Are you trying to decide between HoneyBook’s simplicity and Dubsado’s straightforward approach?
Well, both are great client management platforms. But fret not! The perfect choice depends on where you are in your business journey. Here’s the deal:
- If you’re a new freelancer or small business owner, HoneyBook’s user-friendly design, online contracts, and built-in payment processing might be perfect for you.
- On the other hand, Dubsado’s powerful features could be a better fit if you’re a more established business looking for advanced customization options and accounting software like Xero.
Ready to find the platform that will make your work life smoother and your client relationships stronger? Keep reading – we’ll break down HoneyBook and Dubsado’s strengths to help you pick your perfect match!
Key Takeaways
- HoneyBook excels for new and smaller businesses with straightforward needs. But Dubsado thrives on customization and advanced features for established companies.
- HoneyBook empowers users with an integrated payment system and essential integrations. However, Dubsado uses third-party tools like Stripe or PayPal to make payments.
- HoneyBook automates client communication for quick responses; Dubsado offers extensive automation for complex project management.
HoneyBook vs Dubsado: Quick Comparison Table
This quick comparison table highlights the essential features and pricing of HoneyBook and Dubsado, helping you get a clear picture of what each platform offers.
| Features | HoneyBook | Dubsado |
| Pricing (Starter) | $19/month (30% off for first 3 months) | $20/month |
| Target User | New and smaller businesses | Established business |
| Payments | Integrated Payment system | Third-party payment processors |
| Multiple Brands | Add another brand without any cost | Add another brand for $10 |
| White-label | Custom domain and client portals, remove ‘Powered by HoneyBook’ | Not mentioned |
| Scheduling | Custom meeting links, reminders | Built-in scheduler, book from your website |
| Contracts | Online signatures, smart bar signatures | Customizable contracts |
| Integrations | Zoom, QuickBooks, Zapier, Gmail, Google Calendar | QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier |
| Forms & Templates | Available | Available |
| Mobile Accessibility | Available | Not available |
This was a brief comparison between the features of HoneyBook and Dubsado. However, this might not be enough to make a decision. So, go through the next detailed comparison to decide which suits you the best.
HoneyBook vs Dubsado: Detailed Comparison
When it comes to choosing the right platform for agency management, HoneyBook and Dubsado are two popular options. Both offer tools designed to help service-based businesses. So, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you.
Let’s get into a more detailed comparison between HoneyBook and Dubsaso.
Target Users
HoneyBook focuses more on newer, smaller operations that need a straightforward solution. However, Dubsado targets more established businesses that require more advanced functionality.
| Features | HoneyBook | Dubsado |
| Business Type | Early stage, starting out | Established business |
| Ease of Use | Simple quick setup | Complex and highly customized |
HoneyBook is best for beginner freelancers, photographers, and small business owners just starting.
Moreover, HoneyBook offers a simple, quick-to-setup client management tool. So it is best if you prioritize ease of use and quick invoicing. HoneyBook also doesn’t require third-party integrations.
In contrast, Dubsado is suitable for a more established business with more advanced features and customizations.
Workflow Automation
HoneyBook emphasizes client communication and automation for small to large business, while Dubsado focuses on overall simplifying small business operations.
| Feature | HoneyBook | Dubsado |
| Primary Focus | Client communication | Overall business |
| Unique Features | Approval options, custom sequences, trigger-based actions, instant inquiry response, lead routing, and timing control. | Smart fields, task reminders, autoplay, reusable templates. |
HoneyBook offers features that allow you to create custom sequences of messages, files, and tasks. Its primary focus is on responding to inquiries quickly and following up with leads.
This approach is especially helpful if your business prioritizes client acquisition and maintains ongoing communication.
Dubsado, on the other hand, covers overall business processes with their automation. It integrates project management within the automation system, like the ability to automatically tag projects and change project statuses through workflows.
One of the standout features of Dubsado’s automation is the ‘Smart Fields’. These allow for the automatic fillup of client information in forms and emails. This feature also adds a layer of personalization to automated communication.
Moreover, Dubsado’s ‘Autoplay’ features enable recurring invoices. This allows you to collect payment automatically. So, if you have a subscription-based business, this feature can particularly come to your help.
On the other hand, HoneyBook enables route leads to specific automation based on their interests. This feature is valuable if your business offers diverse services.
Additionally, HoneyBook offers more granular control over the timing of automated actions. You can delay action by specific increments (minutes, hours, days, or weeks). Hence, HoneyBook provides precise control over when silence receives communications.
Forms & Templates
While HoneyBook offers forms focusing on efficiency, Dubsado’s forms and templates are highly customizable.
| Features | HoneyBook | Dubsado |
| Template Types | Contracts, invoices, proposals | Contracts, lead capture forms, questionnaires, proposals |
| Unique features | Extreme white labeling | Auto-saved item bank |
| Specialty | Customization | Efficiency and feature integration |
HoneyBook offers templates for contracts, invoices, and proposals. HoneyBook’s range of templates is more limited than Dubsado. However, the platform focuses more on efficiency with features like an auto-saved item bank.
