Do you ever tire of all the administrative tasks you have to juggle as a freelancer?
If you answered ‘yes,’ there are software programs that will help you tackle the mundane to-dos so you can focus more time and energy on providing your clients with the best service possible.
Hello Bonsai is a popular project management software designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses. It offers a wide range of features that help manage invoices, contracts, expenses, proposals, and more. However, it is important to consider alternatives to Bonsai, especially if it does not meet all your project management needs. Doing so will allow you to find more billable hours in your day and streamline your administrative needs, from creating invoices to time tracking.
This article discusses what to look for in an alternative project management software and some of the top alternatives to Hello Bonsai on the market today.
What Should I Look for in a Project Management Software?
While Hello Bonsai is a prevalent project management software for freelancers, it is missing a few key features you can find with other programs on the market. As a freelancer, there may be specific tasks you need support with.
Some features that Hello Bonsai is lacking include the following:
- Centralized file storage and sharing system
- Calendar integration
- Affordability compared to other competitive programs
If any of these features are essential to running your freelance business, consider another option for your project management software. A few other features you want to consider when you are looking for the best software for your business also include:
- CRM software to help nurture client relationships
- Task/time tracker
- Schedule management
- Invoice and create contracts
- contract template
- Proposal contract
- Client Portal
- Dashboard
- Recurring billing
- Task automation
- Forms and surveys
- Communication tools
- Collaboration features
- Create estimates
- Accept payments
- Financial reports
- Easy onboarding
- Project creation
Here are Some Top Hello Bonsai Alternatives:
General Alternatives to Hello Bonsai
Trello
A project management tool that allows you to organize and prioritize tasks with a visual approach on a board. This list-making software helps teams get tasks done efficiently. Trello is good for teams that want to use Kanban boards to manage and organize tasks.
Key Features of Trello:
- View team projects
- Automate Tasks
- Workflow management
- Templates
- Plug-ins
- App integrations
Pricing
- Free option available
- Standard price $5.00/month per user
Asana
This web and mobile application is designed to help teams track their tasks and projects. Asana is compatible with desktop and mobile devices. While it works well for simple CRM tasks, it is not ideal for automation or reporting.
Key Features of Asana:
- Enterprise-grade security
- Workflow management
- Scale as you grow
- Unlimited tasks and projects
- Custom templates
- iOS and Android apps
- App integrations
Pricing
- Free option available
- Premium plan starting at $10.99/month
Notion
This is a productivity tool for individuals, teams, and small businesses. It offers many features, including task management, note-taking, and more. This app is ideal for groups who want to collaborate in one space where they can brainstorm, create, and plan.
Key Features of Notion:
- Real-time collaboration
- Document sharing
- Starter templates
- Single Sign On (SSO)
- Email and chat support for paid plans
- Create admin
Pricing
- Free option available
- Paid individual plan $4.00/month
Monday.com
A flexible project management tool that allows teams to create workflows, customized boards, and reports. Compatible for any size business, Monday.com works for everything from CRM to marketing.
Key Features of Monday.com:
- Portfolio management
- Workflow management
- Contact management
- Performance tracking
- Email sync
- Sales pipeline
Pricing
- Free option available
- Basic plan $8/month per seat
Hello Bonsai Competitors
Fiverr Workspace
A business management software that includes time tracking, invoicing, project management, and more. Fiverr Workspace was designed for freelancers, solopreneurs, and SMBs to streamline their business tasks in one place.
Key Features of Fiver Workspace:
- Invoicing
- Task management
- Time tracking
- Proposals and contracts
- Reports
- Expense tracking
- Time tracking
Pricing
- Free option available
- Unlimited plan $18/month
Harvest
A time-tracking and invoicing solution that helps businesses manage their projects and track client billing. Harvest is ideal for companies that provide client services and need to track time and expenses associated with multiple projects.
Key Features of Harvest:
- Time tracking
- Reports
- Invoicing
- Payments
- Expense tracking
- Workflow management
Pricing
- Free option available
- Pro plan $10.80/month per seat
Freshbooks
This cloud-based accounting and invoicing software is designed for small businesses. Freshbooks is tailored to solo business owners and freelancers and is notably intuitive and easy to use. Freshbooks is not ideal for larger companies; its primary features are accounting-based.
Key Features of Freshbooks:
- Invoicing
- Payments
- Time tracking
- Reports
- Client management
- Team collaboration
Pricing
- Free trial
- Starting plan $8.50/month
HoneyBook
An online tool where freelancers and small businesses can create invoices and manage payments. Similar to Freshbooks, HoneyBook helps small business owners manage invoicing and payments. However, HoneyBook is a more well-rounded CRM tool for appointment-based businesses.
Key Features of HoneyBook:
- Invoice
- Book and schedule
- Project management
- Forms and questionnaires
- Payments
- Smart files
Pricing
- Free trial
- Starting Plan $12.80/month
Alternatives for Specific Needs
Practice
An online CRM software that allows storing files and streamlining your operational tasks in one place. Created for coaches, tutors, and solo business owners, Practice is a well-rounded program for freelancers to simplify all their administrative tasks in one place to give space to focus on building client relationships.
Key Features of Practice:
- Automation
- Client management
- Client portal
- File storage
- Forms and contracts
- Invoice and payments
- Scheduling
Pricing
- Free trial
- Basic plan is $28/month
Xero
This cloud-based accounting system is used by small to medium-sized businesses. Xero connects your business to your bank, accountant, and other business apps, making it easy for your business to stay in compliance.
Key Features of Xero:
- Bill pay
- Expense management tools
- Bank connections
- Payments
- Project tracker
- File storage
- App integration
Pricing
- Free trial
- Starting plan $6.50/month
Airtable
A cloud-based platform that allows users to create databases and manage their workflows. Airtable has the features of a database but applied to a spreadsheet.
Key Features of Airtable:
- Marketing campaigns
- Account management
- Custom workflows
- Automate reporting
- Content operations
- Templates
Pricing
- Free option available
- Paid plan starting $10/month per seat
Hiveage
This cloud-based invoice software is entirely accessible online, meaning you never have to download or install a thing. Hiveage helps freelancers and small business owners invoice clients and accept online payments.
Key features of Hiveage:
- Send invoices
- Recurring billing
- Time tracking
- Financial reports
- Payment receipts and account statements
- Free option available
- Pricing
Pricing
- Paid plan starts at $16/month
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a general project management tool or specific software that fits your freelance business needs, there are alternatives to Hello Bonsai that provide a range of solutions. Choose the platform that suits your organization and project management requirements and run your business more easily.
Practice was created with coaches, freelancers, and tutors in mind. Sign up today if you would like to see how our program can help you manage projects and nurture your client relationships!
