Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

HoneyBook vs Contacts Journal CRM

HoneyBook 4.8★ · Free to download 75
Winner HoneyBook
Contacts Journal CRM 4.7★ · Free to download 60

HoneyBook is the better choice for businesses needing a comprehensive CRM with strong automation and client management features, despite its mobile app issues, while Contacts Journal CRM is suitable for individuals or small teams needing basic contact management and note-taking.

Full reviews: HoneyBook · Contacts Journal CRM

HoneyBook offers a robust, all-in-one platform for client management, invoicing, and automation, highly valued by many businesses, but it struggles with a buggy and slow mobile app experience. Contacts Journal CRM provides essential contact tracking, notes, and reminders, praised for its simplicity and one-time purchase option, though it lacks advanced CRM features and has occasional sync and UI issues.

Head to head

Features & Functionality edge: HoneyBookR2R4R5R8
HoneyBook HoneyBook is lauded for its comprehensive feature set, including smart files, automations, invoicing, contract management, lead capture, and client communication, making it an all-in-one solution for many businesses R2R4R8. Users appreciate its ability to streamline workflows and keep everything in one place R5R20.
Contacts Journal CRM Contacts Journal CRM is valued for its core contact management, note-taking, and reminder features . Users find it effective for tracking conversations, logging calls, and organizing client information R110. However, some users desire more advanced features like custom repeating options for events, better integration with other services, and improved list functionality .
Ease of Use & User Interface tieR5R12R19R20
HoneyBook While many users find HoneyBook easy to use and a "game changer" for their business R5R20, others report that it can be clunky, not intuitive, and difficult to maneuver R12R19. Some clients also struggle with finding links or submit buttons in emails sent from HoneyBook .
Contacts Journal CRM Contacts Journal CRM is generally considered simple, easy to use, and well-designed for its core functions R96R119. However, some users criticize its UI for not meeting modern design conventions, being clunky in places, and needing improvements for better versatility and intuitive functionality .
Reliability & Performance tieR1R4R7R10
HoneyBook HoneyBook's mobile app is a significant pain point, with numerous reports of bugs, crashes, freezing, slow loading times, and unresponsiveness R1R4R7. Users are often forced to use the desktop version due to these issues R7R16R22. Some also mention problems with 2FA and account access R10.
Contacts Journal CRM Contacts Journal CRM has mixed reviews regarding reliability. Some users report consistent crashing, data loss, and sync issues, especially after updates or when sharing data in teams . Others find it reliable and still working well after years, with seamless iCloud syncing R96R110. Slow loading times are also mentioned .
Mobile & Tablet Experience edge: Contacts Journal CRMR3R6R7R12
HoneyBook HoneyBook's mobile and iPad experience is a major drawback. Users frequently complain about the lack of a dedicated iPad app, with the tablet view often appearing as a scaled-up phone screen R3R6R19. Many report that the app is unusable, crashes, freezes, is slow, or lacks essential editing capabilities on mobile devices, forcing them to use the desktop version R7R12R16R22.
Contacts Journal CRM Contacts Journal CRM is available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, with iCloud syncing between devices R96R110. However, some users express frustration with the iPad update requiring re-purchase and the Apple Watch function being largely useless . There are also reports of the app not sharing with other Apple devices after updates .
Price & Value edge: Contacts Journal CRMR1R2R8R10
HoneyBook HoneyBook is considered expensive by some users, with monthly fees (over $30-60) and additional transaction fees R1. Some feel the price is not justified given the app's performance issues and lack of support R10R22. However, many users find its comprehensive features and ability to streamline their business worth the cost R2R8R20.
Contacts Journal CRM Contacts Journal CRM is praised for its value, with users appreciating that it's a one-time purchase without a monthly subscription, making it affordable for new businesses R77R106R119. However, some users are frustrated by having to pay for iPhone and iPad apps separately or being forced to re-purchase after updates . There are also reports of paid users experiencing issues and lack of support .
Customer Support tieR10R13R22R25
HoneyBook HoneyBook's customer support receives mixed to negative reviews. While some mention responsive customer service , others report that support is unhelpful, relies too much on AI, or fails to resolve issues R10R13R22R25. Users have been locked out of accounts or unable to get help with critical problems R10.
Contacts Journal CRM Contacts Journal CRM's customer support is a point of contention. Some users praise it as outstanding and responsive . However, a significant number of reviews describe support as awful, unreliable, non-responsive, or non-existent, especially for team setups or critical issues .
Pick HoneyBook if

you run a small to medium-sized business and need an all-in-one platform for client management, invoicing, contracts, and automations, and are willing to primarily use the desktop version due to mobile app limitations R2R8R20.

