Quick Overview
- 1#1: ConnectWise Manage - All-in-one professional services automation platform for IT and managed service providers to handle ticketing, projects, billing, and resource management.
- 2#2: Datto Autotask PSA - Cloud-based PSA solution integrating CRM, project management, time tracking, and invoicing for professional services firms.
- 3#3: Accelo - End-to-end professional services automation tool for sales, project delivery, time tracking, and retainer billing.
- 4#4: BigTime - Resource planning, time tracking, and expense management software tailored for professional services organizations.
- 5#5: Kantata - Enterprise-class professional services management platform for portfolio visibility, resource optimization, and financial forecasting.
- 6#6: Scoro - All-in-one business management software combining CRM, project management, billing, and reporting for service businesses.
- 7#7: Certinia PSA - Salesforce-native PSA solution for project management, resource planning, and professional services delivery.
- 8#8: Deltek Vision - ERP and PSA software for project-based firms in architecture, engineering, and consulting with robust financials and project controls.
- 9#9: Kimble - AI-powered PSA platform on Salesforce for services-led organizations to manage projects, services, and customer success.
- 10#10: HarmonyPSA - Integrated PSA tool for MSPs and professional services with CRM, ticketing, billing, and analytics in a single platform.
We ranked tools based on core feature depth (including ticketing, resource planning, and billing), user experience, scalability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the rigorous needs of modern professional service firms.
Comparison Table
Professional service software is essential for optimizing workflows in service-based businesses, and this comparison table examines top tools like ConnectWise Manage, Datto Autotask PSA, Accelo, BigTime, Kantata, and more. Readers will gain insights into features, pricing models, and best-use scenarios to identify the right solution for their team’s specific needs, making it easier to evaluate options effectively.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ConnectWise Manage All-in-one professional services automation platform for IT and managed service providers to handle ticketing, projects, billing, and resource management. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Datto Autotask PSA Cloud-based PSA solution integrating CRM, project management, time tracking, and invoicing for professional services firms. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Accelo End-to-end professional services automation tool for sales, project delivery, time tracking, and retainer billing. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | BigTime Resource planning, time tracking, and expense management software tailored for professional services organizations. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Kantata Enterprise-class professional services management platform for portfolio visibility, resource optimization, and financial forecasting. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Scoro All-in-one business management software combining CRM, project management, billing, and reporting for service businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Certinia PSA Salesforce-native PSA solution for project management, resource planning, and professional services delivery. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Deltek Vision ERP and PSA software for project-based firms in architecture, engineering, and consulting with robust financials and project controls. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Kimble AI-powered PSA platform on Salesforce for services-led organizations to manage projects, services, and customer success. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | HarmonyPSA Integrated PSA tool for MSPs and professional services with CRM, ticketing, billing, and analytics in a single platform. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
All-in-one professional services automation platform for IT and managed service providers to handle ticketing, projects, billing, and resource management.
Cloud-based PSA solution integrating CRM, project management, time tracking, and invoicing for professional services firms.
End-to-end professional services automation tool for sales, project delivery, time tracking, and retainer billing.
Resource planning, time tracking, and expense management software tailored for professional services organizations.
Enterprise-class professional services management platform for portfolio visibility, resource optimization, and financial forecasting.
All-in-one business management software combining CRM, project management, billing, and reporting for service businesses.
Salesforce-native PSA solution for project management, resource planning, and professional services delivery.
ERP and PSA software for project-based firms in architecture, engineering, and consulting with robust financials and project controls.
AI-powered PSA platform on Salesforce for services-led organizations to manage projects, services, and customer success.
Integrated PSA tool for MSPs and professional services with CRM, ticketing, billing, and analytics in a single platform.
ConnectWise Manage
enterpriseAll-in-one professional services automation platform for IT and managed service providers to handle ticketing, projects, billing, and resource management.
Advanced service desk with configurable boards, SLAs, and procurement automation tailored specifically for MSP workflows
ConnectWise Manage is a leading Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform tailored for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service organizations. It unifies ticketing, CRM, project management, scheduling, billing, and reporting to streamline service delivery and business operations. With deep customization and an extensive marketplace of integrations, it supports scaling from small teams to enterprise-level deployments.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and service boards for complex MSP operations
- Extensive integrations via the ConnectWise Marketplace with 1,000+ partners
- Powerful reporting, analytics, and automation tools for efficiency gains
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to depth and customization options
- Higher pricing that may strain smaller businesses
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Mid-sized to large MSPs and IT service providers needing a scalable, all-in-one PSA for end-to-end operations.
Pricing
Subscription-based with tiers starting at ~$55/user/month for Standard, up to $120+/user/month for Enterprise; custom quotes common with add-ons.
Datto Autotask PSA
enterpriseCloud-based PSA solution integrating CRM, project management, time tracking, and invoicing for professional services firms.
