7 Best Alternatives to 17hats for Small Business and Freelancer Management

Bizway

What is it? An adaptive, AI-enhanced hub designed specifically for the modern solo entrepreneur and freelancers.

Key Features: Integration of AI assistants, automated task management, strategic business tracking, KPI dashboards.

Pros: Advanced and customizable AI, easy-to-navigate interface, a comprehensive suite for managing business functions.

Cons: May involve a learning curve with advanced AI features, possibly best suited for smaller operations.

Pricing: Starts at $49/mo for the Starter package, with Scale at $99/mo, and Portfolio at $199/mo.

Best For: Solopreneurs and small business owners who prioritize innovative AI capabilities in business management.

HoneyBook

What is it? All-in-one client management platform that helps freelancers and small businesses automate and manage their clients' experiences.

Key Features: Project tracking, invoicing and payments, client communication, contract management.

Pros: Intuitive user interface, convenient automation of tasks, comprehensive client booking flows.

Cons: Can be on the expensive side for small businesses needing access for additional team members.

Pricing: Starting at $40/month, with annual payment discounts available.

Best For: Creative professionals and small businesses needing a hands-on tool for client lifecycle management.

Dubsado

What is it? An extensive business management solution designed for streamlining client interaction and project management workflows.

Key Features: CRM system, automated workflows, invoicing, contract signing, and client portal.

Pros: Provides customizable workflows, built-in scheduling, and robust integration with other tools.

Cons: Can require substantial time investment to set up and customize, potentially overwhelming feature set.

Pricing: Starting at $35/month, with a discount for yearly subscriptions.

Best For: Service-oriented businesses looking for comprehensive client management and workflow automation.

Bonsai

What is it? A compact suite that offers freelancers a range of tools including proposal, contract, invoice creation, and time tracking.

Key Features: Custom proposals and contracts, expense tracking, client CRM, task automation.

Pros: Freelancer-focused design, straightforward setup and billing, useful template library.

Cons: Not as robust as some other tools for larger teams or complex business needs.

Pricing: Workflow plan from $19/month when paid annually.

Best For: Freelancers and independent consultants in need of an organized system to manage different aspects of their business.

Tave

What is it? A studio management solution highly tailored for photographers and other creatives that need to track leads, jobs, and client relationships.

Key Features: Robust lead tracking, order management, booking, invoicing, and studio financials.

Pros: Photographer-centric functionality, helps automate and track the various aspects of a photography business.

Cons: May require some customization effort upfront, functionality might be excessive for non-creative businesses.

Pricing: Starts at $21.99/month with options depending on the number of brands managed.

Best For: Photographers and creative professionals needing a comprehensive system to manage their studio and client work.

Studio Ninja

What is it? A user-friendly client management system specifically developed for photographers to handle their business tasks easily.

Key Features: Client management, workflow automation, scheduling, invoicing, online contracts, and payments.

Pros: Intuitively designed for photography businesses, solid automation features, minimalistic interface.

Cons: Aimed mainly at one industry, might not provide broad functionality for non-photography businesses.

Pricing: Monthly plans starting at $17.95, with a free trial to test features.

Best For: Photographers who require a specialized tool to efficiently manage the client and business side of their work.

Acuity Scheduling

What is it? An online appointment scheduling service that facilitates client bookings and organizational tasks.

Key Features: Automated scheduling, customizable intake forms, payment processing, and calendar syncing.

Pros: Comprehensive scheduling tool, enhanced client experience through streamlined appointment setting.

Cons: Focused largely on scheduling, might lack depth in other areas of business management.

Pricing: Free with essential features; advanced plans start at $15/month.

Best For: Small businesses that need a robust scheduling tool integrated with additional business management features.