Quick Overview
- 1#1: HoneyBook - All-in-one platform for freelancers to manage client inquiries, contracts, scheduling, payments, and project workflows.
- 2#2: Dubsado - Workflow automation and client management tool for freelancers handling proposals, contracts, invoices, and project delivery.
- 3#3: Paymo - Combined project management, time tracking, resource scheduling, and invoicing solution optimized for freelancers and small teams.
- 4#4: Harvest - Time tracking, expense logging, budgeting, and invoicing tool designed for freelancers to manage projects and bill accurately.
- 5#5: FreshBooks - Cloud accounting software with project tracking, time tracking, proposals, and automated invoicing for solo professionals.
- 6#6: ClickUp - Highly customizable all-in-one workspace for tasks, docs, time tracking, and goals, with robust free tier for freelancers.
- 7#7: Asana - Work management platform for creating tasks, timelines, and portfolios to organize freelance projects and client deliverables.
- 8#8: Basecamp - Flat-price project management tool with messaging, to-dos, schedules, and docs for freelancers collaborating with clients.
- 9#9: Trello - Visual board-based tool for organizing freelance projects using cards, lists, and power-ups for simple task management.
- 10#10: Teamwork - Full-featured project management with time tracking, milestones, and billing to help freelancers scale their operations.
We evaluated each tool based on core features (including client management, time tracking, and automation), ease of use, scalability, and overall value, ensuring a balanced list that caters to freelancers at every stage of their journey.
Comparison Table
Freelance project management software streamlines workflows, and this comparison table breaks down top tools like HoneyBook, Dubsado, Paymo, Harvest, FreshBooks, and more to help you identify the right fit. Readers will gain insights into key features, unique strengths, and ideal use cases, simplifying the process of choosing software tailored to their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HoneyBook All-in-one platform for freelancers to manage client inquiries, contracts, scheduling, payments, and project workflows. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Dubsado Workflow automation and client management tool for freelancers handling proposals, contracts, invoices, and project delivery. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Paymo Combined project management, time tracking, resource scheduling, and invoicing solution optimized for freelancers and small teams. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Harvest Time tracking, expense logging, budgeting, and invoicing tool designed for freelancers to manage projects and bill accurately. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | FreshBooks Cloud accounting software with project tracking, time tracking, proposals, and automated invoicing for solo professionals. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | ClickUp Highly customizable all-in-one workspace for tasks, docs, time tracking, and goals, with robust free tier for freelancers. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Asana Work management platform for creating tasks, timelines, and portfolios to organize freelance projects and client deliverables. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Basecamp Flat-price project management tool with messaging, to-dos, schedules, and docs for freelancers collaborating with clients. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | Trello Visual board-based tool for organizing freelance projects using cards, lists, and power-ups for simple task management. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | Teamwork Full-featured project management with time tracking, milestones, and billing to help freelancers scale their operations. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
All-in-one platform for freelancers to manage client inquiries, contracts, scheduling, payments, and project workflows.
Workflow automation and client management tool for freelancers handling proposals, contracts, invoices, and project delivery.
Combined project management, time tracking, resource scheduling, and invoicing solution optimized for freelancers and small teams.
Time tracking, expense logging, budgeting, and invoicing tool designed for freelancers to manage projects and bill accurately.
Cloud accounting software with project tracking, time tracking, proposals, and automated invoicing for solo professionals.
Highly customizable all-in-one workspace for tasks, docs, time tracking, and goals, with robust free tier for freelancers.
Work management platform for creating tasks, timelines, and portfolios to organize freelance projects and client deliverables.
Flat-price project management tool with messaging, to-dos, schedules, and docs for freelancers collaborating with clients.
Visual board-based tool for organizing freelance projects using cards, lists, and power-ups for simple task management.
Full-featured project management with time tracking, milestones, and billing to help freelancers scale their operations.
HoneyBook
specializedAll-in-one platform for freelancers to manage client inquiries, contracts, scheduling, payments, and project workflows.
Clientflow automation that guides projects from initial inquiry through contracts, tasks, and payments in a single, customizable pipeline.
HoneyBook is an all-in-one client management and project platform tailored for freelancers and small creative businesses, streamlining the entire workflow from lead capture to project delivery and payment. It offers tools for scheduling consultations, sending contracts and invoices, automating communications, and managing projects with task boards, deadlines, and file sharing. Designed specifically for service-based professionals like photographers, designers, and event planners, it emphasizes professional branding and efficiency to help users focus on their craft.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one workflow covering inquiries, contracts, payments, and project tasks
- Intuitive interface with customizable templates and strong automation capabilities
- Excellent client communication tools including portals and integrated scheduling
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may feel steep for very low-volume freelancers
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer third-party integrations than some general project management software
Best For
Creative freelancers and small agencies managing client-based projects who want a seamless, branded end-to-end solution without juggling multiple apps.
Pricing
Starter ($19/mo billed annually), Essentials ($39/mo), Premium ($79/mo) with a 7-day free trial; all plans include core features with tiered limits on contacts and automations.
