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 Apple. 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.
Pricing and features are accurate as of June 2026 but 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 AUD and include GST; Tradify and Fergus prices are NZD; Simpro is quote-based.)
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.
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 AUD and include GST.
| Plan | Price (AUD/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 1.49% + 30c on Premium down from 2.10% + 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 - 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. The main thing to watch is currency: plans are billed in AUD, so your actual monthly cost shifts a little with the exchange rate. For a high-volume, one-person or casual-staffed service business on Apple gear, it's often one of the cheapest capable options going.
The Apple-only caveat
This is the single most important thing to know before choosing ServiceM8. The full ServiceM8 app is Apple-only (iPhone/iPad). Since 2024 there's a limited "ServiceM8 Lite" app for Android field staff, but it doesn't have the full feature set of the iOS app. 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 - 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) and a 14-day trial to test it properly
- Built for high-volume service/callout work with a capable dispatch board
Cons
- Apple-only full app - Android users only get the limited "Lite" app
- Per-job caps - busy months can push you onto a higher plan; cost is less predictable than per-user
- Billed in AUD, so NZ cost moves with the exchange rate
- Less suited to large commercial/multi-stage projects (look at Simpro)
Who is ServiceM8 best for?
Service and callout trades on Apple devices doing lots of small jobs - especially solo operators or teams that lean on casual staff, where unlimited users and per-job pricing pay off. If your team is on Android, or 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: Free (30 jobs), Starter $29 AUD (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?
Only partially. The full app is iOS-only (iPhone/iPad); Android users get the limited "ServiceM8 Lite" app. If your crew is on Android, a cross-platform app like Tradify is usually a better fit.
Is ServiceM8 made in New Zealand?
No - ServiceM8 is Australian-built and billed in AUD. 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 Apple devices. The free tier (30 jobs) and Starter plan ($29 AUD) with unlimited users make it one of the cheapest capable options for a low-volume, one-person service business.
Sources
Update log
- 24 June 2026 - Published. Pricing and platform details verified against the vendor's website in June 2026.
Last reviewed: 24 June 2026.