Comparison
Manage Agency vs HoneyBook
HoneyBook is built for solo creatives — photographers, designers, and boutique studios. Manage Agency is built around the agency team and the operational complexity that comes with running multiple client accounts.
Pick Manage Agency if…
- — You run a team, not a solo practice.
- — You need per-client feature control and a real portal.
- — You want time tracking and project boards alongside delivery.
- — You want a free tier with full access while you scale.
Stay on HoneyBook if…
- — You're a solo creative or a small duo studio.
- — You need Stripe payments and invoicing built in from day one.
- — You rely on HoneyBook's smart files and automation workflows.
- — Your questionnaires and intake forms are central to your process.
Feature by feature
Branded client portal
Both have branded portals — core to both products.
Client login with their own identity
Per-client feature toggles
Show or hide modules per client. Unique to Manage Agency.
CRM pipeline for new business
HoneyBook's pipeline is project-centric, not lead-stage centric.
Contracts send + sign + track
HoneyBook has strong contract templates with digital signature.
Invoicing with line items
HoneyBook has invoicing built in with Stripe and bank transfer.
Stripe payment collection
HoneyBook has native Stripe + ACH payments. Manage Agency: on the roadmap.
Deliverables with status + approvals
HoneyBook has a client workspace for file sharing — no structured approval flow.
Kanban project board
HoneyBook has a pipeline view — it's project-status, not a full Kanban board.
Client-facing onboarding checklists
HoneyBook has a client portal — no dedicated onboarding checklist module.
Inline messaging scoped to a client
HoneyBook has client chat threads in the portal.
Time tracking with project tags
No native time tracking in HoneyBook.
Team collaboration (multi-user)
HoneyBook allows team members but is designed primarily around the solo operator.
Role-based access for team members
HoneyBook has basic team roles, limited granularity for agency teams.
Structured audit trail
No system-wide audit log in HoneyBook.
Automation and workflow builder
HoneyBook's smart files and automation are a standout — auto-send contracts, reminders.
Questionnaire and intake forms
HoneyBook's smart forms are deeply integrated with onboarding and projects.
Scheduler / booking
HoneyBook has a built-in meeting scheduler.
Built for agency teams (not solo creatives)
HoneyBook is built for photographers, designers, and solo service providers.
Free tier with full access
HoneyBook is paid-only ($16–$66/month). No free tier.
You're running an agency, not a solo creative practice. Your tool should reflect that.
HoneyBook is excellent for solo operators. Manage Agency is built for the agency — with real team roles, a client portal your clients log into, and a CRM that feeds directly into delivery.