HoneyBook vs 17hats: Which Client Management Software is Better? 

Do you need help finding the right tool to manage clients in your business?

With so many options, figuring out the best one can be overwhelming.

Don’t worry! Here at The Process Hacker, we’ve done a head-to-head comparison of two popular client management software programs, HoneyBook and 17hats, so you can make the right decision!

We’ll review all their features, price points, and customer service support to see which will fit your business needs best.

These tools will free up more time in your busy schedule by automating specific tasks like the ability to create invoices and contract management. They also allow you to provide better customer service by giving clients an easy way to communicate directly online.

So whether you are just starting off or looking for an upgrade, let us show you how HoneyBook and 17hats stack up against each other.

Check out our full article now to see which client management software fits your business best.

Brief Overview: HoneyBook vs 17hats

First, I’ll give you a quick overview of HoneyBook and 17hats:

HoneyBook

HoneyBook is a business management platform tailored for small business owners and freelance businesses. It allows you to streamline your process from inquiry to invoicing. The platform combines tools for billing, contract signing, online scheduling service, and communication.

Key Selling Points:

• Comprehensive client management
• Automated workflows and tasks
• Integrated calendar and online scheduling tools
• Secure payments and invoicing and client portal
• Customizable contract templates and lead capture forms
• Mobile app available for on-the-go management
• Expense management and streamlining of administrative tasks

17hats

17hats is a holistic organizational software solution for entrepreneurs and small business owners. It offers a suite of tools to simplify tasks like booking clients, drafting contracts, sending invoices, and managing projects, all from a unified dashboard.

Key Selling Points:

• Unified dashboard for business management
• Project and task management features
• Built-in CRM platform for client tracking and follow-ups
• Online contract signing, online payments, payment processing, client portal, and invoice management
• Time tracking and automatically import reporting functionality
• Financial forecasting and bookkeeping tools.

Quick Verdict: HoneyBook vs 17hats

Both HoneyBook and 17hats offer robust solutions for managing clients and business operations, but they cater to slightly different needs.

HoneyBook excels in providing a seamless, all-in-one platform for client management. It’s an ideal choice for businesses seeking a unified solution that automatically covers everything from booking and invoice reminders to tracking projects.

HoneyBook’s cloud-based CRM allows you to manage your business operations anytime, anywhere. It is fantastic for businesses with flexible working hours or remote teams.

17hats stands out for its customizable workflows, making it an excellent fit for businesses with unique operational needs. Its integrated platform not only ensures smooth business management but also enables you to tailor workflows according to your specific requirements.

Plus, its client management features like appointment scheduling and automated reminders can significantly enhance client interactions and improve customer satisfaction.

Product Overview: HoneyBook vs 17hats

What is it?

HoneyBook is a clientflow management platform designed to streamline the operations of independent businesses, creative entrepreneurs, and freelancers. It offers a comprehensive solution for booking clients, managing projects, and ensuring timely payments.

17hats is a business management software that integrates various aspects of business operations into a single platform. It’s designed to simplify tasks like billing, scheduling, communication, online payments, and project management for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Who is it for?

HoneyBook is perfect for independent businesses and freelancers looking for an all-in-one solution to manage their clients and projects and secure online payment options. Whether you’re a consultant, creative professional, or a service provider, HoneyBook can help you streamline your business operations.

17hats, however, is best suited for a small business owner or dedicated account manager who needs a unified platform to handle billing, scheduling, communication, and task management. If you’re running a small team and need to automate your workflows, 17hats is an excellent choice.

What makes it special?

What sets HoneyBook apart is its comprehensive client management capabilities for small businesses and solopreneurs. Its cloud-based CRM allows you to handle all business operations from anywhere. The platform also facilitates contract creation, invoice generation, accounts receivables listing, and collection of online payments, making it a genuinely all-encompassing solution.

17hats stands out due to its customizable workflows. It integrates various business operations tools like Google Calendar. It allows you to tailor these workflows according to their specific needs. Plus, it provides easy-to-use templates for quotes, contracts, and invoices, simplifying document creation.

What does it do?

HoneyBook is a complete business management tool that allows you to book clients, manage projects, and collect payments in one place. It also enables you to track projects and maintain control of your business operations.

17hats, meanwhile, offers a platform that combines billing, scheduling, communication, and project management. It allows you to create and customize workflows, manage clients with advanced features like appointment scheduling and automated reminders, and streamline document creation with handy templates.

