As a solo consultant, the gap between “using a CRM” and “just emailing PDFs back and forth” usually comes down to two tools: HoneyBook and Bonsai. Both handle proposals, contracts, and invoicing for client-based work — the difference is how much setup you’re willing to do to save a few dollars a month.
Quick Verdict
For proposals, contracts, and invoicing out of the box, the two land in a similar price range — but Bonsai‘s Essentials tier undercuts HoneyBook’s cheapest full-featured plan by a few dollars and throws in time tracking on every tier. HoneyBook‘s templates are more polished and need less setup. If you want the fastest path to a professional client experience, pick HoneyBook; if you bill by the hour and don’t mind a bit more configuration, Bonsai is the better value.
| Feature | HoneyBook | Bonsai |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (full-featured tier) | $29–36/mo | $25/user/mo |
| Free plan | Trial only | Trial only |
| Contracts & e-signatures | Yes | Yes |
| Proposals | Yes | Yes |
| Invoicing & payments | Yes | Yes, on Essentials tier and up |
| Time tracking | No | Yes, on every tier |
| Client portal | Yes | Yes, on Essentials tier and up |
| Support | Chat + email |
HoneyBook
HoneyBook leans on ready-made templates for proposals, contracts, and invoices, so a new consultant can send a polished client experience on day one. If you’re comparing it against other CRM options, we’ve also written a full HoneyBook vs. Dubsado comparison that digs into its customization trade-offs.
Pros
- Polished, client-facing templates with minimal setup
- Built-in payment processing with installment plans
- Strong client portal for a professional handoff
Cons
- No native time tracking
- No permanent free plan — trial period only
Try HoneyBook
Start a free trial — see it with your own client flow.
Bonsai
Bonsai is built around the full arc of consulting work — proposals, contracts, invoicing, and time tracking — with a per-user price that undercuts HoneyBook once you need the full feature set. Its entry-level Basic tier is cheaper still, but skips invoicing, contracts, and the client portal, so most consultants will actually land on Essentials.
Pros
- Time tracking included on every tier, even the cheapest
- Essentials tier undercuts HoneyBook’s equivalent plan
- Unlimited projects and a built-in CRM from the base tier
Cons
- Basic tier lacks invoicing, contracts, and the client portal — easy to underestimate the real starting price
- Templates feel less polished out of the box than HoneyBook’s
Ready to try Bonsai?
Start a free trial — no credit card required.
Best For
Solo Consultants Who Want Zero Setup
HoneyBook’s templates get a professional client experience running on day one, no configuration required.
Best For
Consultants Who Bill by the Hour
Bonsai’s native time tracking, included on every tier, fits hourly billing without a separate app.
Best For
Budget-Conscious Consultants
Bonsai’s Essentials tier is the cheaper way to get contracts, invoicing, and a client portal in one place.
Both tools cover the core of running a consulting practice — the choice mostly comes down to whether you’d rather pay a little more for polish, or configure a bit more to save on the monthly bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Bonsai’s Basic plan for client contracts and invoicing?
No — Bonsai’s Basic plan doesn’t include invoicing, contracts, or the client portal. You’ll need the Essentials tier ($25/user/mo) to get the features most consultants actually need day to day.
Does HoneyBook support time tracking for hourly billing?
No, HoneyBook doesn’t include native time tracking. If you bill by the hour, Bonsai’s time tracking — included on every tier — or a separate time-tracking app would need to run alongside HoneyBook.
Which tool is easier to switch to if I’m currently using spreadsheets and email?
HoneyBook is the faster switch since its templates are ready to use out of the box. Bonsai takes a bit more setup time but rewards you with more customization once you’re comfortable with it.
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