Top-Rated Client Collaboration Software (Assessed and Evaluated in 2025)
Here's a fresh, approachable take on the article:
When crafting my own client collaboration tool, thorough testing was essential. I had to know what worked well, what didn't, and why so many tools remain convoluted.
My experience provided a clear-eyed perspective on what various tools genuinely offer beyond the sales pitch. So, I compiled a no-nonsense guide to the top collaboration tools that suit diverse business needs and client demands.
If you're selecting software or wondering if your existing tool is holding you back, this guide should help.
Why bother with client collaboration software? Because managing contracts, client assets, approvals, and feedback through spreadsheets, email threads, and random Slack messages is a painful mess. Trust me, I've been there.
According to recent surveys, effective communication and transparency are top drivers of client retention. However, providers are only meeting client demands for transparency about 44% of the time. That's a 24% gap that should be a wake-up call. (Agency Analytics)
With the right tool, you'll gain complete visibility across all your client projects, easily keeping track of what's done, stuck, and missing. No more chasing updates or guessing who's waiting on what.
Moreover, you'll skip the headache of setting up an intranet or custom system, as most good platforms come with bank-level security, saving you time and cost. They also integrate with tools you're already using, minimizing the need to juggle multiple tabs to get one thing approved.
Bottom line: a comprehensive collaboration tool saves time, reduces friction, and helps you run a more professional operation.
Without further ado, here are my top recommendations for collaboration software.
Quick Summary (TL;DR) of Top Client Collaboration Software
1. FuseBase
FuseBase sets itself apart from other tools as an undisputed leader. This robust platform lets your team collaborate seamlessly and offers powerful sharing and collaboration features. FuseBase Portals can further enhance your collaboration process, providing a user-friendly platform to showcase your services for an exceptional client experience.
Pros:- FuseBase Portals for seamless client interactions- Personalization by removing FuseBase branding- A versatile solution catering to multiple industries
Cons:- Pricing may be more expensive than some competitors
- Pricing: from $32/month per team
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.6; G2 - 4.7
Who should use FuseBase?FuseBase's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of industries, including creative agencies, law firms, consultants, financial advisors, and more.
2. Smartsheet
Smartsheet is an all-encompassing collaboration tool that can manage a single project to an entire organization's work, from start to finish. It connects businesses on a no-code, cloud-based platform, enabling easy automation of common tasks.
Pros:- Intuitive interface makes it easy for less experienced users- Project planning with Gantt charts and automation capabilities- Strong security to protect sensitive data
Cons:- Learning curve for more advanced features- Progress tracking could be more intuitive
- Pricing: from $9 per user/month
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.5; G2 - 4.4
Who should use Smartsheet?Smartsheet is suitable for teams of all sizes, from enterprise companies to small to medium-sized businesses.
3. Monday
Monday Work OS is a flexible tool where team members can build their ideal custom workflows with a user-friendly interface. This client collaboration software is designed to be versatile and adaptable to various industries and teams.
Pros:- User-friendly interface for custom workflow building- Industry-specific products for tailored solutions- Increased employee engagement with time-saving features
Cons:- May have a learning curve for new users- Advanced features could be more robust for complex needs
- Pricing: from $9 per user/month
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.6; G2 - 4.7
Who should use Monday?Monday's versatility makes it useful for a variety of industries and teams, as over 180,000 businesses have improved their operations with it.
4. Assembla
Assembla is a client collaboration tool ideal for large companies with numerous clients. This system focuses on task management by organizing chaos into a systematic solution that team members and clients can utilize.
Pros:- Advanced solutions for big web development projects- Complex user permissions and abilities for secure collaboration- Bank-grade security to protect sensitive data
Cons:- May be too complex for smaller teams- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing: from $10.35 per user per month
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.2; G2 - 4.2
Who should use Assembla?Assembla's complexity makes it suitable for large companies and businesses.
5. ClickUp
ClickUp is an all-in-one project management platform that simplifies work silos. This collaboration tool streamlines communication, planning, organizing, and collaborating on work using a variety of collaboration tools like Docs, Chat, Goals, Whiteboards, video meetings, and more.
Pros:
Cons:
- Pricing: from $7 per user
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.6; G2 - 4.7
Who should use ClickUp?Mid-size to large teams seeking a versatile, all-in-one collaboration platform.
6. Asana
Asana is a project management tool for organizing projects of any scale. It facilitates collaboration with clients and team members and offers various views, such as lists, boards, calendars, and Gantt charts, for managing projects.
Pros:- Scalable for managing small to large projects- Multiple views for project management- Smart pick-up of emails and tasks within Asana- Guest Accounts for clients and stakeholders
Cons:- May be less intuitive for users unfamiliar with project management tools- Pricing could be more competitive
- Pricing: from $12.99 per user per month
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.5; G2 - 4.4
Who should use Asana?Asana is suitable for teams managing multiple projects of varying sizes.
7. Quickbase
Quickbase allows users to create workflows that match their team's unique workstyle without requiring developers. It also offers automation, drag-and-drop functionality, and dependable hosting.
Pros:- Flexible for creating workflows to match unique workstyles- Automation to streamline processes- Drag-and-drop user interface- Dependable hosting
Cons:- May require more technical knowledge for customization- Evaluating the best workflows may take time
- Pricing: from $35 per user per month
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.4; G2 - 4.4
Who should use Quickbase?Professionals ranging from business problem solvers, IT leaders, and heads of real estate will benefit from Quickbase.
