As a small business owner or freelancer, effectively managing your client relationships is essential for achieving success. Given that 99.9% of all U.S. firms are classified as small businesses, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA), having the right CRM tools in place is essential to stay competitive in such a vast segment of the economy.
As your business grows, so does the complexity of managing client relationships, proposals, contracts, and invoicing. While HoneyBook is popular in this domain, it often falls short in providing customized invoice solutions.
That's where exploring HoneyBook alternatives comes in. This guide will introduce you to the top alternatives that could perfectly fit your specific business needs.
What You'll Learn
- 01Why businesses seek alternatives to HoneyBook and common pain points
- 02Detailed comparison of 10 leading HoneyBook alternatives with pricing
- 03Key features and benefits of each platform for different business types
- 04Essential factors to consider when choosing a CRM and invoicing solution
- 05How InvoiceOwl stands out as an affordable, user-friendly alternative
Understanding the Need for HoneyBook Alternatives
Here are the most common reasons users seek alternatives to HoneyBook:
- Limited customization options: HoneyBook lacks the customization needed for unique business processes. For personalized features, consider more flexible alternatives.
- Lacks proper customer support: HoneyBook's customer support can be slow, leading to delays in issue resolution. Opt for an alternative that provides more responsive support.
- Budget constraints: HoneyBook is expensive for freelancers and small businesses. Seek alternatives that offer similar features at a lower cost.
- Overloaded features: HoneyBook's many features can overwhelm new users. Look for alternatives that are simpler and easier to use.
- Limited integration options: HoneyBook's third-party integration is limited, causing issues for businesses relying on other accounting software.
How do we analyze and select alternatives to HoneyBook?
In our comprehensive evaluation process to identify the top 10 HoneyBook alternatives, we conducted an extensive analysis of over 30 solutions in the market.
To ensure a balanced and thorough review, we gathered user reviews from reputable sources such as G2 and Capterra. This approach allowed us to incorporate user experiences and industry perspectives into our evaluation criteria.
Our selection process was performed with a comparative analysis of key performance indicators like user interface and ease of adoption, pricing structure, quality of customer support, overall performance, and compliance with accounting standards like International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
With this meticulous evaluation, we extracted our findings to offer a curated list of the 10 best HoneyBook alternatives.
Quick Comparison
Top 10 HoneyBook Alternatives at a Glance
| # | Software | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | InvoiceOwl | $9.99/mo | 4.5 | Invoicing & estimating |
| 2 | Bonsai | $9/mo | 4.2 | Contract management |
| 3 | Dubsado | $20/mo | 4.3 | Project management |
| 4 | 17hats | $13/mo | 4.1 | Document management |
| 5 | QuickBooks | $9/mo | 4.0 | Accounting & financials |
| 6 | Plutio | $19/mo | 4.0 | Client collaboration |
| 7 | Keap | $299/mo | 3.9 | Sales automation |
| 8 | Thryv | $228/mo | 4.2 | Service businesses |
| 9 | ClickUp | $7/mo | 4.4 | Task management |
| 10 | FreshBooks | $9.5/mo | 4.1 | Expense tracking |
Jump to Alternative
InvoiceOwl
InvoiceOwl
Best for Invoicing and Estimating
InvoiceOwl is an invoice processing and estimating tool designed to automate invoice processes for small businesses across carpentry, plumbing, contractors, and HVAC.
With over 13,000 active clients and more than 16,000 estimates generated, this platform has proven its effectiveness in generating estimates, streamlining invoices, and ensuring timely payments.
InvoiceOwl is popular among small business owners in the US due to its user-friendly interface and compliance with American tax regulations, such as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules and state-specific tax requirements.
The tool enables solo entrepreneurs and contractors to create professional estimates without hassle. The budget-friendly pricing and user-centric approach make it stand out as the best HoneyBook alternative.
I can create estimates on-the-go and convert them to invoices easily. The eSign feature saves a lot of back-and-forth with clients.
Bonsai
Bonsai
Best for Creating, Sending, and Tracking Proposals Online
Bonsai is an all-in-one suite for client management, financial management, and project management. It consists of task management, time tracking, and scheduling features to streamline business operations and boost productivity.
This CRM platform is most preferable for freelancers, small businesses, and agencies. With Bonsai, you get access to more than 500+ customizable templates for contracts, proposals, and invoices.
- All-in-one platform for client and project management
- Extensive library of customizable templates
- Built-in tax tracking for self-employed professionals
- Legally vetted contract templates
- Higher price point than basic invoicing tools
- May be complex for users needing only invoicing
- Learning curve for all features
Pricing: Starter ($21/mo), Professional ($32/mo), Business ($66/mo) - billed annually
Dubsado
Dubsado
Best for Project Management
Dubsado is a business management platform for small businesses and freelancers. It offers various features, such as contract management, customizable automated workflows, and invoices.
