Best app for sole trader tradies in Australia (2026)
Updated 10 October 2026
Short answer
A sole trader needs four things from an app: quote on site, book the job, invoice when it's done, and get paid. Jobbit does all four on your phone, free to start and $29.99 a month after that. ServiceM8's free plan (30 jobs a month) is the most generous free option. If you want your bookkeeping in the same app, MYOB Solo ($11 a month) or Xero (from $37) cover quotes and invoices too.
What a sole trader actually needs
- Quotes from your phone, on site, from saved prices.
- A way for customers to accept and pay a deposit without paperwork.
- Invoices that meet the ATO's rules, with or without GST.
- Getting paid: a card link plus your bank details.
- Something your accountant can use at tax time.
What you probably don't need yet: staff scheduling boards, job costing, inventory or certificates. Don't pay for them until you do.
Options by stage
| Where you're at | Good fit | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Just started, a few jobs a week | Jobbit free plan, ServiceM8 free plan or Square Invoices | $0 |
| Busy, 10+ jobs a week | Jobbit Starter or ServiceM8 Starter | About $30 a month |
| Registered for GST, doing your own BAS | Add Xero or MYOB, synced to your job app | From $11 (MYOB Solo) or $37 (Xero) |
| Taking on an apprentice | Jobbit Starter (up to 10 staff) or ServiceM8 (unlimited users) | About $30 a month |
The picks
Jobbit: best all-round app for a sole trader
Customers accept quotes online and pay deposits by card, and you invoice from the job with a pay link and your bank details. ABN lookup and GST built in, Xero or QuickBooks sync, free to start.
Pick it if: you want quote, job, invoice and payment in one app on your phone, with room to add staff.
ServiceM8: best free plan
A full job management app for one user, free.
Pick it if: you're under 30 jobs a month and want to pay nothing for now.
MYOB Solo or Xero: if you want your books in the same place
MYOB Solo ($11 a month, phone only) tracks GST and sends quotes and invoices. Xero Ignite ($37) does full accounting and BAS but caps you at 20 invoices a month. See do you need job software if you use Xero.
Pick it if: you're registered for GST and would rather not run two apps.
FAQ
Do sole traders need an ABN to invoice?
You should quote your ABN on every invoice. Without it, a business customer may have to withhold tax from your payment. Registering for GST is only compulsory once your turnover reaches $75,000 a year.
What's the cheapest app for a sole trader tradie?
Free plans from ServiceM8 (30 jobs a month), Jobbit (5 a month) and Square Invoices (unlimited invoices, fees on card payments). For bookkeeping too, MYOB Solo is $11 a month.
Do I need Xero as a sole trader?
Not necessarily. Many sole traders use a job or invoicing app and give their accountant a report at tax time. Once you're registered for GST and lodging BAS, accounting software like Xero or MYOB makes it easier.
Should I worry about apps that charge per user?
Not while it's just you, but check the price for two or three people. Many sole traders take on an apprentice or offsider within a year or two.
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.