8. Runrun.it
Runrun.it is a Cloud-Based Work Management Solution ideal for tracking employee time usage while offering a simple, convenient solution for understanding project and client profitability.
Pros:- Simple and convenient time tracking for understanding project profitability- Customizable task list and prioritization- Adjustable timeline for visualizing tasks
Cons:- May lack advanced reporting and analysis features- Limited integration options compared to other tools
- Pricing: from $8 per user per month
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.7; G2 - 4.8
Who should use Runrun.it?Organizations of all sizes can utilize Runrun.it.
9. Workzone
Unlike simpler tools like Trello, Workzone grants more control over client and team member access to projects and data. It offers project management features to maintain consistency and efficiency while managing files.
Pros:- Tools for project templates and reusable requests- Customizable dashboards and reports for controlling workflows- Approval automation for managing submitted tasks
Cons:- Could require a steeper learning curve for new users- Features may not be needed for smaller teams
- Pricing: from $40 per user per month
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.8; G2 - 4.2 (limited reviews)
Who should use Workzone?Marketing departments, ad agencies, colleges, and any organization managing multiple projects can leverage Workzone.
10. Wrike
Wrike offers an all-in-one project management solution suitable for enterprise-level collaboration at scale. This tool boasts simplicity, adaptability, and user-friendliness, making it an ideal solution for growing businesses.
Pros:- Adaptable to grow as a business expands- Streamlined work processes with Project Templates- Assign tasks with customizable permissions- Gantt charts for creating timelines and managing dependencies
Cons:- May lack granular customization options for more advanced needs- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Pricing: from $24.80 per user per month
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.3; G2 - 4.2
Who should use Wrike?Mid-size and enterprise firms that prioritize work management, employee collaboration, and adaptability can benefit from Wrike.
11. Teamwork Projects
Teamwork Projects offers project management tailored to service-based businesses. This platform helps teams deliver projects on time and on budget while ensuring effective client collaboration and understanding of profitability.
Pros:- Task and budget tracking tools for managing client projects- Time tracking and invoicing features- Customizable permissions and views for client collaboration
Cons:- Some users might find it less user-friendly than other tools- Advanced features may require additional plugins or pricey plans
- Pricing: from $10.99 per user per month
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.5; G2 - 4.4
Who should use Teamwork Projects?Agencies, consultancies, service providers seeking a robust platform to manage client projects efficiently.
12. Basecamp
Basecamp offers straightforward project management and team communication, making it popular among small businesses. This tool's simplicity helps manage multiple projects without the need for extensive training.
Pros:- Quick onboarding due to simplicity- Project and collaboration management tools- Minimal distractions from external integrations
*** Cons:***- Advanced features may be limited compared to other platforms- Less flexibility for customization
- Pricing: from $15 per month up to 20 users
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.3; G2 - 4.1
Who should use Basecamp?Small to medium-sized teams looking for an easy-to-use collaboration platform.
13. Notion
Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines note-taking, databases, and task management. This flexible tool allows businesses to create customized client areas, making it suitable for teams seeking a tailored collaboration space.
Pros:- Flexible workspace for a range of uses- Real-time collaboration and commenting- Integration with third-party apps via API
Cons:- Not as robust for managing complex client needs- A steeper learning curve than simpler tools
- Pricing: from $10 per user per month (billed annually)
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.7; G2 - 4.7
Who should use Notion?Creative teams, start-ups, and businesses seeking flexibility in their collaboration spaces can benefit from Notion.
14. Miro
Miro provides an online whiteboard platform that focuses on visual collaboration. This tool is ideal for teams that engage in brainstorming sessions, design thinking, and agile workflows with clients.
Pros:- High-quality whiteboard platform for visual collaboration- Creative brainstorming and agile workflows with clients- Flexible templates for various use cases
Cons:- May lack depth in project management features- Collaborative experience could be less intuitive for beginners
- Pricing: from $8 per user per month (billed annually)
- Ratings: Capterra - 4.7; G2 - 4.8
Who should use Miro?Design teams, agile project managers, or businesses that prioritize visual collaboration and brainstorming can use Miro effectively.
Wrap Up
After building FuseBase by testing numerous client collaboration tools, I wanted to create something better suited to my needs. Most tools were needlessly complicated, or they didn't provide the kind of client experience I desired.
This guide covers the best tools I found, depending on your team and workflow. However, if you're in a service-based business seeking a clean, customizable, and easy-to-use tool, start with FuseBase. It's designed to make your work look great and run smoothly without the usual headaches. Try a few, but FuseBase is where I'd put my bet.
Disclaimer: Parties other than FuseBase may provide products, services, or views on the FuseBase site ("Third-Party Materials"). FuseBase does not evaluate or endorse such Third-Party Materials. Links to such Third-Party Materials are for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement of such Third-Party Materials.
- The right collaboration tool, like FuseBase, enables complete visibility across all client projects, making it easier to keep track of what has been done, what is stuck, and what is missing.
- With a comprehensive collaboration tool like FuseBase, you can provide your clients with a user-friendly platform to showcase your services, enhancing the client experience.
- A good client collaboration software, such as FuseBase, allows team members to collaborate seamlessly and offers powerful sharing and collaboration features.
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