This feature allows users to fill documents with frequently used items quickly and thus saves time in document creation.
Dunsado, on the other hand, provides a wide range of customizable form templates. These are contracts, lead capture forms, questionnaires and proposals.
Dubsado mainly focuses on flexibility and brand consistency. You can fully customize these templates to match your brand identity and ensure clients see a cohesive, professional image throughout your interactions.
This level of customization is particularly valuable if you want to maintain a strong, consistent brand presence in your client’s minds.
Both HoneyBook and Dubsado offer contract and proposal templates. However, HoneyBook provides more detailed information about its contract features.
HoneyBook also includes online signatures with a smart bar that highlights to guide clients on where to sign. Moreover, you get instantly notified when a client signs a contract. This helps to streamline the contract signing process and improve turnaround times.
While both platforms offer strong form and template features, Dubsado provides a wider variety of form templates. In contrast, with HoneyBook’s form templates, you can work efficiently and seamlessly.
Project Management
Dubsado’s project management is a more self-contained system. However, HoneyBook uses a more integrated approach with external tools.
| Features | HoneyBook | Dubsado |
| Time Tracking | Tracks billable and non-billable hours directly in the app | Track time and add to invoices |
| Task Management | Assign tasks to team members | Create and automate tasks |
| Communication | Includes an integrated chatbox | Syncs with email for unified communication |
| Client Portal | Available | Available |
Dubsado’s project management focuses on organization and interaction. You can track time and add it to invoices, assign tasks to team members, and preview client portals.
Moreover, the platform offers a customizable project pipeline and lets you tag projects for better organization. Dubsado also includes an inbox and a notes section for activity logs and call records.
HoneyBook, on the other hand, provides a more integrated approach. You can track both billable and non-billable hours directly in the app and create invoices from this tracked time.
Like Dubsado, HoneyBooks also offers a customizable project pipeline. HoneyBook allows you to view all client activity in one place, create and automate tasks, and sync your email for unified communication.
A standout feature of HoneyBook is its ability to integrate with standalone project management software through Zapier. This means you can connect HoneyBook to popular tools like Asana, ClickUp, or Notion.
If you value direct integration with other project management tools, HoneyBook is a better choice. However, for a more self-contained system, Dubsado is the better choice.
Scheduling
HoneyBook integrates customizable links within its client management system. On the other hand, Dubsado focuses on embedding a scheduler directly into the user’s website to streamline client interactions.
| Features | HoneyBook | Dubsado |
| Scheduling Tool | Share the meeting link for booking | Built-in scheduler |
| Client Booking | Clients can book through a shared link | Clients can book directly from the website |
HoneyBook’s scheduling feature allows you to share a meeting link and enable your client to book appointments directly. This system is fully customizable and can match your brand. As a result, it can help maintain a consistent professional brand identity.
Moreover, HoneyBook also provides confirmations and reminders for scheduled appointments. This helps to reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
One of the strengths of HoneyBook’s scheduling is its integration with the platform’s other features. It works seamlessly with their client management system. This allows for a smooth flow from the initial booking to project completion and payment.
Dubsado, in contrast, offers a built-in scheduler that allows your clients to book calls, sessions, and appointments directly from your website. If your business relies heavily on a website, then Dubsado’s scheduling is the perfect tool.
Moreover, using Dubsado’s scheduling tool, you don’t need to spend too much time coordinating with clients and can spend time connecting with them. This automation is more valuable for client interactions.
HoneyBook focuses more on brand customization and integration with its other tools. Dubsado, on another note, highlights the efficiency gains and the ability to embed scheduling directly into the user’s website.
Billing & Invoicing
The key difference is that HoneyBook offers an integrated processing system with lower fees, while Dubsado requires connecting to third-party payment processors.
| Features | HoneyBook | Dubsado |
| Process | Integrated within HoneyBook | Third-party processors like Stripe or PayPal |
| Unique Feature | Schedules invoices and instant fund access | Recurring invoices and advanced financial reports |
Dubsado requires you to connect to a third-party payment processor like Stripe, Square, or PayPal. This gives you flexibility, but it means managing another account and potentially dealing with a separate support team.
HoneyBook, on the other hand, has an integrated payment processing system. You don’t need to set up or manage a separate payment processor. HoneyBook also has a dedicated disputes team to handle any payment issues.
Both platforms offer payment plan templates and customizable payment plans. However, HoneyBook offers more payment options, including credit card, ACH, and international payments in US and Canadian currencies.
On the other hand, Dubsado allows you to create invoices manually within the platform. However, it doesn’t offer an invoice template which HoneyBook offers.
HoneyBook offers invoice templates along with other document templates like proposals, contracts, and questionnaires. It also notifies you when clients receive, open, and sign documents.
If you need an international payment system, choose Dubsado. Moreover, if you need a deeply integrated business process, choose HoneyBook.
Pricing & Plans
The starting price of HoneyBook is $19/month when billed, while the starting price of Dubsado is $20/month. So, the difference in the pricing isn’t much.