Quick Comparison: 17hats vs HoneyBook

Key Features	HoneyBook	17hats
#1) Pricing		Winner
#2) Ease of Use	Winner
#3) Design & Functionality	Winner
#4) Customization	Tie	Tie
#5) Integrations	Tie	Tie
#6) Great Customer Service	Winner
#7) Mobile App	Winner
#8) Client Management	Winner
#9) Project Management		Winner
Overall	Winner

Feature Comparison: 17hats vs HoneyBook

Let’s compare the features of HoneyBook and 17hats so you can make the right decision for you and your business.

#1) Pricing and Free Plan

HoneyBook offers a straightforward pricing structure, with its starter plan priced at $19 per month. For businesses requiring more features and capabilities, HoneyBook also offers essentials and premium plans for unlimited team members, catering to varying business needs.

Starting at a slightly lower pricing plan, 17hats’ base plan is available for $15 per month. For those looking for more comprehensive tools and features, 17hats also provides Standard and Premier plans to fit diverse business requirements.

Considering the starting prices, 17hats offers a more affordable price point. However, the overall value depends on each plan’s specific features and tools in both products.

Also, 17hats and HoneyBook follow a similar strategy by offering trial periods instead of permanent free plans. This approach allows you to test the waters before diving in. Neither provides a continual free option, but it’s a tie based on the trials’ duration and feature availability.

Verdict: For pricing, 17hats offers a more affordable price point.

#2) Ease of Use

HoneyBook prides itself on its user-friendly interface and intuitive design. With drag-and-drop functionalities and clear navigation menus, even those new to business management software can quickly become accustomed to its features. The platform is designed with the non-tech-savvy user in mind, ensuring that tasks can be completed with minimal hassle.

17hats, on the other hand, also offers a streamlined user experience. The unified dashboard is its standout feature, providing you with a clear overview of your business operations. While it might take a slight learning curve for complete beginners, I’m sure you will find it relatively straightforward after playing around for a little bit.

When comparing ease of use, 17hats and HoneyBook have made considerable efforts to simplify interfaces, regardless of how comfortable you are with tech. However, even though 17hats offers a more comprehensive view of your work, HoneyBook slightly wins out for its ease of use.

Verdict: For ease of use, HoneyBook is a slightly better choice for complete beginners due to its intuitive design.

#3) Design & Functionality

HoneyBook boasts a sleek, modern design, allowing you to quickly access various tools and features. Integration between the different functionalities, such as invoicing, contracts, and scheduling, is seamless, ensuring smooth transitions and operations.

17hats offers a more compact, unified dashboard design that centralizes all business operations into one view. This design choice prioritizes functionality, making it easier for you to track different business processes simultaneously. However, while highly functional, you may find its design less aesthetically pleasing than HoneyBook’s.

17hats and HoneyBook shine in their unique ways when it comes to design and functionality. HoneyBook scores with its modern design and integrated tools, while 17hats focuses on delivering top-tier functionality with its unified dashboard. In my opinion, HoneyBook is the better choice for its intuitive design.

Verdict: It’s a close call for design and functionality, but HoneyBook has a slight edge for users who prioritize good design alongside functionality.

#4) Customization

HoneyBook stands out with its robust customization features. You can fine-tune contracts, forms, and invoice templates to align with your brand identity. Additionally, you can personalize workflow automation features based on the unique needs of your business, ensuring that the platform adapts to your operational style.

17hats also offers strong customization capabilities. Its platform allows you to modify templates, client portals, and dashboards to reflect your brand better. You can adjust workflows, reminders, and automated responses to get a high degree of flexibility in your operations.

Regarding customization, 17hats, and HoneyBook provide you with ample tools to adapt the software to your needs. HoneyBook’s strength lies in its adaptable templates and workflow automation, while 17hats provides broader customization across its entire platform.

Verdict: For customization, it’s a tie. Both HoneyBook and 17hats offer extensive customization features, allowing you to personalize the platform to suit your operations and brand best.

#5) Integrations

HoneyBook prides itself on its ability to integrate seamlessly with various popular tools and platforms, enhancing its utility for businesses. Integrations include Zapier integration and tools for calendar syncing like Google Calendar, accounting software, and more, allowing you to centralize your operations without constantly switching between different software solutions.

17hats also offers integrations with different services, from email marketing tools to payment processing. By doing so, 17hats ensures you can maintain a continuous workflow without disruptions, further streamlining your business operations.

