Compare trade software
By5 vs ServiceM8
Compare the work you need to manage, the people who need access and the terms behind the price.
This comparison uses each supplier’s published information, checked on 5 October 2026. By5 prices below cover QUOTES; other products’ plans include different features and allowances. These are starting points, not equivalent baskets or an all-in cost ranking. Features are supplier-listed, not independently tested here. Check the current source and the plan you need before choosing.
| What to compare | By5 | ServiceM8 |
|---|---|---|
| Free access | 3 new saved quotes per calendar month, shared across the business. No card or time limit. | Free: one user, 30 job credits/month. Also offers a 14-day trial without a card. |
| Paid starting point | £12/month per active user, including the owner, for Unlimited QUOTES. | Starter £25/month for unlimited users, 50 new job credits and 100 SMS. |
| Quotes and estimates | QUOTES drafts estimates for human approval. | Every plan lists quotes, invoices and scheduling. A new job card consumes one job credit; converting it from quote to work order consumes no second credit. |
| Using a phone | The FAQ describes phone-based estimation with photo/video assistance. | Current Android documentation describes broad workflow parity with iOS. Differences include Room Scan/AR, diagram drawing and PDF editing; test needed device features. |
| Currency and tax basis | GBP. The live QUOTES disclosure says VAT is not currently charged. | GBP, excluding VAT. The UK page describes reverse-charge invoicing; the buyer’s circumstances determine the accounting treatment. |
| Billing and cancellation | Unlimited QUOTES is billed monthly in advance. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the paid month, then the free allowance resumes. | The pricing page says plans have no lock-in and can be upgraded or downgraded. |
Use the same trial job in each product.
Count monthly job cards as well as team members. Try a repeat job and an accepted quote to understand the allowance, then check the features on the phones your team uses.
Use a fictional customer. Prepare a quote, revise it, schedule the work and check the invoice workflow. Compare the steps and the total subscription you would need. Payment processing, extra messages and optional services can add separate costs.
Read about estimates and quotes, check By5 pricing, or start FREE QUOTES.