Can Smokeball really capture 1-2 extra billable hours per day?

This is Smokeball's most commonly cited statistic and is supported by firm testimonials. The actual increase depends on your current time tracking discipline. Attorneys who are already meticulous about manual time entry may see smaller gains. Attorneys who regularly forget to track time or reconstruct entries at the end of the week see the largest improvements.

Is MyCase's client portal available on all plans?

Basic client portal features are available on all plans, but the full portal experience with secure messaging, document sharing, and e-signatures requires the Pro plan ($69/user/month) or higher. The Basic plan ($39/user/month) includes limited client-facing features.

Does Smokeball work on Mac?

Smokeball's automatic time tracking requires a desktop application that has historically been Windows-focused. Smokeball has expanded Mac support, but some features may have differences between platforms. Check Smokeball's current system requirements before committing if your firm uses Mac.

Which platform is better for real estate practices?

Smokeball has a notable advantage for real estate practices due to its 700+ document template library, which includes extensive real estate closing documents. Combined with automatic time tracking, real estate firms using Smokeball report significant time savings on both document preparation and billing. MyCase works for real estate practices but requires firms to build their own document templates.

Smokeball vs MyCase: Automatic Time Capture vs Premium Client Experience

Detailed comparison of Smokeball and MyCase for small law firms. We compare automatic time tracking, client portals, document automation, pricing, and more.

Two Philosophies for Small Firm Success

Smokeball, originally founded in Australia and now headquartered in Chicago, has built its brand around a simple promise: you will bill more hours without working more hours. The automatic time tracking feature runs in the background, capturing every email, document, phone call, and research session associated with your matters. Firms report capturing 1-2 additional billable hours per attorney per day. Smokeball also includes over 700 pre-built legal document templates with smart field automation, making it particularly strong for transactional practices. MyCase, acquired by AffiniPay in 2022, has built its brand around the client journey. Its portal gives clients a branded, mobile- responsive interface for viewing case updates, messaging their attorney, sharing documents, signing engagement letters, and paying invoices. MyCase also includes built-in text messaging, automated payment reminders, and intake forms with e-signatures. The platform consistently earns high marks for ease of use and client satisfaction. Both platforms serve the 1-15 attorney market effectively. Smokeball focuses on firm revenue through time capture; MyCase focuses on firm growth through client experience. The right choice depends on which metric drives your practice.

Quick Comparison Overview

Feature	Smokeball	MyCase
pricing	Bill $39/user/mo, Boost $89/user/mo, Grow $149/user/mo (billed annually)	Basic $39/user/mo, Pro $69/user/mo, Advanced $89/user/mo (billed annually)
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Smokeball vs MyCase (2026): Honest Comparison for Law Firms | InstaThink Legal - InstaThink Legal

Smokeball vs MyCase: Automatic Time Capture vs Premium Client Experience

Two Philosophies for Small Firm Success

Quick Comparison Overview

Time Tracking and Revenue Impact

Client Portal and Communication

Document Automation

The Verdict: Which Is Right for You?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Smokeball really capture 1-2 extra billable hours per day?

Is MyCase's client portal available on all plans?

Does Smokeball work on Mac?

Which platform is better for real estate practices?

Capture Time and Delight Clients with AI