If you’re a freelancer or creative professional, you’ve probably heard of HoneyBook. It’s a popular all-in-one platform designed to help you manage projects, communicate with clients, send contracts, and handle invoicing in one place. For many solopreneurs and small creative businesses, it offers a convenient way to keep everything organized and professional. However, HoneyBook might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Some users find it a bit expensive, while others feel the features don’t match their specific needs or prefer a different style of interface. Because every freelancer’s workflow is unique, it makes sense to explore the best HoneyBook alternatives that can offer more flexibility, better pricing, or simpler usability. Finding the right tool can save you time, reduce stress, and help your business run more smoothly.
Why Look for HoneyBook Alternatives?
HoneyBook is well-known for simplifying workflows by combining proposals, contracts, payments, and project tracking in one place. It’s a powerful tool if you run a service-based business like photography, graphic design, event planning, or consulting. But it’s also a bit pricey for some and may include features you don’t necessarily need.
Plus, as freelancers and creatives, your workflow often requires flexibility and customizability that not every platform offers. Some might want more robust invoicing, others prefer better integrations with tools like QuickBooks or Zoom, and some might prioritize a more intuitive user interface.
So, exploring alternatives helps you find a tool that balances features, price, and usability for your specific business style.
Best HoneyBook Alternatives for Freelancers and Creatives
Here is a personalized list of the most prominent competitors to HoneyBook, each with its own unique strengths and ideal user base.
1. Dubsado
Dubsado is a popular client management system designed for freelancers, consultants, and creatives. It combines contract management, invoicing, scheduling, and workflow automation, all under one roof. If you want a highly customizable CRM solution that lets you automate repetitive tasks and keep your client communication smooth, Dubsado is a strong choice. Ideal for creative entrepreneurs who want extensive customization options and robust workflow automation without the complexity of large CRM platforms.
Pros
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Highly customizable forms, contracts, and workflows
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Powerful automation features reduce manual work
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Built-in scheduling and calendar integrations
Cons
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Can have a steep learning curve due to extensive features
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Some users find the interface less modern compared to competitors
Recommendation
Dubsado is perfect for freelancers and creatives who want deep control over their client workflows and aren’t afraid to invest some time in mastering the platform.
2. 17hats
17hats is an all-in-one business management platform geared towards small business owners and freelancers. It offers project management, client communication, invoicing, and bookkeeping tools. 17hats emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, making it great for solopreneurs who want a straightforward solution without too many bells and whistles. Best suited for freelancers or creatives who want an easy-to-navigate platform that covers the essentials of running their business without overwhelming complexity.
Pros
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User-friendly, intuitive interface
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Comprehensive features including bookkeeping and automated workflows
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Great customer support and onboarding resources
Cons
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Limited customization options compared to Dubsado or HoneyBook
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Mobile app could be improved for better usability on the go
Recommendation
Choose 17hats if you’re after a simple, reliable tool that handles client management and invoicing efficiently with minimal setup.
3. Bonsai
Bonsai is a freelancer-centric platform focusing heavily on contracts, proposals, and invoicing. It’s designed to help freelancers get paid faster with legally sound contracts and easy-to-use payment features. Bonsai also offers time tracking and task management but keeps things streamlined. Freelancers and creatives who prioritize contract management and fast invoicing, especially in industries like writing, design, and marketing.
Pros
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Professionally designed contract templates with legal language
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Simple, fast invoicing and payment tracking
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Time tracking and task management built in
Cons
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Less comprehensive project management features
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Limited customization options for branding
Recommendation
Bonsai is ideal if your main pain points are creating solid contracts and getting paid faster without fuss.
4. And.co
And.co is a straightforward freelancer management tool from Fiverr, offering proposals, contracts, invoicing, and time tracking. Its biggest selling point is its simplicity combined with Fiverr’s reputation and integrations. The platform aims to provide an easy way for freelancers to manage their entire client lifecycle in one place. Freelancers who are new to managing client workflows or those who are already using Fiverr and want a connected system.
Pros
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Clean, intuitive interface perfect for beginners
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Free plan available with solid basic features
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Time tracking and expense management included
Cons
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Fewer advanced automation features
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Limited integrations outside the Fiverr ecosystem
Recommendation
And.co is a solid entry-level option for freelancers who want a simple, no-fuss platform that covers all the essentials.
5. Trello
Trello isn’t a client management tool per se, but it’s a flexible project management platform used widely by freelancers and creatives. When combined with Power-Ups (add-ons) and integrations, Trello can be customized to handle proposals, task tracking, client communication, and even invoicing via third-party apps. Creative freelancers who want a visual, kanban-style workflow and prefer customizing their tools over using rigid, all-in-one platforms.
Pros
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Highly visual and flexible project boards
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Tons of integrations with payment and communication apps
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Free tier with generous features
Cons
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Requires manual setup and integration of third-party tools
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Not designed specifically for client management, so some features may be missing
Recommendation
Trello is best for freelancers who love visual task management and don’t mind piecing together their ideal workflow using integrations.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Freelance Needs
Choosing the right client management tool as a freelancer or creative professional ultimately depends on your unique business needs and workflow preferences. Some platforms offer extensive customization and automation capabilities, allowing you to tailor every step of your client process, but they may require a bit more time to learn and set up. Others focus on simplicity and ease of use, providing a straightforward solution that covers essential functions like proposals, contracts, and invoicing without overwhelming features. If your priority is quick and professional contract creation combined with efficient invoicing, there are tools designed specifically to help you get paid faster and with less hassle.
For those who prefer a more visual approach to managing projects and clients, flexible platforms that can integrate with multiple third-party apps might be the best fit, especially if you enjoy customizing your workflow and tools to suit your style. Budget considerations and your comfort with technology also play an important role in making the right choice. By carefully evaluating your priorities — whether that’s automation, simplicity, contract management, or flexibility — you can find a solution that not only streamlines your daily tasks but also supports the growth and professionalism of your freelance or creative business.
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