HoneyBook vs Dubsado: A Breakdown for Creatives

Apr 10

When I first started building my business, I had about a thousand Google Docs, a messy inbox, and no clue how to keep everything organized without losing my mind. I was showing up for my clients, but behind the scenes? Total chaos.

If you’re a fellow creative (or honestly just trying to feel a little more put together), you’ve probably heard people throw around CRM names like HoneyBook and Dubsado. And if you're wondering which one will actually help you run your business without making things harder, this blog is for you.

Let’s talk HoneyBook vs Dubsado in real-life, not techy terms. No fluff, just what you need to know.

First off, what even is a CRM?

If “CRM” sounds like one of those intimidating business buzzwords, don’t worry. It just means Client Relationship Management, aka a system that helps you manage your clients, from first inquiry to final gallery or project delivery.

A good CRM keeps your business organized, your clients happy, and your brain a little less scrambled. And that’s where HoneyBook vs Dubsado comes in, they’re two of the biggest platforms people use to make it all happen behind the scenes.

Let’s talk about HoneyBook

HoneyBook is clean, polished, and super user-friendly. If you're someone who wants something simple that still looks professional, this might be your pick.

What I love about HoneyBook:

Easy to set up and start using right away
Beautiful proposals + contracts (your brand will shine)
Payment processing and scheduling are built right in
A mobile app that actually works (hallelujah)

But…

Customization is limited, you get what you get
Workflows are more “if-this-then-that” and not super flexible
Not the best if you need multiple offers or complex client journeys

Now, meet Dubsado

Dubsado is for the creatives who love systems, want to customize every step, and maybe don’t mind spending a little more time building out their backend.

The Dubsado perks:

Super customizable, forms, workflows, branding, all of it
Supports multiple brands in one account
Conditional logic = smart automations that save you hours
Strong client portals (fancy without being overwhelming)

But keep in mind:

The learning curve is real (YouTube will be your friend)
No mobile app, so not ideal if you’re working on the go
Takes time to set up, especially if you’re new to automations

HoneyBook vs Dubsado: The Big Picture

  
      Feature
      HoneyBook
      Dubsado
    
      Ease of Use
      Beginner-friendly, clean interface
      Steeper learning curve, more to learn
    
      Customization
      Limited customization of forms & emails
      Highly customizable (forms, workflows, emails, portals)
    
      Automation
      Basic workflows, linear paths
      Advanced workflows with conditional logic
    
      Scheduling
      Built-in scheduler
      Needs external scheduler like Calendly
    
      Mobile App
      Yes, works well on the go
      No app
    
      Client Portal
      Simple, clean design
      Fully brandable + customizable
    
      Multiple Brands
      No
      Yes
    
      Best For
      Photographers, planners, solo creatives
      VAs, designers, coaches, multi-service pros
    
      Starting Price
      $19/month (limited), $39/month full
      $20/month

So… which one is right for you?

If you’re just starting out, or if you love a tool that’s beautiful and doesn’t take a ton of setup, HoneyBook is probably your match. It helps you look polished and keep things running smoothly without too much work behind the scenes.

If you’re more into building custom workflows, have different offers for different types of clients, or need a system that’s super flexible, Dubsado might be worth the investment.

Honestly? Both platforms are amazing, it’s just about what feels good for you and your business.

My honest take?

I’ve used both at different points in my business journey, and they each served me well in different seasons. Currently, I’m using Dubsado What matters most isn’t picking the “best” platform, it’s picking the one that helps you feel organized, calm, and capable of showing up fully for your clients.

And if you’re still torn in the HoneyBook vs Dubsado debate? Try the free trials. Poke around, see what clicks. Trust your gut. You’ve got this.

P.S. Want a peek at how I structure my workflows or what I’d include in a full client experience from inquiry to final gallery? Reach out, I love helping fellow creatives simplify the behind-the-scenes stuff so they can focus on what lights them up.

Alexis Pollard