| Paymo | ActiveCollab | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Project Management | Project Management |
| Best for | Client-service teams that bill by the hour | Agencies that want to manage delivery and billing together |
| Free plan | Yes (1 user) | No |
| Paid plans from | $9.90 per month (Solo) | $12.50 per month (Plus) |
| Platform | ||
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Team size | Small team, Mid-size | Small team, Mid-size |
| Approach | Tasks and Gantt views paired with time tracking and invoicing | Project tracking with time, expenses, and client invoicing |
| Learning curve | Medium | Medium |
| AI features | No | No |
| Integrations | Slack, Google Workspace, Zapier | Slack, Zapier, Google Workspace, QuickBooks, Trello |
| Strengths |
|
|
Paymo vs ActiveCollab pricing
Paymo
- Free$01 user
- Solo$9.90 per month1 user, billed monthly, introductory $5.90 for the first 3 months
- Plus$15.90 per user / monthBilled monthly, introductory $10.90 for the first 3 months
- Pro$23.90 per user / monthBilled monthly, introductory $16.90 for the first 3 months
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current Paymo pricing →
ActiveCollab
- Plus$12.50 per monthBilled yearly, or $15 billed monthly; flat price for up to 3 members
- Pro$10 per user / monthBilled yearly, or $11 billed monthly
- Pro+$15 per user / monthBilled yearly, or $17 billed monthly
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current ActiveCollab pricing →
Strengths and trade-offs
Paymo
Where it stands out
Its combination of time tracking, invoicing, and client-friendly reporting makes it attractive for agencies managing billable work.
Trade-off to know
It's a narrower fit for teams outside agency or client-billing contexts.
ActiveCollab
Where it stands out
Its combination of time and expense tracking with client invoicing, in a straightforward interface, makes it attractive for smaller agencies.
Trade-off to know
It's less suited to large enterprises with more complex organizational needs.
Which one fits your team?
Choose Paymo if…
- You want to start on a free plan and value task and Gantt views alongside time tracking and invoicing
- You're a client-service team focused specifically on billing by the hour and want client-friendly reporting
Choose ActiveCollab if…
- You want broader integration coverage, including QuickBooks for accounting and Trello for lighter task boards
- You're an agency that prefers a straightforward interface for managing delivery and billing together, and don't need a free tier
FAQ
What is the main difference between Paymo and ActiveCollab?
Paymo and ActiveCollab both combine project delivery with client billing for agencies that want one tool instead of stitching together separate systems. Paymo stays freemium with a narrower integration list, while ActiveCollab is paid-only but adds more integrations, including QuickBooks and Trello, and both explicitly avoid trying to serve large enterprises.
Do Paymo and ActiveCollab have a free plan?
Paymo offers a free plan; ActiveCollab doesn't, though a trial is usually available.
How much do Paymo and ActiveCollab cost?
Paymo's paid plans start at $9.90 per month (Solo), while ActiveCollab's start at $12.50 per month (Plus). Billing period, team size, and taxes affect the final price, so check each vendor's pricing page before deciding.
Who is each tool best suited for?
Paymo fits client-service teams that bill by the hour. ActiveCollab fits agencies that want to manage delivery and billing together.