Pick Contacts Journal CRM if

you need a simple, affordable CRM primarily for individual contact management, note-taking, and reminders across Apple devices, and don't require extensive automation or advanced business features R77R96.

Evidence note: HoneyBook's recent reviews show a significant increase in complaints about mobile app bugs and performance, which contrasts with its higher lifetime rating, suggesting a decline in recent user satisfaction for its mobile offering. Contacts Journal CRM has fewer reviews overall, and while some praise its support, a notable portion indicates poor or absent support, particularly for team or syncing issues.

Frequently asked

Does HoneyBook have a good mobile app?
HoneyBook's mobile app experience is widely criticized by users for being buggy, slow, crashing frequently, and lacking essential editing capabilities, often forcing users to switch to the desktop version R7R16R22R29.
Is Contacts Journal CRM a one-time purchase or subscription?
Contacts Journal CRM is generally appreciated for being a one-time purchase without a monthly subscription, making it a cost-effective option for many users R77R106R119.
What are the main complaints about HoneyBook?
The main complaints about HoneyBook revolve around its buggy and slow mobile app, lack of a dedicated iPad app, high monthly fees with additional transaction fees, and unhelpful customer support R1R10R16R22.
Can Contacts Journal CRM sync across devices?
Yes, Contacts Journal CRM supports syncing across iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices, with iCloud sync being a feature that many users find seamless and effective R96R110.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] HoneyBook 5/5 · US Love it: This software keeps my business running! The smart files are incredible and the reminders are are absolute must have!
  2. [R4] HoneyBook 1/5 · US In a toxic relationship with Honeybook: At first, HoneyBook was everything I needed. I could send invoices, collect signatures, schedule payments, capture leads, communicate with clients, receive payments, and keep my books organized all in one place. It felt like the perfect solution for my business. But lately, our relationship has become toxic... Simple tasks have become frustratingly difficu
  3. [R5] HoneyBook 5/5 · US Love this platform: This had made my life so much easier running my business. I wish I would have known about it years ago.
  4. [R8] HoneyBook 5/5 · US HoneyBook SAVED my business: I can’t say enough good things about HoneyBook. They truly helped shape my entire business model and the way I communicate with my clients on a professional level is just amazing! If you have a business you NEED HoneyBook!
  5. [R12] HoneyBook 3/5 · US Barely functional: Like so much of HoneyBook, it works…more or less. But. Its features are hidden 3 layers deep in menus. Menus pop up UNDER the keyboard, so they’re inaccessible, etc. It’s not great. But if you use Honey lol, it’s your option. If you’re considering HoneyBook though. 697 should consider whether the mobile app is crucial for you.
  6. [R19] HoneyBook 2/5 · US Not intuitive and not good for iPad users: I have the hardest time doing the simplest things. Their mobile version is inadequate and I use my iPad for everything.
  7. [R20] HoneyBook 5/5 · US Photographer/Owner: I’ve been using HoneyBook for 5 years to manage my photography and photo booth business, and it has truly been a game changer. Having everything in one place has streamlined my entire workflow, from client communication and billing to tracking, automations, and all the behind-the-scenes admin work. Over the years, the continued updates and integrations have only made it more pow
  8. [R1] HoneyBook 2/5 · US Bugs: Fix the bugs yall. I’ve been using yall for 6 years and never had an issue this bad like shesh. I stopped paying 60 monthly because of it.
  9. [R7] HoneyBook 2/5 · US The phone app: I was on the fence whether or not I was gonna renew this year. The convenient workflow and honestly, the templates for the contracts are really what made me conveniently stick around however, the amount of times I’ve gotten frustrated with the phone app because it either crashes or freezes. It’s really inconvenient. Me just going to my desktop instead of trying to quickly handle som
