Solo helps freelancers manage clients, send invoices, and automate busywork with AI — so you can focus on the work that matters.
See Solo plansHoneyBook raised prices up to 89% in February 2025. Here's what changed, how it affects freelancers, and what your options are going forward.
Read moreDubsado vs HoneyBook vs Solo — a detailed comparison of pricing, features, setup time, and AI capabilities to help freelancers choose the right platform in 2026.
Read moreIs HoneyBook worth the cost, or is a DIY freelance tool stack cheaper? We break down the real numbers — monthly costs, hidden fees, and time investment — so you can decide.
Read moreProjects, clients, invoicing, and AI workflows — all in one calm system built for solopreneurs.
HoneyBook's February 2025 price increase — up to 89% on the Starter plan — sent many freelancers looking for alternatives. Whether you are actively migrating or just evaluating your options, the good news is that the freelancer tool landscape in 2026 has more strong options than ever.
We compared seven HoneyBook alternatives across the factors that matter most to freelancers: pricing, client management, invoicing, AI capabilities, and ease of setup. Here is what we found.
The price increase is the catalyst, but it is not the only reason. Freelancers have reported several pain points with HoneyBook that go beyond cost:
If you are evaluating alternatives, it is worth thinking about what you actually need — not just what you are used to. The right tool depends on your business type, client volume, and which features you use daily versus never.
Best for: Freelancers and solopreneurs who want AI-powered business management
Solo is purpose-built for independent professionals — freelancers, solopreneurs, and solo consultants. It combines project management, invoicing, client management, and AI workflows in a single platform designed for teams of one.
Pricing: Free tier available. Solopreneur at $19/month. Studio at $39/month.
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Cons:
Who it is for: Freelancers who want AI to handle admin tasks, transparent pricing, and a tool that scales from zero clients to fifty without penalizing growth.
Best for: Detail-oriented freelancers who want deep customization
Dubsado offers extensive customization for workflows, forms, and client portals. It is a powerful tool, but that power comes with complexity.
Pricing: Starts at $20/month (Starter). Pro at $40/month.
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Who it is for: Freelancers who love customization and do not mind investing significant time upfront to build a tailored system. Learn more in our detailed Dubsado vs HoneyBook vs Solo comparison.
Best for: Established solopreneurs who want a proven, all-in-one platform
Moxie has built a loyal following among solopreneurs. With 519 five-star Trustpilot reviews, it has earned trust through consistent delivery and an active user community.
Pricing: Free tier available. Pro at $29/month.
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Who it is for: Solopreneurs who value a proven platform with strong community support. Read our Solo vs Moxie deep-dive for a detailed comparison.
Best for: Freelancers focused on contracts and tax preparation
Bonsai positions itself as a full financial suite for freelancers, with contracts, invoicing, accounting, and tax features.
Pricing: Starter at $21/month. Professional at $32/month. Business at $52/month.
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Who it is for: US-based freelancers who want contracts, invoicing, and tax prep in one place and do not frequently work with international clients.
Best for: Freelancers who prioritize accounting and bookkeeping
FreshBooks started as accounting software and has expanded into project management and client communication. Its accounting roots show — the financial features are excellent.
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Who it is for: Freelancers who need robust accounting features and have a stable client base that fits within tier limits.
Best for: Budget-conscious freelancers who need basic invoicing
Wave offers free invoicing and accounting — genuinely free, not a trial. The trade-off is limited features beyond the financial basics.
Pricing: Free for invoicing and accounting. Payment processing at standard rates.
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Who it is for: Freelancers on a tight budget who primarily need invoicing and basic accounting, and do not need project management or proposals.
Best for: Freelancers already using Fiverr for client acquisition
Fiverr Workspace integrates directly with Fiverr's marketplace, making it a natural extension for freelancers who get clients through the platform.
Pricing: Free with a Fiverr account. Premium features at $18/month.
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Who it is for: Freelancers who primarily find clients through Fiverr and want a simple tool to manage those relationships.
| Feature | Solo | Dubsado | Moxie | Bonsai | FreshBooks | Wave | Fiverr WS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $20/mo | Free | $21/mo | $19/mo | Free | Free |
| Unlimited clients | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (50 cap) | Yes | Yes |
| AI workflows | Yes | No | No | Limited | No | No | No |
| Mobile app | PWA | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Proposals | AI-generated | Templates | Templates | Templates | No | No | Basic |
| Setup time | Minutes | 1-2 weeks | Hours | Hours | Hours | Minutes | Minutes |
| Free tier | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
The biggest reason freelancers stay on a tool they have outgrown is switching costs — the time and effort required to migrate. Here is the reality:
Data migration is manageable. Most platforms let you export client lists and invoice history as CSV files. The actual data transfer takes an afternoon, not a week. The effort is proportional to how many active clients you have, not your total history.
Client disruption is minimal. Your clients care about receiving professional invoices and having a smooth communication experience. They do not care which tool you use behind the scenes. If you have a client portal, a brief transition email is all that is needed.
The real switching cost is habit. You have built muscle memory around your current tool's interface. A new tool feels unfamiliar for the first week. By the second week, the new patterns feel natural. By the end of the first month, you wonder why you waited.
Most freelancers who switch tools report that the transition was easier than expected and that the fear of switching was worse than the actual process. If your current tool is costing you more than it should — in dollars, time, or frustration — the switching cost is almost certainly smaller than the cost of staying.
The right tool depends on what you actually need. Ask yourself:
What is my budget? If you need free, Solo, Moxie, Wave, and Fiverr Workspace offer genuine free tiers. If you can invest $20-40/month, the field opens up.
How much do I value AI? If AI-powered workflows for emails, proposals, and case studies matter to you, Solo is the clear leader in this space. If AI is not a priority, any of these tools can work.
How many clients do I manage? If you have more than 50 clients, FreshBooks and Bonsai may require higher tiers. Solo, Dubsado, and Moxie offer unlimited clients on all plans.
How much setup time can I invest? If you want to be productive on day one, Solo and Wave require minimal setup. If you enjoy customizing systems and do not mind a week or two of configuration, Dubsado offers unmatched flexibility.
Do I need accounting features? For robust bookkeeping, FreshBooks and Wave are stronger. Solo focuses on the front-of-business work — client management, projects, invoicing, and AI-powered communication.
HoneyBook's price increase has opened a window for freelancers to reevaluate their tools. The good news is that 2026 offers more capable, more affordable options than ever. Whether you prioritize AI capabilities, rock-bottom pricing, deep customization, or proven community trust, there is a tool that fits. The freelancer tool market has never been more competitive, and that competition benefits you — more features, lower prices, and better support than at any point in the last decade.
See why freelancers are switching to Solo. Try free — no credit card required.
For more context on HoneyBook's changes, read our breakdown of HoneyBook's price increase. Or dive into a three-way comparison with Dubsado vs HoneyBook vs Solo. Explore Solo's full feature set.