Vellum vs the other client portal tools
Honeybook, Dubsado, Copilot and SuiteDash are good at running a whole business. Vellum does one thing: it makes sure the client can open what you sent, sign off on it, and never has to ask you twice. Here is how that compares.
| Feature | Vellum | Honeybook | Dubsado | Copilot | SuiteDash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Keep files where they already live Use your existing Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or Teams links instead of re-uploading your work. | ● Only the link is stored — any file size | ◐ Own file area, links possible | ◐ Own file area, links possible | ◐ Own storage, some app embeds | ◐ Own file manager with quotas |
Warns you when a link asks your client to request access Vellum opens each link the way your client would and flags it in red with a one-line fix. | ● Automatic check on every link | ○ Not offered | ○ Not offered | ○ Not offered | ○ Not offered |
Client approval on any item Switch on “Ask for approval” and your client signs off with their name and a timestamp. | ● Any link, name and time recorded | ◐ Proposals and contracts | ◐ Proposals and contracts | ◐ Contracts and forms | ◐ Estimates and proposals |
See what the client actually opened A dated list of every Hub open and every link followed. | ● Per link, with date and time | ◐ Document view alerts | ◐ Form and proposal activity | ◐ Client activity feed | ◐ Activity log |
Client needs no account or app One magic link opens the Hub on a phone, no sign-in. | ● Magic link, no login | ◐ Usually an account | ◐ Portal login | ○ Client account required | ○ Client account required |
Free trial without a card Seven days, up to seven active clients, nothing charged until you choose a plan. | ● 7 days, 7 clients, no card | ◐ Trial terms vary | ◐ Trial terms vary | ◐ Trial terms vary | ◐ Trial terms vary |
Set-up time From sign-up to your first client Hub link. | ● Minutes — paste links, send one URL | ○ Workflow set-up first | ○ Heavy workflow set-up | ◐ App and branding set-up | ○ Large all-in-one set-up |
● yes · ◐ partly or on some plans · ○ not offered. Based on each provider's public website and documentation at the time of writing; plans and features change, so check the provider before deciding. Vellum is not affiliated with any tool named here.
The three that actually matter
Approvals that live on the thing itself
Not only on a proposal or a contract — put an Approve button on a draft, a design folder, a schedule or an invoice. Your client types their name, Vellum stamps the date, and it appears on your dashboard.
Link checks nobody else runs
The most common complaint about sharing a Drive folder is “it asks me to request access”. Vellum opens every link the way your client would and tells you which ones are locked, with the exact fix — and emails you when one goes private.
A trial sized for real work
Seven days, up to seven active clients, no card. That is a whole week of actual projects, not a sandbox with one demo client.
Try it against your own tool
Seven days free with up to seven active clients. On day eight, Solo is $29 a month and Agency is $49 — upgrade in one click, or walk away.
More reading: best client portal software · why Vellum · getting started guide