Bonsai Alternatives (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Bonsai is a client and invoicing suite that many freelancers use for proposals, contracts, time tracking and invoices in one place. If you're wondering whether something else would fit the way you work, perhaps with a different layout, a different mix of features or a different way to handle clients, it's worth looking around before you settle.

Below are ten Bonsai alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. I've written each line from the maker's own website, so please check the current details there before you decide. If you're still working out what to look for, my checklist for choosing invoicing and billing software is a good place to start.

Ten freelance business suites at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the maker's own site describes a plan you can keep using with no time limit. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. No means the site states neither. Offers change, so check before you start.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Agiled	Business platform	CRM, projects and invoices together	Trial only
Avaza	Projects and invoicing	Timesheets, projects and invoices	Yes
Billdu	Invoicing app	Quotes, estimates and invoices on the go	Trial only
Dubsado	Client workflow suite	Proposals, contracts and scheduling	Trial only
Flowlu	Projects and CRM	Sales pipeline plus project tracking	Yes
FreeAgent	Accounting software	Invoices tied to bookkeeping	Trial only
HoneyBook	Client management	Proposals, contracts and client payments	Trial only
Moxie	Freelance suite	Clients, time and invoicing for freelancers	Trial only
Plutio	All-in-one workspace	Projects, proposals, bookings and invoices	Trial only
Zoho Invoice	Invoicing software	Free invoicing with quotes and reminders	Yes

Ten client and invoicing apps to weigh against Bonsai

Agiled

Best for: Small service businesses who want client records, projects and invoices in one platform with a trial to test it first.

Avaza

Best for: Freelancers and small teams who want timesheets, project tracking and online invoicing, with a free plan to start on.

Billdu

Best for: Solo traders who mostly need quotes, estimates and invoices from a phone or laptop without extra project features.

Dubsado

Best for: Creative and service freelancers who want proposals, contracts, invoices and scheduling to follow one repeatable client flow.

Flowlu

Best for: Freelancers and small agencies who want a sales pipeline and project management together, starting on a free plan.

FreeAgent

Best for: Self-employed people who want invoices connected to bookkeeping and tax reports in one accounting package.

HoneyBook

Best for: Creative professionals who want proposals, contracts, invoices and client conversations handled in one client platform.

Moxie

Best for: Independent freelancers who want one app for client records, time tracking, proposals and invoices.

Plutio

Best for: Freelancers who want tasks, proposals, bookings and client invoices inside one branded workspace.

Zoho Invoice

Best for: Small businesses who want straightforward invoicing, quotes and payment reminders without a full project suite.

What a solo business suite should handle for you

Start with the jobs you repeat every week, not the long feature list. If you can't picture using a feature in the coming weeks, it probably won't decide anything.

• Proposals and contracts. Can a client read, accept and sign without creating an account?
• Invoices. Look for repeat invoices, reminders and your own branding.
• Time and projects. Check whether tracking hours sits next to the client record.
• Client portal. Ask what clients see and whether it carries your logo.
• Payments. Find out which payment methods work in your country.
• Reporting. You'll want to see who owes you what at a glance.
• Export. Make sure you can take your client list and documents with you.

Questions to ask before you move your clients across

Changing the system your clients use is more delicate than changing a notes app. They'll notice if links break or reminders look different, so settle these points first.

• Which open projects and unpaid invoices will stay in the old tool until they finish?
• Will existing signed contracts still be easy to find afterwards?
• Does the new tool let clients pay in the way they're used to?
• How will clients be told about the change, and by whom?
• What does the tool do with your data if you leave it?

A smooth hand-over also helps your first impression with new clients. My piece on how smarter systems smooth client onboarding covers the thinking behind that.

Moving proposals, contracts and invoices step by step

1. Export your client list and save copies of every signed document.
2. Note down your standard terms, payment details and invoice numbering.
3. Set up your branding, templates and payment methods in the new tool.
4. Recreate one proposal and one invoice, then send them to yourself.
5. Move current clients over at a natural break, such as a new project.
6. Keep the old account read-only until your records are complete.

Matching a freelance suite to the way you work

• Creative and event freelancers often like a flow built around enquiries, proposals and bookings.
• Writers, designers and developers usually value time tracking and project views.
• Very light users may need only quotes and invoices, nothing more.
• Anyone with an accountant should ask which formats that accountant accepts.
• Small agencies tend to need shared access and team views.

Why a smaller freelance app can be a smart pick

Smaller makers often build for a narrow group and listen closely to customers. You may get a simpler screen, quicker answers when you ask for help and updates shaped by people who work like you.

Before you commit, read the help pages, see how recently the product was updated and check that you can export your records. If the site doesn't say, ask. It's also sensible to run one real client through it before you move everyone.

Mistakes freelancers make when picking a client suite

• Choosing on the longest feature list rather than the jobs you repeat each week.
• Moving every client in one go, instead of starting with new work.
• Forgetting to check how a contract, once signed, is stored and found again.
• Building elaborate automations before the basic invoice flow works.
• Ignoring how the client sees the tool, which is part of your brand.

A calm, small first step beats a big switch. Start with one template and one client, then build outwards.

Do you make freelance, client or invoicing software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

A quick check before you commit

Write down your three must-have jobs, shortlist two options and run one real client project in each as a trial. Keep the one that makes your week lighter. Tax and VAT treatment of invoices depends on where you work, so check with your accountant, as this page isn't tax or financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is a freelance business management suite?

It's software that brings client records, proposals, contracts, time tracking and invoices into one place, so you're not juggling separate apps for each job.

Why would someone look for a Bonsai alternative?

Reasons vary: a different layout, a different mix of features, a better fit for your type of work or simply wanting to compare. Start by listing the jobs you need it to do.

Can I move my clients and documents between tools?

Client lists can usually be exported and imported, and documents can be saved as files. Templates and automations normally need rebuilding by hand, so list them first.

Do I need an accountant's view before I switch?

It helps. Your accountant may prefer certain formats or reports. This isn't tax advice, so check VAT and tax questions with them for your own situation.

Is a free plan enough for a new freelancer?

It can be while you have only a few clients. Read the limits on clients, invoices and features first, and check that the things you rely on are included.