HoneyBook vs. Dubsado: Which is Best for Your Business in 2026?
If you’ve been searching “HoneyBook vs. Dubsado,” you’re probably trying to figure out which platform is the best fit for your business, especially with all the recent chatter about HoneyBook’s price increase. I get it; it’s the kind of thing that has everyone talking. As an online service provider, choosing the right client relationship management (CRM) system feels like a big decision.
I’ve been there, scrolling through endless comparisons, wondering if I’m about to invest in something that will actually make my life easier or just add to my stress. So, let’s break it down together. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear idea of whether HoneyBook or Dubsado is the right choice for you.
What’s a CRM, and Why Does Your Business Need One?
Before diving into the details, let’s cover the basics. A CRM (Client Relationship Management system) acts like a personal assistant, but at a fraction of the cost and without the sick days.
A CRM helps you organize leads, book clients, send contracts and invoices, automate follow-ups, and streamline your workflow. But having an optimized website is just as essential for a smooth client experience. Your CRM can only do so much if your website isn’t working to attract and convert leads effectively.
Not sure if your website is pulling its weight? Grab myfree website audit checklist to make sure your site is clear, functional, and ready to support your CRM efforts.
Now that you know why a CRM is essential, let’s compare two of the most popular options: HoneyBook vs. Dubsado.
HoneyBook: The Sleek & Simple Option
Let’s start with HoneyBook. If you’re looking for a user-friendly CRM that looks as polished as it feels, HoneyBook is probably already on your radar. It’s designed for ease of use, with a modern interface that even beginners will find intuitive.
What I Love About HoneyBook:
All-in-One Simplicity: HoneyBook does everything! Contracts, invoices, proposals, payments, and project management, without the overwhelm. It’s easy to use straight out of the box, which saves you time.
Professional Templates: Their pre-made templates for emails, contracts, and proposals are chef’s kiss. You can customize them quickly, and they look polished and on-brand.
Collaboration Made Easy: If you work with a team or collaborate with vendors, HoneyBook makes it seamless to share projects and keep everyone in the loop.
The Not-So-Great Parts:
Customization Limits: While it’s simple and easy, you’re limited when it comes to tweaking workflows and branding. If you want full control, you might find this frustrating.
Recent Price Hike: HoneyBook recently increased its prices, which has left some business owners questioning whether it’s still worth the investment.
While HoneyBook focuses on simplicity, Dubsado stands out for its endless customization options. If you love creating tailored processes that align perfectly with your business, Dubsado might be the right choice for you.
What Makes Dubsado Great:
Customization Galore: You can adjust forms, workflows, contracts, and client portals to reflect your brand and unique processes.
Unlimited Clients: Unlike HoneyBook, Dubsado offers unlimited clients and projects across all plans.
Robust Automation: Automate emails, reminders, and tasks with workflows that handle the heavy lifting for you.
Where It Falls Short:
Tougher to Learn: Dubsado’s flexibility comes with a steeper learning curve, which can feel overwhelming at first.
Less Sleek Design: Its features are powerful, but the design isn’t as visually polished as HoneyBook’s.
Now that we’ve covered the highlights, let’s talk about which platform makes the most sense for you and your business.
If you value simplicity and ease of use, go with HoneyBook. HoneyBook is perfect for those who want a clean, intuitive platform that’s ready to go with minimal setup. If design and aesthetics matter to you, you’ll love how polished and professional HoneyBook makes everything look, right out of the box. It’s ideal for solopreneurs, creatives, or anyone who doesn’t want to spend hours learning a new system.
If you want full control and advanced features, Dubsado is your best bet. Dubsado is made for business owners who want to customize every detail of their workflows, forms, and client experience. If you’re willing to spend time learning the platform, you’ll be rewarded with powerful automation tools and unmatched flexibility. It’s a great option for businesses with more complex needs or those looking to scale.
Both platforms have their strengths, but it really comes down to how you work and what’s most important to you.
If you’re still unsure, I recommend taking advantage of their free trials. Spend a week exploring both platforms, testing features like workflows, templates, and client communications. Pay attention to which one feels the most intuitive and aligned with how you run your business day to day.
My Personal Take on HoneyBook vs. Dubsado
I’ve used both, and I’ll be honest—they’re both solid options. If you want a plug-and-play platform that looks great, HoneyBook will feel like home. But if you’re all about building out workflows and customizing your systems, Dubsado’s flexibility is hard to beat.
At the end of the day, the best CRM is the one that works for you. Both HoneyBook and Dubsado offer free trials, so I recommend giving each one a spin. Spend some time testing out the features and see which one clicks with your workflow.
Choosing a CRM is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your business. Whether you decide on HoneyBook or Dubsado, having the right system in place will save you time, keep you organized, and upgrade the experience for your clients.
Here’s to running your business more efficiently in 2025!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. If you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I only share about companies that I truly believe in and use myself! For my details on affiliate links, please visit my terms of use.
We help create a strategic custom designs that reflects who you really are, helps you reach your biggest business goals, and positions you as the expert you are. From comprehensive brand strategy and logo design to custom Showit websites you can actually update yourself, we handle every detail so you don't have to. Let's create something you'll be proud to call yours.
We take the time to understand your vision (& bring it to life for you)
Certified Showit & Flodesk Design Partner, hundreds of happy clients worldwide, and 3 consecutive "Best Web Designer" awards in our county.
Maybe your website is pretty good, but something feels off and you're wondering if it's time for an overhaul? Our comprehensive website audit checklist helps you evaluate your current site like a pro. Find out exactly what your site needs.
Get Your free audit checklist
Not sure if you need a full redesign or just some tweaks?