When comparing integrations, both HoneyBook and 17hats offer a range of integrations catering to different needs. As both offer similar integrations, it’s challenging to decide on a clear winner. The choice will depend on your individual business needs and the specific tools you care about.

Verdict: For integrations, it’s a tie. Both HoneyBook and 17hats provide comprehensive integration capabilities, ensuring businesses can connect with the tools they rely on daily. 

#6) Great Customer Service

HoneyBook strongly emphasizes providing exceptional customer support. You can expect responsive assistance through various channels, including live chat, email, and an extensive knowledge base. The platform also offers webinars and tutorials, ensuring you can make the most of the platform’s top features.

17hats also prioritizes customer support, offering multiple avenues for you to seek help. Its customer support includes email assistance, a detailed FAQ section, and community forums where you can share insights and solutions. While effective, they may not respond as immediately as live chat options.

I understand the importance of getting an immediate response when facing pressing issues or queries. Thus, HoneyBook has an edge due to its presence of live chat and the availability of educational resources like webinars. 

Verdict: HoneyBook takes the lead for customer support due to its responsive live chat and a broader array of educational resources that enhance user experience and problem resolution.

#7) Mobile Apps

HoneyBook has a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android, enabling you to manage your operations on the go. The app retains most of the platform’s primary features, including client communication, invoicing, and task management. Its user-friendly interface ensures seamless transitions between desktop and mobile operations.

17hats also has a mobile app available for both major mobile platforms. The app is designed to give you access to essential features, such as project tracking, client communications, and invoicing. While functional, it has fewer features and feels less intuitive.

Having a phone app helps you access your client portal on the go. And so, HoneyBook’s seamless design and transition between its desktop and mobile versions gives it a slight edge.

Verdict: HoneyBook is the better choice for mobile apps due to its more intuitive design and smoother transition between devices, providing an enhanced mobile experience for you.

#8) Client Relationship Management

HoneyBook offers an integrated CRM system that helps you track client details, project statuses, and communications effortlessly in one centralized platform. With standout tools like contact forms, questionnaires, and sync capabilities with other tools, all of your client-related data is easily accessible, which optimizes and improves your client relationships.

17hats, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive CRM system. While it does allow you to manage leads using a customizable lead capture form, onboard clients, and maintain detailed client profiles, it leans heavily on its built-in system to keep track of interactions.

Comparing the two, HoneyBook’s approach to client management is notably more hands-on and tailored for businesses that prefer a seamless integration of features. While 17hats has its strengths, HoneyBook’s detailed and integrated tools, such as contact forms and questionnaires, give it an edge in managing your client relationships.

Verdict: For CRM features, HoneyBook takes the lead with its well-integrated and user-friendly tools, providing an efficient way to manage client relationships.

Project Management Features

HoneyBook offers a suite of project management features tailored to managing your client flow, including the ability to track progress, assign tasks, and set deadlines. It also provides task-specific details like contact information, budget tracking, message reminders, and document attachments.  

17hats also offers simple project management capabilities such as client profiles, task lists, and calendars. You can easily keep track of your projects with the timeline view that shows all tasks in one convenient place. With 17hats’ automated workflows and filters, you can customize your processes for efficient project management.

Both tools offer simple features to track tasks, projects, and deadlines. However, 17hats is the better option for project management due to the ability to create simple task lists and automated workflows to streamline your processes in one place!

Verdict: For comprehensive project management capabilities, 17hats is your best option, offering simple project management so you can stay on top of your tasks.

Final Thoughts on HoneyBook vs 17hats

After doing a ton of research and tinkering, I can say that both HoneyBook and 17hats are excellent client management software tools!

17hats offers a well-rounded suite, particularly in project management, with its unified dashboard and comprehensive CRM features. It caters to those who prefer an all-inclusive overview of business operations.

However, HoneyBook shines when it comes to client relationship management. Its integrated tools, from contact forms to questionnaires, are intuitively designed to provide you with a great user experience.

As a busy business owner with extensive experience evaluating and utilizing these platforms, I significantly care about user experience, efficiency, and adaptability.

Thus, I highly recommend HoneyBook for those who prioritize top-notch client management.

Its cohesive approach ensures that every lead and customer interaction is handled with utmost precision and professionalism.

If client relationships are at the core of your business or you’re one of the creative professionals, invest in HoneyBook to elevate your business game!