zapier
REST API for custom development
Email integration (SMTP, IMAP)
Fewer external tools needed overall

Running a client project: Pipedrive vs Plutio

A web design client reaches out through your contact form. They want a 10-page website with copywriting and SEO. Here is how the engagement unfolds in each tool.

With Pipedrive, here is how it usually goes:

Create a deal in Pipedrive and move it through qualification stages
Write a proposal in Google Docs or PandaDoc with scope and pricing
Send the contract through DocuSign for e-signatures
Once signed, manually create the project in Asana or Trello with task lists
Set up time tracking in Toggl with the client name and project
Work through tasks, updating the client via email with weekly status reports
Export time logs from Toggl, create an invoice in QuickBooks, and send it
Wait for payment through a separate payment link or bank transfer

With Plutio, here is how it works:

Add the contact and send a proposal with interactive pricing options
The client chooses a package, reviews the contract, signs, and pays the deposit in one session
Plutio auto-creates the project with 10 tasks mapped from the proposal scope
Track time against each task with one-click timers
The client logs into a branded portal to see progress, download wireframes, and approve pages
Generate an invoice from tracked hours, and the client pays online through Stripe

Pipedrive handles the deal. Plutio handles the deal and the work that follows, without switching between separate tools.

Where Plutio wins (the proof)

These are verifiable differences, not opinions.

1. Project management is absent from Pipedrive

Pipedrive: No Kanban boards, no Gantt charts, no task dependencies, no subtasks. The Projects add-on offers basic task lists as a paid extra.

Plutio: 5 project views (Kanban, Gantt, List, Table, Calendar), task dependencies, unlimited subtasks, project templates that auto-create from proposals.

The proof: Pipedrive's Projects page shows the add-on as a separate paid feature with basic task lists only.

2. Invoicing requires separate tools with Pipedrive

Pipedrive: No invoice creation, no payment processing, no revenue tracking per project.

Plutio: Invoice builder with templates, online payments through Stripe/PayPal/Square, revenue tracking per client and project.

The proof: Pipedrive's pricing page lists no invoicing feature on any plan.

3. Client portals don't exist in Pipedrive

Pipedrive: Internal CRM only. No client-facing interface.

Plutio: Branded portal at a custom domain where clients view projects, files, invoices, and messages.

The proof: Pipedrive's features page lists CRM, email, and automation features only.

When Pipedrive might be a fit

No tool fits every workflow. Pipedrive might be a fit if:

Your business is sales-first with a separate delivery team. If the person closing deals is different from the person delivering work, and you already have a project management system for the delivery side, Pipedrive keeps the sales pipeline focused without trying to handle project execution.
You need advanced sales reporting and forecasting. Pipedrive's revenue forecasting, deal velocity tracking, and pipeline analytics are built for sales teams that optimize conversion rates. Plutio handles CRM basics but doesn't include sales-specific reporting at the same depth.
Your team already uses established billing tools. If your accounting workflow runs through QuickBooks or Xero and you don't want to change it, Pipedrive integrates with those tools through Zapier. Plutio replaces the invoicing tool entirely, which means changing an established billing process.
You manage 100+ active deals simultaneously. Pipedrive's pipeline management handles high-volume sales operations with territory assignments, deal scoring, and multi-pipeline views. Plutio's CRM focuses on client relationships rather than high-volume deal flow.

But for freelancers and agencies where the person closing the deal is the same person managing the project, invoicing the client, and handling status updates, Plutio is the stronger choice because everything connects without separate tools.

Why they switched: real outcomes

What happens when freelancers switch to Plutio?

Yazan and Mawaheb (YAZ Marketing) stopped jumping between apps after switching to Plutio. Their agency now runs proposals, projects, and invoicing from one platform with branded client portals, cutting admin overhead and giving clients self-service access to project updates.

Matt from Marbella Weddings replaced 4 separate tools with Plutio for his wedding planning business. Proposals convert to projects automatically, clients log into a branded portal for event details, and invoices go out on schedule without manual creation.

Both switched because they needed the deal, the project, and the invoice in the same place instead of scattered across disconnected tools.

Final verdict

Pipedrive holds a 4.3/5 rating on G2 with 2,900+ reviews. Plutio holds a 4.6/5 rating on G2 with 200+ reviews. Both handle client relationships, but they diverge after the deal closes.

