Is HoneyBook Good for Coaches? Reviews, Pricing, and Alternatives

You’re here because you’re either considering using Honeybook or thinking about switching to another software. Maybe it feels a bit too complicated, or you’re just trying to make sure you’re making a smart choice before committing to a project management tool.

We’ll dive into the best Honeybook alternatives for coaches. We will talk about the details and information you need to know about HoneyBook: reviews, pricing, and what you can expect from its alternatives. Let’s find out!

Features of HoneyBook

HoneyBook offers client and project management features such as invoices, proposals, contracts, and online payments.

Here are the main features of HoneyBook:

Invoicing: HoneyBook provides invoicing software that allows users to send invoices and accept online payments.

Contracts: Users can create, customize, and send digital contracts for e-signing using templates that allow modification with client details and enable signature tracking.

Proposals: HoneyBook combines contracts and payments into client proposals using customizable templates, allowing users to send invoices or contracts independently.

Scheduling: The platform features a custom scheduling tool that syncs with the user’s calendar, enabling clients to book meetings based on availability while allowing for meeting duration and time buffer adjustments.

Customization: The tool offers customizable sales pipelines, invoices, contracts, and proposals, along with workflow automations and third-party integrations, though reporting customization is limited.

Workflows and automations: Users can create automated messages and tasks based on triggers, allowing them to automate emails, scheduling links, and task reminders according to client behaviors or dates.

Third-party integrations: HoneyBook integrates with various third-party tools, including Zoom, QuickBooks, Calendly, Zapier, and Meta ads, in addition to email and calendar synchronization.

HoneyBook Reviews from Customers

Based on user reviews of HoneyBook, many noted that the user interface is clean, straightforward, and visually appealing.

We have used it for a little over a year now, and this was so incredibly helpful filing taxes for the first time. Well worth the investment. – Capterra

I like how contracts, invoices, payments are all in one! I don’t have to think about when to send an invoice to a client! – G2

However, many users found problems with the user experience and some features.

I wish there was more internal automation, like the workflow applied just sent out the emails and not prompted me to act. 2. While “linked” with Calendly, it’s not linked in the correct way. I wish when someone signed up for a slot in Calendly, it could generate an automatic proposal that I could look over before sending, or sent automatically. When adding my “Calendly link” to a honeybook email, the link always fails. I don’t use Calendly enough to have this be a major issue, just a nuisance. 3. More flexibility in personal branding & branding the contact form. I don’t currently use the form on my site because of this. – Capterra

Some things that seem so simple…. are overly complicated. Also I would love it if there was more integration with my website. For instance, I wish that I could have a price page embed (from HB) on my website that the clients could use. Another thing would be an easier way to accept alternative payments. Mostly it is very good but some things could be streamlined. – G2

The customer service response time isn’t as prompt and efficient as I hope; while they provide good answers, they don’t respond quickly. – Software Advice

Pricing and Target Audience

For starters, it’s important to note that HoneyBook can only be used by businesses based in the USA and Canada.

HoneyBook is best for:

• Creative professionals focused on delivering the services they enjoy
• Anyone looking for a comprehensive client management and CRM solution
• Independent business owners who need contracts, proposals, and invoices
• Small businesses managing regular company expenses
• Users seeking an easy-to-use and intuitive client management tool
• Solo entrepreneurs wanting to automate client management tasks

HoneyBook is not recommended for:

• Larger businesses or enterprises that require a more powerful CRM
• Sales teams managing complex sales pipelines
• Those needing advanced automation for sales workflows
• Salespeople who require detailed reporting dashboards
• Users who don’t manage ongoing client relationships
• Businesses that sell products rather than ongoing services

HoneyBook offers three pricing plans: Starter, Essentials, and Premium.

Starter: $19/month and $16/month billed yearly

Essentials: $39/month and $32/month billed yearly

Premium: $79/month and $66/month billed yearly

Alternatives: HoneyBook vs. Simply.Coach

Considering a switch to or from HoneyBook to another platform?

Our comparison of HoneyBook and Simply.Coach highlights how their interfaces, customer service, pricing, and integrations stack up against other coaching apps.

	HoneyBook	Simply.Coach
Rating	G2: 4.5 Capterra: 4.8 GetApp: 4.8 Software Advice: 4.8	G2: 4.8 Capterra: 4.7 GetApp: 4.7 Software Advice: 4.7
Total reviews	G2: 174 Capterra: 633 GetApp: 633 Software Advice: 633	G2: 105 Capterra: 34 GetApp: 34 Software Advice: 34
Compliance	Non-HIPAA compliant	Compliant with HIPAA, SOC2, and GDPR regulations
Platforms supported	WebAndroidiPhone	WebAndroidiPhone/iPad
Customer service	Video tutorialsChatArticlesEmailPhone	Email/Help DeskFAQs/ForumKnowledge BaseChatArticlesResource
Pricing	$39/month	$9/month
Integrations	GoogleMicrosoft 365PayPalSlackTrelloDropboxWordPressMailchimpSalesforceAsanaAcuity Scheduling	GoogleOutlookGmailStripeZoomTeamsWebex + thousands more via Zapier
Features	Customizable templatesClient portalAutomated workflowsE signatureOnline paymentsSchedulingTask managementTime trackingExpense trackingInvoicingProposalsContractsClient managementProject managementMobile appNotificationsReportingIntegrationsTeam collaborationFile sharing	Client management features:Goal trackingFormsReportsStakeholder integrationAction plansCoaching programsCoach matchingNudgesScheduling Note-takingClient workspaceResource libraryTeam engagementsBusiness management features:Journeys (customizable program templates)Subscription & session packagesShowcase page (branded landing page)ContractsInvoicing & paymentsEmail integrationContact managementProspect managementEmbedded video conferencingDevelopment log