Dubsado
specializedWorkflow automation and client management tool for freelancers handling proposals, contracts, invoices, and project delivery.
Customizable client portals that centralize project updates, file sharing, forms, and payments for seamless client self-service.
Dubsado is an all-in-one client management platform designed for freelancers and small businesses to streamline workflows from lead capture to project delivery. It provides customizable proposals, contracts, invoices, questionnaires, and automated workflows, with a focus on client onboarding and communication. The built-in client portal facilitates project collaboration, file sharing, feedback, and payments, making it suitable for freelance project management.
Pros
- Highly customizable templates and workflows for branding
- Unlimited clients, projects, and submissions on all plans
- Robust client portal for self-service collaboration and payments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Limited native reporting and advanced analytics
- Fewer third-party integrations than some competitors
Best For
Creative freelancers and small agencies needing integrated client management and basic project tracking in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $20/month (billed annually at $240/year) for Starter, $40/month for Premier, $70/month for Pro; all plans include unlimited users and clients.
Paymo
specializedCombined project management, time tracking, resource scheduling, and invoicing solution optimized for freelancers and small teams.
Automatic invoice generation directly from tracked time entries, eliminating manual data entry for billing
Paymo is an all-in-one project management platform tailored for freelancers and small teams, combining task management, time tracking, resource scheduling, and invoicing in a single tool. It supports multiple project views like Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and lists, with seamless time logging via timers or manual entry that directly feeds into customizable invoices and reports. Paymo also offers client portals for approvals and collaboration, making it efficient for billable work tracking.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking and invoicing for quick billing
- Flexible project views including Gantt and Kanban for varied workflows
- Robust reporting and resource management for better oversight
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced scheduling features
- Limited free plan restricts multi-user collaboration
- Some UI elements feel dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies needing an integrated tool for managing projects, tracking billable hours, and generating invoices without switching apps.
Pricing
Free solo plan; paid plans from $5.90/user/month (Starter, annual billing) to $24.90/user/month (Ultimate), with monthly options at higher rates.
Harvest
specializedTime tracking, expense logging, budgeting, and invoicing tool designed for freelancers to manage projects and bill accurately.
Automated invoice generation from tracked time entries, complete with line-item details and client approvals
Harvest is a focused time tracking and invoicing platform tailored for freelancers and small teams managing billable projects. It excels at logging time across tasks and projects via desktop timers, mobile apps, and integrations, while also handling expenses and generating invoices directly from time data. While it offers basic project organization through people, projects, and tasks, it prioritizes accurate time management over complex project planning features.
Pros
- Exceptional cross-device time tracking with intuitive timers and offline support
- Seamless invoicing and expense management tied directly to time entries
- Robust reporting and profitability insights for freelancers
Cons
- Limited native task management and collaboration tools compared to full PM suites
- No Gantt charts, dependencies, or advanced project roadmaps
- Per-user pricing scales up for growing teams
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs who bill by the hour and need straightforward time tracking integrated with invoicing.
Pricing
Pro plan starts at $12/user/month (billed annually); includes unlimited projects and invoicing; free Lite plan available with limits.
FreshBooks
specializedCloud accounting software with project tracking, time tracking, proposals, and automated invoicing for solo professionals.
Automated profitability tracking per project, showing billable vs. actual time and expenses
FreshBooks is primarily an invoicing and accounting platform with built-in project management tools tailored for freelancers and small service-based businesses. It allows users to create projects, assign tasks, track time, and monitor profitability, all integrated seamlessly with billing and expense tracking. While not a full-fledged project management suite, it excels in combining light project oversight with financial management for solopreneurs.
Pros
- Intuitive time tracking and task management integrated with invoicing
- Real-time project profitability insights
- Mobile app for on-the-go project updates
Cons
- Lacks advanced PM features like Gantt charts, dependencies, or resource allocation
- Limited team collaboration tools compared to dedicated PM software
- Project features feel secondary to accounting focus
Best For
Freelancers and solo consultants who need simple project tracking tightly coupled with billing and time-based invoicing.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite plan for up to 5 clients) up to $60/month (Premium for unlimited clients), billed annually; free 30-day trial available.
ClickUp
otherHighly customizable all-in-one workspace for tasks, docs, time tracking, and goals, with robust free tier for freelancers.
Hierarchical structure (Spaces, Folders, Lists, Tasks, Subtasks) with unlimited custom fields and 15+ views for ultimate flexibility
ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform designed for project management, offering hierarchical task organization, multiple views like List, Board, Gantt, Calendar, and Mind Maps, along with docs, whiteboards, and chat. It supports freelancers with time tracking, custom fields, automations, goals, and dashboards for client reporting. The platform emphasizes unlimited customization to handle diverse workflows across multiple clients.
