Secure document exchange for professional services
Client portals solve the right problem. Just not at the right price.
- Manage complex multi-user workflows within large teams
- Integrate deeply with practice management software
- Supports custom branding and white-label experiences
- Provide dedicated account management and SLAs
Client portals serve large firms with IT teams and enterprise budgets. They do it well.
- Designed for professionals and focused teams
- Standalone tool with no integrations required
- Works directly out of the box - Ready in 60 seconds
- Self-serve from day one - UK-based support when you need it
The same security and control. Without the complexity, cost, or client friction.
Same problem. Different approach.
Here's where they differ on cost, adoption, and control.
| For professional document exchange... | ALPS | Client portalsPortals |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time under 60 seconds | Days to weeks | |
| Free account for every client | Often charged per client | |
| No IT department required | Admin setup required | |
| Dynamic watermark on view and download | Higher tiers only | |
| Incoming shares don't use recipient's storage | ||
| Documents surface proactively (expiry, renewal dates) | ||
| Monthly rolling - cancel anytime, no notice | Annual contracts typical | |
| Consent-based sharing (both parties agree) | Firm-controlled access | |
| Client can see who has access and revoke | Firm controls visibility |
This comparison reflects general capabilities of client portal solutions as a category. Individual providers offer varying levels of functionality - some features listed as "limited" may be available on specific plans. ALPS makes no claim about the specific functionality of any third-party product. Last reviewed: August 2026.
A viable alternative without the enterprise tag.
Client portals are built for large teams. ALPS delivers the same outcome for everyone else.
| Dimension | Client portalsPortals | ALPS - from £4.99/mo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Typically £30–£200/user/mo depending on tier and features | From £4.99/mo - all features included on every plan |
| Client cost | Often charged per client seat, or included only on higher tiers | Free for every client, nothing charged back to you |
| Contract terms | Annual commitment typical, sometimes multi-year with notice periods | Monthly rolling - cancel anytime from your account, zero notice |
| Setup and onboarding | Days to weeks, often requiring IT support or vendor onboarding calls | Live in 60 seconds - no IT, no configuration, no training |
Built differently. On purpose.
Designed for professionals and focused teams.
The best portal in the world is useless if clients don't log in.
The biggest challenge with traditional client portals isn't the technology - it's adoption. Clients receive login credentials, forget them, and default back to email. ALPS removes that friction entirely. Clients get a free, simple account they can use for everything - not just your firm. It's a space they value and because it's theirs, the relationship feels mutual rather than one-sided.
Transparency builds trust. Opacity builds anxiety.
Traditional portals give the firm full control and the client a limited view. ALPS takes a different approach. Both sides see exactly who has access to their documents. Every share is watermarked and trackable. This transparency is what turns a service relationship into a trusted one.
Enterprise-grade features shouldn't require an enterprise budget.
UK data residency, secure data exchange and audit logs - these are standard requirements for handling sensitive documents in UK. Most platforms reserve them for their highest-priced tiers. ALPS includes every feature at every price point. A sole practitioner gets the same security as a 50-person firm. From £4.99/mo.
If setup takes longer than a coffee break, something's wrong.
Traditional portals require vendor calls, IT configuration, data migration planning, and staff training. ALPS requires an email address and 60 seconds. Invite your first client before your coffee goes cold. No IT department. No implementation project.
Client portals aren't the only alternative.
See how ALPS compares to other common methods of exchanging documents.
Built differently. On purpose.
Why professionals choose ALPS
Efficient by design
Less chasing, less sorting, more time for clients. Automated organisation and proactive notifications provide peace of mind.
Clients notice the difference
A secure, professional experience that's free for your clients. It's the kind of service that builds trust and deepens relationships.
Affordable compliance
GDPR compliant and all plans include UK data residency from day one. No extra add-ons or upgrade required.