17hats Alternatives for Business Management: What You Need to Know

Leah Brooks

Writer

February 20, 2025

10 min read

If you're a business owner or project manager, you know how crucial it is to find the right tools to keep things running smoothly. 17hats has long been a favorite for managing tasks, client communication, and workflows, but it’s not the only option out there. Sometimes, you just need something a little different or something that suits your needs better. So, let’s talk about 17hats, its limitations, and what alternatives might be a better fit for you.

What Is 17hats?

17hats is a cloud-based business management software that helps freelancers and small businesses with tasks like client management, invoicing, project tracking, and time management. It's basically like a Swiss Army knife for running a business—pretty handy, right? It has a lot of features, like automating workflows, tracking emails, and integrating with other tools. But even the best tools aren’t perfect, so let’s take a look at what some users think about it.

Limitations of 17hats

I’ve checked out what real users say on sites like Capterra, G2, and Trustpilot, and, while 17hats gets plenty of praise, it does have some drawbacks.

1. Limited customization options: Some users feel like 17hats is a bit rigid when it comes to customizing workflows or reports. It’s great if you need basic templates, but if you're looking for something that adapts to your exact business needs, it might fall short.
2. Not the best for large teams: 17hats is designed primarily for solo entrepreneurs and small teams. If your team grows or your needs become more complex, you might find it hard to scale with 17hats. Some users have mentioned the interface gets cluttered and overwhelming as you add more people.
3. Lack of advanced project management features: While 17hats covers the basics of task management, it’s not built to handle more detailed project management, like task dependencies or Gantt charts. If your projects are more complex, you might need something that offers deeper project-tracking functionality.
4. Customer support complaints: A few users on Trustpilot and G2 mentioned slow or unhelpful customer support. That’s definitely a dealbreaker for me—if I’m stuck, I need help fast.

But, don't just take my word for it. Everyone’s got different needs, and for some people, these limitations might not be a big deal.

How to Choose the Best Alternative to 17hats

Choosing the right alternative to 17hats comes down to figuring out what’s most important for your business. Are you a solo entrepreneur? A small team? Or are you looking for something that scales with your growing company? Here are a few things to consider before you make the switch:

1. What features do you actually need? Some people just need invoicing and time tracking. If that’s you, don’t overthink it—go for something simple. But, if you need project management features like task assignment, timelines, and integrations with other tools, you’ll need something more advanced.
2. How customizable does it need to be? If you need a tool that can mold to your exact needs, you’ll probably want an alternative with more customization options. But if you’re fine with using templates and sticking to a defined workflow, then a simpler tool might be just fine.
3. What’s your budget? Price is always a factor. 17hats is fairly affordable, but if you’re looking for more advanced features, some alternatives may cost a bit more. However, a higher price could be worth it if you’re getting features that actually help your business run smoother.

Flowlu

Your all-in-one work management solution

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Flowlu brings together team collaboration, client and project management, knowledge sharing, and financial tracking, all in one place. With Flowlu, you can automate those repetitive tasks that slow you down. Rely on real-time reporting to get insights into what’s working and where you can improve. Flowlu offers multiple task views—like Kanban, list, or calendar—so you can visualize work the way that suits your team best. With all your data in one place, making informed decisions is simpler than ever. It's all about reducing the effort of daily tasks, so you can focus on what really matters—growing your business and delivering value to your clients.

Smartsheet

Project tracking with a familiar spreadsheet touch

Smartsheet’s spreadsheet-style interface makes it easy to track projects, collaborate with teams, and automate workflows. From detailed Gantt charts to simple task lists, it adapts to fit any team’s needs. Manage everything from big-picture strategy to everyday tasks in one flexible workspace.

ProofHub

Comprehensive project control

ProofHub offers an all-in-one platform for project management and team collaboration. Plan, organize, and deliver projects efficiently while keeping communication centralized. With features like task timelines, online proofing, and built-in chat, your team stays connected and in sync. It’s a comprehensive solution that brings clarity and control to your workflows.

Zoho One

Complete business suite

Zoho One is a full-fledged business platform with over 40 integrated apps, covering everything from sales to marketing to project management. It streamlines your operations by keeping all your tools under one login. Customize and scale the platform as your business grows, without worrying about the complexity of managing multiple systems.

WorkflowMax

Project lifecycle manager

WorkflowMax handles your entire project lifecycle, from lead generation to invoicing. Perfect for service-based businesses, it simplifies time tracking, task management, and financial reporting. With detailed insights into project profitability, you’ll always know where your business stands.

Dubsado

Client-centric project tool

Dubsado combines CRM, project management, and invoicing in one powerful platform designed for client-facing businesses. From sending contracts to managing client communications, Dubsado automates routine tasks so you can focus on delivering great work. Its clean interface makes it easy to keep track of projects, schedules, and invoices all in one place.

Scoro

Complete business management

Scoro combines project management, billing, and reporting into one seamless experience. Manage your tasks, track time, and get real-time insights into project profitability with Scoro’s all-in-one platform. Running a creative agency or a professional service firm? Scoro helps you optimize every aspect of your business with ease.

