HoneyBook Review 2025: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons, Ratings & More

HoneyBook is a cloud-based business management platform designed for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, particularly in service-based industries like event planning, photography, design, and consulting. It helps streamline client communication, project management, invoicing, payments, contracts, and scheduling all in one place. Users can create custom proposals and contracts, automate workflows, and track project progress through an easy-to-use interface. The platform also includes client portals for seamless collaboration and integrates with other tools like Google Calendar and QuickBooks.

Our HoneyBook review highlights how users can automate repetitive tasks, send branded invoices, and accept online payments, saving time and reducing administrative work. It also features a mobile app, making it easy for business owners to manage their operations on the go. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or part of a team, HoneyBook is designed to improve efficiency, foster client relationships, and ensure that all aspects of a project are well-organized and professionally executed.

What's New in HoneyBook

As of the most recent updates, HoneyBook has introduced several new features and improvements to enhance its user experience and streamline business management for service professionals. From our HoneyBook review, we observe key update, which is the addition of multi-project management that allow users to manage and switch between multiple projects more seamlessly. This feature is especially useful for businesses handling several clients simultaneously, as it enables better organization and easier tracking of different tasks and deadlines across projects.

Another significant update is the client workflow enhancements, where HoneyBook has further expanded its automation capabilities. Users can now create more personalized, multi-step workflows that automate tasks such as sending custom emails, follow-ups, reminders, and even custom forms for clients. This is particularly valuable for improving efficiency and reducing manual work, ensuring that businesses stay on top of important client communications without extra effort.

In addition, HoneyBook has improved its payment system with more flexible invoicing options, including the ability to accept partial payments, schedule payment reminders, and offer clients multiple payment methods. The platform now supports integrations with popular tools like QuickBooks and Zapier, allowing for better synchronization between accounting software and HoneyBook. This is a significant update for businesses looking to streamline their financial workflows and improve their overall business operations.

Lastly, HoneyBook has made performance improvements, such as faster load times, better mobile responsiveness, and improved security protocols to protect client data. These technical updates ensure the platform is more efficient, reliable, and user-friendly, while also providing enhanced protection for sensitive business information. Regular product updates like these demonstrate HoneyBook's commitment to innovation and providing its users with a robust, up-to-date platform.

Our HoneyBook review finds a range of pricing plans designed to fit the needs of different businesses, from solo entrepreneurs to larger teams. HoneyBook pricing is structured based on the number of users, the features included, and the billing cycle (monthly or annual). Below is an overview of the available plans:

Starter Plan

Cost: $9/month (billed annually) or $15/month (billed monthly)

Features:

• Access to core features like proposals, contracts, and invoicing
• Client management tools
• One user license
• Limited workflow automation and integrations
• 7-day free trial available

Essentials Plan

Cost: $39/month (billed annually) or $49/month (billed monthly)

Features:

• Includes all features from the Starter Plan
• Unlimited project templates and branded invoices
• Enhanced HoneyBook integrations (e.g., Google Calendar, QuickBooks)
• Up to 3 users
• Custom workflows with automation
• Priority customer support
• 14-day free trial available

Premium Plan

Cost: $79/month (billed annually) or $99/month (billed monthly)

Features:

• Includes all features from the Essentials Plan
• Team collaboration tools with multiple user licenses
• Advanced reporting and analytics
• Custom client portals and workflows
• Access to all integrations, including Zapier
• 30-day free trial available

In addition to the subscription fees, HoneyBook charges a processing fee for payments made through the platform: typically 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction for credit card payments. HoneyBook pricing plans also offer flexible billing, allowing users to choose monthly or annual subscriptions, with a discount for committing to an annual plan.

Each plan offers a free trial period, allowing potential customers to explore the platform before making a commitment. These trials range from 7 to 30 days, depending on the plan selected, helping users determine which tier best suits their business needs.

