HoneyBook reviews: Pros, cons, and is it worth it in 2025?

HoneyBook reviews often highlight it as a strong tool for managing clients, though transaction fees can drive up costs quickly. Freelancers and agencies still rely on it for proposals, invoices, and onboarding, yet many start to hit limits once their business begins to scale.

I tested HoneyBook myself to see how well it handles client work and whether its tools justify the higher price for growing teams in 2025.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What HoneyBook is
• Key features
• What real users say
• My verdict
• Is HoneyBook right for you?

Quick verdict: TL;DR

What is HoneyBook?

HoneyBook is a client management and invoicing platform for freelancers, creative professionals, and small businesses. It combines proposals, contracts, payments, and scheduling in one organized workspace, making it easier to manage every part of the client process. 

Users can automate follow-ups, send branded documents, and track projects from inquiry to completion. Many photographers, designers, consultants, and event planners use it to keep their client work organized and running smoothly.

Key HoneyBook features

Beyond client communication and billing, HoneyBook includes tools that help small teams stay organized, automate admin work, and keep projects moving. Here are the HoneyBook features worth noting:

• Project pipeline: Tracks clients through each stage of the process, from initial inquiry to final payment.
• Proposals and contracts: Lets users send branded documents, collect signatures, and link invoices directly to bookings.
• Invoicing and payments: Accepts online payments via credit card or bank transfer, though transaction fees apply.
• Scheduling: Syncs with Google and Outlook calendars to book meetings and track deadlines.
• Automation workflows: Sends reminders, follow-ups, or onboarding emails automatically after key actions.
• Client portal: Gives clients one login to view messages, files, invoices, and contracts in a single dashboard.
• Integrations: Connects with QuickBooks, Zapier, Calendly, and Gmail to reduce manual work.
• Mobile app: Allows users to manage projects, invoices, and communication from Android or iOS devices.

HoneyBook reviews: What real users are saying

Many HoneyBook reviews on platforms like Capterra, G2, and Trustpilot describe it as a polished, all-in-one system for client management and billing. Users say it helps small teams automate proposals, payments, and follow-ups, but it’s not without trade-offs. I reviewed hundreds of ratings to understand where it delivers and where businesses say it falls short.

Here’s what real users have said about their experience:

Pros

• Streamlined workflows: Users consistently praise how HoneyBook centralizes proposals, contracts, and invoices in one place. They mention it saves hours of admin work and gives clients a professional experience from the first inquiry to the final payment, helping small teams stay organized as projects scale.
• Easy automations and templates: Many reviewers highlight HoneyBook’s built-in templates and automated follow-ups as time-savers for onboarding and communication. Creative professionals say these features make their businesses appear more polished without needing technical know-how or third-party tools.
• User-friendly design: Reviews frequently call out the clean, visual layout and organized client view. Once set up, users say it’s intuitive to manage projects and track payments, even for those new to CRM tools or digital client systems.
• Reliable payment processing: Many users appreciate that HoneyBook accepts credit cards and bank transfers directly in the platform. Payments are tracked automatically, which reduces errors and saves time reconciling client invoices while improving cash flow visibility.

Cons

• Limited customization: Users note that templates and workflows can feel rigid. Many wish they could tweak forms, layouts, and automations more freely to match their brand or complex workflows.
• Pricing complaints: Reviewers across multiple platforms say HoneyBook’s costs have increased over time, driven by transaction fees and plan upgrades. Many small businesses find it harder to justify the price as their client base and expenses grow.
• Support and update frustrations: While some appreciate the help center and chat options, others mention long response times and confusing product changes. Frequent interface updates can disrupt established workflows, according to multiple reviews.
• Mobile app issues: Some users report that the mobile experience feels limited compared to the desktop version. Features like email editing and reporting can be harder to access or lack full functionality on mobile devices.

These reviews show why HoneyBook earns loyalty among creative professionals who value simplicity and presentation, but also why scaling teams sometimes outgrow it.

I wanted to see how true that was, so I spent time using HoneyBook to understand where it shines and where it still struggles. My experience confirmed much of what the market says, but also revealed a few surprises.

My personal take on HoneyBook

When I tested HoneyBook, I noticed how quickly it helps small teams get organized. The proposals, contracts, and invoicing tools work together smoothly, and the templates look professional right out of the box. It’s easy to see why freelancers and creative businesses rely on it to deliver a polished client experience.

What surprised me most was how much stronger the client-facing side was than expected. The branded portal and polished proposals help teams look more established without extra design effort. Even the new AI tools, which some reviewers see as unnecessary, can genuinely speed up follow-ups and workflow setup when used right.

Where HoneyBook still struggles is depth. The reporting options don’t go far beyond surface-level metrics, and customizing templates or automations takes more clicks than it should. Those limits start to matter once a business grows and needs clearer visibility into revenue or team performance.

Overall, my experience lined up with what most reviewers said. HoneyBook simplifies client management in a way that feels efficient and well-designed, but it’s still a better fit for freelancers and small teams than for companies ready to scale.

Is HoneyBook right for you?

Deciding whether HoneyBook is the right fit depends on your team’s size, workflow complexity, and growth stage. It’s a strong choice for service businesses that want structure without having to juggle multiple tools, but it can start to feel restrictive for larger teams that need more flexibility. 

