If you’re using ServiceM8 or looking at job management software for the first time, you might be wondering how it stacks up against other options out there.
More and more tradies are switching to NextMinute. It’s built specifically for tradies in residential construction—like builders, landscapers, concreters, and pool installers—who need more than just a simple scheduler.
In this guide, we’ll break down how ServiceM8 compares to NextMinute, and why NextMinute is a great ServiceM8 alterantive for residential tradies.
Platform Compatibility
One of the first things to consider is how your team will access the software.
ServiceM8 has long been a strong choice for Apple users, with a full-featured iOS app for iPhones and iPads. In 2024, they introduced ServiceM8 Lite for Android—handy for basic job access, timesheets, and notes, but it lacks many of the features that the iOS version includes. This means that if you’ve got a mixed-device team, your Android crew may miss out on key functionality.
NextMinute, on the other hand, offers a consistent, full-featured experience across both iOS and Android. Every member of the team gets the same tools (based on permissions), whether they’re on the latest iPhone or a dusty old Samsung. For growing trade businesses with a mix of devices in the field, that makes a big difference.
Type of Work and Job Complexity
ServiceM8 is built for fast, reactive service jobs—think maintenance, emergency callouts, or single-day tasks. It works well if your business needs to dispatch workers quickly, manage bookings, and send invoices on the fly. It also includes helpful client-facing features, like a customer portal for communication and approvals.
NextMinute, by contrast, is designed for tradies working on more complex, multi-day or multi-stage projects. It shines in residential construction settings—landscaping, concreting, pool installations, renos, and new builds—where jobs have lots of moving parts. With a drag-and-drop Gantt chart, you can map out your entire job timeline, assign tasks, shift deadlines, and keep the crew and office on the same page. It’s planning made visual, and it’s built for real-world tradie workflows.
Quoting, Cost Tracking, and Invoicing
Both platforms offer quoting and invoicing tools, and both integrate with major accounting software like Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks. However, this is where NextMinute pulls ahead for construction-focused businesses.
NextMinute lets you import supplier price books, add labour, markup, and materials to quotes, and then automatically convert approved quotes into scheduled jobs. You can also import supplier invoices and match them to specific jobs, helping you stay on top of actual costs. The platform includes live back-costing, giving you a real-time view of job profitability—essential if you're juggling subs, materials, and unexpected changes on site.
While ServiceM8 covers the basics well, its cost tracking is less detailed and lacks the back-costing depth needed for longer, staged jobs.
Team Communication and Onsite Tools
Both apps allow team communication, job notes, and photo uploads, but NextMinute goes deeper in supporting larger field crews. The mobile app makes it easy for team members to log timesheets, check task lists, add site diary entries, and take photos—all from the job site. These updates feed directly into the office view, reducing double-handling and endless text message chains.
ServiceM8 also offers these features, but they're more streamlined for quick-turnaround jobs with smaller teams. If your crew is working on larger jobs that span weeks or involve multiple trades, NextMinute’s tools are better suited to the task.
Setup, Support, and Training
Getting started with any software can be daunting—but support makes all the difference. ServiceM8 offers a helpful online knowledge base and email support. You can also access videos, articles, and work with certified partners to set up your account.
NextMinute, however, provides free onboarding, training, and ongoing local support—for life. Whether you're just getting started or need help five years in, the support team is there to walk you through it. It’s a more hands-on experience that many tradies appreciate, especially those not keen on figuring it all out alone.
The Verdict
If your business is focused on small, reactive service jobs, and you’re working exclusively with iPhones and iPads, ServiceM8 is a strong option. It’s fast, efficient, and geared for dispatch-style work.
But if you’re managing larger, more complex projects—where job planning, cost tracking, and crew coordination matter more—NextMinute is likely the better fit. With full mobile support, visual scheduling, job profitability tools, and lifetime support included, it’s built for serious tradie operations.
Try NextMinute Free
Still unsure? Take NextMinute for a spin with a free 10-day trial—no credit card needed. Or, if you’d like a proper walkthrough, book a free personalised demo and we’ll show you how it can work for your business.
Learn more: Compare NextMinute and ServiceM8
Choosing the right software doesn’t just save you time—it helps you quote more accurately, manage your crew better, and keep more profit in your pocket. If you’re looking for a ServiceM8 alternative that’s purpose-built for construction, landscaping and residential trade teams, NextMinute could be just the tool you’ve been waiting for.
