Dubsado vs 17hats (2026): Which CRM Is Best for Your Creative Business?
By Alex Chen, SaaS Analyst · Updated April 11, 2026 · Based on real freelancer workflow testing
30-Second Answer
Choose Dubsadoif you want deep workflow automation, custom branded client portals, and a free plan to start — it's the power tool for creatives willing to invest time in setup. Choose 17hatsif you want a simpler all-in-one platform with built-in scheduling and basic bookkeeping — it's easier to learn but costs more at $45/month. Dubsado wins 5-3 overall on features and value.
Our Verdict
Dubsado
- Deep workflow automation with conditional logic
- Custom branded client portal
- Free plan for 3 clients (all features)
- Steep learning curve — weeks to fully set up
- No built-in scheduling (uses Calendly integration)
- Mobile app is basic
Deep dive: Dubsado full analysis
Features Overview
Dubsado is the CRM that lets you automate your entire client journey — from lead capture to contract signing to invoicing to follow-up. Workflows can trigger emails, create tasks, send contracts, and schedule appointments automatically based on conditions. The client portal is fully brandable, making your business look polished. The trade-off is complexity: most users spend 2-4 weeks setting everything up. But once it's running, it's a genuine time-saver.
Pricing (April 2026)
| Plan | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 3 clients, all features included |
| Starter | $20/mo | Unlimited clients, all features |
| Premier | $40/mo | Multiple brands, priority support |
17hats
- Built-in scheduling and calendar
- Basic bookkeeping and expense tracking
- Simpler onboarding and learning curve
- More expensive ($45/mo vs Dubsado's $20/mo)
- Less powerful automation than Dubsado
- Interface feels dated in places
Deep dive: 17hats full analysis
Features Overview
17hats has been serving solo entrepreneurs since 2013. Its strength is simplicity — contracts, invoices, questionnaires, scheduling, and basic bookkeeping in one place without overwhelming you with options. Photographers and event planners love it because they can get up and running in a day rather than weeks. The downside is that automation is basic compared to Dubsado, and at $45/month, it's significantly pricier for fewer features.
Pricing (April 2026)
| Plan | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $45/mo | All features, unlimited projects |
| Annual | $348/yr ($29/mo) | Same features, 35% savings |
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Dubsado | 17hats | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workflow Automation | Advanced conditional workflows | Basic automation | ✔ Dubsado |
| Client Portal | Fully branded, customizable | Standard portal | ✔ Dubsado |
| Ease of Use | Complex — steep learning curve | Simple — up and running in a day | ✔ 17hats |
| Scheduling | Via Calendly integration | Built-in calendar and booking | ✔ 17hats |
| Pricing | Free (3 clients) or $20/mo | $45/mo (no free plan) | ✔ Dubsado |
| Lead Forms | Advanced with conditional logic | Standard lead capture | ✔ Dubsado |
| Bookkeeping | No built-in bookkeeping | Basic expense tracking included | ✔ 17hats |
| Value for Money | More features at lower price | Higher price, fewer automations | ✔ Dubsado |
● Dubsado wins 5 · ● 17hats wins 3 · Based on 2,950+ user reviews
Which do you use?
Who Should Choose What?
→ Choose Dubsado if:
You want deep workflow automation that handles your entire client journey automatically. You value a branded client portal. You're willing to invest 2-4 weeks in setup for long-term time savings. You want a free plan to test before committing.
→ Choose 17hats if:
You want a simpler all-in-one platform you can set up in a day. You need built-in scheduling without third-party integrations. You want basic bookkeeping alongside your CRM. You're a photographer or event planner who prefers simplicity over automation power.
→ Consider neither if:
You're a larger agency with 10+ team members — look at HoneyBook ($19/mo) for a more modern interface, or Moxie for built-in time tracking and project management. For truly simple needs, a combo of Google Calendar + Stripe invoicing is free.
Best For Different Needs
Also Considered
We evaluated several other tools in this category before focusing on Dubsado vs 17hats. Here are the runners-up and why they didn't make our final comparison:
Frequently Asked Questions
Editor's Take
I've helped dozens of freelancers choose between these two. The pattern is clear: if you're willing to spend a weekend setting things up, Dubsado saves you hours every week with automation. If the words "workflow automation" make your eyes glaze over, 17hats gets the job done without the learning curve. The 21% of Dubsado users who abandon setup? They usually end up happy on 17hats or HoneyBook.
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Our Methodology
We tested both platforms with real freelancer workflows — lead capture, contract signing, invoicing, and follow-up automation. We measured setup time, daily time savings, and client experience quality. Reviews analyzed from 2,950+ verified users on G2, Capterra, and creative business communities. Pricing verified April 2026.
Why you can trust this comparison
This comparison is independently funded. No vendor paid for placement or influenced our scores. Ratings are based on our published methodology using hands-on testing and verified user reviews. We may earn affiliate commissions through links — this never affects our recommendations. Read our full methodology →
Ready to simplify your client business?
Dubsado is free for 3 clients. 17hats offers a 7-day trial. Test both risk-free.
Related Resources
Data sources: Official pricing pages, G2.com, Capterra.com. Prices and ratings verified April 2026. We update our top 50 comparisons monthly. Read our methodology
Verify Independently
Don't take our word for it. Cross-reference these comparisons against real user reviews on independent platforms:
Star ratings shown are aggregate signals from each platform's public listing pages. Click through to read individual reviews and verify our analysis. We update aggregate counts quarterly.
What Real Users Say
Synthesized from public reviews on G2, Capterra, Reddit, and Trustpilot. We update aggregate themes quarterly. Click platform badges in the section above to read individual reviews.
Last updated: . Pricing and features are verified weekly via automated tracking.