Simpro alternatives for small trade businesses (2026)
Updated 10 October 2026
Short answer
If Simpro is more than you need, the alternatives with published prices are Ascora ($45 to $59 per user), Fergus (from $53 per user), ServiceM8 (from $29 a month with unlimited users) and Tradify ($48 to $62 per user). For a small crew that mainly needs quotes, jobs and invoices, Jobbit is free to start and $79.99 a month at most.
Why businesses look for a Simpro alternative
- No published pricing: Simpro quotes by team size and add-ons, plus a setup fee.
- Upgrades cost more: its Lightning AI layer was offered as a 15% uplift on existing contracts (25% after the promotional period).
- Price rises and multi-year contract offers reported by some Australian reviewers in 2026.
- Complexity: it's built for complex commercial work, and small businesses often use a fraction of it.
Simpro is a capable platform for large contractors: inventory, purchasing, takeoffs, maintenance planning and multi-company. If you use those, the alternatives below will feel lighter for a reason. See Jobbit vs Simpro.
The alternatives at a glance
| App | Best for | Price (AUD unless stated) | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ascora | Staged work, offline use and two-way MYOB, at a published price | $45 (Essentials) or $59 (Elite) per user a month, plus a one-time implementation fee | Web, plus iPhone and Android apps with offline access |
| Fergus | Job costing and supplier pricing | From $53 (Essentials) or $77 (Professional) per user a month, plus GST | Web app, plus the Fergus Go app on iPhone and Android |
| ServiceM8 | Unlimited users, priced by job volume | Free (1 user, 30 jobs a month); paid $29, $79, $149 or $349 a month inc GST, by jobs per month | iPhone, iPad, Mac/PC and web; full Android app since September 2026 |
| Tradify | Per-user platform with certificates on Pro | $48 (Lite), $52 (Pro) or $62 (Plus) per user a month, ex GST | iPhone, iPad, Android and desktop |
| Jobbit | Small crews that need quotes, jobs and invoices | Free plan; paid plans $29.99, $79.99 and $149.99 AUD a month | iPhone, Android and web |
The picks
Ascora: closest in scope, with published prices
Perth-built, $45 or $59 per user plus an implementation fee, with two-way Xero and MYOB sync. See Jobbit vs Ascora.
Pick it if: you need progress claims, contract work and offline apps without enterprise pricing.
Fergus: for job costing
From $53 per user (plus GST), with costing and purchase orders on Professional. See Fergus alternatives.
Pick it if: costing, purchase orders and supplier pricing are what you use Simpro for.
ServiceM8: for big teams on a budget
Unlimited users on every paid plan; job costing on Premium ($149 a month inc GST for 500 jobs).
Pick it if: you have lots of staff and want to stop paying per user.
Jobbit: for small crews
Flat pricing from free to $79.99 a month for unlimited staff, with quote deposits, recurring jobs and Xero or QuickBooks sync. No inventory or job costing.
Pick it if: you've realised you mostly need quotes, scheduling, invoices and payments.
FAQ
What's a cheaper alternative to Simpro?
Ascora and Fergus publish per-user prices ($45 to $77 a month), ServiceM8 publishes plans priced by job volume, and Jobbit is flat-priced from free to $79.99 a month. All are cheaper to start than a quoted enterprise platform with a setup fee.
Is AroFlo an alternative to Simpro?
It's a different product, but not a different company: AroFlo is part of the Simpro Group and shares its AI upgrade and owner. If you're leaving Simpro over pricing or contract terms, check AroFlo's terms closely.
Why do businesses leave Simpro?
Usually cost and complexity. Simpro doesn't publish prices, charges a setup fee, sells its Lightning AI layer as a 15% to 25% uplift on existing contracts, and some Australian reviewers have reported annual price rises. Smaller businesses often find they use a fraction of it.
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.
Give Jobbit a go — the free plan costs nothing
Quote it, book it, invoice it, get paid — all from your phone. No card required to start.