HoneyBook offers 3 tiers of pricing plans:
| Pricing tiers | Price | Features |
| Starter | $19/month$16/month (billed annually) | Unlimited clients and projects, Invoices and payments, proposals and contracts, Calendar,professional templates, Client portalBasic reports along with free setup, interactive docs, and support |
| Essentials | $39/month$32/month (billed annually) | All Starter features, Scheduler, Automation, QuickBooks Online integration, Up to 2 team members, Expense management, Profit and loss reporting, Removal of “Powered by HoneyBook” branding |
| Premiums | $66/month $79/month (billed annually) | All Essentials featuresUnlimited team members Priority supportMultiple companiesOnboarding SpecialistAdvanced reports (coming soon) |
On the other hand, Dubsado only offers two tiers of pricing plan:
| Pricing tier | Price | Features |
| Starter | $20/month$200/year | Unlimited projects and clients, Invoicing and payment plan forms, Email templates |
| Premier | $40/month $400/year | Scheduling, Automated workflowsPublic proposals, Multiple lead capturesZapier integration. |
Although Dubsado’s pricing is similar to HoneyBook, HoneyBook offers more features.
Moreover, you have to pay an extra $10 for adding another brand while using Dubsado. You also have to pay to add extra team members.
So, in terms of pricing, you can enjoy more features at a similar pricing point if you use HoneyBook.
HoneyBook vs Dubsado: Which is the Better Option?
Overall, HoneyBook is a better option because of its simplicity and ease of use. Though Dubsado offers more advanced features, HoneyBook offers all the basic features you need.
However, HoneyBook is easier to navigate and set up. Thus, it also helps increase overall work efficiency.
Moreover, compared to Dubsado, HoneyBook offers more within the same pricing range and doesn’t have any additional hidden charge to pay.
Choose HoneyBook if you:
- A beginner freelancer, photographer, or small business owner just starting out
- Need a simple, quick-to-setup client management tool
- Prioritize ease of use and quick invoicing
- Don’t require extensive third-party integrations
- Prefer an integrated payment processing system with lower fees
- Want a more affordable starting price ($16/month when billed annually)
- Need basic features and unlimited clients/projects on the starter plan
Choose Dubsado if you:
- Have a more established business that requires advanced features
- Value extensive customization options
- Need customizable client portals
- Want a wider range of automation features for various business operations
- Prefer to use your third-party payment processor (like Stripe or PayPal)
- Need more complex project management features within the platform itself
Is There Any Better Alternative to HoneyBook and Dubsado?
While HoneyBook and Dubsado offer diverse and flexible features, these are mostly suited for client management. But these platforms aren’t suited for agency management as a whole.
Here’s where Agency Handy emerges as a compelling alternative. Because Agency Handy is designed as an all-in-one platform for agency management, specifically for digital agencies.
Here’s a brief comparison of how Agency Handy stands out as a superior option:
This is a sneak peek at how Agency Handy stands out as the better choice. Agency Handy offers features like shareable service catalogs, kanban boards, and a central dashboard where you can view a summarized report of your metrics.
Here’s why these features are essential for you, especially if you are a digital agency:
- If you use Agency Handy, you will not need to switch between software to manage different aspects of your agency. You will have all the required features in one place.
- Using Agency Handy, you can create a service catalog by listing all your services and their details and pricing in one place.
- You can either embed the catalog on your website or share the link on your social media platforms. It’ll allow you to capture leads easily through wider media.
- The Kanban boards make your project management easier by breaking down the work into smaller tasks. You can then assign tasks to your team members and track their progress easily.
While HoneyBook and Dubsado both mainly focus on managing clients and automation workflow, they don’t offer an all-in-one solution for managing an agency.
Here’s where Agency Handy is the right choice. Agency Handy offers an all-in-one platform that covers everything from capturing leads and managing clients to ending the project smoothly. It is also the best choice for managing a type of digital agency.
Wrapping Up
Selecting the ideal client management platform is like choosing the perfect business partner – it needs to match your work style and grow with your ambitions.
HoneyBook shines for budding entrepreneurs and small businesses craving simplicity, while Dubsado flexes its muscles for established pros seeking deep customization.
But if you’re looking for a platform that will help you with your overall client management, you can try Agency Handy.
FAQs
Can I transfer my data from another CRM to HoneyBook or Dubsado?
Yes, both HoneyBook and Dubsado offer options to import data from other CRMs. HoneyBook provides a data migration service to help you seamlessly transfer your existing data. Dubsado also offers guidance and support for importing data from other platforms.
Is there a free trial available for HoneyBook and Dubsado?
Yes, both HoneyBook and Dubsado offer free trials. HoneyBook provides a 7-day free trial, while Dubsado offers a free trial with no time limit but limits to three clients and projects.
How secure are HoneyBook and Dubsado for handling sensitive client data?
Both HoneyBook and Dubsado prioritize data security. They use industry-standard encryption and security protocols to protect client information. Additionally, HoneyBook offers secure payment processing, and Dubsado ensures secure handling of client data through its integrations.
