The best proposal software depends on how you sell. PandaDoc suits most businesses that send proposals and contracts, Proposify suits sales teams that want control over templates, Qwilr suits interactive web-page proposals, Better Proposals and Nusii suit agencies and consultants, Bonsai, HoneyBook and Dubsado suit freelancers and service businesses, and GetAccept suits sales teams that use video.
I've written a lot of proposals, and the ones that win are clear, personal and easy to say yes to. The ones that lose sit in an inbox as a PDF nobody opened. Proposal software helps with both problems: it speeds up writing and shows you when the client has read it.
The tools below are well known and widely used by agencies, consultants and sales teams. I've focused on what each one is known for, not a ranking, so treat this as a shortlist and build your next real proposal in two of them.
What should you look for in proposal software?
- Templates and content library. Reusable sections for case studies, process and terms save hours.
- E-signatures. Letting clients sign inside the proposal removes a step between yes and start.
- Tracking. Knowing when a client opens and reads your proposal tells you when to follow up.
- Payments. Some tools let clients pay a deposit as soon as they accept.
- Branding. Proposals should look like your business, not the software.
- Integrations. Links with your CRM and accounting tools keep deals and invoices in step.
Proposal software compared
| Tool | Best for | Stand-out feature |
|---|---|---|
| PandaDoc | Most businesses | Proposals, quotes and contracts |
| Proposify | Sales teams | Template control and analytics |
| Qwilr | Interactive proposals | Proposals as web pages |
| Better Proposals | Agencies and consultants | Templates and fast setup |
| Bonsai | Freelancers | Proposals, contracts and invoices |
| HoneyBook | Service businesses | Client flow from enquiry to payment |
| Dubsado | Service businesses | Workflows and client portals |
| Nusii | Agencies and freelancers | Simple proposal builder |
| GetAccept | Sales teams | Video in sales documents |
Plans and features change often, so check each vendor's current plans before you commit.
The best proposal software
1. PandaDoc
PandaDoc is a document platform for proposals, quotes and contracts. It includes templates, a content library, e-signatures, approval workflows and document tracking.
Who it suits: most businesses that send proposals, quotes and contracts regularly.
What stands out: breadth. Proposals, quotes and contracts all live in one tool with e-signatures built in.
Watch out for: there's a lot in it, so build a couple of tidy templates before you invite the team.
2. Proposify
Proposify is proposal software built for sales teams. It focuses on templates, content control, approvals, e-signatures and proposal analytics.
Who it suits: sales teams that want consistent proposals and insight into how they perform.
What stands out: control. Managers can lock template sections so proposals stay on-brand and accurate.
Watch out for: solo owners may find it more structured than they need.
3. Qwilr
Qwilr turns proposals into interactive web pages rather than documents. Clients can scroll through, watch embedded video, choose options and accept online.
Who it suits: businesses that want proposals to stand out and feel modern.
What stands out: the format. A web-page proposal feels very different from another PDF.
Watch out for: some clients still expect a document, so check how yours like to review and sign.
4. Better Proposals
Better Proposals is UK-based proposal software with templates, e-signatures, tracking and online payments.
Who it suits: agencies, consultants and service businesses who want good-looking proposals quickly.
What stands out: the template library, which gives you a strong starting point for many industries.
Watch out for: check its integrations with your CRM and accounting tools.
5. Bonsai
Bonsai is an all-in-one tool for freelancers, covering proposals, contracts, invoices, time tracking and client management.
Who it suits: freelancers who want proposals and the admin that follows in one place.
What stands out: the joined-up flow from proposal to contract to invoice.
Watch out for: if you only need proposals, a dedicated proposal tool may go deeper.
6. HoneyBook
HoneyBook is client management software for service businesses. It covers enquiries, proposals, contracts, invoices and payments, with automations between them.
Who it suits: service businesses such as photographers, planners, designers and coaches.
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What stands out: the client journey. A proposal can lead straight into a contract and invoice.
Watch out for: check its availability and features in your country.
7. Dubsado
Dubsado is client management software with proposals, contracts, forms, scheduling, invoices and workflows that automate the steps between them.
Who it suits: service businesses that want detailed workflows and client portals.
What stands out: automation. Once your workflow is built, much of the admin runs itself.
Watch out for: setup takes time, so plan your workflow on paper first.
8. Nusii
Nusii is a simple proposal tool for agencies and freelancers, with templates, a content library, notifications and online acceptance.
Who it suits: small agencies and freelancers who want a focused, easy proposal tool.
What stands out: simplicity. It does proposals and doesn't try to do everything else.
Watch out for: if you also want contracts and invoices in one place, compare the all-in-one tools.
9. GetAccept
GetAccept is a sales platform for proposals and contracts that lets you add personal videos, chat with buyers inside the document and collect e-signatures.
Who it suits: sales teams selling higher-value deals with several decision makers.
What stands out: video and chat inside the proposal, which keeps the conversation going.
Watch out for: it's built for sales teams, so solo service businesses may not need it.
How to choose the right proposal software
Look at what happens after the yes. If you want the client to sign, pay a deposit and land in your onboarding without you lifting a finger, HoneyBook, Dubsado or Bonsai will appeal. If proposals are the main event and you need them to look sharp, PandaDoc, Proposify, Qwilr and Better Proposals are stronger.
Then rebuild your last winning proposal in your two favourite tools. Send both to yourself on your phone. The one that looks clearest and is easiest to accept is the one your clients will like too.
One more thing I've learned the hard way: the software won't write a winning proposal for you. It'll make a good one faster to send and easier to sign, but you still need to show the client you've understood their problem. If your proposals aren't landing, fix the words first, then let the tool do the admin.
For the writing itself, my proposal template that closes is a good start, and AI proposal writing for small business shows where AI helps. You'll also want the best e-signature software and the best contract management software for the paperwork that follows.
Building a tool in this space? Here's how tools get considered for my roundups.
Once the paperwork is ready, you'll want it signed fast. Here are the DocuSign alternatives for small businesses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best proposal software?
PandaDoc suits most businesses, Proposify suits sales teams, Qwilr suits interactive proposals and Better Proposals suits agencies and consultants.
Can clients sign proposals online?
Yes. Most of the tools here include e-signatures, so clients can read, accept and sign in one place.
Can I see when a client opens my proposal?
Yes. Tools such as PandaDoc, Proposify, Qwilr and Better Proposals show when a proposal is opened and which sections are viewed.
Is proposal software worth it for freelancers?
If you send proposals regularly, yes. Templates save time, and tools such as Bonsai and HoneyBook also handle contracts and invoices.