What Sets HoneyBook Apart

Our HoneyBook review emphasizes its highly customizable and user-friendly platform designed for service-based professionals and small businesses. It integrates client communication, project management, invoicing, and payments into one solution, with a focus on automation and personalized client experiences. The platform allows users to create tailored proposals, contracts, and invoices, while automating workflows to save time. Additionally, it offers a client portal to manage interactions in one centralized space.

Based on our HoneyBook review, what sets it apart is its customizable workflows and branded templates, enabling users to automate tasks like reminders and follow-ups. Its mobile app makes it easy for entrepreneurs and freelancers to manage their business on the go. HoneyBook also features personalized client portals, enhancing client relationships and collaboration, and integrates with tools like QuickBooks, Google Calendar, and Zapier to streamline business processes.

• All-in-one platform: Combines project management, client communication, invoicing, contracts, and payment processing in a single tool.
• Highly customizable: Personalize templates, proposals, and workflows to fit your business needs.
• Workflow automation: Like the best workforce software, HoneyBook helps save time with automation for tasks like emails, reminders, and follow-ups.
• Client portals: Provides a professional, branded experience for clients to view and manage project details.
• Integrations: Strong integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Google Calendar, and Zapier for easy synchronization.
• Mobile app: Manage your business on the go, access client data, and track project progress from anywhere.

• Limited to service-based businesses: HoneyBook is best suited for service-oriented businesses and may not be the ideal choice for product-based businesses.
• Learning curve: Although user-friendly, the wide range of features and customizations can be overwhelming for new users or businesses just starting out.
• Limited reporting: While the platform provides basic reporting features, more advanced analytics and reporting tools may be lacking compared to other business management software.
• Payment processing fees: While HoneyBook integrates payment processing, the transaction fees (2.9% + 30 cents per transaction) may add up for businesses with high payment volumes.

Integrating Complementary Software with HoneyBook

When using HoneyBook as your all-in-one business management solution, maximizing its potential often involves integrating it with other tools that complement its core features. Effective software integrations can drive efficiency, boost productivity, and ensure seamless operations across all facets of your business.

For instance, integrating HoneyBook with accounting tools like QuickBooks or Xero can streamline financial management by automating expense tracking, reconciling payments, and generating in-depth financial reports. Similarly, if your business heavily relies on client communication, pairing HoneyBook with email platforms like Gmail or Outlook allows you to centralize communications and quickly access client correspondence within your projects.

Another key area for integration is remote support and customer service. If your business leverages helpdesk solutions to manage customer inquiries or technical issues, combining HoneyBook with the best remote support software for helpdesk ensures a unified system for tracking client interactions and resolving queries efficiently. This not only enhances the customer experience but also maintains consistency across all client-facing processes.

By carefully choosing integrations that align with your operational needs, HoneyBook users can amplify the platform’s capabilities, ensuring a cohesive and fully optimized business workflow.

HoneyBook is a client management software designed primarily for small business owners, particularly in the creative industry (like photographers, event planners, and designers). It streamlines workflows, communication, and business operations. Below is a list of major features offered by HoneyBook, with descriptions:

Invoicing and Payments

One of HoneyBook’s standout features is its invoicing and payments system. Users can easily generate professional invoices with customizable templates, and clients can pay directly through the platform via credit cards, debit cards, or bank transfers. The integration of payment gateways like Stripe and ACH ensures secure, efficient transactions. Automated payment reminders reduce the need for manual follow-ups, making it easier to stay on top of accounts receivable.

Proposals and Contracts

HoneyBook enables users to create and send customizable proposals, contracts, and quotes, all in one place. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that require formal agreements and service contracts before beginning work. The platform also supports legally binding e-signatures, so you can finalize contracts without needing to meet in person. This streamlines the workflow and saves time during client onboarding.

Scheduling and Calendar

HoneyBook offers an integrated scheduling tool that syncs with your calendar and allows clients to book meetings or consultations directly through the platform. This eliminates the back-and-forth of scheduling via email and reduces the chances of double-booking. Clients can view your availability, choose a time that works for them, and automatically receive confirmation emails and reminders.

