Bonsai vs Dubsado vs Kosmo
If you are looking for a better way to manage your freelancing business, both on the client and financial side, then this comparison should help. In this post, we’ll compare some of the most popular project management tools on the market to help you get a better understanding of each.
Let’s take a closer look at Bonsai, Dubsado and Kosmo to see which one might be the best project management option for your business.
Bonsai vs Dubsado vs Kosmo Features Comparison
| Feature | Bonsai | Dubsado | Kosmo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Monthly plans $19, $29 | Starts at $20 | Free or $9/month |
| Clients | Unlimited (paid) | Unlimited (paid) | 2 Free, Unlimited (paid) |
| Invoicing | yes | yes | yes |
| Time Tracking | yes | yes | yes |
| Task Management | yes | yes | yes |
| Proposals | yes | yes | yes |
| Contracts | yes | yes | yes |
| Total Price Per Year | $192 or $288 | $200 and $400 | 👍 Free or $90 |
Overall the three platforms offer many comparable features. In the end, users are likely to make their decision based on personal preference and needed features. Kosmo for example offers completely custom contracts that can be signed online as well as invoices that allow you to add your own branding.
Kosmo’s platform is simple to use and intuitive, cutting down on onboarding time so freelancers can continue focusing on what they do best.
Following are a few snapshots of what an Invoice would look like on each platform.
Invoice preview using Bonsai
Invoice preview using Dubsado
Invoice preview using Kosmo
What is the price difference between Bonsai, Dubsado and Kosmo?
Bonsai does not offer a free plan and you need to enter your credit card information to use their 14 days trial. They offer a limited plan for $19/month, but if you would like to use all features you need to subscribe to their Plus plan at $29/month. Bonsai also charges you a 1% fee on top of the PayPal and Stripe fees, if you want to use your own PayPal or Stripe account.
At the time of writing this post, Dubsado does not offer a free plan. Their lowest plan which they consider a starter plan costs $20/month. If you want to access all their features, you’ll have to upgrade to their more expensive $40/month plan, which they list as the more popular option. The more expensive plan unlocks functions like public proposals.
Kosmo’s free plan includes 2 clients, 2 projects, 1 invoice per month and more essential features. Plus, you don’t need to enter your credit card to get started. If your freelancing business grows you can upgrade to the unlimited plan for $9/month. Kosmo also allows you to add your own PayPal and Stripe account and does not charge any processing fees.
The yearly price difference when comparing all three platforms is significant. Bonsai starts at $192/year, but also has a $288/year plan. Dubsado has two options, a $200/year and a $400/year plan. Kosmo offers a free plan as well as a $90/year pro plan.
Bonsai vs. Dubsado vs Kosmo: The Final Verdict
Bonsai, Dubsado and Kosmo are all freelance project management platforms designed to help freelancers (and other businesses) optimize their operations. All three platforms offer similar features that differ on complexity and customization options. In the end it comes down to what the freelancer truly needs to run an efficient business.
Overall, Bonsai provides a lot of functionality at different price points (if you want them all you need to purchase all their add-ons like Bonsai Tax at another $10/month), but the lack of a free plan makes it less appealing to freelancers that don’t have many new clients sign up on a weekly basis. Bonsai’s yearly price of $192 might be a bit too much for many freelancers and the additional 1% fee on PayPal and Stripe payments is another expense to be aware of.
If you don’t work for a large agency and are looking for a clean uncluttered interface, beautiful branded invoices, customizable documents and a competitive price – Kosmo will work best for you. Also, you can use your own payment accounts like PayPal and Stripe. Kosmo does not charge any processing fees on those payments.
Dubsado unfortunately unlocks all features only at the $40/month plan. It could still be an option if you are okay with the smaller $20/month plan. However, many of the functions you find as part of the cheaper plan you’ll also find in competing products at an even lower price point. If you plan to purchase their annual plans you’d either pay $200/year or $400/year.
If you are still undecided take a look at these HelloBonsai alternatives:
- Bonsai vs Harvest
- Bonsai vs Plutio
- Bonsai vs Honeybook
- Bonsai vs Freshbooks
- Bonsai vs Dubsado
- Bonsai vs 17hats
- Bonsai vs Fiverr Workspace
Do you prefer the features of Dubsado? Checkout these comparisons:
🤖 Why should I sign up for Kosmo?
- Functional free plan with Clients, Projects, Time Tracking, Invoices and everything needed to get new and established freelancers going.
- Simple and easy to use platform.
- Beautiful invoices and proposals.
- Founder level support that cares about your business.
Get Organized & Win More Clients
Kosmo has everything you need to run your freelancing business.
