Looking for Project Management Software with Client Portal?

Managing projects gets tricky when trying to keep clients informed and involved without overwhelming them. That’s where client portals in project management tools come in handy. A good client portal lets clients track updates, view progress, and access important documents—all in one place. It simplifies communication, reduces back-and-forth emails, and helps keep tasks organized and easy to follow. For freelancers or teams, client portals enhance collaboration and ensure everyone stays on the same page. Below, we’ll take a look at some excellent project management software with client portal capabilities you need to consider.

1. Kitchen.co

Kitchen.co is a project management software with client portal that helps businesses keep everything in one place, from projects and tasks to messages, invoices, and files. It creates a space where teams and clients can work together.

You can give your clients secure access to projects you’re working on, requests, tasks, messages, invoices, and files, all in one straightforward window. The familiar folder layout helps them find what they need without hassle. They can stay updated on questions and requests using handy communication tools, including internal messaging.

You can also give your clients the ability can create and manage documents.

Key Project Management Features:

• Folders: Nested folders and color coding for effortless navigation.
• Conversations: Internal messaging and collaborative features for client interactions.
• Invoicing & Payments: Invoice creation and management with support for multiple payment options.
• File Feedback & Approvals: Comments directly on files for streamlined feedback on visual content.
• Boards: Kanban boards for tracking tasks and assignments, enhancing workflow visibility.
• Files: File uploads and organization with previews and integration with cloud storage platforms.
• Docs: Document creation and storage in one central location for easy collaboration.
• Embed Tabs: Integration of external tools and documents within projects for a seamless experience.
• White-labeling: Customization of the platform’s branding to align with business identity.
• Integrations: Connections to various applications, including Google Drive, Dropbox, and accounting software.

You Can Give Clients the Ability to:

• Access Everything in One Place:  Clients can view all their projects, requests, tasks, messages, invoices, and files in a single, organized workspace that feels familiar.

• See whatever you let them: You can decide what boards. files, or tasks your clients can see. This way you won’t worry about accidentally sharing something that you want to be private.

• Communicate Clearly: Clients can stay in touch with their teammates and your team through integrated messaging and email, making it simple to ask questions and get updates.

• Track Task Progress: Clients can monitor the status of tasks on Kanban boards, and you can further give them access to assign responsibilities and adjust priorities as project needs change.

• Upload and Share Files: Clients can also upload files and documents, including large ones (up to 1GB), and preview various formats like images and PDFs.

• Collaborate on Documents: Clients can create and share important documents with their team and add comments directly on visuals for quick feedback and approvals.

• Enjoy a Personalized Experience: Benefit from a custom-branded portal, and a secure environment for sharing files and providing real-time feedback.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Offers basic tools for small teams, with a limit of two internal users and smaller file sizes.
• Agency White-Label Plan: Priced at $29 per user/month, this plan includes perks like larger file size limits, custom domain setup, and white-label branding.
• Lifetime Purchase: A rare option, allowing you to buy the software for a one-time payment of $599. This covers unlimited users and eliminates the need for monthly payments.

2. Basecamp

In Basecamp your clients can easily view feedback, decisions, tasks, deadlines, and files in a single organized space. You control what they see, allowing clients to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. This platform simplifies communication, reduces confusion, and helps everyone remain aligned.

Key Project Management Features:

• Home Dashboard: A one-page overview for managing projects, assignments, and schedules.
• Messages: A centralized platform for discussions on key topics, replacing traditional project emails.
• To-dos: A tool for tracking tasks, deadlines, responsibilities, and progress details.
• File Management: A space for storing, sharing, and discussing documents, files, and images, whether physical or in the cloud.
• Campfire Chat: Real-time group chat for quick questions and answers among team members.
• Scheduling: A project schedule that displays deadlines, milestones, and relevant events to help manage tasks.
• Timesheet Integration: An add-on feature that allows users to track time directly within Basecamp, eliminating the need for spreadsheets.
• Project Progress Tracking: Tools for visualizing project status and determining if projects are on track.
• Mission Control: A high-level overview of all projects, indicating which are on track and which require attention.

You Can Give Clients the Ability to:

• Access Everything in One Place: Clients can view project-related feedback, decisions, tasks, deadlines, and files in one organized workspace, with you determining what they can see.