Pipedrive handles the sales pipeline: deal stages, activity logging, email tracking, revenue forecasts, and workflow automation for the sales process. Essential starts at $14/user/month and Professional costs $49/user/month. The CRM features serve sales teams that close deals and hand them off to separate operations and billing tools.

Pipedrive doesn't include proposals, contracts, project management, time tracking, invoicing, payment collection, or client portals. Freelancers and agencies using Pipedrive typically add 3-5 separate tools for the work that happens after the sale, bringing the total monthly cost to $60-100+ across disconnected platforms.

Plutio handles the sale and the delivery. Proposals auto-create projects, time tracking feeds into invoices, contracts attach to client records, and clients log into a branded portal. Flat pricing at $19/month (Core) includes the CRM, proposals, contracts, projects, invoicing, time tracking, and client portals with no per-user fees.

The bottom line: Pipedrive fits sales-focused teams that close deals and hand them off to a separate delivery team with established billing tools. Plutio fits freelancers and agencies where the same person closes the deal, manages the project, and invoices the client, all from one connected platform.

How to switch from Pipedrive to Plutio

Most freelancers complete the switch in a few hours of setup, then run both tools in parallel while active Pipedrive deals finish.

Step 1: Export Pipedrive data
In Pipedrive, go to Contacts and export all contacts as a CSV file. Deals, activities, and notes can be exported separately. Pipedrive supports bulk CSV export from the settings page.

Step 2: Import into Plutio
Upload the CSV to Plutio's contact importer. Map Pipedrive fields (Name, Email, Phone, Company, Custom Fields) to Plutio's contact database. Custom fields carry over automatically.

Step 3: Set up project templates
Build templates for your common project types with tasks, milestones, and deliverables. When a client approves a proposal, Plutio creates the project from the template with tasks already assigned.

Step 4: Configure the client portal
Set up your custom domain, upload your logo, choose your brand colors, and configure visibility settings. Invite clients to their portal where they can see project progress, download files, and pay invoices.

Research & Sources

Every comparison and price point on this page is backed by direct research conducted in March 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
Pipedrive: Official pricing, G2 reviews

Verification methodology

For each feature in the comparison table:

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

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

Plutio vs Pipedrive: full feature comparison for 2026

CRM, proposals, contracts, project management, invoicing, and client portals compared

