kitio.aiClient Hub vs Cranston
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Client Hub starts at See pricing page and Cranston starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Message-to-task conversion
- Client portal and mobile app
- Month-end close workflows
- AI financial report insights
- QuickBooks and Xero integration
- Automated return preparation
- Missing-document checks
- Prior-year comparison
- Source-linked figures
- Tax planning scenarios
- Cited tax research
| Feature | Client Hub | Cranston |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Accounting practice management and client portal with AI features | AI that prepares tax returns inside your CPA firm's tax software |
| Category | Legal, finance & HR | Legal, finance & HR |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Paid |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No, 14-day trial | No |
| Made by | Client Hub | Cranston |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Client Hub starts at See pricing page and Cranston starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Solopreneur
$49/mo billed annually
- Single user firms
- All features included
- AI insights in reports
Practice Manager
$59/user/mo billed annually
- Per user
- Full practice management
- Client portal
2 plans
Tax prep
$40 / prepared return
- Any form: 1040, 1120, 1120-S, 1065
- Federal and state in one workpaper
- Billed as each return is prepared
Planning and research
Contact sales
- Tax planning scenarios
- Cited tax research
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Client Hub
- Built specifically for accounting firms
- Clients respond through a simple portal
- Connects with QuickBooks and Xero
- Per-user pricing adds up for teams
- Trial requires booking a demo
- Some tiers sold on annual billing only
Cranston
- Works inside existing tax software
- Flat price per return, any form
- Reviewer approval required before filing
- Built only for accounting firms
- Planning and research priced separately
- Costs add up over a busy season
Which one should you choose?
Choose Client Hub if you want:
- Built specifically for accounting firms
- Clients respond through a simple portal
- Connects with QuickBooks and Xero
Watch out: per-user pricing adds up for teams.
Choose Cranston if you want:
- Works inside existing tax software
- Flat price per return, any form
- Reviewer approval required before filing
Watch out: built only for accounting firms.
Client Hub vs Cranston FAQ
What is the difference between Client Hub and Cranston?
Client Hub: Accounting practice management and client portal with AI features. Cranston: AI that prepares tax returns inside your CPA firm's tax software. Both are legal, finance & hr tools.
Is Client Hub or Cranston cheaper?
Client Hub starts at See pricing page and Cranston starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Client Hub and Cranston have free plans?
Client Hub: No, 14-day trial. Cranston: No.
Who makes Client Hub?
Client Hub is made by Client Hub, based in United States.
Who makes Cranston?
Cranston is made by Cranston, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Client Hub or Cranston?
Choose Client Hub if you value built specifically for accounting firms and clients respond through a simple portal. Choose Cranston if you value works inside existing tax software and flat price per return, any form.