• Communicate Clearly: They can refer back to previous discussions because all conversations are stored.

• Track Task Progress: They can view or assign tasks with due dates and automatic reminders, allowing them to stay on top of requests without the need for constant follow-ups.

• Access Shared Files: Clients can retrieve important folders and files at any time, ensuring they have the latest versions readily available.

Pricing:

• Basecamp: Ideal for freelancers, startups, and small teams; $15/user per month; 500 GB storage for files and documents; month-to-month billing; only employees are billed, guests can be invited for free; free trial available.
• Basecamp Pro Unlimited: Perfect for growing businesses and larger groups; $299/month for unlimited users, billed annually, or $349/month for month-to-month; 5 TB storage; includes 1:1 onboarding tour, priority support, Timesheet add-on, and Admin Pro Pack for access control; no per-user charges.

3. HoneyBook

HoneyBook provides a simple client portal that keeps all communication, documents, and payments in one place for clients to stay informed about their projects. The platform gives you customization options, an easy-to-use interface, and solid security features.

Key Project Management Features:

• Professional Invoices: A feature for creating and sending invoices efficiently to ensure timely payments.
• Secure Payments: A digital payment system that facilitates fast and straightforward transactions.
• Online Contracts: User-friendly contract templates that can be signed online for convenience.
• Fast Scheduling: Tools for sharing availability, booking appointments, and confirming meetings seamlessly.
• AI & Automation: Intelligent features that minimize repetitive tasks, allowing users to focus on their core work.

You Can Give Clients the Ability to:

• Access Everything in One Place: Clients can view all their emails, documents, and payments in a tidy workspace.

• Stay Updated: They can keep track of project progress with activity history, status changes, and real-time updates.
• Communicate Clearly: Use built-in messaging to follow up on discussions and ask questions without difficulty.
• Log in Securely: Access the portal with a password or choose direct links for easy, login-less entry.
• Enjoy Mobile-Friendly Access: Access their projects and information on mobile devices.
• Make Payments Easily: You can set automatic payment reminders, allowing clients to pay securely online with a click.

Pricing:

• Starter Plan: $16/month (billed yearly) – Unlimited clients and projects, invoices and payments, proposals and contracts, calendar, all professional templates, client portal, and basic reports.
• Essentials Plan: $32/month (billed yearly) – All Starter features, plus scheduler, automations, QuickBooks Online integration, up to 2 team members, expense management, profit and loss tracking, removal of “Powered by HoneyBook” branding, standard reports, and AI Assistant.
• Premium Plan: $66/month (billed yearly) – All Essentials features, plus unlimited team members, priority support, management of multiple companies, onboarding specialist, advanced reports, and AI Assistant.

4. Bonsai

Next, we have Bonsai for project and financial management. Its client portal gives clients a straightforward way to keep track of their projects. Everything from contracts to payments is available in one place, helping clients stay organized and up-to-date without needing to search through emails.

Key Project Management Features:

• Bonsai Proposals: Customizable proposals with upselling options, client notifications for views, and one-click approval.
• Contracts: Pre-vetted legal templates that auto-generate contracts based on project details, accessible from any device.
• Time Tracking: Hour logging with a click or manually, enabling quick invoice generation based on tracked time.
• Project Management: Project overviews, task addition, and hour tracking, though lacking advanced features like kanban boards.
• Expense Tracking: Basic expense tracking without receipt scanning or bank connection options, requiring manual entry.
• Invoicing & Payments: Auto-generated invoices from proposals/contracts, tracking views, following up on unpaid invoices, and accepting various payment methods.
• Recurring Payments: Automatic recurring invoices for ongoing services, including auto-pay options.
• Reports: Basic income and expense reporting available, lacking advanced insights into hourly rates and project durations.
• Integrated Scheduling: A booking page for clients to schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointments based on availability.

You Can Give Clients the Ability to:

• Secure Access: Use a unique, secure link to access the portal and keep their information protected.

• Track Project Progress: See project updates and activity in real-time.
• Manage Contracts and Invoices: View contracts, invoices, and payments without hassle.

• Share and Receive Files: Upload and download files and media in an organized space.

• View Time Tracking: Check the hours worked and tasks completed for transparency.

