Freelancers and small business owners know what it’s like to juggle between managing clients, projects, and tasks constantly. The right tools can simplify these workflows and keep everything on track.
Hello Bonsai—now better known as Bonsai—has been a go-to solution for many when it comes to contracts, invoicing, and time tracking, but it might not always meet your business needs.
You’re in the right place if you’re searching for something that better fits your workflow or offers more flexibility.
We’ve rounded up the top 10 alternatives to Bonsai to help you manage clients more effectively, streamline your operations, and focus on growing your business.
Top 10 Hello Bonsai Alternatives
- ⏰ 60-Second Summary
- What Should You Look for in Hello Bonsai Alternatives?
- The 10 Best Hello Bonsai Alternatives
- 1. ClickUp (Best for comprehensive project management and collaboration with customizable workflows)
- 2. Monday.com (Best for adaptive visual project management and team collaboration)
- 3. FreshBooks (Best for simple invoicing and financial management)
- 4. PandaDoc (Best for document automation and eSignature solutions)
- 5. HoneyBook (Best for streamlining client management for creative entrepreneurs)
- 6. Dubsado (Best for customizable CRM for small businesses)
- 7. Proposify (Best for streamlining proposal creation and management)
- 8. Harvest (Best for time tracking and expense management)
- 9. Invoice Ninja (Best for freelancers and small businesses managing invoices and payments)
- 10. Teamwork.com (Best for managing complex projects with advanced collaboration features)
- The Perfect Hello Bonsai Alternative to Boost Your Business?
Summarize this article for me please⏰ 60-Second Summary
Here are the best Hello Bonsai alternatives available:
- ClickUp: Best for comprehensive project management and collaboration with customizable workflows
- Monday.com: Best for adaptive visual project management and team collaboration
- FreshBooks: Best for simple invoicing and financial management
- PandaDoc: Best for document automation and eSignature solutions
- HoneyBook: Best for streamlining client management for creative entrepreneurs
- Dubsado: Best for customizable CRM for small businesses
- Proposify: Best for streamlining proposal creation and management
- Harvest: Best for time tracking and expense management
- Invoice Ninja: Best for freelancers and small businesses managing invoices and payments
- Teamwork.com: Best for managing complex projects with advanced collaboration features
👀 Did You Know? Small businesses are losing up to 96 minutes of productivity daily, a Salesforce report has found. To overcome issues like poor task management and scattered communication, 59% of small business owners have turned to new tech.
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for in Hello Bonsai Alternatives?
When selecting an alternative to Hello Bonsai, you should consider the following parameters:
- Comprehensive features: Look for a tool that combines project management, invoicing, time tracking, expense tracking, client relationship management, and client portals so you can manage multiple projects without switching platforms
- User-friendly interface: Choose software with an intuitive interface and tools like contract templates, automatic reminders, and recurring payments to simplify your workflow
- Customization and flexibility: Opt for software that allows you to customize invoices, proposals, and contracts to suit your business needs
- Integration capabilities: Select tools that integrate with third-party platforms like accounting software and communication tools for a unified business management solution
- Scalability and growth support: Choose a solution that scales with your business, accommodating unlimited clients, projects, and plans
- Client communication: Enhance client satisfaction with client portals, live messaging, and features for managing relationships and creating professional invoices.
- Workflow automation: Look for a tool your customer relationship management team can use to automate repetitive tasks. From email responses to follow-ups, the alternative should make work easy for your team
- Cloud-based accessibility: Choose cloud-based software for flexible, multi-platform access to manage projects and client relationships anytime, anywhere
- Pricing and value for money: Evaluate flexible pricing plans, such as free trials or custom pricing, based on your needs
- Customer support and resources: Ensure the tool offers reliable support and resources to help streamline your setup process
👀 Did You Know: Back in early Mesopotamia (around 2150 BC), copper had its moment as a form of trade currency but was quickly overshadowed by silver. The temple, acting as the financial hub overseeing most foreign trade, set exchange rates between key commodities like barley, silver, and others. This clever system allowed payments to be made in different forms, offering transaction flexibility—a concept not too far removed from the flexibility we seek in modern business tools today.
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe 10 Best Hello Bonsai Alternatives
Here are our picks for the best Hello Bonsai alternatives, highlighting unique features and benefits for freelancers, agencies, or small business owners. Find the best fit for you.
1. ClickUp (Best for comprehensive project management and collaboration with customizable workflows)
ClickUp is a powerhouse for freelancers and small businesses looking to optimize their workflows. It’s an everything app for work. Yes, really!
