ServiceM8 and Simpro are both Australian-built, but they're aimed at very different businesses. ServiceM8 is a simple, service-focused app for small service trades doing lots of small jobs. Simpro is a heavyweight platform built for larger commercial operations running multi-stage projects, inventory and asset maintenance. This head-to-head compares them so you can tell which end of the market you're actually in.
If you want to step back and compare the routes across these guides, return to the job management software decision centre.
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. TradeFlow isn't affiliated with these products; this is an independent comparison 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 NZD; Simpro is quote-based.)
At a glance
| ServiceM8 | Simpro | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Small service/callout trades | Larger commercial & complex projects |
| Pricing model | Per jobs/month, unlimited users on paid plans | Quote-based (+ setup/onboarding fee) |
| From (indicative) | $29 NZD/mo (50 jobs) | Tailored quote |
| Platform | iOS and Android apps | iOS, Android, web |
| Setup effort | Self-serve, fast | Onboarding & data migration |
| Accounting sync | Xero | Xero, QuickBooks |
Pricing: capped per-job vs tailored quote
- ServiceM8 charges by jobs per month, with unlimited users on paid plans - Free (30 jobs, 1 user), $29 NZD (50), $79 (150), $149 (500) and $349 (1,500+). It's self-serve and you can be running the same day.
- Simpro is quote-based and tailored to your team size and add-ons, with an initial setup/onboarding fee covering training and data migration (as of June 2026 - check vendor site). That makes it a bigger commitment, but it's built to scale with complex operations.
If budget predictability and a fast start matter most, ServiceM8 wins. If you need depth and are prepared to invest in onboarding, Simpro is built for it.
Features: simplicity vs depth
- ServiceM8 focuses on speed and simplicity for field work: create jobs fast, schedule and dispatch, capture photos and signatures, take on-the-spot payments, online booking and automated client messaging. It's optimised for businesses with roughly 1-50 field staff doing high volumes of small jobs.
- Simpro is a complete job management platform: quoting and estimating, project and job costing, scheduling and dispatch, purchase orders, inventory management, asset/maintenance management and detailed reporting. It's built for mechanical, electrical and commercial fit-out businesses running multi-stage projects.
The trade-off is classic: ServiceM8 is easy to pick up but tops out for complex project work; Simpro handles complexity but carries more setup and a steeper learning curve.
Platform: Android matters
ServiceM8 offers iOS and Android apps. Its vendor says the Android app is almost identical to the iOS app.
Who should pick which?
Choose ServiceM8 if you're a small service or callout trade - especially on mobile devices - that wants a simple, fast app for high volumes of small jobs without a big setup. Choose Simpro if you run a larger commercial business with multi-stage projects, inventory and asset maintenance, and you need deep job costing and reporting enough to justify the onboarding investment.
If Simpro sounds like more than you need but ServiceM8 feels too light, look at the NZ-built middle ground in Fergus vs Tradify, or weigh the whole field in our best job management software NZ roundup.
Frequently asked questions
Is ServiceM8 or Simpro better for NZ tradies?
It depends on your size. ServiceM8 suits small service trades doing lots of small jobs; Simpro suits larger commercial operations with complex, multi-stage projects, inventory and asset maintenance. Most sole traders and small teams will find Simpro is more than they need.
How much does Simpro cost?
Simpro pricing is quote-based and tailored to your team and add-ons, with an initial setup/onboarding fee (as of June 2026 - check vendor site). ServiceM8, by contrast, has published per-job plans from $29 NZD/month.
Does Simpro work on Android?
Yes - Simpro has apps for iOS, Android and web. ServiceM8's full app is iOS and Android, with a
Do both integrate with Xero?
Yes - both ServiceM8 and Simpro sync to Xero, so invoices and related data flow through to your accounting. Simpro also integrates with QuickBooks.
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.
ServiceM8 user counts checked: 3 October 2026. Other features last reviewed: 24 June 2026.