With Dubsado, you can streamline your client interactions and save your precious time with automation. Last but not least, it helps you maintain a professional image through branded client portals.
- Highly flexible customization for proposals and forms
- Powerful workflow automation capabilities
- Branded client portals enhance professional image
- Comprehensive appointment scheduling
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Interface can feel overwhelming initially
- Limited payment gateway options
Pricing: Starter ($20/mo), Premier ($40/mo)
17hats
17hats
Best for Document Management
17hats is an all-in-one business management solution with 25,000+ active members all around the world. This platform can manage all your invoices, contacts, and calendars in one place without hassle.
The tool also streamlines the process of data collection with e-questionnaires and eliminates calls. Additionally, 17hats stands out with its branding customization tools that offer professional images to your business.
- 3-in-1 document combining quotes, contracts, and invoices
- Built-in bookkeeping tools not available in HoneyBook
- Strong organizational features for project management
- Affordable pricing for comprehensive features
- Interface could be more modern
- Limited advanced reporting capabilities
- Mobile app functionality is basic
Pricing: Essentials ($13/mo), Standard ($25/mo), Premier ($50/mo) - billed annually
QuickBooks
QuickBooks
Best for Accounting and Financial Management
QuickBooks is an all-in-one business platform designed for small and medium business owners. Businesses can automate time-consuming tasks like invoices, payments, and accounting. With its financial management capabilities, you can manage your business and tax finances effortlessly.
Last but not least, it also allows inventory management in real-time and easy integration with your business apps.
- Comprehensive accounting and financial tracking
- Advanced tax preparation and reporting tools
- Multi-currency support for international clients
- Extensive integration ecosystem
- More complex than needed for invoicing-only needs
- Higher price point for full features
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
Pricing: Simple Start ($15/mo), Essentials ($30/mo), Plus ($45/mo), Advanced ($100/mo) - billed annually
Plutio
Plutio
Best for Client Collaboration
Plutio is a comprehensive business management software suitable for freelancers, agencies, and small businesses. It is trusted by 13,728 businesses worldwide and supports 25+ languages, multi-currencies, and payment methods.
The platform of Plutio helps to manage projects, create proposals and contracts, track invoices, and collaborate with your client effortlessly. It gives you the flexibility to customize your workflows and manage everything in one place.
- Highly customizable platform for unique workflows
- Supports ACH transfers and PayPal (not in HoneyBook)
- Multi-language and multi-currency support
- Strong collaboration tools for teams
- Can be overwhelming with all customization options
- Higher price for agency plans
- Some features require technical setup
Pricing: Solo ($19/mo), Studio ($39/mo), Agency ($99/mo)
Keap
Keap
Best for Sales and Marketing Automation
Keap is a well-known client management platform for small businesses and freelancers. This platform enables you to streamline the lead-capturing process through customized forms.
Additionally, you can also automate follow-ups, create sales processes, build marketing campaigns, and send custom branded invoices to your clients. The integration process with QuickBooks and Gmail is hassle-free.
- Advanced email marketing automation
- Robust CRM capabilities not in HoneyBook
- Comprehensive automation builder
- Strong sales pipeline management
- Significantly higher price point
- Overkill for businesses needing only invoicing
- Complex setup and learning curve
Pricing: Pro ($199/mo), Max ($289/mo), Ultimate (custom quotes)
Thryv
Thryv
Best for Service-Based Businesses
Thryv is an all-in-one small business management platform designed to help small businesses streamline their operations. It comprises various essential tools for CRM, online appointment scheduling, invoicing, social media management, and marketing automation.
The user-friendly interface allows you to manage customer interactions and boost your online presence. With Thryv's ability to handle administrative tasks, you can focus on improving business efficiency.
- User-friendly interface with minimal learning curve
- 24/7 customer support
- Comprehensive feature set for service businesses
- Free tier available for basic needs
- Per-seat pricing can get expensive
- Some features feel disconnected
- Mobile app needs improvement
Pricing: Basic (Free), Plus ($20/seat/mo), Professional ($30/seat/mo)
ClickUp
ClickUp
Best for Task Management and Project Management
ClickUp is an all-in-one solution meant for creative professionals. This platform amalgamates the features of CRM and project management to boost business productivity.
With its ability to integrate various tools into one business management software, it works well for individuals who work on multiple projects. The contract and invoicing templates simplify lead management with their marketing automation tools.
- Highly customizable project management features
- Free forever plan available
- Excellent for team collaboration
- Diverse workflow options (Kanban, Gantt, etc.)
