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 Apple. This head-to-head compares them so you can pick the right one for your trade.
Pricing and features are accurate as of June 2026 but 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. (Tradify and Fergus prices are NZD; ServiceM8 is AUD; Simpro is quote-based.)
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.
- ServiceM8 charges by jobs per month with unlimited users - Free (30 jobs), $29 AUD (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's full 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. Tradify runs on iPhone, Android and web without compromise. If anyone on your crew is on Android, this alone often decides it.
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... |
|---|---|
| Your team includes Android users | Everyone's on iPhone/iPad |
| 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 and anyone on Android; ServiceM8 suits Apple-based service trades with high job volumes and a need for automation.
Does ServiceM8 work on Android?
Only partially. The full app is iOS-only; Android users get the limited "ServiceM8 Lite" app. Tradify works fully on Android.
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.
Sources
Update log
- 24 June 2026 - Published. Pricing and platform details verified against each vendor's website in June 2026.
Last reviewed: 24 June 2026.