Workey vs Bonsai
Both tools aim to replace your timer, invoice app, and spreadsheet. This page compares them for solo freelancers deciding where to start or switch.
Workey Starter is $10/mo vs Bonsai Essentials at $25/mo (monthly billing) for invoicing + contracts
Workey includes a permanent free plan; Bonsai offers a 7-day trial then paid-only
Both ship contracts and a client portal. Workey adds PDF import, Workey AI, and email engagement insights at a lower price
Feature comparison
| Feature | Workey | Bonsai |
|---|---|---|
Permanent free plan Use core features without a credit card or trial countdown. | IncludedFree tier with 1 active project | Not included7-day trial only |
Paid plan entry (monthly) | $10/mo (Starter) | $25/mo (Essentials, invoicing tier) |
Time tracking (timer + timesheet) | IncludedTimer, timesheet calendar, quick check-in | IncludedTimer, timesheets, billable split |
Invoice generation from tracked hours | Included | IncludedEssentials+ only, not on the $15 Basic plan |
Email invoices to clients | IncludedPlan email cap applies: sent from your name, replies go to your inbox | Included |
Automated payment reminders | Included3 / 7 / 14 days after the initial invoice email | IncludedAutomated follow-ups |
Recurring invoices Auto-generate invoices on a schedule instead of recreating each month. | IncludedNew invoice created automatically each period | Included |
Online payments (client pays by card in-app) | Not includedNot currently available | IncludedStripe / PayPal in hosted invoice |
Contracts + e-signatures | IncludedWrite in-app or upload a PDF: signed by typed name, with a dated audit trail on the signed PDF | IncludedLegally-vetted templates + e-sign |
Import lawyer-drafted PDF contracts Upload an existing PDF and have clients sign it without retyping the document. | IncludedOriginal layout preserved; cert page appended after sign | Partial:Template library; custom PDF upload varies by workflow |
Saved client directory Reuse client details across projects, invoices, and contracts. | IncludedClients page + picker on every form | IncludedCRM-style client records |
AI assistant (plain English commands) | IncludedCreate projects, log time, draft invoices by typing | Partial:AI features expanding; not plain-English command bar |
Email open & click insights | IncludedInvoice + contract sends: delivery, opens, clicks | Partial:Read receipts on some plans |
Expense tracking | Included | IncludedExpense tracking + accounting add-ons |
Dedicated client portal | IncludedPer-client link: outstanding balance, all invoices & contracts; no login | IncludedFull portal: proposals, files, messaging on Essentials+ |
Bonsai pricing shown is from their public pricing page (monthly billing). The $15 Basic plan does not include invoicing or contracts. Most freelancers need Essentials at $25/user/mo. Annual billing lowers rates. Verify current pricing on hellobonsai.com before purchasing.
When Bonsai may fit better
- •You need proposal templates, Gantt-style project views, and a richer client hub with messaging
- •You run a small agency and want per-seat permissions, workload management, and Xero integration
- •You already live inside the Bonsai ecosystem and rely on their accounting/tax add-ons
When Workey may fit better
- You want projects, time tracking, invoicing, contracts, and a client portal under $15/mo with a real free tier
- You need to upload a lawyer-drafted PDF and collect a signature without retyping the contract
- You prefer plain-English commands (“invoice Harbor Coffee for March”) and open/click tracking on every invoice email
Frequently asked questions
Is Workey cheaper than Bonsai for solo freelancers?
For a solo freelancer who needs invoicing and contracts, yes. Workey Starter is $10/mo vs Bonsai Essentials at $25/mo on monthly billing. Workey also has a permanent free plan; Bonsai's entry tier without invoicing is $15/mo and full client billing starts at $25/mo.
Does Bonsai have features Workey does not?
Bonsai offers proposal templates, Gantt views, workload management, in-portal messaging, and deeper accounting integrations, especially on Premium and Elite tiers. Workey is narrower but complete for solo operators: projects, time, invoices, contracts (including PDF upload), a per-client portal, revenue tracking, and AI commands, without agency-style resourcing.
Can I switch from Bonsai to Workey?
Yes. Export your client list and project history from Bonsai, then recreate active projects in Workey. Workey backfills client records from project names automatically. Your invoice branding (logo + accent color) lives in invoice settings and carries into every email.