Pixieset Studio Manager vs StudioPlus Stratus
Pixieset Studio Manager
pixieset.comStudioPlus Stratus
studioplussoftware.comSide by side
| Figure | Pixieset Studio Manager | StudioPlus Stratus |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $12/mo | $54.95/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 6 | 3 |
| Spec score · Photography Studio Management Software | 8.9 (#3) | 7.5 (#20) |
| Company | Pixieset describes itself as a profitable, privately owned company founded in 2013 by photographers. | StudioPlus describes itself as family-owned and says it was founded in 1995 by Matthew “Matt” Hunt. |
| Founded | 2013 | 1995 |
| Integrations | Studio Manager offers Google Calendar synchronization, Zoom video-call integration and Google Meet support. | Listed integrations include Google calendar and contacts, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks Desktop, MYOB, Simply Accounting, Global Payments Integrated, eWAY, and meeting links for Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. |
| Payments | Available payment methods include Pixieset Payments, Stripe, PayPal, and manual payment; Pixieset Payments is available in the United States and Canada. | The feature page lists PCI-compliant credit card integration and EMV-compliant credit card processing in the US. |
| Purpose | Studio Manager is an all-in-one CRM for photographers to manage bookings, take payments, and grow their photography business. | Stratus brings client management, scheduling, communications, workflows, invoices, payments, and reporting into one system for photographers and service businesses. |
| Support | Pixieset directs users to its Help & Support Center for assistance. | Phone, email, and chat support are included with every subscription, and the vendor provides help guides and training videos. |
Plans
Pixieset Studio Manager
- FreeFree
- FreeFree
- Plus$12 a month
- Plus$12 a month
- Pro$18 a month
- Pro$18 a month
StudioPlus Stratus
- Stratus Standard$54.95 a month
- Stratus Professional$74.95 a month
- Stratus EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
Pixieset Studio Manager
Pixieset Studio Manager is a CRM for photographers to manage bookings, payments and client work. Clients can check availability, book sessions and pay through an online booking site. The system supports invoices, contracts, questionnaires and quotes, with options for branded documents. Its Mini Sessions Creator builds a schedule from a chosen date and number of spots. A visual project board groups work by stage and can include client details, documents and sessions. Contact management tracks clients and leads, and customizable forms can be embedded on a website to collect inquiries. Integrations include Google Calendar, Google Meet and Zoom. Payment methods include Pixieset Payments, Stripe, PayPal and manual payment; Pixieset Payments is available in the United States and Canada. Apps for iOS and Android support messaging, booking inquiries, documents and project management. A free plan is available. Plus costs $12 a month when billed annually, or $15/month; Pro costs $18 a month when billed annually, or $24/month.
StudioPlus Stratus
StudioPlus Stratus brings client records, scheduling, communications, workflows, invoices, payments and reporting into one system for photographers and service businesses. Its client records can hold history, lead sources, referrals and family-member details. Scheduling includes online booking, Google Calendar syncing, conflict checks and daily, weekly and monthly views. Sessions and projects can use custom types and workflow statuses, with tasks and triggered communications. The listed integrations include Google Calendar and contacts, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks Desktop, MYOB, Simply Accounting, Global Payments Integrated and eWAY, as well as meeting links for Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. Stratus runs on Android, iOS, web and Windows. Standard costs $54.95 a month month-to-month; Professional costs $74.95 a month month-to-month. Each includes one user license and 5 GB of Stratus Drive storage, with additional licenses at $10/Month. A 30-day free trial requires a credit card, and billing begins afterward unless canceled.