AV, IT/MSP, and security system integrators rely on software tools built specifically for their industry that reduce the friction of running a business and help deliver a more professional customer experience. This comparison looks at Portal.io and ConnectWise: two very different platforms.
About Portal.io
Portal.io is a cloud-based quoting and workflow platform purpose-built for AV, IT, and security system integrators. It simplifies the sales process, speeds up quoting, and reduces errors by combining structured product data with intuitive proposal tools.
Key capabilities include:
Professional Proposals: No setup required. Create polished proposals withclear good-better-best options. Proposals are easy to generate and fast for customers to review, approve with an e-signature, and pay all on one screen.
Managed Product Catalog: Access over 2 million AV, IT, and security products with industry data and dealer pricing. The entire catalog is maintained for you, eliminating manual entry.
Award-Winning Support: Whether it’s a quick chat reply, live screenshare, or a helpful video, the team is hands-on and dealer-focused, earning awards directly from industry dealers.
Payments & Invoicing: Accept payments directly within proposals and sync with QuickBooks, Stripe, Square, and more.
Portal.io is especially valuable for integrators replacing spreadsheets, generic CRMs, and disconnected quoting tools. It enables teams to quote faster, collaborate better, and close deals with less effort and overhead.
About ConnectWise
ConnectWise is a modular software suite tailored for MSPs and IT service providers. It brings together professional services automation (PSA), quoting (CPQ), remote monitoring (RMM), and billing into one cohesive ecosystem.
Key capabilities include:
ConnectWise CPQ: Setup requires time and technical configuration, but once in place, it enables you to build branded proposals with optional configurations and integrated e-signature approval.
Product Catalog Integration: Pulls real-time pricing and product data from major distributors. Although setup can be time-consuming, the catalog provides access to millions of IT and AV SKUs through live feeds once configured.
Customer Support Tiers: Offers formal support tiers, training, and certification via ConnectWise University. Support is comprehensive but varies by account level and may require paid services for advanced help.
Billing: Managed through the PSA suite and integrates with QuickBooks and other tools.
ConnectWise is best suited for IT firms and MSPs with complex service delivery and billing needs. It is a full-service operational platform, particularly for teams with the resources to manage a more involved rollout.
Feature Comparison Chart
Feature | Portal.io | ConnectWise (Manage / CPQ / PSA / RMM) |
Platform Type | 100% cloud-based | Modular suite with cloud, on-premise, and hybrid |
Product Catalog | 2 M+ SKUs in managed catalog including dealer pricing. | Some distributor feeds via CPQ |
Support & Service | Award-winning, dealer-focused, real-time | Tiered support, formal training paths |
Payments & Invoicing | Built-in, synced with Intuit Payments, Stripe, and Square. | PSA billing tools with QuickBooks integration |
AI Capabilities | AI-driven proposal builder | Limited workflow automation |
Change Orders | Client-approval process, tracked in-line | Managed via PSA tickets or project updates |
Document Handling | Upload drawings, specs, and floorplans | Upload drawings, specs, and floorplans |
Scheduling & Task Mgmt | — | Calendar and technician scheduling tools |
Mobile Access | iOS app and mobile-optimized web | Mobile access for support and ticketing |
Pricing | Starts at $29/user/month | Starts at $150/user/month |
Conclusion
Portal.io is a strong fit for integrators who want a fast, modern way to generate quotes, share proposals, and collect payments all in one place. It is ready to use out of the box with no long onboarding process. Its managed catalog, automation tools, and responsive support make it ideal for teams that value simplicity and speed without sacrificing professionalism.
ConnectWise is best suited for MSPs running complex service operations. While it offers a powerful suite including PSA, RMM, and CPQ, it requires significant time and effort upfront to configure, integrate, and train around. Its value is best realized by larger teams that can commit to a full operational rollout.