Integrated SLA and contract management with automated alerting and proactive dispatching for superior service level adherence
Datto Autotask PSA is a comprehensive cloud-based Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform tailored for managed service providers (MSPs) and IT service organizations. It centralizes ticketing, CRM, project management, resource scheduling, time tracking, invoicing, and reporting to streamline service delivery and operations. With deep integrations into RMM tools and the Datto ecosystem, it enables efficient scaling for professional services firms handling recurring IT contracts.
Pros
- All-in-one PSA suite with robust ticketing, billing, and CRM integration
- Advanced automation workflows and SLA management for IT services
- Scalable reporting and analytics with strong RMM ecosystem compatibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated user interface
- Complex customization requiring technical expertise
- Higher costs make it less ideal for very small teams
Best For
Mid-sized MSPs and IT professional service firms needing a scalable, feature-rich PSA for managing contracts, projects, and service desks.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at ~$85/user/month, with tiers scaling by modules, users, and add-ons like mobile or advanced analytics.
Accelo
enterpriseEnd-to-end professional services automation tool for sales, project delivery, time tracking, and retainer billing.
Smart retainer management with automated recurring billing and utilization tracking
Accelo is a comprehensive professional services automation (PSA) platform that unifies CRM, project management, sales quoting, time tracking, resource scheduling, invoicing, and reporting into a single system for service-based businesses. It enables teams to manage the full client lifecycle, from lead generation and proposals to project delivery, billing, and profitability analysis. Ideal for agencies, consultancies, and IT firms, Accelo emphasizes automation to reduce manual work and improve visibility across operations.
Pros
- All-in-one integration eliminates need for multiple tools
- Powerful automation for workflows, retainers, and invoicing
- Robust reporting and real-time profitability insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full feature set
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams
Best For
Mid-sized service firms handling complex projects and retainers that need end-to-end automation without juggling multiple apps.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (billed annually) for Retainer plan; scales to Professional ($69/user/mo), Elite ($89/user/mo), and custom Enterprise pricing.
BigTime
specializedResource planning, time tracking, and expense management software tailored for professional services organizations.
Real-time project profitability dashboards with drill-down analytics
BigTime is a professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for firms in accounting, engineering, architecture, IT consulting, and similar industries. It offers comprehensive tools for time and expense tracking, project management, resource scheduling, invoicing, and profitability analysis. The software emphasizes real-time visibility into project performance and workforce utilization to drive better decision-making and financial outcomes.
Pros
- Robust time/expense tracking with mobile app support
- Advanced resource planning and skill-based scheduling
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Salesforce, and others
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced tiers
- Steeper learning curve for complex reporting
- Limited out-of-box customizations without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized professional services firms needing integrated PSA for project profitability and resource optimization.
Pricing
Starts at ~$20/user/month (Pro plan billed annually), up to $55+/user/month for Elite; custom quotes for larger teams.
Kantata
enterpriseEnterprise-class professional services management platform for portfolio visibility, resource optimization, and financial forecasting.
AI-driven resource optimization and capacity planning for precise forecasting and utilization
Kantata is a robust professional services automation (PSA) platform designed to manage the entire services lifecycle from lead to cash for consultancies, agencies, and IT services firms. It excels in resource planning, project scheduling, time tracking, expense management, invoicing, and profitability analysis. The software provides enterprise-grade visibility into operations, helping teams optimize utilization and forecast accurately.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end PSA capabilities including resource management and financials
- Advanced analytics for profitability and forecasting
- Scalable for mid-to-large enterprises with strong integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High cost unsuitable for small teams
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Mid-sized to large professional services organizations needing sophisticated resource and project management at scale.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $39-$59 per user per month for core plans, with enterprise tiers higher based on features and users.
Scoro
enterpriseAll-in-one business management software combining CRM, project management, billing, and reporting for service businesses.
Integrated profitability tracking that links quotes, time, expenses, and invoices for real-time project margins
Scoro is a comprehensive all-in-one business management platform tailored for professional services firms, integrating CRM, project management, resource planning, time tracking, quoting, invoicing, and reporting into a single system. It enables teams to manage the entire client lifecycle from lead capture to payment collection while providing deep insights into profitability and performance. Designed to replace fragmented tools, Scoro streamlines operations for agencies, consultancies, and similar organizations seeking unified workflow automation.
Pros
- All-in-one platform eliminates need for multiple tools
- Powerful reporting and profitability analytics
- Strong automation for quotes, tasks, and billing workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- User interface feels somewhat dated and cluttered
- Higher pricing compared to simpler alternatives
Best For
Professional services firms like marketing agencies and consultancies needing end-to-end management of projects, clients, and finances in one robust system.
Pricing
Starts at $26/user/month (Essential, billed annually) up to $71/user/month (Ultimate); custom enterprise pricing available.