PRICING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Starting price	$19/month (Core plan)	$14/seat/month (Lite plan, billed annually)
Free plan	No free plan (14-day trial available)	No free plan (14-day trial)
Trial period	14-day free trial	14-day free trial on all plans
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Manage projects and tasks	Fully flexible project and task setup you can shape to your workflow	Projects add-on with basic task management (Premium plan or add-on)
Project roles and permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each part of a project	Admin and regular user roles (no project-level permissions)
Multiple task boards	Unlimited boards to run parallel workflows in the same project	Kanban board in Projects add-on (limited to one view)
Embeddable project boards	Live project boards embedded into client portals or websites	No embeddable project views
Sharable project boards	Read-only public links for sharing progress without risk	No sharable project boards
Project stages and milestones	Define custom project lifecycles for different types of work	Project phases in Projects add-on (no milestone tracking)
Connected proposals, contracts, and invoices	Everything related stays connected to the project automatically	Smart Docs for proposals (no contracts or invoicing)
Custom project data fields	Track, sort, filter, and report on custom project data	Custom fields on deals, contacts, and projects
Kanban boards	Drag-and-drop tasks across customizable columns	Visual deal pipeline with Kanban layout
Table view	Bulk-edit tasks like a spreadsheet	List view for deals, contacts, and activities
List view	Clean task lists with clear hierarchy	List view available for deals and activities
Calendar view	See tasks and deadlines on a calendar	Activity calendar with sync
Gantt view	Plan work visually with task order and dependencies	No Gantt chart view
Subtasks	Break work down into multiple nested levels	Sub-tasks in Projects add-on (basic)
Email to task	Turn emails into tasks without manual copying	No email-to-task conversion
Task comments	Keep discussions tied directly to each task	Notes and comments on deals and activities
Task attachments	Store files directly on the task they belong to	File attachments on deals and contacts
Task priorities	Define priority levels that fit your workflow	No task priority levels
Task labels & color coding	Use unlimited labels to visually organize tasks	Deal labels with custom colors
Multiple task assignees	Assign tasks to one or multiple teammates	Single owner per deal or activity
Task templates	Reuse task-level structures across projects	Project templates in Projects add-on
Task permissions	Control access at the individual task level	Visibility groups for deals (not per-task permissions)
Task dependencies	Prevent work from starting out of order	No task dependencies
Recurring tasks	Automate repeating work with flexible schedules	Recurring activities and revenue tracking
Custom task data fields	Add task-level fields for tracking custom details	Custom fields on deals, contacts, and activities
TIME TRACKING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Time tracking system	Easily track time using timers or manual entries	No built-in time tracking
Task-level tracking	Log time directly against tasks and subtasks	No time tracking feature
Project-level tracking	See time spent per project and per client	No time tracking feature
Billable time tracking	Clearly separate billable and non-billable time	No time tracking feature
Billable time invoicing	Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps	No invoicing feature
Timesheet reports	View detailed time reports by task, project, or client	No timesheet feature
Team timesheets	See how each team member tracks their time	No timesheet feature
PROPOSALS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Create and send proposals	Create proposals clients can review, approve, and sign in one flow	Smart Docs for proposals and quotes (add-on or Professional+)
Drag-and-drop proposal builder	Create custom, branded proposals without layout limits or code	No visual proposal builder (template-based documents)
Reusable proposal templates	Reuse proven proposal layouts across clients	Reusable Smart Docs templates with auto-fill
Real-time proposal analytics	See exactly when proposals are opened and reviewed	Document open tracking and notifications
Live messenger on proposals	Answer questions directly while clients review proposals	No in-document messaging
Proposal flow automation	Move from proposal to contract, invoice, or booking automatically	Deal stage automation when document signed
Convert proposal to invoice	Create invoices directly from approved proposals	No invoice feature
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	Auto-populated deal and contact fields in Smart Docs
Expiration dates	Automatically expire proposals after a set date	No document expiration dates
PDF Export	Download as branded PDFs	PDF export for Smart Docs
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	E-signatures on Smart Docs (Professional plan and above)
Custom proposal data fields	Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on	Custom deal fields populate into documents
CONTRACTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Create and sign contracts	Create, send, and sign contracts in one continuous flow	Smart Docs for basic document signing (not a full contract builder)
Drag-and-drop contract builder	Create fully custom contracts with flexible layouts, no code or formatting limits	No contract builder
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure signatures with audit trails and signer verification	E-signatures on Smart Docs (Professional plan and above)
Multi-signature / signees	Collect signatures from multiple people on the same contract	Multiple signers supported on Smart Docs
Reusable contract templates	Reuse contract structures to create new agreements faster	Smart Docs templates (not contract-specific)
Auto-reminders automation	Automatically follow up until contracts are signed	Activity reminders (not document-specific reminders)
Dynamic data/variables	Auto-fill contract content with client and project data	Auto-fill deal and contact data in documents
Contract automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a contract is signed	Deal stage change on document signature
View notifications	See when contracts are opened and reviewed	Notifications when documents are opened
PDF download with signature certificate	Download signed contracts with official proof of signature	PDF download of signed documents (no signature certificate)
Custom signer data fields	Collect structured signer information during signing	No custom signer fields
Custom contract data fields	Create custom contract data you can sort, filter, and report on	Custom deal fields only
