Clio vs PracticePanther
Which legal practice management software is right for your firm?
Quick Answer
Clio offers more integrations (200+) and is the industry standard with a longer track record. PracticePanther excels at workflow automation and has a more modern interface. Choose Clio for integrations; choose PracticePanther for automation.
At a Glance
| Clio | PracticePanther | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $39-$129/user/mo | $49-$89/user/mo |
| Best For | Firms needing integrations & reporting | Automation-focused firms |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Clio | PracticePanther |
|---|---|---|
| Time Tracking | ||
| Billing & Invoicing | ||
| Client Portal | ||
| Trust Accounting (IOLTA) | ||
| Document Management | ||
| Workflow Automation | Advanced tier | |
| Integrations | 200+ | 100+ |
| Mobile App | ||
| eSignature Built-in | Add-on | |
| Two-Way Texting | Integration | |
| Payment Processing | Clio Payments | |
| Custom Workflows | Advanced tier | All plans |
Pricing Comparison
Clio Pricing
- Basic features
- Limited automations
- Trust accounting
- Client portal
- Workflow automation
- Custom reports
- Clio Grow CRM
- Full suite
PracticePanther Pricing
- Core features
- Basic automation
- Client portal
- Everything in Solo
- Two-way texting
- eSignature
- Everything in Essential
- Advanced automation
- Custom reports
Who Should Choose What?
✅ Choose Clio if...
- You need 200+ integrations with other tools
- Your firm values an established, mature platform
- Robust reporting and analytics are critical
- You want a separate CRM (Clio Grow) option
- You're already in the Clio ecosystem
✅ Choose PracticePanther if...
- Workflow automation is a top priority
- You want built-in texting and eSignature
- You prefer a more modern, intuitive interface
- You want automation on all plans, not just premium
- You're a smaller firm focused on efficiency
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clio or PracticePanther better?
Clio is better for firms needing extensive integrations (200+) and established reliability. PracticePanther is better for automation-focused firms wanting built-in texting, eSignature, and workflow automation on all plans.
How does pricing compare?
Clio starts at $39/user/month but automation requires the $109 Advanced tier. PracticePanther starts at $49/user/month with automation included. For automation-heavy firms, PracticePanther may be more cost-effective.
Which has better automation features?
PracticePanther has stronger built-in automation available on all plans. Clio requires the Advanced ($109) tier for comparable workflow automation. PracticePanther's automation is also considered more user-friendly.
Which is better for small firms?
PracticePanther is often preferred by small firms for its all-in-one approach and included automation. Clio works well for small firms too, especially if they need specific integrations.
Can I switch from Clio to PracticePanther?
Yes, PracticePanther offers migration assistance. You can export data from Clio and import into PracticePanther. Expect 1-2 weeks for full migration with support.
The Verdict
Choose Clio if integrations and established reliability matter most. Choose PracticePanther if you want strong automation features without paying for a premium tier. Both are solid choices for modern law firms.