The right job management app turns quoting, scheduling and invoicing from a paperwork headache into a few taps on site. But with several strong options used in New Zealand - Tradify, ServiceM8, Fergus, Simpro and AroFlo - the "best" one really depends on your trade, your team size and how you like to work. This guide compares the best job management software NZ tradies use in 2026 so you can shortlist the right fit fast. If you run on Xero, start with the job management apps that work with Xero.
If quoting is the part of your job workflow that takes longest, see our guide to quoting software for NZ tradies.
ServiceM8 user counts checked 3 October 2026; ServiceM8, AroFlo and Fergus pricing checked 3 October 2026; other pricing and features are as of June 2026 and change often - check each vendor's website for current details. This is an independent comparison for NZ tradies; we don't get paid to rank any product here. One exception: if you sign up to AroFlo or Tradify through our link we may earn a referral commission - it doesn't change where they sit in this guide. (Tradify and Fergus prices are NZD; ServiceM8 is NZD; Simpro is quote-based.)
The main options at a glance
| Software | From (indicative) | Pricing model | Best for | NZ-built? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradify | $48 NZD/user/mo | Per user | Solo & small trades wanting simplicity | Yes |
| ServiceM8 | $29 NZD/mo (50 jobs) | Per jobs/month, unlimited users | Service/callout trades, service trades | No (AU) |
| Fergus | $53 NZD/mo | Per user (+ timesheet users) | Job costing & profitability focus | Yes |
| Simpro | Quote-based (+ setup) | Tailored | Larger commercial & multi-stage projects | No (AU) |
| AroFlo | Per-user subscription (minimum 3 users) | Sliding per-user rate | Field service & established trades wanting depth | No (AU) |
Tradify - the simple all-rounder
Tradify is New Zealand-built and aimed squarely at solo operators and small teams who want quoting, scheduling and invoicing without a steep learning curve. Plans run from $48 NZD/user/month (Lite) up to $62 (Plus), with a Custom tier for big teams. It runs on iPhone, Android and web, and integrates with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks Online. If you want the shortest path from quote to paid invoice, it's the usual starting point. Sign up through our Tradify link with code TRADEF50 and get 50% off your first 3 months.
ServiceM8 - automation for service trades
ServiceM8 prices by jobs per month, with unlimited users on paid plans - Free (30 jobs, 1 user), Starter $29 (50), Growing $79 (150), Premium $149 (500) and Premium Plus $349 (NZD). That suits high-volume callout/service trades with lots of small jobs and casual staff. The big caveat for NZ tradies: ServiceM8 offers iOS and Android apps. Its vendor says the Android app is almost identical to the iOS app.
Fergus - built around job costing
Fergus is another New Zealand product, with a strong focus on job costing and profitability - popular with plumbing and larger residential operations that want to see the margin on every job. Plans start at $53 NZD/month (Basic) and $75 (Professional), plus timesheet users from $26 NZD/month, with an Enterprise tier for 10+ staff.
Simpro - for bigger, complex operations
Simpro targets larger commercial trades running multi-stage projects, inventory, takeoffs and asset maintenance. Pricing is quote-based and tailored (with a setup/onboarding fee), so it's overkill for a sole trader but powerful for established mechanical, electrical and commercial fit-out businesses.
AroFlo - depth for field service trades
AroFlo is an Australian-built platform aimed at field service and established trade businesses - electrical, plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration and facilities maintenance. It splits into AroFlo Office for the team at base and the AroFlo Field app for technicians on site, which is built to keep working offline and sync when signal returns - useful on rural and new-build jobs. It runs deeper than the lightest apps, covering quoting, scheduling, timesheets, inventory, compliance forms and asset maintenance, and syncs two-way with Xero and MYOB. Pricing uses sliding per-user subscriptions with a minimum of 3 users, so it suits teams with a few staff and more complex jobs rather than a solo operator. See our full AroFlo overview for what it covers and how to start a trial.
How to choose
- Match it to your size and trade. Solo/small -> Tradify; service/callout with mobile devices -> ServiceM8; costing-focused or plumbing -> Fergus; large commercial -> Simpro.
- Check the platform.
- Confirm the accounting integration. All four connect to Xero - see job management software that works with Xero; check MYOB/QuickBooks if you need it.
- Trial before you commit. Most offer a free trial - run a real quote-to-invoice job through each shortlisted option.
- Mind the pricing model. Per-user (Tradify/Fergus) vs per-job (ServiceM8) changes the maths a lot depending on your team and job volume.
Software by trade
The best fit often comes down to how your trade actually works. We've compared the options trade by trade:
- Electrician job management software NZ
- Plumber job management software NZ
- Builder job management software NZ
Already running jobs in Xero Projects? Read when to move beyond Xero Projects before choosing your next app.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best job management software for a sole trader in NZ?
For most solo tradies, Tradify is the easiest starting point - NZ-built, simple, and priced per user from $48 NZD/month. ServiceM8's free/Starter tier also suits very low job volumes if you're on mobile devices.
Which job management software is actually made in New Zealand?
Tradify and Fergus are both New Zealand-founded. ServiceM8 and Simpro are Australian.
Does job management software replace my accountant or Xero?
No - these apps handle quoting, scheduling and invoicing, then sync to Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks. They complement your accounting software rather than replace it.
Which is cheapest?
It depends on your team and job volume. ServiceM8's per-job model can be cheapest for a one-person, low-volume operation; per-user tools like Tradify can work out cheaper for small teams doing lots of jobs. Compare against your real numbers.
ServiceM8 has iOS and Android apps, and says its Android app is almost identical to the iOS app for jobs, schedules, client messages, quotes, invoices and contactless payment (ServiceM8 NZ pricing, checked 3 October 2026).
Sources
Update log
- 3 October 2026 - Corrected ServiceM8 platform details: its Android app is almost identical to the iOS app, per servicem8.com (checked 3 October 2026).
- 24 June 2026 - Published. Pricing and platform details verified against each vendor's website in June 2026.
- 30 June 2026 - Added AroFlo to the comparison (field service / established trades option).
ServiceM8 user counts checked: 3 October 2026. Other features last reviewed: 24 June 2026.