INVOICES & PAYMENTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Create invoices and get paid	Send invoices and collect payments in one connected flow	No native invoicing (third-party integrations only)
Fully branded invoices	Match invoices to your brand with custom logos, colors, and layout	Not applicable
Drag and drop invoice builder	Create custom invoice layouts visually without formatting limits	Not applicable
Customizable line items	Edit pricing, quantities, descriptions, and structure freely	Product catalog with custom fields (not invoicing)
Item or invoice discounts	Apply discounts at the item or full invoice level	Not applicable
Customizable taxes	Create tax rules that match your location and use case	Tax fields on products (not invoicing)
ACH payments	Accept bank transfers for lower-fee payments	Not applicable
Stripe integration	Accept credit and debit cards instantly	Via Zapier or third-party invoicing integration
Square integration	Collect in-person payments when needed	Not applicable
PayPal integration	Let clients pay using PayPal	Via Zapier or third-party invoicing integration
Flexible partial payments	Collect deposits and split payments across milestones	Not applicable
Payment plans	Break invoices into scheduled installments	Not applicable
Automated recurring invoices	Automatically send invoices on a recurring schedule	Not applicable
Subscription management	Manage ongoing client subscriptions and billing	Recurring revenue tracking (not subscription billing)
Automated payment reminders	Follow up automatically until invoices are paid	Not applicable
Reusable invoice templates	Reuse invoice layouts without rebuilding each time	Not applicable
Multiple currency support	Bill clients globally in their local currency	Multi-currency deal tracking supported
Invoice automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when invoices are sent or paid	Not applicable
View notifications	See when invoices are opened and paid	Notifications when documents are opened
Built-in expense tracking	Track project-related costs alongside invoices	No expense tracking
Invoice deposits	Collect upfront payments before work starts	Not applicable
Auto-invoice billable time	Turn tracked time into invoices automatically	Not applicable
Custom invoice data fields	Create custom invoice data you can sort, filter, and report on	Not applicable
INBOX Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Centralized unified inbox	Manage email, chat, and messages from one shared inbox	Email inbox for sales communications (not a unified inbox)
Full email integration	Connect and manage all your email accounts in one place	Full email sync with Gmail and Outlook (two-way)
Embeddable live chat	Add real-time chat to your website and client portals	Live chat via LeadBooster add-on
Instant direct messages	Message teammates privately without leaving your workspace	No direct messaging between users
Contextual project conversations	Keep conversations tied directly to the project they belong to	Deal and activity notes with team mentions
Team channels	Create shared spaces for team-wide discussions	No team channels
Customized channels	Organize channels by team, topic, or workflow	Not applicable
@mentions	Notify teammates instantly inside conversations	@mention team members in notes
Message read receipts	See when messages are read	Email open tracking (not message read receipts)
File sharing in chat	Share files directly inside conversations	No chat feature
Shared email inbox	Collaborate on incoming emails as a team	No shared inbox (individual email sync only)
Inbox mobile app	Access and respond to messages on mobile	Email accessible in mobile app
Email reply to inbox	Reply from your email client and keep conversations synced	Email replies sync to deal history
FILES Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Store and manage files	Keep all client and project files in one organized place	File attachments on deals and contacts (no centralized file manager)
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	Not supported
Project folders	Keep files scoped to each project	Not supported
In-app previews	Preview files instantly without downloading	Basic file previews for common formats
Custom file data fields	Capture file metadata you can sort and filter	No custom file fields
Built-in documents	Create and edit documents directly inside Plutio	Smart Docs for document creation (not a full 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	Search files within deals and contacts
External cloud sync	Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox	Google Drive and OneDrive integrations
Secure sharing controls	Restrict access with permissions or passwords	Visibility groups for deal access
File sharing links	Share files externally with controlled access	Smart Docs sharing links (not general file sharing)
SCHEDULING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Schedule meetings	Let clients book meetings directly without back-and-forth emails	Meeting Scheduler included (Growth plan and above)
Branded booking page	Build a fully branded, customizable booking system using a drag-and-drop editor	Scheduling page with limited branding
Advanced availability management	Define flexible availability rules applied automatically to bookings	General availability and specific time proposals
Automatic buffer times	Add buffer time automatically between meetings	Buffer and time settings between appointments
Multiple meeting types	Create unlimited booking types with different rules and setups	One meeting link on Growth plan (unlimited on higher plans)
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook)	Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically	Google Calendar and Outlook sync
Customizable booking confirmations	Fully customizable confirmation pages with no layout or branding limits	Basic confirmation emails
Redirect after booking	Send bookers anywhere after scheduling, not just a fixed thank-you page	No redirect after booking
Booking automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a meeting is booked	Activity created on booking (limited automation)
Smart meeting reminders	Send automatic reminders without manual follow-ups	Activity reminders (not meeting-specific reminders)
Automatic timezone detection	Handle timezones automatically without manual adjustments	Automatic timezone detection for scheduling
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	Extra fields on booking page (limited customization)
Minimum notice / daily booking limits	Set booking limits to control lead time and daily volume	Minimum notice and scheduling window settings
Rescheduling and cancellation controls	Define flexible rules for rescheduling and cancellations	Basic rescheduling option on booking page
AUTOMATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Automated workflows builder	Build advanced workflows visually without code or rigid templates	Visual workflow automation builder (Growth plan and above)