Certinia PSA
enterpriseSalesforce-native PSA solution for project management, resource planning, and professional services delivery.
Native Salesforce Platform integration for real-time synchronization of CRM, projects, and financials without third-party connectors
Certinia PSA is a robust Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform built natively on Salesforce, enabling services organizations to manage projects, resources, time, expenses, and billing within a unified ecosystem. It streamlines the entire services lifecycle, from opportunity scoping and resource allocation to financial forecasting and revenue recognition. By leveraging Salesforce's CRM foundation, it provides real-time visibility and scalability for enterprise-level professional services firms.
Pros
- Seamless native integration with Salesforce CRM for unified data and workflows
- Comprehensive resource management with AI-driven forecasting and scheduling
- Advanced project profitability tracking and revenue recognition capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to Salesforce complexity and heavy customization needs
- High implementation costs and time, often requiring professional services
- Pricing tied to Salesforce licenses, making it expensive for smaller firms
Best For
Mid-to-large professional services organizations already invested in Salesforce seeking enterprise-grade PSA with deep CRM integration.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at $150-250 per user/month, requires underlying Salesforce licenses (Editions from Professional to Unlimited).
Deltek Vision
enterpriseERP and PSA software for project-based firms in architecture, engineering, and consulting with robust financials and project controls.
Advanced DCAA-compliant project accounting and earned value management for precise cost control and forecasting
Deltek Vision (now evolved into Deltek Vantagepoint) is a comprehensive ERP platform tailored for professional services firms, especially in architecture, engineering, consulting, and government contracting. It integrates project accounting, resource management, CRM, time and expense tracking, invoicing, and business intelligence to streamline operations for project-based businesses. The software emphasizes compliance, forecasting, and profitability analysis, making it suitable for complex, regulated environments.
Pros
- Deep project financials and profitability tracking with earned value management
- Strong compliance tools for DCAA and government contracts
- Robust reporting and customizable dashboards
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- Dated user interface in some modules
- High implementation and ongoing costs
Best For
Mid-to-large professional services firms handling complex projects and government contracts that require advanced financial compliance.
Pricing
Quote-based; typically $150-300+ per user/month for core modules, plus significant one-time implementation fees ($50K+).
Kimble
enterpriseAI-powered PSA platform on Salesforce for services-led organizations to manage projects, services, and customer success.
Native Salesforce Platform integration that eliminates data silos between PSA operations and CRM customer data
Kimble is a robust Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform tailored for services organizations, enabling efficient management of projects, resources, time, expenses, and billing. Built natively on Salesforce, it provides seamless CRM integration, real-time visibility into profitability, and advanced forecasting tools. The software helps teams optimize resource allocation, streamline invoicing, and drive revenue growth through data-driven insights.
Pros
- Deep native integration with Salesforce for seamless CRM-PSA data flow
- Comprehensive resource management and profitability forecasting
- Strong analytics and reporting for project performance insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to Salesforce-based architecture
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small teams
- Requires technical expertise for advanced customizations
Best For
Mid-to-large professional services firms heavily invested in Salesforce seeking integrated PSA and CRM functionality.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically $75-$150 per user per month depending on modules, users, and deployment scale.
HarmonyPSA
specializedIntegrated PSA tool for MSPs and professional services with CRM, ticketing, billing, and analytics in a single platform.
Harmony Square workflow engine for highly customizable automation across projects and processes
HarmonyPSA is a cloud-based Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform tailored for IT services, consulting firms, and managed service providers (MSPs). It integrates CRM, project management, resource scheduling, time and expense tracking, invoicing, and advanced reporting into a single system to streamline the entire service delivery lifecycle. The software emphasizes automation and customization to help teams deliver projects efficiently while maximizing profitability.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one PSA suite covering CRM to billing
- Powerful reporting and analytics with customizable dashboards
- Strong resource scheduling and forecasting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Mobile app lacks some desktop features
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams
Best For
Mid-sized professional services firms seeking an integrated PSA solution without multiple disjointed tools.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $49/user/month for Essentials tier, with higher plans up to Enterprise at custom rates.
Conclusion
The top 10 professional service software tools each offer unique strengths, but ConnectWise Manage shines as the leading choice, providing a comprehensive all-in-one platform for IT and managed service providers to streamline ticketing, projects, billing, and resource management. Datto Autotask PSA and Accelo follow closely, with robust solutions for cloud and enterprise needs, respectively, though they prioritize specific operational aspects. Ultimately, ConnectWise Manage sets the standard for versatility and integration, while other top tools cater to distinct workflows.
Explore ConnectWise Manage to experience its intuitive design and all-encompassing features—whether you’re managing tickets, tracking time, or invoicing clients, it streamlines operations, making it a top pick for professional service success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison