Agency management software comparison: AgenciesWP vs the SaaS stack
This agency management software comparison shows what AgenciesWP replaces, what it costs next to the tools agencies usually pay for, and where another tool is the better fit.
Agency management software comparison: what you pay
Most agencies stitch together five or more subscriptions for projects, invoices, time, contracts and a client portal. Here is a typical stack next to one AgenciesWP license.
| Tool | What it covers | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bonsai | Project management | $300/yr |
| FreshBooks | Invoicing | $396/yr |
| Toggl | Time tracking | $240/yr |
| DocuSign | E-signature | $180/yr |
| SuiteDash | Client portal | $228/yr |
| Typical agency total | $1,344/yr | |
| AgenciesWP (everything above) | $79/yr |
Annual figures are typical costs for a small agency. SaaS prices change often, so check each vendor’s current pricing before you decide.
You save $1,265 every single yearAgenciesWP vs Bonsai at a glance
Bonsai is the tool most freelancers compare us with. This is how the two differ, including the areas where Bonsai is ahead.
| Feature | Bonsai | AgenciesWP |
|---|---|---|
| Project management | Basic (no milestones or Gantt) | Full milestones and status workflow |
| Time tracking | Yes | Yes, with per-staff rates |
| Invoicing | Yes | Yes, 5 line-item types, plus recurring invoices and payment reminders |
| E-signatures | Yes | Yes |
| Client portal | Basic (contracts and invoices only) | 10 full sections |
| Team members | Per-seat pricing | Unlimited, no extra charge |
| Self-hosted | No (SaaS) | Yes, on your WordPress server |
| WordPress integration | No, separate app | Yes, native plugin |
| Client login method | Email and password | Email and Client ID (no WP account needed) |
| Data ownership | Bonsai servers | Your own database |
| US tax prep | Yes (US only) | Not included |
| Pricing | $25-$39 per user per month | $79-$299 per year, flat |
AgenciesWP vs MainWP: different jobs
People often compare these two, but they solve opposite problems.
MainWP manages your clients’ websites
Bulk plugin, theme and core updates, automated backups, and uptime and security monitoring across many WordPress sites from one dashboard.
AgenciesWP manages your business
Clients, projects, time tracking, contracts, Stripe and PayPal invoicing, proposals and a branded client portal. Many agencies run both. See how they fit together.
Explore the detailed comparisons
Each guide goes deeper on one question.
AgenciesWP vs Bonsai: Bonsai Alternative for WordPress Users
Where Bonsai falls short for WordPress-based agencies and what the switch costs.
Read the guide →MainWP vs AgenciesWP
What each one does, and whether you need both.
Read the guide →WordPress Agency Management Plugin: 9 Best for 2026
Business management and multi-site plugins compared, with pros, cons and pricing.
Read the guide →Best WordPress Client Portal Plugin in 2026
The client portal plugins compared side by side.
Read the guide →The Real Cost of Running an Agency on SaaS Tools
Where the money goes in a typical SaaS stack and how to cut it.
Read the guide →When AgenciesWP is not the right choice
We would rather you pick the right tool than the wrong one.
- You do not run your business on WordPress. AgenciesWP is a WordPress plugin and needs WordPress 5.0+ and PHP 7.4+.
- You need built-in US tax preparation. Bonsai includes it and AgenciesWP does not.
- You need a mobile app. AgenciesWP is web-only.
- Your main problem is updating and monitoring many client sites. That is what tools like MainWP are built for.
Ready to replace the stack?
One annual license, unlimited clients and team members, self-hosted on your own WordPress site.