Trigger-based workflows	Start workflows from real events across projects, clients, and payments	Deal, activity, contact, and email triggers
Schedule-based workflows	Run workflows on schedules you control, not fixed intervals	Recurring activities only (no schedule-based automations)
Multi-step workflows	Chain multiple actions into one continuous automation	Multi-step automation sequences supported
True/False branching	Create conditional paths instead of one-size-fits-all flows	Conditional actions (Premium plan and above)
Delay-based actions	Add precise timing between steps, down to minutes or days	Wait and delay actions in workflows
Create & update records	Create, update, or move records automatically across the system	Create and update deals, contacts, and activities
Move & duplicate records	Reorganize work automatically without manual cleanup	Move deals between pipelines (no duplicate action)
Delete & archive records	Automatically archive or remove records based on rules	Archive deals (no delete automation)
API calls (webhooks)	Trigger or receive real-time events from external systems	Webhooks and API integrations supported
Send emails	Send automated emails tied to real workflow events	Send automated emails from workflows
Post comments	Add notes or comments automatically where work happens	Add notes via automation (not comments)
Complete automation logs	See exactly what ran, when, and why	Automation execution history and logs
Auto-fill data/variables	Pass data between steps dynamically without manual mapping	Dynamic field values in automation actions
Cross-entity connections	Run workflows that span projects, tasks, proposals, invoices, and more	Deals link to contacts, organizations, and activities
FORMS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Create branded forms	Build fully branded forms that match your workflow and client experience	Web forms via LeadBooster add-on (limited branding)
Drag-and-drop form builder	Design forms visually with full layout control, no code required	LeadBooster form builder (basic)
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	Custom fields from CRM available on forms
Smart conditional logic	Show or hide fields based on responses, not static forms	No conditional logic on forms
Instant email notifications	Get notified immediately when forms are submitted	Notifications on form submission
Form automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when a form is submitted	Lead created triggers automation on form submission
Embed forms	Embed forms anywhere without layout restrictions	Embeddable web forms on websites
Advanced field preferences	Control required, hidden, and default field behavior	No advanced field preferences
Comprehensive field types	Collect text, files, dates, selections, and more	Basic text, phone, email, and dropdown fields
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 file upload on forms
Redirect after submission	Send submitters to a custom next step, not a fixed thank-you page	Custom redirect URL after form submission
CRM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Manage clients and leads	Manage contacts and companies in one connected system	Full CRM with lead and deal management
Full company management	Track organizations, not just individual contacts	Organization management with linked contacts
Custom contact data fields	Collect and manage structured contact data you define	Custom fields on contacts and organizations
Complete activity timeline	See every interaction with a client in one place	Full activity timeline on deals and contacts
Contacts labeling and grouping	Organize contacts flexibly without rigid pipelines	Labels, filters, and custom views for contacts
WIKI Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
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	Not applicable
Unlimited nested pages	Build deep knowledge hierarchies without limits	Not applicable
Granular page permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each page	Not applicable
DASHBOARDS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Custom dashboards and pages	Build dashboards around what matters to you, not fixed metrics	Custom dashboards with drag-and-drop reports
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder	Design dashboards visually with full layout control	Drag-and-drop dashboard with custom reports
Charts widget	Visualize data with customizable charts	Deal, activity, and revenue charts
Metrics widget	Track key numbers without manual reporting	Key sales metrics and KPIs displayed
Goals widget	Monitor progress toward defined goals	Sales goals and progress tracking
Notes widget	Add contextual notes directly to dashboards	No notes widget on dashboard
Calendar widget	View upcoming events alongside work and metrics	No calendar widget on dashboard
Financial widgets	Track revenue and expenses in the same view	Revenue and deal value reports (not full financial widgets)
BRANDING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
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 customization
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	Email templates with logo and branding
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 documents and emails
Custom domain name	Run everything on your own domain	No custom domain
Custom email SMTP	Send emails from your own email infrastructure	Custom email domain for sending (not full SMTP)
Full workspace embedding	Embed Plutio directly into your website or product	No workspace embedding
CUSTOMIZATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Flexible workspace setup	Shape the platform to match how your business works	Multiple pipelines and custom stages
Main menu editor	Add, remove, or reorder navigation items freely	Sidebar items can be reordered (limited)
User-based menus	Show different navigation for different roles	Visibility groups control deal access (not menu control)
Custom user roles	Create role types beyond preset permissions	Admin, regular user, and custom visibility groups
Advanced user permissions	Control access at a granular level	Permission sets with granular access controls (Professional+)
SSO / OAuth	Support enterprise-grade single sign-on	SAML SSO (Enterprise plan and above)
INTEGRATIONS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Connect with other tools	Integrate with external systems without lock-in	400+ integrations in Pipedrive Marketplace
Zapier integration	Connect to thousands of apps without custom code	Full Zapier integration supported
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	Webhooks supported for real-time events
PLATFORM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Pipedrive 66/199
Mobile apps	Access your business from native mobile apps	iOS and Android apps available
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	No Mac desktop app (web-based only)
Windows desktop app	Native Windows app for desktop workflows	No Windows desktop app (web-based only)

