ServiceM8 is one of the most popular job management apps with service and callout trades - built around automation, online booking and a per-job pricing model that can be very cheap for low-volume operators. But it comes with one big caveat for Kiwi crews: it's built for mobile. This independent review breaks down ServiceM8's pricing, features, pros and cons in 2026, and who it's actually best for in New Zealand. For the full numbers, see our ServiceM8 pricing breakdown, or see how it compares with Tradify.
If you want to step back and compare the routes across these guides, return to the job management software decision centre.
ServiceM8 pricing, user counts and card fees checked 3 October 2026; other pricing and features are as of June 2026 and change often - check the vendor's website for current details. TradeFlow isn't affiliated with ServiceM8; this is an independent review for NZ tradies. One exception: if you sign up to Tradify through our link we may earn a referral commission - it doesn't change where it sits in this guide. (ServiceM8 prices are in NZD.)
New Zealand's own GST rate is 15% — use our free GST calculator to work out GST-inclusive pricing on any of these tools.
What is ServiceM8?
ServiceM8 is an Australian-built job management app aimed at service, maintenance and callout trades - think electricians, plumbers, locksmiths, HVAC and cleaning businesses doing lots of small jobs. It handles enquiries, quoting, scheduling, dispatch, job cards, forms, invoicing and online payments, and it syncs with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks Online. Its standout strengths are automation (automated client messaging, online booking) and a pricing model based on jobs per month, with unlimited users on paid plans.
ServiceM8 pricing (2026)
ServiceM8 prices by jobs completed per month, not per user - so you can add as many staff as you like on every paid plan. Prices are in NZD.
| Plan | Price (NZD/mo) | Jobs/month | Users |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 30 | 1 |
| Starter | $29 | 50 | Unlimited |
| Growing | $79 | 150 | Unlimited |
| Premium | $149 | 500 | Unlimited |
| Premium Plus | $349 | 1,500+ | Unlimited |
Add-ons include SMS at 10c/message, card payment processing fees (from 2.49% + 30c on Premium/Premium Plus up to 3.10% + 30c on Free), and an optional ServiceM8 Phone number from $29/month. On Premium Plus, jobs beyond the included allocation are 20c each. There's a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. For a full breakdown see ServiceM8 pricing (NZ).
Key features
- Per-job pricing, unlimited users on paid plans - add your whole crew and casual staff without paying more per head.
- Automation - automated client SMS/email (job booked, on the way, completed, follow-up), online booking and quote acceptance.
- Scheduling & dispatch - a strong drag-and-drop dispatch board built for high-volume callout work.
- Digital job cards & forms - capture photos, signatures, checklists and safety forms on site.
- Invoicing & online payments - quote to invoice to paid, with card payments and accounting sync (Xero, MYOB, QBO).
NZ fit
ServiceM8 is widely used in New Zealand and integrates with Xero, so it slots into a typical Kiwi accounting setup. Plans for New Zealand are billed in NZD. For a high-volume, one-person or casual-staffed service business on mobile devices, it's often one of the cheapest capable options going.
The iOS and Android caveat
This is the single most important thing to know before choosing ServiceM8. The full ServiceM8 app is iOS and Android. If anyone on your crew runs Android phones, this is often a dealbreaker - and the main reason NZ tradies look at ServiceM8 alternatives or compare it head-to-head in Tradify vs ServiceM8.
Pros
- Per-job pricing with unlimited users on paid plans - excellent value for solo operators and teams with casual staff
- Strong automation - online booking and automated client messaging reduce admin
- Free tier (30 jobs/month, 1 user) and a 14-day trial to test it properly
- Built for high-volume service/callout work with a capable dispatch board
Cons
- iOS and Android full app - ServiceM8 also has an Android app
- Per-job caps - busy months can push you onto a higher plan; cost is less predictable than per-user
- Billed in NZD for New Zealand
- Less suited to large commercial/multi-stage projects (look at Simpro)
Who is ServiceM8 best for?
Service and callout trades on mobile devices doing lots of small jobs - especially solo operators or teams that lean on casual staff, where unlimited users on paid plans and per-job pricing pay off. If you want a New Zealand-built app, see/ ServiceM8 alternatives and Tradify vs ServiceM8. For the full field, see best job management software NZ.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ServiceM8 cost?
ServiceM8 prices by jobs per month, with unlimited users on paid plans: Free (30 jobs, 1 user), Starter $29 NZD (50), Growing $79 (150), Premium $149 (500) and Premium Plus $349 (1,500+). Add-ons include SMS at 10c/message and card processing fees. See ServiceM8 pricing (NZ).
Does ServiceM8 work on Android?
Yes. ServiceM8 has iOS and Android apps.
Is ServiceM8 made in New Zealand?
No - ServiceM8 is Australian-built and billed in NZD. Tradify and Fergus are the New Zealand-founded alternatives.
Does ServiceM8 integrate with Xero?
Yes - ServiceM8 syncs with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks Online.
Is ServiceM8 good for solo tradies?
Yes, especially on mobile devices. The free tier (30 jobs, 1 user) and Starter plan ($29 NZD, unlimited users) make it one of the cheapest capable options for a low-volume, one-person service business.
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 the vendor's website in June 2026.
ServiceM8 user counts and card fees checked: 3 October 2026. Other features last reviewed: 24 June 2026.