ClickUp’s all-in-one approach combines project management, time tracking, and CRM capabilities to help you manage tasks, track billable hours, and maintain strong client relationships.
You can easily manage multiple projects and keep track of client billing while keeping your workflow organized.
On the CRM side, ClickUp helps manage client relationships effortlessly by storing contact details, project progress, and communication history in one place via ClickUp CRM. You can even set up a client portal with ClickUp to ensure smooth client communication by providing real-time updates and fostering transparency.
When it comes to task management, ClickUp Tasks allows you to capture key details, create specific tasks for each priority, assign them to your team members, and track issues efficiently.
On the other hand, ClickUp Docs simplifies document management, allowing you to keep documentation and project management centralized in one place. Link your docs to tasks, create nested pages, or use rich text formatting to create stunning project proposals. It can also double as your meeting notes repository or accounting ledger with a little formatting magic.
Want to generate a client brief or a piece of content from scratch? Simply ask the AI writer in your ClickUp Docs to whip up one!
Whether tracking project progress or managing client relationships, ClickUp is a powerful business management tool that streamlines workflows and enhances productivity.
ClickUp best features
- Leverage ClickUp’s Freelancers Tools, which comes with intuitive templates, project tracking, and streamlined invoicing so your one-person operation can thrive
- Simplify managing multiple projects with ClickUp Project Management, which offers customizable workflows, collaborative task management, and detailed project progress tracking
- Monitor time spent on tasks with ClickUp Time Tracking to ensure accurate billing and productivity insights
- Create professional invoices with the ClickUp Invoice Template
- Set ClickUp Automations in motion and let it take care of the recurring tasks and follow-ups
- Connect with 1,000 plus third-party integrations using ClickUp Integrations
- Capture key details from emails and create tasks instantly using ClickUp’s Email Project Management
ClickUp limitations
- The wide range of features may feel overwhelming to new users initially
- Advanced customization options may require a learning curve
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
- ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $7 per member per month
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (9,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews)
2. Monday.com (Best for adaptive visual project management and team collaboration)
With its highly customizable visual interface, you can shape workflows on Monday.com to fit your unique needs. Its customizable boards let you easily create, track, and manage tasks while giving you a clear snapshot of your project’s progress.
Whether handling client relationships, juggling multiple projects, or keeping tabs on your team, Monday.com’s flexibility ensures it adapts perfectly to how you work.
Monday.com best features
- Automate repetitive tasks, notifications, and status updates to save time and reduce manual errors
- Connect with over 200 third-party applications, including Slack, Zoom, and Google Drive, to streamline business operations
- Monitor billable hours through built-in time tracking for accurate client billing and resource management
- Visualize data through customizable dashboards and charts, facilitating informed decision-making and project oversight
Monday.com limitations
- The per-seat pricing model can become expensive for larger teams when scaling up
- The highly customizable platform may require a learning period for users to leverage its extensive features fully
Monday.com pricing
- Individual: Free for up to 2 seats
- Basic: $12/month per seat
- Standard: $14/month per seat
- Pro: $24/month per seat
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Monday.com ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (12,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (5,000+ reviews)
➡️ Also Read: We Tested the Best Customer Database Software Systems
3. FreshBooks (Best for simple invoicing and financial management)
FreshBooks is a powerful cloud-based financial management platform designed with freelancers, agencies, and small businesses in mind. It simplifies invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking, making it a go-to choice for managing projects while keeping your finances in check.
What makes FreshBooks stand out is its intuitive interface and handy automation tools. You can create professional invoices in minutes, track billable hours, and stay on top of expenses without breaking a sweat. Its seamless integration with other platforms transforms it into a one-stop solution for managing your business operations.
FreshBooks best features
- Create and send customized invoices with automatic payment reminders using automated invoicing
- Simplify expense management by connecting your bank account and categorizing expenses with expense tracking
- Track billable hours directly within the platform with time-tracking
- Generate detailed financial reports for insights into your business performance
- Integrate with popular third-party tools like Stripe, PayPal, and GSuite
FreshBooks limitations
- Limited project management capabilities compared to all-in-one solutions
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit small businesses or individual freelancers
- Lacks advanced client portals for extensive client communication
FreshBooks pricing
- Lite: $4.75 per month
- Plus: $8.25 per month
- Premium: $15 per month
- Select: Custom pricing
FreshBooks ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (850+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (4,400+ reviews)
➡️ Also Read: Best Operations Management Software Tools
4. PandaDoc (Best for document automation and eSignature solutions)
Are you looking for a versatile document management platform that simplifies how businesses create, share, and track important documents? PandaDoc can help.