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Plutio vs Pipedrive FAQ: common questions answered

Is Plutio better than Pipedrive?

Both handle CRM and client relationships. Pipedrive focuses on the sales pipeline with deal tracking and forecasting. Plutio adds proposals, contracts, project management, invoicing, and client portals. Pipedrive fits sales-focused teams. Plutio fits freelancers and agencies who manage the deal and the work in one place.

Can Plutio replace Pipedrive?

Yes. Plutio includes a CRM with contacts, custom fields, and client records. Plutio also adds proposals, contracts, project management, time tracking, invoicing, and client portals that Pipedrive doesn't include. Import Pipedrive contacts via CSV export.

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, invoicing, project management, and client portals.

Does Pipedrive have project management?

Pipedrive is a CRM with no native project management. A Projects add-on offers basic task lists as a paid extra, but the add-on has no Kanban boards, Gantt charts, task dependencies, or subtasks. Plutio includes 5 project views with dependencies and auto-creation from proposals.

Does Pipedrive have invoicing?

Pipedrive has no invoicing, payment processing, or billing features on any plan. Freelancers using Pipedrive create invoices through FreshBooks, QuickBooks, or Xero. Plutio includes built-in invoicing with online payments through Stripe, PayPal, and Square.

How much does Plutio cost compared to Pipedrive?

Plutio Core costs $19/month and Pro costs $39/month with no per-user fees. Pipedrive Essential costs $14/user/month and Professional costs $49/user/month. A 5-person team on Pipedrive Professional pays $245/month for CRM only. The same team on Plutio Pro pays $39/month for CRM plus proposals, projects, invoicing, and client portals.

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 your brand, not Plutio. Pipedrive has no white-labeling on any plan.

Is Pipedrive or Plutio better for agencies?

Agencies need project management, proposals, client portals, and invoicing alongside CRM. Pipedrive covers CRM only, so agencies add 3-5 separate tools for the rest. Plutio covers the full workflow in one platform with flat pricing regardless of team size.

Can I import data from Pipedrive into Plutio?

Yes. Export your Pipedrive contacts, deals, and activities as CSV files. Upload the CSV to Plutio's contact importer and map fields. Custom fields from Pipedrive carry over to Plutio's contact database.

Does Pipedrive have a client portal?

Pipedrive has no client-facing portal on any plan. The CRM is an internal tool for sales teams. Plutio includes a branded client portal at your custom domain where clients view projects, files, invoices, and messages.

Does Pipedrive have e-signatures?

Pipedrive offers Smart Docs with e-signature functionality on higher plans, but Smart Docs is a document editor rather than a full proposal builder with interactive pricing. Plutio includes proposals with pricing tables plus contracts with e-signatures in one connected flow.

Does Pipedrive have time tracking?

Pipedrive has no time tracking on any plan. Freelancers using Pipedrive track time through Toggl, Harvest, or Clockify. Plutio includes built-in time tracking with one-click timers, billable rates, and invoice generation from logged hours.

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 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.

Is my data safe with Plutio?

Yes. All 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. 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 is actively developed with regular updates and new features added based on user needs.

Does Plutio have a unified inbox?

Yes. Plutio has a unified inbox where multiple email accounts connect into one place. Client emails automatically sort into conversation threads. The whole team shares one inbox so no one misses urgent requests. Live chat can also be embedded on a website.

Why do freelancers switch from Pipedrive to Plutio?

Three main reasons: (1) Pipedrive has no project management, so every closed deal requires manual setup in a separate tool. (2) Pipedrive has no invoicing, so billing requires FreshBooks or QuickBooks alongside the CRM. (3) Pipedrive has no client portal, so every status update requires a manual email. Plutio handles all three in one connected platform.

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