Pricing:

• Basic Plan: $9 per user/month (billed annually). Includes time tracking, task management, unlimited projects, CRM, service library, and iOS & Android app.
• Essentials Plan: $19 per user/month (billed annually). Includes all Basic features, plus invoices & payments, proposals & contracts, templates, forms & questionnaires, scheduling, and expense and income tracking.
• Premium Plan: $29 per user/month (billed annually). Includes all Essentials features, plus project insights, workload management, Gantt view, custom fields & properties, client portal, profit & productivity reports, removal of Bonsai branding, and integrations with QuickBooks, Zapier, Calendly, and Google.
• Elite Plan: $49 per user/month (billed annually, 3 users minimum). Includes all Premium features, plus custom permissions, request management, staffing management, timesheet locking, expense markups, HubSpot integration, custom data import, and dedicated onboarding.

5. Monday.com

Monday’s client portal offers a controlled space where clients can engage with their specific projects. All you need to do is make a board sharable and give the link to your client. Guests (clients) are granted limited access to view and collaborate on shared boards, ensuring privacy and project security.

Each Shareable Board can be customized with permissions by the board owner, allowing clients to contribute where needed, while keeping other data restricted.

Key Project Management Features:

• Templates: Offers numerous industry-specific project and automation templates for quick setup, designed for teams of all sizes.
• Customization: Provides extensive options for users to customize their workspace, including task column tags, colors, and background themes.
• API: Allows users to create custom tools and integrations to sync data with other platforms, though some coding knowledge may be necessary.
• Collaboration Tools: Facilitates team collaboration through task assignments, progress tracking, status visibility, and in-app commenting.
• Automations: Features a comprehensive database of automation templates to streamline workflows, with customizable options for advanced users.
• Integrations: Connects with over 50 popular apps (e.g., Google Drive, Slack, Salesforce) to enhance functionality and streamline work processes.
• Dashboards: Enables users to create flexible dashboards that display project statuses, calendars, insights, and resource management metrics.

Guests Can:

• Create new tasks or items on the Shareable Board.
• Edit and add columns to organize their view.
• Add comments to updates and status sections for better communication.
• Assign team members to tasks when needed.
• Access different board views for easier navigation.
• Add automations to streamline processes.
• Set up integrations to connect with other tools.
• Use the ‘My Work’ feature to track tasks across boards.
• Join teams (available for Enterprise accounts).
• Access Monday’s API for custom workflows and solutions.
• View apps they collaborate on via The Developer Center.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: $0 for up to 2 users, ideal for individuals or small teams.
• Basic Plan: $9 per user/month, for simple task management and collaboration.
• Standard Plan: $12 per user/month, with timeline views and integrations.
• Pro Plan: $19 per user/month, offering private boards and time tracking.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing.

 

6. Clinked

Clinked is a simple client portal that offers personalized workspaces where clients can access documents, manage tasks, and chat with your team. It has features like file sharing and real-time updates to help keep everything organized and secure.

Key Project Management Features:

• File Sharing: Enables real-time collaboration on ideas and project outlines, with live updates using @mentions.
• Event Planning: Facilitates easy setup and sharing of group events, with synchronization options for other calendar tools and customizable privacy settings.
• Task Management: Allows users to create, edit, and comment on tasks, assign owners, set reminders, and define start and due dates for improved transparency.
• Secure Collaboration: Provides bank-grade security with granular access and permissions at various levels (file, folder, user, group).
• Real-Time Updates: Offers immediate updates on group activities, with customizable notification preferences via email or mobile.
• Audit Trails: Includes on-demand audit trails for tracking activity and changes.

You Can Give Clients the Ability to:

• Upload files: They can upload documents securely to protect confidentiality and data integrity.
• Receive Email Notifications: Receive real-time notifications about activities and updates in the portal.
• Approve Files: Clients can use the review and approval of important documents directly within the portal.
• Manage Tasks: They can organize tasks, assign them to team members, and keep projects on track.
• Integrate Tools: Clients can connect the portal with other tools and applications like WordPress, Google Drive, and OneDrive for improved workflows.
• Mention Team members: Notify specific individuals or groups for effective communication within the portal.
• Use Team Calendars: Shared calendars to coordinate schedules, deadlines, and events.
• Use A Group Chat: Group discussions to enhance teamwork and communication.

