Honest comparison · 2026
Leadhand vs ServiceM8: an honest comparison for Australian tradies
Leadhand and ServiceM8 are both Australian job management apps that charge per job with unlimited users. The main differences: Leadhand runs a full native Android app where ServiceM8's full app is iOS-only, Leadhand is built AI-native, it includes free migration, and it costs $10 less per month at every paid tier.
Free. No credit card.
How do Leadhand and ServiceM8 compare, feature by feature?
The table below lays out the differences that actually matter when you run a trade business. Prices are AUD per month, inc GST, at matching job volumes.
| Feature | Leadhand | ServiceM8 |
|---|---|---|
| Native Android app | Yes - full app, same features as iOS | No - full app is iOS-only; Android gets a limited Lite app |
| iOS app | Yes | Yes |
| Web/office app | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Per job, unlimited users | Per job, unlimited users |
| Starter tier (50 jobs/mo) | $19 / mo | $29 / mo |
| Growing tier (150 jobs/mo) | $69 / mo | $79 / mo |
| Premium tier (500 jobs/mo) | $139 / mo | $149 / mo |
| Premium Plus (1,500+ jobs/mo) | $339 / mo | $349 / mo |
| Free tier | $0 - 30 jobs/mo, 1 user | Free plan available |
| AI-native features | Built into the core workflow | Not AI-native; some functions via add-ons |
| Forms & SWMS | Built in (SWMS, JSA, pre-start, sign-off) | Available, some via add-ons |
| Australian-built | Yes - Queensland | Yes - Australian company |
| Support | Australian email support, we read every one | 24/7 chat and email support on paid plans |
| Migration help | Free - we bring your data across for you | Self-service import tools |
ServiceM8 figures are its published reference plans at matching job volumes and were current at the time of writing. Check servicem8.com for ServiceM8's latest pricing and features.
Where does Leadhand actually win?
A full Android app, not a Lite one
ServiceM8's full app runs on iOS only. Android users get ServiceM8 Lite, which does the basics but not the lot. If even one person on your crew carries an Android phone, that is a real gap. Leadhand is built for Android and iPhone, a full native field app with the same features on both, so the whole team gets the whole product.
Built AI-native, not bolted on
Leadhand is built AI-native, so the admin between quoting and getting paid keeps shrinking instead of following you home. Job statuses already move themselves along, with more on the way. ServiceM8 is a mature product with an add-on ecosystem, but it was not built AI-first.
Free migration and $10 less every tier
Switching is on us - we bring your clients, pricebook and job history across for you. And the bill is $10 a month lower than ServiceM8 at every paid tier, for the same job volumes. Over a year that adds up, and you are not giving anything up to get it.
The honest verdict
ServiceM8 is a mature, capable product. It has been running the jobs-based model since 2010, it has a deep add-on ecosystem, and if your whole crew is on iPhones and you already lean on its add-ons, it is a perfectly good choice. It would be wrong to pretend otherwise.
Leadhand suits trade businesses that want a full app on Android as well as iOS, AI built into the day rather than bolted on, free hands-on migration, and a lower monthly bill for the same job volumes. If that sounds like you, it is worth a look - and you can try it free.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Leadhand cheaper than ServiceM8?
- Yes. Leadhand is $10 per month less than ServiceM8 at every paid tier, for the same job volumes - $19 vs $29 (Starter), $69 vs $79 (Growing), $139 vs $149 (Premium) and $339 vs $349 (Premium Plus). Both charge on jobs with unlimited users, so the saving is straight off the subscription.
- Does ServiceM8 have a real Android app?
- ServiceM8's full app is iOS-only. Android users get ServiceM8 Lite, a cut-down app with basic functions only. Leadhand is built for Android and iPhone, a full native field app with the same features on both, so every tech on the crew gets the whole thing whatever phone they carry.
- Are both apps Australian?
- Yes. Both Leadhand and ServiceM8 are Australian companies, and both handle GST the way an Australian accountant expects. So on the question of Australian-built, they are even. The real differences are the Android app, AI-native features, free migration and the lower price.
- Can I move my data from ServiceM8 to Leadhand?
- Yes. Leadhand migration is free and done for you - we bring your clients, pricebook and job history across so you are not starting from a blank screen or copying spreadsheets by hand.
- Is ServiceM8 still a good choice?
- It can be. ServiceM8 is a mature product with a large add-on ecosystem and years in the market. If your whole crew is on iPhones and you already rely on its add-on network, it is a solid option. Leadhand suits teams that want full Android, AI built in, free migration and a lower bill.