Bonsai is a freelancer admin tool. Cadence is dedicated coaching software.
If you're using Bonsai to run the business side of your coaching practice (proposals, contracts, invoices, time tracking) and a separate tool for the actual coaching delivery — there's a way to consolidate the coaching side into a single dedicated platform.
4 ways Cadence differs from Bonsai
Cadence isn't a feature-fork of Bonsai. Different category — built for coaching delivery, not freelancer admin.
Coaching delivery built-in vs pure admin
Bonsai is genuinely good at proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing — admin and ops. It's not built for delivering workout programs, check-ins, AI-driven coaching adaptations, or a branded client mobile app. Cadence is.
Branded client coaching app vs Bonsai-branded client portal
Bonsai's client portal is generic and freelance-flavored. Cadence's client experience is structurally white-label — your business name IS the app on a custom subdomain.
Coaching-specific billing vs generic invoicing
Bonsai bills via invoices and recurring (good for freelance). Cadence uses Stripe Connect direct subscription — built for coaching's monthly model with automatic dunning, dunning recovery, paused-account handling.
Programs + check-ins + AI memory vs zero coaching features
This is the core gap. Bonsai has zero workout-program structure, zero check-in templates, zero progress photo flow, zero AI program adaptation. You'd run Bonsai for admin AND another platform for delivery. Cadence consolidates the delivery side.
Pricing comparison at a typical coach's MRR
Bonsai Starter: $25/mo. Professional: $39/mo. Business: $79/mo. Plus per-user fees for team accounts.
| Tier | Base | Extras / Fees | All-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonsai Starter | $25/mo | Proposals, contracts, invoicing | $25 — but no coaching delivery |
| Bonsai Professional | $39/mo | + projects, time tracking, integrations | $39 — still no coaching layer |
| Bonsai Business | $79/mo | + subcontractors, custom branding | $79 — closest in price to Cadence |
| Cadence Coach | $79/mo flat | Full coaching delivery: programs, check-ins, AI, branded app | $79/mo, full coaching delivery |
Common questions
Should I keep Bonsai for the business side and use Cadence for delivery?
Yes — that's the cleanest setup. Bonsai for proposals, contracts, time tracking. Cadence for client coaching delivery. Both work in parallel without conflict.
Does Cadence handle proposals or contracts?
Not currently. Cadence focuses on coaching delivery (programs, check-ins, billing). For proposals/contracts/time tracking, Bonsai or HoneyBook is the right fit. We integrate with Stripe so the billing side handshakes cleanly.
Can I migrate clients from Bonsai?
Bonsai → Clients → Export CSV → import to Cadence via /migrate. The contact info ports. Programs and coaching history don't exist in Bonsai (it's not a coaching tool), so those start fresh.
Is Cadence cheaper than Bonsai?
Cadence Coach ($79/mo) matches Bonsai Business ($79/mo) on price — but Cadence is for coaching delivery whereas Bonsai is for admin. Different categories. Most coaches run both.
Want us to run the math on YOUR setup?
Free 15-min audit. We compute your real cost on Bonsai (subscription + add-ons + transaction fees) vs Cadence at your roster. No pitch.
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