  10. [R10] HoneyBook 1/5 · US Awful. Just use a different CRM. Honeybook is a waste of money.: They will not resolve issues for you. Ive been locked out of my account because my 2FA is not working and they can’t help me even download my contracts. All of this given they charge much higher than standard CRM/Invoicing platforms. If you don’t want your business to be in trouble SERIOUSLY AVOID them.
  11. [R3] HoneyBook 3/5 · US iPad version: I just wish that I could use the whole screen for my iPad to work with this app
  12. [R6] HoneyBook 3/5 · US No IPAD App: Not bad on the phone sure but need to adapt for IPAD Please!
  13. [R13] HoneyBook 1/5 · US Ai driven slop..: OS is awful unless you are on an iPad/phone. Support staff very kind but not helpful at all, as they rely on AI to handle most problems and every person who was responded to my problems addresses a slightly different problem than the one I asked about. At least the AI attempted to answer my question correctly and not skimming it. Contracts are such a disaster I paid for adobe f
  14. [R22] HoneyBook 2/5 · US Lots of bugs lately: Over the past couple months the app has been so glitchy. Anytime I try to add a smart file to a project the app freezes up and I’m forced to quit it. I’ve contacted the HoneyBook support team multiple times about this with no solution. I’m forced to only use the desktop version of HoneyBook which is extremely frustrating. For the price, this shouldn’t be an issue I have to dea
  15. [R25] HoneyBook 1/5 · US Customer service awful: No phone call help and tech support is awful!!
  16. [R16] HoneyBook 2/5 · US Love the Desktop Version but App Doesn’t Work: I’ve been using HoneyBook to run my business for several years and love the desktop version. Hands down the best CRM platform I’ve found. Unfortunately the App is basically unusable since anytime I try to create or pull up a file for a project in the mobile version, I just get a blank page and the circle of death. This is true both on my iPhone and iP
  17. [R29] HoneyBook 5/5 · US Convenient, but the mobile experience needs work: The HoneyBook app is useful for staying on top of my business while I’m on the go. I can respond to inquiries, check projects, and send invoices without needing to be at my computer, which is a big plus during busy days. That said, the mobile experience could definitely be improved. The calendar interface isn’t very intuitive, you have to pull it
  18. [R77] Contacts Journal CRM 4/5 · US Finally a CRM: Finally a CRM I don’t have to have a monthly subscription to use. This app has what I need to keep track of my sphere and set my own reminders. Everything I need is built in with the ability to add a few extra fields if needed.
  19. [R106] Contacts Journal CRM 4/5 · US Very Nice CRM Tool: Update: 26 May 2026. I've been using the tool for a couple years now that I've started my own business and it continues to meet my needs, which are fairly basic. I just need a log of phone calls, service calls, etc. It's great for new businesses since it's very affordable and easy to use. As you grow and add employees you may outgrow it, but it's a really nice tool that seems
  20. [R119] Contacts Journal CRM 5/5 · US CRM That’s Enough: Easy to use. Evolving features. Value Pricing. Recommended.
  21. [R96] Contacts Journal CRM 5/5 · US Really Love this App!: For what it is, and what it does, this is a fantastic app. I want a place to ‘extend’ my Contacts with notes and insights. This app connects and syncs directly with them. The fact that I can use it on my iPhone, iPad, and Mac makes it available wherever I need it. I tried doing this in Apple Notes, but contacts don’t sync there. Added bonus is the other features, like t
  22. [R110] Contacts Journal CRM 5/5 · US Happy Customer: I've been using CJournal now for over a year. Love it!! I use it for my business. It's easy to add names and track all communications with them. I set up reminders to follow up with them and to contact them on their birthdays. With the recent upgrade to the iCloud, syncing my phone with my iPad is seamless. Overall great program to track and follow up with customers.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store