HoneyBook Review: Pros and Cons 

Based on our experience and on reviews from other users, we’ve summarized the key HoneyBook problems and advantages in this table:

Pros	Cons
Ease of usePayment managementInvoicingCustomizationOrganization	ExpensiveCumbersome user interfaceNot visually upscaleMissing featuresDifficult customizationLimited customizationLimited scheduling optionsPayment issues

Is HoneyBook the Right Choice?

If you’re an independent business owner looking for a client management platform to streamline your workflow while focusing on your creative services, HoneyBook is an option.

However, it doesn’t provide customization options for creating unique coaching programs. It does not provide more flexibility to design personalized experiences for your clients. For those looking to scale, a better option to consider would be Simply.Coach.

Why Simply.Coach is the Best Alternative to HoneyBook

If you’re a coach looking for a powerful, all-in-one solution made to meet your needs, Simply.Coach is your answer!

Here’s a quick comparison to show you the difference:

Features	HoneyBook	Simply.Coach
Designed for	Photographers & Event Planners	Coaches, Mentors, Consultants, Therapists, and Counselors
Ideal customer size	Small	Small, Medium, Large
Customizable coaching tools	No	Yes
Group coaching	No	Yes
Scheduling integration	Limited, no built-in scheduling	Comprehensive built-in scheduling – custom availability, schedules, buffers etc. Official Partners with Google, Microsoft & Zoom
Client portal	No	Yes, comprehensive
Data compliance	Limited security measures	SOC2, GDPR, HIPAA compliant
Pricing	$16/month	Starts at $9/month

While HoneyBook is a CRM tool designed for creative service providers (like photographers and event planners), Simply.Coach is an end-to-end coaching platform built by coaches, for coaches. Let’s see why Simply.Coach is the best HoneyBook alternative for your coaching business.

1. Coaching-specific features

HoneyBook focuses on generic CRM features like invoicing, time tracking, and payments, but it doesn’t offer the coaching-centric tools you need to manage a successful practice. Simply.Coach, on the other hand, provides tools like:

• Session scheduling (including recurring sessions and session reminders)
• Customizable feedback forms and surveys
• Collaborative goal setting and progress tracking
• Journey builders to streamline coaching programs
• Resource sharing to share and store documents, media, and links in one place

These features are crucial for creating a seamless and impactful coaching experience that HoneyBook just can’t match.

2. Group coaching flexibility

One of the major drawbacks of HoneyBook for coaches is the lack of support for group coaching. While HoneyBook allows you to manage “projects” with collaborators, it doesn’t provide a system for running group or cohort coaching sessions. Simply.Coach, however, allows you to coach 1-on-1 or in groups, giving you the flexibility to run all kinds of engagements without additional headaches.

3. Custom branding & white labeling

HoneyBook is a general tool with limited branding options (which is also a common user complaint in reviews), but Simply.Coach goes the extra mile by allowing you to run your coaching business digitally under your own brand with white-labeling features. Your clients can see your logo and branding at every touchpoint, reinforcing your professional image and creating a seamless, personalized client experience.

4. Secure and compliant platform

Simply.Coach is built with security and privacy at its core. It is the only coaching platform that is SOC2, GDPR, and HIPAA-compliant, ensuring that both you and your clients’ data are protected at the highest levels. HoneyBook, while useful, doesn’t offer this level of data protection and isn’t compliant with HIPAA, which is critical in coaching where sensitive information is shared.

5. Seamless scheduling & payments

HoneyBook offers limited scheduling capabilities and doesn’t integrate natively with most calendar tools. Simply.Coach integrates smoothly with Google Calendar and Office 365, offering real-time availability updates, client self-scheduling, and automated reminders. Plus, with integrated payment options through Stripe, managing your financials is effortless, all from within the same platform.

FAQs

1. Who are the ideal users of Simply.Coach?

Simply.Coach is a modern digital coaching platform designed to simplify the coaching process by eliminating the need for multiple tools, creating a smoother experience for both service professionals and clients. Built by coaches for the service industry, the platform is trusted by ICF and EMCC-credentialed coaches worldwide. With a passionate team focused on helping you make a real impact, Simply.Coach supports coaches, therapists, consultants, and mentors, enabling you to focus on what matters most—delivering value and driving meaningful change.

2. Who are the ideal users of HoneyBook?

HoneyBook is a project management tool, especially for freelancers in various fields who follow the offer → contract → invoice workflow. It’s designed to help manage every part of complex projects, from handling payments and clients to organizing essential documents. However, to use HoneyBook, you must run your business from the US or Canada.

3. Is there a free version of HoneyBook?

No, HoneyBook does not offer a free version, but it does provide a seven-day free trial for new users.

4. How much does HoneyBook charge per payment?

HoneyBook charges a 3% fee on credit card payments and a 1.5% fee on ACH bank transfers.