17hats vs Light Blue

17hats is an all-in-one platform for service-driven businesses run by one person, organizing contacts and projects and automating processes. Its dashboard brings together tags, pipelines and related contacts. Users can create quotes, contracts, invoices and questionnaires with templates and document reminders. Online scheduling lets clients select a service and book; advanced options include payment at booking and Zoom links. Workflows automate process steps. Payment processing includes Stripe and Square, and some payment features require those processors. Listed integrations include Apple and Google calendars, QuickBooks Online, Stripe, Square, Zapier and Zoom. Free apps for Android and Apple devices can notify users about leads, payments, questionnaires, quotes, contracts and scheduling changes. The service is available on Android, iOS and the web. There is no free plan, and a seven-day trial is available. Monthly pricing is $60 a month, while the yearly plan is $600 a year and the bi-yearly plan is $800 a year. Package levels vary in monthly document limits; Bank Connect is an optional $5 a month add-on for bringing expenses into 17hats. The company says its database is encrypted with AES-256 and its site connection uses TLS 1.2.

Light Blue is business management software for photographers that brings enquiries, clients, bookings, and invoices into one system. Clients can submit enquiries through website forms, book shoots, sign contracts, and pay invoices online. The installed apps can work without an internet connection and sync data to the company’s cloud servers when online again. Business tools include invoicing, payment schedules, expense and mileage tracking, tasks, workflows, and automation. Reporting includes customisable and advanced reports, financial reports, and accounting exports. Listed integrations include Zapier, ShootProof, Pic-Time, Fundy, Zoom, ProSelect, The Image File, GotPhoto, Stripe, Square, PayPal, QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, MailerLite, and Google Calendar. Light Blue runs on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. Pricing depends on device count, and the maker says every subscriber receives all features. Listed plans range from $32.50 a month for up to five devices to $77.50 a month for up to 20 devices. The pricing note says From £30/mo · 30-day trial; text messaging is available with charges applying.