Pricing:

• Lite Plan: $95/month (billed annually). Includes a white-label portal for small businesses, file and note sharing, full text search, 100 members, 100 GB of storage, and unlimited guests.
• Standard Plan:  $239/month (billed annually). Includes tasks, a shared calendar, discussions, real-time group and 1-to-1 chat, 100 members, 1 TB of storage, a custom domain (URL), an audit trail, and unlimited guests.
• Premium Plan: $479/month (billed annually). Includes support for 250 members, 3 TB of storage, white-label email notifications, custom domain file upload, document watermarking, a Kanban board for tasks, and unlimited guests.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom Pricing. Includes support for over 1,000 members, 5 TB+ storage, a white-label mobile app, Active Directory and Single Sign-On, response and uptime SLA options, a choice of data center locations (US/EU/ROW), and a dedicated Customer Success Manager.

7. SuiteDash

SuiteDash is a handy software solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses that want to make their operations easier and more efficient. It brings together essential tools in one place, and a client portal where you can fully customize what your clients can see based on their role.

Key Project Management Features:

• Kanban Project View: Offers a card-based system for visualizing project status and progress, allowing users to drag and drop tasks between stages with two views available: Status View and Assignee View.
• Project Overview Dashboard: Provides a customizable hub for clients and teams to access updates, progress reports, and collaborative features, with options to include dynamic data placeholders and personalized branding.
• Sequenced Project Templates: Enables structured project setup through templates that auto-generate tasks and phases in a specified order, ensuring efficient project initiation.
• Auto-Generate Projects: Allows users to pre-design projects with necessary details, automatically generating them with dynamic naming conventions for personalization.
• Trigger/Actions Automations: Facilitates the creation of automated workflows triggered by task completions or project phases, helping streamline processes like proposals and client updates.
• Project & Task Folders + Files: Provides secure storage for project files in a dedicated structure, with options to manage visibility for clients and pre-configure folder structures.
• Manage All Team Members: Offers an overview of tasks assigned to team members across projects, with detailed access to project history, actions, and comments.
• Search, Filter & Sort Tasks: Enhances task management with powerful search and filtering capabilities, allowing users to easily locate tasks based on various attributes.

You Can Give Clients the Ability to:

• Customize Visibility: Clients can see customized content based on their role, with control over what staff and freelancers can access.
• Dynamic Custom Menus: They can navigate through menus tailored to their needs, with visibility controlled by the platform’s settings.
• Announcements Management: Can view and receive important updates through announcements shared across different channels.
• Secure Portal Access: Your clients can access the portal after a one-time payment or recurring subscription, ensuring secure entry.
• Payment Integration: Clients can register and enter the portal after payment verification, with compatibility across various payment gateways.
• Translations Feature: They can access menus and labels in their preferred language, using customized translations or community-sourced sets.

Pricing:

• START Plan: $19/month. Unlimited CRM contacts, unlimited staff/team members, unlimited portals, extreme white labeling, a custom branded mobile app, email marketing campaigns, 100 GB of file storage, access to docs, academy, and community resources.
• Lifetime START Plan:  $2,240 (one-time payment). Includes all START features with a lifetime access option, allowing for unlimited use without recurring payments.
• THRIVE Plan:  $49/month. Includes autoresponder drip marketing, a dynamic proposals toolkit, custom folder generators, advanced custom menus, deal stage pipelines, client-side live chat, a total of 500 GB of file storage, and one free wizarding session.
• Lifetime THRIVE Plan: $3,940 (one-time payment). Includes all THRIVE features with a lifetime access option, allowing for unlimited use without recurring payments.
• PINNACLE Plan: $99/month. Includes everything in the THRIVE Plan plus a complete automation toolkit, FLOWs onboarding toolkit, LMS learning management, support tickets toolkit, task dependencies, client/customer journeys, a total of 2 TB of file storage, and one bonus wizarding session.

 

8. Huddle

And last, Huddle is currently in its demo version, but worth checking out. It’s a good client portal solution fo businesses to create secure spaces for sharing files, communicating, and managing projects.