It’s designed to keep your workflows running smoothly, with powerful tools for creating proposals and contracts, integrated eSignatures, and real-time collaboration.
Ideal for freelancers, agencies, and small businesses, PandaDoc enhances document management and client communication while streamlining business operations.
PandaDoc best features
- Access a wide range of customizable proposal and contract templates to create professional documents quickly
- Monitor document status with real-time notifications and document tracking
- Collaborate with team members and clients directly within documents using collaboration tools
- Store and reuse frequently used document components from the content library
PandaDoc limitations
- Some users report a steep learning curve for advanced features
- Certain integrations may require additional fees
- Limited native integration with some CRM platforms
PandaDoc pricing
- Starter: $35/month per user
- Business: $65/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
PandaDoc ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (2,600+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (1,100+ reviews)
🧠 Fun Fact: Kongo Gumi, a Japanese temple-building company, operated for 14 centuries while adapting to changing times. Until 2006, it was the world’s oldest continuously operating family business.
5. HoneyBook (Best for streamlining client management for creative entrepreneurs)
HoneyBook is a client management platform designed for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners. It allows them to manage projects, invoices, and contracts in one place.
Its intuitive interface and vital automation tools allow users to streamline client communication, simplify workflows, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Thus, it is an excellent alternative to Hello Bonsai for managing creative businesses.
HoneyBook best features
- Provide clients with a centralized client portal platform to access project updates, invoices, and contracts
- Automate repetitive tasks like follow-up emails, payment reminders, and project progression updates with automated workflows
- Send professional invoices, track, and ask for payments directly through the platform using invoicing and payment tracking
- Save time with customizable templates for contracts, proposals, and questionnaires
- Allow clients to book appointments or consultations seamlessly with integrated scheduling
HoneyBook limitations
- Limited scalability for larger businesses with complex needs
- Some users report challenges with customization beyond the pre-designed templates
- Integration options are less extensive compared to competitors
HoneyBook pricing
- Starter Plan: $36/month
- Essentials Plan: $59/ month
- Premium Plan: $129/month
HoneyBook ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (150+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (600+ reviews)
➡️ Also Read: Free Purchase Order Templates in Excel, Word, & ClickUp
6. Dubsado (Best for customizable CRM for small businesses)
For freelancers and small businesses craving flexibility and customization, Dubsado delivers both. The business management platform comes with tools to manage contracts, invoices, and scheduling.
It simplifies operations and provides a personalized experience for your clients with a centralized portal to view documents, contracts, and invoices.
If workflow adaptability and client relationship management are your priorities, Dubsado is a strong alternative to Hello Bonsai.
Dubsado best features
- Create personalized contracts, proposals, and questionnaires to fit your brand using customizable forms and CRM templates
- Automate repetitive tasks such as follow-ups, payment reminders, and client onboarding through workflow automation
- Book appointments and manage meetings directly through Dubsado through scheduler integration
Dubsado limitations
- The initial setup can be complex and time-consuming
- The interface can seem daunting to beginners
- Integrations are limited compared to other competitors
Dubsado pricing
- Starter Plan: $20 per month
- Premier Plan: $40 per month
Dubsado ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (70+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.2/5 (50+ reviews)
🧠 Fun Fact: Over 90% of workers told HBR that automation tools help them work smarter. And that’s not all—85% said these tools made teamwork smoother and more collaborative. Automation is more than just a buzzword for businesses today!
7. Proposify (Best for streamlining proposal creation and management)
When it comes to creating, customizing, and tracking business proposals, Proposify does the job. It comes with an intuitive interface designed to handle contracts and proposals.
Plus, it integrates smoothly with popular CRM and payment tools, making your workflow even more efficient. If your focus is on crafting winning proposals and closing deals faster, Proposify stands out as an excellent Hello Bonsai alternative.
Proposify best features
- Access pre-designed proposal templates to create professional and visually appealing proposals
- Track when clients open, view, and interact with your proposals for timely follow-ups using document tracking
- Enable clients to add eSignatures for faster approvals
- Personalize proposals with your brand’s colors, logos, and messaging with custom branding
- Collaborate with team members in real time to refine proposals and close deals
Proposify limitations
- Limited project management tool availability compared to all-in-one platforms
- Some users report a steep learning curve for advanced features
- Higher-tier features like advanced analytics are locked behind premium plans
Proposify pricing
- Basic Plan: $29/month per user
- Team Plan: $49/month per user
- Business Plan: $65/month per user
Proposify ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (1,100+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (290+ reviews)
💡Pro Tip: Clear communication is key to freelance success. Start projects with a detailed Scope of Work (SOW) outlining deliverables, timelines, and responsibilities. This fosters mutual understanding and minimizes misunderstandings.
