MyCase vs Smokeball
Which legal practice management software is right for your law firm?
Affiliate Disclosure: CounselStack may earn a commission when you purchase software through links on this page. This doesn't affect our editorial scores or rankings — we evaluate every tool independently. Read our editorial standards →
Quick Summary
MyCase and Smokeball target similar audiences — solo practitioners and small law firms — but emphasize different strengths. MyCase leads with simplicity and AI-powered features. Smokeball leads with automatic time tracking and deep document automation. Both are affordable and well-reviewed. This comparison helps you decide which set of strengths aligns with how your firm actually works day-to-day.
At a Glance
| MyCase | Smokeball | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $39–$109/user/month | $29–$149/user/month |
| Founded | 2010 | 2014 |
| Users | 65,000+ | 35,000+ |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | MyCase | Smokeball | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (annual) | $39/user/mo | $29/user/mo | Smokeball |
| Automatic Time Tracking | All plans | Smokeball | |
| Built-in Legal AI | Pro plan+ (8am IQ) | MyCase | |
| Ease of Use | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 | MyCase |
| Document Assembly | Advanced plan+ | Boost plan+ | Smokeball |
| Native eSignature | Pro plan+ | Boost plan+ | MyCase |
| Two-Way Texting | Pro plan+ | MyCase | |
| Client Portal | Tie | ||
| Trust Accounting | Tie | ||
| Unlimited Storage | All plans | MyCase | |
| Microsoft 365 Integration | Basic | Deep (native sync) | Smokeball |
| Mobile App Quality | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 | MyCase |
When to Choose Each
Choose MyCase if...
- You want the easiest, most intuitive interface to learn
- You want built-in AI writing and drafting assistance
- You need native two-way client texting
- You want unlimited storage on all plans
Choose Smokeball if...
- You want automatic time tracking that runs in the background
- Your firm frequently loses revenue to unbilled time
- You need advanced document assembly with templates
- You're a Microsoft 365 firm wanting deep Outlook and Word integration
Our Verdict
MyCase wins on simplicity, AI features, and mid-tier value. Smokeball wins on automatic time capture and document automation depth. For firms that want the easiest learning curve and built-in AI at an affordable price, MyCase is the stronger choice. For firms whose revenue leaks through unbilled time or who need robust document assembly, Smokeball's productivity-first approach pays for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MyCase or Smokeball cheaper?
Smokeball's entry-level Bill plan starts at $29/user/month, which is $10 cheaper than MyCase's Basic at $39. However, Smokeball's higher tiers (Boost at $89, Grow at $149) can exceed MyCase's pricing. For most small firms needing mid-range features, total cost is comparable — the deciding factor should be which features matter most, not price alone.
Which is better for a solo attorney, MyCase or Smokeball?
For solo attorneys, MyCase is typically the better starting point due to its simpler interface and built-in AI features. The exception is if you're a solo who bills hourly and struggles to capture all your time — Smokeball's automatic tracking can add 20–40% more captured billable hours, which often more than covers the software cost.
Does Smokeball have AI features like MyCase?
As of early 2026, Smokeball does not offer built-in AI writing or drafting features comparable to MyCase's 8am IQ integration. Smokeball's AI focus is on automatic time capture and productivity intelligence. MyCase's AI features help with document drafting, email writing, and legal research summarization.
Can I use Smokeball on a Mac?
Smokeball's signature automatic time tracking requires the Windows desktop app. The web platform works on Mac for case management, billing, and documents, but you lose the background time capture. MyCase is fully browser-based and works identically on Mac and Windows.