Automation and Workflow Management

One of HoneyBook's most powerful features is its automation capabilities. You can automate repetitive tasks such as sending emails, updating project statuses, or assigning tasks to team members. The platform allows you to create custom workflows tailored to your business needs, ensuring that tasks are completed on time and nothing falls through the cracks.

Other HoneyBook reviews highlight how the platform offers numerous benefits to businesses. Whether it's automating repetitive tasks or offering clients a seamless experience through custom portals, HoneyBook ensures smooth operations and fosters stronger client relationships. Below are some of the key benefits based on our HoneyBook review:

Customizable Templates for Efficiency

HoneyBook offers a variety of customizable templates for proposals, contracts, invoices, and emails. This feature allows users to quickly create documents tailored to each client while maintaining consistency and professionalism across all communications. For example, a fitness coach can create a standard training contract or nutrition plan proposal and tweak it for each client, saving time while ensuring all necessary details are included. This flexibility makes it easy for businesses to present their services without reinventing the wheel every time.

Enhanced Client Collaboration

HoneyBook's collaboration features allow users to work closely with clients by sharing project updates, documents, and timelines through a secure client portal. This level of transparency fosters stronger relationships and keeps clients involved in the process. For instance, a videographer can upload rough cuts of a project for the client to review and provide feedback directly within the platform, ensuring that revisions are tracked and feedback is streamlined. This collaborative environment can reduce miscommunication and lead to a smoother workflow.

Centralized Project Tracking

With HoneyBook, all project-related tasks, deadlines, and communications are centralized, allowing users to track every aspect of a project in real-time. Whether it's a deadline for a deliverable, a scheduled meeting, or a client inquiry, HoneyBook ensures that all project details are easily accessible. For a web designer managing multiple clients, this feature eliminates the need for multiple apps or spreadsheets to track progress and provides a clear view of what’s outstanding, helping to prioritize work more efficiently.

Comprehensive Reporting and Insights

Our HoneyBook review highlights its robust reporting features that help businesses track financial performance, client activity, and project progress. With customizable reports, users can gain valuable insights into how their business is performing, helping to inform decision-making and improve operations. For instance, an event planner can track project budgets across multiple clients to ensure that expenses stay within limits and identify trends that can optimize pricing strategies for future projects. This data-driven approach empowers businesses to make more informed decisions.

HoneyBook features are designed primarily for service-based businesses, making it most beneficial for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small to mid-sized businesses that need to manage client relationships, projects, payments, paand contracts efficiently. The platform excels in industries where client interaction, custom proposals, and project timelines are key. Here’s a breakdown of the types of businesses that can benefit from HoneyBook and those for whom it might not be the best fit:

Freelancers and Solopreneurs

HoneyBook is ideal for individual entrepreneurs who manage all aspects of their business. Freelancers in fields like photography, graphic design, writing, and consulting can streamline workflows, automate invoicing, and manage client projects from one dashboard. It’s perfect for those needing to save time on administrative tasks while maintaining a professional image.

Creative Professionals

Industries like event planning, wedding planning, videography, photography, and interior design benefit from HoneyBook’s customizable templates and workflow automation, which are key for managing project-based work, tailored proposals, contracts, and invoicing.

Small Service-Based Businesses

HoneyBook is also great for small consulting firms, coaching businesses, design studios, and marketing agencies that deal with multiple clients and need efficient project management and financial tracking. HoneyBook’s all-in-one platform for client communications, payment processing, and document signing makes it especially valuable for these businesses.

Small Teams and Agencies

For businesses with a small team, like boutique agencies or creative studios, HoneyBook offers team collaboration features and multiple user licenses, making it an ideal tool for growing agencies needing a scalable solution for managing client projects and tasks.

What other tools can HoneyBook users integrate to enhance their workflow?

For businesses looking to further streamline their operations and client relationships, integrating HoneyBook with other specialized tools can be beneficial. This includes considering visitor management software to better manage client visits, meetings, and on-site interactions, especially for industries where in-person meetings are common. By exploring these integrations, businesses can create a more cohesive and efficient workflow that caters to all aspects of their operations, from client management and project tracking to physical visitor management.