- Limited native invoicing capabilities
- Can be overwhelming with customization options
- Primarily project-focused, not client-centric
Pricing: Free Forever (Free), Unlimited ($10/mo), Business ($19/mo), Enterprise (custom)
FreshBooks
FreshBooks
Best for Invoice Generation and Accounting
FreshBooks is one of the best cloud-based accounting software for small businesses. This platform helps you to manage invoices, expenses, and time-tracking easily. Its user-friendly interface and reporting tools come in handy to streamline your accounting processes.
With FreshBook, you get introduced to the client portal and project collaboration features that enhance communication and productivity.
- Simplified accounting for small businesses
- Integration with QuickBooks and IRS-compliant reporting
- Professional customizable invoice templates
- Strong expense tracking capabilities
- Client limits on lower-tier plans
- Some advanced features require higher plans
- Reporting could be more robust
Pricing: Lite ($5.70/mo), Plus ($9.90/mo), Premium ($18/mo), Select (custom)
Essential Factors to Consider in Choosing a HoneyBook Alternative
When searching for a HoneyBook alternative, you must consider these 5 essential factors to choose the right platform for your business. Here's what you should look for:
1. Customization and flexibility
Every business is different and has different needs. So, you must look for an alternative that provides customizable workflows, templates, and branding solutions.
Furthermore, maintaining tax compliance is important, so choose software that supports varied sales tax regimes and automates tax calculations.
2. User-friendly interface
An intuitive interface can make a big difference in your business. Choose an alternative that has a user-friendly interface. It comes in handy to handle projects, invoices, and clients.
Platforms with steep learning curves tend to slow down efficiency, so go for platforms with simple and essential features.
3. Invoicing capabilities
Invoices are one of the most important aspects of CRM and cash flow. Always choose an alternative that offers invoicing features, like automated invoicing, recurring billing, customizable invoice templates, and integration with payment gateways.
4. Client support
A responsive customer support team can be helpful while solving troubleshooting issues or maximizing the platform's capabilities. Choose alternatives with trusted customer support channels and a strong user network.
5. Comprehensive feature set
The lack of important features can harm your business. So, choose alternatives that offer a wide range of tools that cover all business aspects.
The feature set must comprise client management, invoicing, and task management. contract management and time tracking. These features can boost your business operations to the next level.
Ready to Streamline Your Invoicing?
Join 13,000+ contractors and small businesses using InvoiceOwl to create professional invoices and get paid faster.
Start Your Free TrialFrequently Asked Questions
HoneyBook is not a budget-friendly option for freelancers or small businesses across electrical, plumbing, cleaning, and construction. The subscription-based pricing model might have features that are not even utilized by small business owners. Businesses can opt for more affordable alternatives like Bonsai, InvoiceOwl, and Dubsado.
When compared to HoneyBook, InvoiceOwl is the most cost-effective alternative. It offers comprehensive features for contractors, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians, such as on-the-go estimation, customizable invoices, and real-time notifications.
Yes, InvoiceOwl is one such alternative that offers extensive customization options for your business. With these customization features, users can customize the interface, chat widgets, and email templates to match their respective brands' identities.
HoneyBook alternatives like QuickBooks and InvoiceOwl offer various features like automated tax calculations, report generation, etc. With these tools, you can ensure compliance with tax regulations laid out by the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).
Yes, migrating from HoneyBook to InvoiceOwl is a hassle-free process. InvoiceOwl offers a dedicated migration team to help transfer your client information, projects, and invoices with ease.
Choosing the perfect HoneyBook alternative requires a few important decisions. Firstly, start by understanding your business needs and evaluating the features that are most important for your workflow, such as invoicing, project management, or client communication.
There are several cost-effective HoneyBook alternatives available that surely offer great value for small businesses and freelancers. InvoiceOwl offers a free trial option, and the price starts at $9.99 per month. It also provides features like invoicing, eSignatures, and reporting. Wave is another budget-friendly option that users can opt for.
Enhance Client Management and Invoicing with InvoiceOwl
Choosing the best HoneyBook alternative is dependent on your specific business requirements. Whether you prioritize effective client management, effortless invoicing, or integrated payment processing, all of the 10 HoneyBook alternatives offer unique features that add significant value to your business.
InvoiceOwl emerges with its user-friendly interface and free invoicing templates, making it an ideal choice for freelancers and small businesses. With its efficient invoicing features, you can manage your billing and payments with professionalism and utmost ease.
InvoiceOwl simplifies financial management with competitive pricing and its intuitive designs. It streamlines your invoicing process along with enhancing your workflow. This results in efficient business operations and strong client relationships. If you are looking for an efficient way to manage your invoices efficiently, choose InvoiceOwl.