Here’s how to tell if it fits your situation:

Who will love it:

• Freelancers and solo service providers: HoneyBook is ideal for people who want an all-in-one place to send proposals, collect payments, and automate client communication without learning a complicated CRM.
• Creative professionals: Designers, photographers, and event planners can benefit from HoneyBook’s templates and branded client portal, which help deliver a professional experience fast.
• Small agencies: Teams handling a handful of client projects at a time can use HoneyBook to stay organized and save time on admin work.

Who should avoid it:

• Growing businesses: Companies scaling past a few team members often find HoneyBook’s automations and reporting too limited for complex workflows or performance tracking.
• Data-driven or analytical teams: If you need deeper insights into revenue, project performance, or client trends, HoneyBook’s reporting tools won’t go far enough.
• Budget-conscious users: The monthly cost and transaction fees can add up quickly, making it harder to justify for teams running on thin margins.

The best HoneyBook alternative: Assembly

Many HoneyBook reviews mention that while it’s great for freelancers, growing teams eventually need stronger reporting and automation as their client base expands. 

Assembly combines those strengths in a single platform that includes a CRM for post-sales client management, helping service businesses organize communication, handle billing, and keep everything in one place.

Here’s what you can do with Assembly:

• See the full client record: Notes, files, payments, and communication history stay linked in one place. You never have to flip between systems or lose context when switching from sales to service.
• Prep faster for meetings: The Assistant pulls past interactions into a clear summary so you can walk into any call knowing exactly what’s been discussed and what’s next.
• Stay ahead of clients: Highlight patterns that may show churn risk or upsell potential, making outreach more timely and relevant.
• Cut down on admin: Automate repetitive jobs like reminders, status updates, or follow-up drafts that used to take hours. The Assistant handles the busywork so your team can focus on clients.
• Track team performance: View active projects, overdue invoices, or pending approvals in one dashboard to keep your operations running smoothly.
• Give clients a branded experience: Share updates, invoices, and documents through a professional client portal that reflects your business identity.

Want a platform that grows with your client base? Start your free Assembly trial today.

Frequently asked questions

Is HoneyBook legit?

Yes, HoneyBook is a legitimate client management platform used by thousands of freelancers and small businesses. It offers invoicing, proposals, contracts, and customer onboarding tools to help service providers manage their workflows securely. Many reviews highlight its reliable payment processing and professional templates, though it’s best suited for smaller teams rather than large agencies.

Is HoneyBook worth it for small businesses?

Yes, HoneyBook can be worth it for small businesses that want to handle proposals, payments, and scheduling in one place. Its biggest advantage is simplicity because everything from contracts to reminders lives under one dashboard. However, it’s less flexible than platforms built for scaling, so it fits best if your priority is ease of use over advanced automation or deep analytics.

How much does HoneyBook take from payments?

HoneyBook charges a 2.9% plus 25¢ processing fee per transaction, similar to most payment processors. There are no setup costs, but these fees can add up for businesses with high transaction volumes. Some users move to other platforms once their payment volume grows to reduce costs and gain more control over billing systems.

Does HoneyBook replace accounting software?

No, HoneyBook doesn’t replace full accounting software solutions like QuickBooks or Xero. It provides basic income tracking and reports, but it lacks expense management, tax tools, and balance sheet reporting. Many teams still connect HoneyBook with their accounting software to manage tax compliance and financial reporting more accurately.

How does QuickBooks vs HoneyBook compare?

QuickBooks specializes in accounting and financial management, while HoneyBook focuses on client communication, proposals, and payments. HoneyBook simplifies the front-end experience for service businesses, but QuickBooks handles the back-end, such as expenses, payroll, and tax preparation. Some teams use both for a full workflow.

What’s the difference between HoneyBook and Dubsado?

HoneyBook is simpler to set up and better for solo users or small creative teams, while Dubsado offers deeper customization, stronger automation, and more flexible workflows. If you want a quick setup and ready-made templates, HoneyBook is easier. If you want full control over automations and branding, Dubsado may be a better long-term fit.

How good is HoneyBook's customer service?

HoneyBook customer service is generally rated as responsive and helpful by most users. Many highlight fast replies through live chat and detailed guidance during setup. However, some report slower response times during peak hours and occasional delays in resolving billing or account issues.

What are the main HoneyBook pros?

The biggest HoneyBook benefits are its professional templates, automation features, and easy setup. It’s ideal for freelancers or small agencies who want to handle contracts, payments, and follow-ups from one dashboard. The main drawbacks are pricing at scale and limited flexibility for complex businesses.

Does HoneyBook include CRM and marketing automation?

HoneyBook includes light CRM and marketing automation tools such as client tracking, workflow templates, and automated emails. These are useful for managing leads and projects, but not advanced enough for full-scale marketing or segmented campaigns.

Can HoneyBook be used as a B2B customer portal?

Yes, HoneyBook includes a basic B2B customer portal for communication, file sharing, and viewing invoices or project details. However, it’s not designed for advanced post-sales workflows or enterprise-level collaboration. Businesses that need custom permissions, detailed dashboards, or automated client management often prefer tools such as Assembly, which offer more flexibility and depth.