ClockoutClockify vs Bonsai: the 2026 comparison
Clockify and Bonsai both target solo freelancers but solve different problems. Clockify is a free time tracker with optional billing. Bonsai is a paid freelance suite. This comparison helps you decide which model fits your business.
Clockify
Clockify is a time tracker with the most generous free tier in the category — unlimited users. Invoicing is a paid add-on at $5.49/seat/month. Strongest for: freelancers who want a free timer and minimal overhead.
Bonsai
Bonsai is a complete freelance suite: contracts, proposals, invoicing, time tracking, expenses, and CRM. Pricing: Basic $9/user, Essentials $19/user, Premium $29/user. Strongest for: freelancers who want their entire business stack in one tool.
Side-by-side comparison
Clockify vs Bonsai: where each tool is stronger
| Criteria | Clockify | Bonsai |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Time tracking only (free) + invoicing (paid add-on). | Contracts + proposals + CRM + time + invoicing + expenses. |
| Invoicing | Paid add-on at $5.49/seat/month. | Essentials ($19/user) and above. |
| Free tier | Unlimited users. | Limited trial only. |
| Time tracking quality | Solid manual timer with browser extension. | Functional. Secondary feature. |
| Contracts/proposals | Not included. | Built-in templates and e-signature. |
| Best fit | Solo freelancers and budget teams. | Freelancers needing contracts/proposals alongside billing. |
Choose Clockify if...
Choose Bonsai if...
The third option
Clockify's free tier hides the catch — invoicing is a paid add-on. Bonsai's invoicing unlocks at $19/user. Clockout combines time tracking, invoicing, and automated reminders for $4/month — less than either, with the reminder layer neither tool ships natively.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Is Clockify or Bonsai better for freelancers?
It depends on what matters most. Clockify is stronger for solo freelancers wanting a free timer with optional invoicing. Bonsai is stronger for freelancers who handle contracts and proposals on every project. If your main need is tracking time and turning it into invoices in one workflow, Clockout may be a better fit than either.
Can I use Clockify and Bonsai together?
Some people use both — Clockify for one function and Bonsai for another. But tool-stacking adds complexity and billing friction. If you find yourself stitching two tools together to get from tracked time to paid invoice, a single billing-aware tool may be simpler.
Is there a third option?
Clockout combines time tracking, invoicing, and payment reminders in one $4/month workflow. Clockify's free tier hides the catch — invoicing is a paid add-on. Bonsai's invoicing unlocks at $19/user. Clockout combines time tracking, invoicing, and automated reminders for $4/month — less than either, with the reminder layer neither tool ships natively.
Done comparing?
Track time, send invoices, get paid — one workflow.
Clockout combines time tracking, invoicing, and automated reminders for $4/month. Free plan available.