8. Harvest (Best for time tracking and expense management)
As a freelancer or a small business owner, a tool for tracking time and expenses without fuss is a boon. Harvest does that with a touch of simplicity.
From tracking billable hours and managing project budgets to generating detailed financial reports, it helps professionals like you easily stay on top of their finances.
Its innovative design and smooth integrations make Harvest a standout Hello Bonsai alternative, especially if you want to streamline financial workflows without overcomplicating things.
Harvest best features
- Track billable and non-billable hours separately across devices
- Simplify expense categorization and reporting for accurate invoicing and financial oversight with expense management
- Gain actionable insights into project profitability and team productivity with customizable detailed reports
- Integrate with 50+ tools like QuickBooks, Trello, and Slack to streamline workflows
- Generate professional invoices and accept payments directly within the platform using templates
Harvest limitations
- Lacks robust project management features found in all-in-one tools
- Pricing may be less favorable for businesses with large teams or complex needs
- Advanced reporting features may require extra setup or external tools
Harvest pricing
- Free Plan: Free forever
- Pro Plan: $13.75/month per user
- Premium Plan: $17.50/month per user
Harvest ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (800+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (600+ reviews)
➡️ Also Read: Free Google Sheets Invoice Templates
9. Invoice Ninja (Best for freelancers and small businesses managing invoices and payments)
Do invoice creation and payment tracking feel like full-time jobs to you? Here’s where Invoice Ninja can be the extra personnel your team needs.
The platform simplifies the payment process end-to-end, with tools to handle recurring invoices, flexible payment options, and comprehensive payment tracking across projects.
Invoice Ninja best features
- Create and send unlimited professional invoices with custom branding using invoice management
- Automate payment processes with recurring invoices and reminders with recurring payments
- Monitor project expenses and integrate them into invoices for billing using expense tracking
- Accept payments by billing a client through 45+ payment gateways, including Stripe, PayPal, and Square
- Access the free, self-hosted, open-source version for greater control and flexibility
Invoice Ninja limitations
- Limited project management features compared to advanced platforms like ClickUp
- Requires technical expertise to customize options in the open-source version
- Has a learning curve when maximizing integrations
Invoice Ninja pricing
- Free Plan: Free forever
- Ninja Pro Plan: $12/month
- Enterprise Plan: $16/month
- Premium Business+: Custom pricing
Invoice Ninja ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (20+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (150+ reviews)
📮ClickUp Insight: 92% of workers use inconsistent methods to track action items, which results in missed decisions and delayed execution.
Whether you’re sending follow-up notes or using spreadsheets, the process is often scattered and inefficient. ClickUp’s Task Management Solution ensures seamless conversion of conversations into tasks—so your team can act fast and stay aligned.
10. Teamwork.com (Best for managing complex projects with advanced collaboration features)
Teamwork.com has rapidly emerged as a popular project management platform for small businesses. Built for client-facing companies of all sizes, it offers various task management, team collaboration, and time-tracking features.
As a Hello Bonsai alternative, Teamwork.com offers advanced client management capabilities, making it ideal for companies requiring strong communication and collaboration tools.
Teamwork.com best features
- Assign, prioritize, and track tasks with deadlines and dependencies using task management tools
- Monitor billable and non-billable hours using time tracking to optimize productivity
- Share project updates, files, and feedback directly with clients for better client collaboration
- Enable real-time communication and brainstorming within the team using the team chat available on the platform
- Use customizable project templates to streamline project setup and execution
Teamwork.com limitations
- The learning curve for new users can be steep due to its extensive features
- Advanced features are locked behind higher-tier pricing plans
- Integration options are limited compared to competitors like ClickUp
Teamwork.com pricing
- Deliver Plan: $13.99/month per user
- Grow Plan: $25.99/month per user
- Scale Plan: $69.99/month per user
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing
Teamwork.com ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (1,150+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (800+ reviews)
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe Perfect Hello Bonsai Alternative to Boost Your Business?
Choosing the right business management tool makes all the difference in how efficiently you manage your operations and grow your business. While Hello Bonsai is a popular choice, it’s not the only option out there.
Our alternatives offer unique features for diverse needs, from advanced project management to client communication tools and financial tracking.
If you’re seeking a highly customizable tool that excels in project and task management while integrating time tracking and CRM features, ClickUp is a strong contender. Its versatile features make it a standout choice for freelancers and small businesses alike.
Finding one tool that aligns with your business goals and helps you work smarter, not harder. And ClickUp can offer you just that! So, sign up for ClickUp today and unlock your potential for growth and success!
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