HoneyBook Alternative: Due On Time vs HoneyBook
HoneyBook is a full client management tool: lead forms, proposals, contracts, scheduling and payments. Due On Time is a lighter HoneyBook alternative for freelancers who only need invoices, automatic reminders and online payments, at $12 a month instead of $29 to $36.
HoneyBook facts checked on 1 November 2026 on HoneyBook's own website; sources are listed below. Prices and features change, so check their site before you decide.
HoneyBook vs Due On Time at a glance
| HoneyBook | Due On Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Starter $36/month ($29/month yearly), Essentials $59 ($49), Premium $129 ($109) | Free plan; Starter $12/month ($120/year); Pro $27/month ($264/year) |
| Free plan | No. 30-day free trial, no card; 60-day money-back guarantee | Yes: unlimited invoices and PDF downloads, up to 3 clients, no email sending. Free invoice generator with no sign-up. |
| Card payment fee | From 2.7% + 10¢ (the plan table also says from 2.9% + 25¢); ACH 1.5% | Stripe's own fees for your country, paid from your Stripe account; Due On Time adds 0% |
| Automatic payment reminders | Yes; email on Starter, email and text on Essentials and up | Yes, by email after the due date: up to 3 per invoice on Starter, unlimited on Pro |
| Automatic late fees | Yes, after 30 days overdue | Yes, on Pro: flat or a percent of the unpaid balance, once or repeating, with an optional cap |
| Autopay and payment plans | Yes | No |
| Proposals, contracts and e-signatures | Yes, all plans | No |
| Scheduler and client portal | Yes | No (clients see each invoice online) |
| Mobile app | Yes | No app; works in the phone browser |
| Where it works | US, Canada, UK and Australia | Any country; Pay now where Stripe works |
What is HoneyBook?
HoneyBook is client relationship software for creatives, consultants and event professionals, with proposals, contracts, scheduling, invoicing and payments.
Where HoneyBook is better
- One place for the whole client journey: lead forms, proposals, contracts with e-signatures, scheduling and a client portal.
- Workflow automations and AI tools such as a meeting notetaker.
- Text message reminders (Essentials and up), autopay and payment plans, and automatic late fees on every plan (Due On Time: Pro only).
- A mobile app, plus banking and loan products in the US.
Where Due On Time is better
- Much lower price for invoicing: Starter is $12 a month, against HoneyBook's $29 to $36 for its cheapest plan.
- A free plan with unlimited PDF invoices and a free generator that needs no account.
- Works for freelancers in any country, with 15 invoice currencies; HoneyBook lists four countries.
- Simple to start: no workflows to set up before you can send an invoice.
Should you choose HoneyBook or Due On Time?
Pick HoneyBook if you book clients through inquiries, proposals and contracts and want it all automated in one tool.
Pick Due On Time if your clients already said yes and you just need to bill them, follow up and get paid, for less.
Read how automatic reminders, recurring invoices and Pay now work.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cheaper alternative to HoneyBook?
For invoicing and payments only, Due On Time's Starter plan is $12 a month with automatic reminders, recurring invoices and Pay now. It does not do proposals, contracts or scheduling.
Does Due On Time have contracts and proposals like HoneyBook?
No. Due On Time focuses on invoices, reminders and payments. Use a separate tool for contracts and proposals.
Is HoneyBook available outside the US?
HoneyBook says it is available in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. Due On Time can be used anywhere; Pay now works where Stripe works.
Does HoneyBook have a free plan?
No. HoneyBook has a 30-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Due On Time has a free plan for making and downloading invoices.
Sources
All checked on 1 November 2026.