Key Project Management Features:

• Collaboration: Allows teams, clients, and partners to work together in one secure space to manage tasks, content, approvals, and communication.
• File Sharing: Creates workspaces for internal and external teams, making it easy to manage who can access what without needing different apps.
• Security: Meets high-security standards, including FedRAMP Certification, and is used by government agencies and businesses around the world.
• Version Control: Automatically keeps track of document versions, ensuring everyone accesses the latest files while allowing rollbacks to earlier versions if needed.
• Tasks: Helps keep projects organized by allowing users to set client reviews and request feedback.
• File Request: This lets users request up to 500 files from colleagues and clients at once, with automatic notifications for those who need to respond.
• Mobile Working: Offers mobile apps to access files, track activity, manage approvals, and set tasks while on the go, integrating with Microsoft desktop tools.

You Can Give Clients the Ability to:

• Access a Dedicated Workspace: Clients can join a specific Huddle Workspace for collaboration on files and sharing updates.
• Track Activity: Can view their activity within the platform, including which files they access.
• Access Anywhere: Can access the portal from any device, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.
• Share Licenses: They can easily sign up using their email addresses, enhancing workflow and output efficiency.
• Manage Large Files: Clients can upload and manage files up to 20GB in various formats, streamlining administration.
• Enhance Customer Engagement: Can engage with their projects and track their contributions to processes.
• Clarify Responsibilities: See everyone’s responsibilities in one centralized location, facilitating collaboration.
• Align Conversations: Keep discussions focused on content and project deliverables, improving satisfaction and fostering strong relationships.

Pricing:

• Huddle Plus Plan: DEMO. Minimum of 25 users, unlimited workspaces and client portals, free client/partner licenses, free external user access, custom branding options, compatibility with Microsoft O365, ability to create custom workflows and automations, 1 TB of storage, access to a comprehensive list of features.
• Huddle Premier Plan: DEMO. Minimum of 100 users, unlimited storage, unlimited free client/partner licenses, dedicated Customer Success Manager, online chat support, and access to a comprehensive list of features.

How to Choose the Right Client Portal Software?

The best client portals offer clear project management tools—task tracking, file sharing, and easy communication—so your team and clients can stay connected, all with a simple and user-friendly system.

• Project Needs: Make sure the software has the project management features you need to organize your work and team.
• Easy to Use: Look for a simple, user friendly interface that won’t take long to learn.
• Integrations: See if it connects with tools you already use, like email or file sharing.
• Growth Potential: Choose software that can handle more projects and people as your team grows.
• Cost: Check the price and any extra fees to make sure it fits your budget.
• Security: Protecting your data is a must, so strong security is important.
• Support: Good support can save you time when you run into problems.

FAQ

1. What is project management software with a client portal?
Project management software with client portals helps teams manage tasks and projects while giving clients a space to check updates and communicate directly. This type of software offers a centralized location for client projects, making collaboration easier.

2. What are the main features of client portal software?
Client portal software usually includes real-time project tracking, file sharing, messaging, and document management. Many options also offer custom branded client portals, which lets businesses personalize the experience for their clients.

3. How does a project management client portal help software development teams?
A project management client portal makes it simpler for software development teams to share updates and communicate with clients. Clients can access project information whenever they want, which keeps everyone informed and helps build trust.

4. Can clients access project information whenever they need to?
Absolutely! Client portal features allow clients to access project information in real-time. They can check updates, download files, and message your team anytime, keeping everyone on the same page.

5. What should I consider when looking for the best project management software?
When searching for top project management software, think about how easy it is to use, the available integrations, client portal features, and security. It’s also helpful to find software that fits your workflow and provides a good experience for clients through accessible client portals.

6. How can custom-branded client portals improve relationships with clients?
Custom-branded client portals create a personalized experience that helps clients feel more connected to your business. This makes it easier for them to access project information and can lead to stronger relationships over time.

Final words (So, Which Project Planning Software Should You Choose?)

What the best project management software is, really depends on your team’s needs. Look for features that matter to you, like security, ease of use, and how well it works with the tools you already have. Smaller teams might prefer something simple, while larger ones might need more advanced options. Also, think about how the portal can improve your daily work and help you collaborate with clients. Take your time to check out different choices and pick one that makes teamwork easier. The goal is to make client interactions smoother and help everyone get their work done.