ServiceM8 vs Tradify (2026)
Updated 10 October 2026
Short answer
Both are solid, established job management apps. The real difference is how they charge. ServiceM8 charges by the number of jobs you do each month and lets everyone log in, so it's usually cheaper for teams. Tradify charges per user, so it's predictable for a small fixed crew but grows with every hire.
ServiceM8 is stronger on Apple devices, offline use and add-ons. Tradify has the longer track record on Android and puts certificates and safety forms in its Pro plan.
Side by side
| ServiceM8 | Tradify | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mobile teams doing lots of short jobs, from sole traders up | Teams of 1 to 20 that want scheduling, timesheets and certificates |
| Price | Free (1 user, 30 jobs a month); paid $29, $79, $149 or $349 a month inc GST, by jobs per month | $48 (Lite), $52 (Pro) or $62 (Plus) per user a month, ex GST |
| Pricing model | Flat monthly plans by number of new jobs, unlimited users on paid plans | Per user, per month |
| Free plan or trial | Free plan: 1 user, 30 new jobs a month; 14-day trial of paid plans | No free plan; 14-day free trial |
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad, Mac/PC and web; full Android app since September 2026 | iPhone, iPad, Android and desktop |
| Built in | Australia (Darwin) | New Zealand (owned by the UK's Access Group since 2024) |
| Accounting sync | Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks | Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks on every plan |
| Android | Full app since September 2026 | Full app |
| Works offline | Yes | No |
| Certificates and forms | Build your own on Growing ($79) and above | Pro and above |
| Recurring jobs | Recurring Jobs + Reminders add-on | Pro and above |
| SMS | 100 to 3,000 a month included on paid plans, then 10c | $0.20 per message |
| Support | 24/7 chat and email on paid plans; no phone support | Phone support listed |
What it costs in practice
| Business | ServiceM8 | Tradify Pro (ex GST) | Jobbit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo, 20 jobs a month | Free | $52 | $29.99 |
| 3 people, 100 jobs a month | $79 (Growing) | $156 | $79.99 (Pro) |
| 5 people, 300 jobs a month | $149 (Premium) | $260 | $79.99 (Pro) |
| 10 people, 600 jobs a month | $349 (Premium Plus) | $520 | $79.99 (Pro) |
ServiceM8 prices include GST. Tradify's are ex GST, but Australian accounts with an ABN aren't charged GST because Tradify is a New Zealand supplier. Jobbit's Starter plan ($29.99) covers up to 50 jobs and 10 staff; Pro ($79.99) has no limits.
Choose ServiceM8 if
- You have a team, and unlimited users matter more than job count.
- You're on iPhone, iPad or Mac and want offline access.
- You want add-ons like a phone system, forms and asset tracking.
- You're solo and under 30 jobs a month (the free plan).
Choose Tradify if
- You have a small fixed crew and like simple per-user billing.
- Your crew is on Android and you want a long track record there.
- You need certificates and safety forms without paying for a big plan.
- You want MYOB, Xero or QuickBooks sync on the cheapest plan.
Or consider Jobbit
If you don't need certificates, job costing or a phone system, Jobbit covers the core of both (quotes customers accept online with a deposit, scheduling, recurring jobs, invoices and payments) on iPhone, Android and web, with a free plan and a flat price that doesn't rise with headcount or job count.
FAQ
Is ServiceM8 or Tradify cheaper?
For teams, usually ServiceM8, because its plans include unlimited users and are priced by jobs per month. Three people doing about 100 jobs a month is $79 on ServiceM8 Growing (inc GST) against $156 on Tradify Pro (ex GST). For a solo tradie under 30 jobs a month, ServiceM8's free plan costs nothing.
Which is better on Android?
Tradify has had a full Android app for years and rates well on Google Play. ServiceM8 launched its full Android app in September 2026; before that, Android users only had a cut-down app for field staff.
Do they work offline?
ServiceM8's app works offline. Tradify doesn't have an offline mode; it needs a live connection.
Is there a cheaper option than both?
Jobbit has a free plan and flat pricing: $29.99 a month for up to 10 staff and 50 jobs, or $79.99 for unlimited jobs and staff. It has fewer advanced features (no certificates or job costing) but covers quotes, deposits, scheduling, recurring jobs, invoices and payments.
Sources
Prices and features were checked 9 October 2026 on each company's own website. Prices change, so confirm on the vendor's site before you buy.
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