Tradify and ServiceM8 are two of the most popular job management apps with New Zealand tradies - but they're built on very different ideas. Tradify charges per user and runs everywhere; ServiceM8 charges per job and is built for mobile. This head-to-head compares them so you can pick the right one for your trade.
If you want to step back and compare the routes across these guides, return to the job management software decision centre. For a closer look at each product, read our Tradify review and ServiceM8 review.
Tradify and ServiceM8 pricing, trials, integrations and support checked against each vendor's NZ pricing page on 3 October 2026; other 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. (Both products are priced in NZD.)
Side by side
| Tradify | ServiceM8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Per user, per month | By jobs per month; unlimited users on paid plans |
| NZ starting price | $48 per user/month (Lite), ex GST | Free plan; paid plans from $29/month |
| Free plan or trial | 14-day free trial | Free plan (30 jobs, 1 user) and a 14-day free trial |
| Users | Each user is billed | 1 on Free; unlimited on paid plans |
| Accounting integrations | Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks Online | Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks Online |
| Support | Free support and training from Tradify Experts | 24/7 chat and email support |
Pricing: per user vs per job
This is the biggest practical difference.
- Tradify charges per user per month - from $48 NZD (Lite) to $62 (Plus). Predictable if you have a small, steady team. See Tradify pricing (NZ).
- ServiceM8 charges by jobs per month, with unlimited users on paid plans - Free (30 jobs, 1 user), $29 NZD (50), $79 (150), $149 (500), $349 (1,500+). Great value for a solo operator or a team with lots of casual staff but a capped job count.
The rule of thumb: few users, many jobs -> ServiceM8 can be cheaper; several users, moderate jobs -> Tradify is often better value. Run your real numbers.
Platform: Android matters
ServiceM8 offers iOS and Android apps. Its vendor says the Android app is almost identical to the iOS app.
Feature focus
- Tradify keeps it simple: quoting, scheduling, invoicing, timesheets, costing and Xero/MYOB/QuickBooks sync - easy to learn, fast to get paid.
- ServiceM8 leans into automation and service workflows: online booking, automated client messaging, forms, and strong scheduling for high-volume callout work.
Who should pick which?
| Choose Tradify if... | Choose ServiceM8 if... |
|---|---|
| You have a small steady team | You're solo or use casual staff |
| You want the simplest quote-to-invoice flow | You do lots of small service jobs and want automation |
| You prefer predictable per-user pricing | A capped per-job plan fits your volume |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tradify or ServiceM8 better for NZ tradies?
Neither is universally better. Tradify (NZ-built) suits small teams; ServiceM8 suits service trades with high job volumes and a need for automation.
Does ServiceM8 work on Android?
Yes. ServiceM8 has iOS and Android apps.
Which is cheaper, Tradify or ServiceM8?
It depends on users vs jobs. ServiceM8's per-job pricing can be cheaper for a low-volume solo operator; Tradify's per-user pricing often wins for small teams doing many jobs.
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.
- 3 October 2026 - ServiceM8, AroFlo and Fergus pricing checked against each vendor's website.
- 3 October 2026 - Added a side-by-side table; Sources narrowed to the Tradify and ServiceM8 NZ pricing pages.
ServiceM8 user counts checked: 3 October 2026. Other features last reviewed: 24 June 2026.
Considering a different app? Compare Tradify alternatives in NZ.