Pros
- Highly customizable hierarchies, views, and automations
- Generous free plan with core features for solo users
- Integrated time tracking, goals, and AI tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature overload
- Interface can feel overwhelming and cluttered
- Occasional performance slowdowns with large workspaces
Best For
Freelancers managing multiple complex client projects who need extensive customization and an all-in-one tool.
Pricing
Free plan available; Unlimited at $7/user/mo (annual), Business at $12/user/mo (annual), Enterprise custom.
Asana
enterpriseWork management platform for creating tasks, timelines, and portfolios to organize freelance projects and client deliverables.
Timeline view for interactive Gantt charts and dependency mapping
Asana is a powerful work management platform designed to help users organize tasks, projects, and workflows using customizable lists, boards, timelines, and calendars. It excels in task assignment, progress tracking, dependencies, and collaboration through comments, file sharing, and real-time updates. For freelancers, it provides tools to manage multiple client projects efficiently, with integrations for calendars, email, and productivity apps.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface with multiple views (list, board, timeline, calendar)
- Robust automation rules and custom fields for tailored workflows
- Seamless integrations with 200+ apps like Slack, Google Workspace, and Zapier
Cons
- No built-in invoicing, time tracking, or client portals (requires integrations)
- Advanced features like timelines and workloads locked behind paid plans
- Can feel overwhelming or bloated for very simple solo freelance tasks
Best For
Freelancers juggling multiple complex client projects who need visual planning and team collaboration capabilities.
Pricing
Free Basic plan; Personal $10.99/user/mo; Starter $13.49/user/mo; Advanced $24.99/user/mo (billed annually).
Basecamp
enterpriseFlat-price project management tool with messaging, to-dos, schedules, and docs for freelancers collaborating with clients.
Message Boards for threaded, email-like discussions that stay organized within projects
Basecamp is a straightforward all-in-one project management and collaboration tool that centralizes team communication, tasks, and files for freelancers and small teams. It features message boards for organized discussions, to-do lists with assignments and due dates, schedules, automatic check-ins, and integrated chat. While not packed with advanced PM features, it excels at reducing email overload and keeping client projects on track through simplicity.
Pros
- Intuitive, minimalist interface that's quick to learn and use
- Unlimited users and projects with flat-rate pricing
- Effective all-in-one hub for communication, tasks, and files
Cons
- Lacks advanced PM tools like Gantt charts, time tracking, or dependencies
- No built-in invoicing or client billing features
- Limited third-party integrations compared to specialized tools
Best For
Freelancers and small creative teams seeking simple, email-free project coordination with clients.
Pricing
Flat $99/month for unlimited users, projects, and 500GB storage (free Personal plan for solo users available).
Trello
otherVisual board-based tool for organizing freelance projects using cards, lists, and power-ups for simple task management.
Customizable Kanban boards with Butler automation for visual, rule-based workflows
Trello is a visual collaboration tool from Atlassian that organizes projects using customizable boards, lists, and cards in a Kanban-style interface. It enables freelancers to track tasks, assign due dates, attach files, and collaborate with clients through comments and checklists. With powerful automations via Butler and hundreds of integrations, it supports straightforward project workflows without overwhelming complexity.
Pros
- Extremely intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick setup
- Generous free plan with unlimited cards and boards
- Robust automation (Butler) and app integrations for customization
Cons
- Lacks built-in time tracking and advanced reporting
- No native Gantt charts or resource management
- Can become disorganized with complex, large-scale projects
Best For
Freelancers handling simple to moderate projects who value visual simplicity and collaboration over advanced PM features.
Pricing
Free plan available; Standard at $5/user/month, Premium at $10/user/month (billed annually).
Teamwork
enterpriseFull-featured project management with time tracking, milestones, and billing to help freelancers scale their operations.
Seamless time-to-invoice automation with client-specific billing rates
Teamwork is a versatile project management platform tailored for teams and freelancers, offering tools for task management, time tracking, resource scheduling, and client collaboration. It supports multiple project views like lists, boards, and Gantt charts, along with invoicing and billing features to streamline client-based workflows. Designed for agency-style work, it includes client portals for proofing and feedback without granting full access.
Pros
- Robust time tracking with automatic invoicing from billable hours
- Client portals and guest access for easy collaboration without extra costs
- Flexible templates and multiple views for diverse project needs
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced reporting and unlimited projects
- Free plan limits storage and some integrations
- Mobile app lags behind desktop in functionality
Best For
Freelancers and small client-service agencies needing integrated time tracking, billing, and client proofing tools.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 5 users (limited features); paid plans start at $5.99/user/month (billed annually) for Deliver, up to $25.99/user/month for Pinnacle.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer diverse solutions to simplify freelance workflows, with the top three standing out for their comprehensive features. HoneyBook leads as the top choice, excelling in all-in-one client and project management. Dubsado and Paymo follow closely, with strong alternatives for workflow automation and combined project management needs respectively, ensuring there’s a fit for varied professional preferences.
Whether you’re just starting or scaling, HoneyBook is the ideal starting point to organize clients, contracts, and projects—take the next step in efficient freelance management today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