LiquidPlanner

Predictive project scheduling

LiquidPlanner uses predictive scheduling to give teams a clear view of timelines and resources. It dynamically adjusts as priorities shift, ensuring your team stays focused on the most important tasks. The platform’s real-time forecasting tools let you manage uncertainty and make informed decisions.

Nifty

Real-time project tracker

Nifty combines task management, collaboration, and project timelines in one intuitive platform. Plan and track your projects from start to finish with real-time updates that keep everyone aligned. Nifty’s easy-to-use interface and automation features make it ideal for growing teams that need flexibility.

Bitrix24

Integrated business collaboration

Bitrix24 combines project management, communication, and CRM into a single, integrated platform. Manage tasks, collaborate with your team, and keep client information organized—all without leaving the app. Designed for small teams and large organizations alike, Bitrix24 offers the tools you need to streamline operations.

Plutio

Freelancer business management

Plutio is built for freelancers and small teams who need an all-in-one solution to manage tasks, clients, and invoices. It offers everything you need to run your business seamlessly, including project tracking and communication, without the need to switch between tools. Customizable workflows allow you to manage projects your way, and integrated invoicing helps you get paid faster.

Planview

Enterprise project management

Planview (former Clarizen) provides enterprise-grade project management with robust features designed for large-scale operations. It’s perfect for teams that need advanced tracking, resource allocation, and collaboration tools in one centralized platform. Plan, execute, and deliver complex projects while gaining real-time insights into every aspect of your workflow.

Accelo

Service business automation

Accelo is built for service-based businesses that need to manage projects, clients, and billing all in one place. Track time, automate workflows, and keep projects on schedule, all while ensuring client satisfaction. Accelo integrates every part of your service delivery process, from lead generation to invoicing.

Avaza

Cloud-based team collaboration

Avaza brings together project management, team collaboration, and invoicing into a single, cloud-based platform. Organize tasks, track time, and manage client communications without the need for separate tools. Its clean interface and powerful features make it a great choice for teams seeking to simplify workflows and boost productivity.

Paymo

Time tracking with billing

Paymo is designed for teams and freelancers who need to manage projects, track time, and handle billing from one central platform. It’s perfect for businesses that want a seamless way to stay on top of tasks, deadlines, and client invoicing. Paymo’s real-time tracking and reporting give you full visibility into project progress and profitability. It’s an all-in-one solution for those who want to manage work and payments effortlessly.

HoneyBook

Client process automation

HoneyBook offers a complete client management solution for freelancers and small businesses. From proposals and contracts to payments, it helps you streamline your entire client process. Its automation features take the hassle out of onboarding and invoicing, so you can focus on delivering great work.

Monday

Visual task management

Monday is a visual project management tool that adapts to your team's workflow. It lets you track projects, set up automations, and manage everything from daily tasks to big projects on a colorful, user-friendly interface. Its flexibility makes it ideal for teams of all sizes looking to streamline processes.

Teamwork

End-to-end project tracking

Teamwork is a project management platform designed to streamline team collaboration. It allows companies to manage tasks, track time, and stay on top of project timelines with ease. With its client-focused features, Teamwork makes managing complex projects and keeping everyone aligned simple.

SuiteDash

Centralized Sales & Service

SuiteDash calls itself a client portal software but also includes a CRM with tools for managing sales funnels. It helps you keep all client information in one place and offers automation features like scheduling follow-ups and creating new contacts automatically. You can choose from four different styles to monitor pipelines from various aspects. It also provides client onboarding tools like forms, checklists, and proposals. However, users often mention the platform feels slow and overwhelming during setup due to the many modules and unclear connections between them.

Creatio CRM

CRM with Process Automation

Creatio blends CRM tools with process automation in one platform. It simplifies lead management, tracks sales, and handles workflows. The system adapts to fit various business needs. Users praise its flexibility. Teams can build unique solutions quickly. However, setup can be overwhelming due to its many options. New users often report needing additional training to get started. Once configured, it’s reliable for streamlining operations. Advanced reporting tools make it appealing to data-driven teams. On the downside, customer support response times could improve.

Kissflow

No-Code Workflow Automation

Kissflow keeps workflows and processes organized without making things complicated. It’s a no-code platform where teams can build their own automation, approvals, and project tracking without needing an IT degree. If your team is drowning in emails and spreadsheets, this helps keep everything in one place so nothing slips through the cracks.

NetSuite

Business Operations in One Place

NetSuite is an all-in-one business software that handles accounting, inventory, and operations in one system. It’s built for companies that need more than just spreadsheets but don’t want ten different tools that don’t talk to each other. It’s flexible enough for growing businesses and big enough for companies that need serious financial tracking.

Kantata

Project Planning for Services

Kantata is built for professional services teams that need to manage projects, people, and budgets in one spot. It helps teams plan ahead, keep an eye on resources, and track work without playing detective. If your projects involve juggling schedules, billable hours, and client expectations, this keeps everything organized.

Odoo

Modular Business Tools

Odoo is like a business toolbox with apps for accounting, CRM, e-commerce, and more. You can start with one feature and add more as your company grows, so you don’t have to switch systems every time you need something new. It’s a good fit for businesses that want flexibility without a bunch of separate subscriptions.