Insights

10 Jobber alternatives (2024) – affordable options for field service business owners

Written by Micke Paqvalén | Oct 9, 2024 1:01:46 PM

Jobber is a business management software that makes running a field service business easier, with quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and payments in one place.

Many field service business owners choose Jobber for two main reasons:

  • Their all-in-one mobile app provides the essential tools to do more in the field without having a tablet or laptop to run quotes, create and edit jobs, and send invoices.

  • Their interface is easy to use, allowing you to quickly manage daily tasks such as dispatching technicians, keeping track of work orders, and communicating with customers without needing a technical guide.

However, business owners using Jobber will eventually run into one of these common issues:

  • Basic features, such as two-way communication are locked behind its higher-tier plans, making the software prohibitively expensive for smaller businesses or those just starting, that need those features but can’t justify the steep cost​.

  • Their per-user pricing structure makes it a less scalable solution for growing businesses, particularly those with multiple employees who only need basic functions like clocking in. That means if you’re a user with varying access levels for employees, even employees who don’t need full functionality drive up the total cost.

  • Many users report that customer service quality declines based on the subscription level. For businesses facing technical issues (such as invoicing or scheduling), this inconsistency can disrupt operations, and when trying to cancel, some users find their critical data locked inside Jobber.

In this post, we’ll explore 10 Jobber alternatives, starting with our own solution, Buildbite. We’ll make the case that Buildbite is the best of the Jobber alternatives because it shares some key strengths with Jobber but offers a pricing structure that’s more affordable and scalable for businesses of all sizes; in addition to its ease of use, customer support, and overall functionality. 

Top 10 best Jobber alternatives:

  1. Buildbite
  2. HousecallPro 
  3. Buildertrend
  4. Raken
  5. Contractor Foreman
  6. Buildbook
  7. BigChange
  8. Fieldwire
  9. Servicetitan
  10. FieldPulse
 

1. Buildbite – affordable & comprehensive software for field service businesses


What differentiates Buildbite from Jobber is that Buildbite focuses on simplifying field service operations for field service business owners. That includes: 

  • The ability to communicate in real-time across multiple job sites using text, images, and videos, ensuring that your team stays connected and informed, no matter where they are.

  • Comprehensive project management tools that allow you to schedule jobs, assign tasks, track employee hours, and document project details, both onsite and offsite– all in one place.

  • Seamless two-way communication and collaboration with clients, allowing you to stay in sync, gather feedback, and provide updates, which helps build trust and transparency.

  • Detailed analytics and reporting empower you to make better business decisions by tracking your team’s performance, project timelines, and overall business metrics.

On the contrary, Jobber tries to do all of the above in addition to marketing, sales, and a host of business growth functions. Therefore, it might be difficult to justify Jobber’s pricing if you just want software that simplifies field operations for your team. 

If you are looking to delight customers every time and grow your business by securing repeat business and referrals, here’s how Buildbite fits your business needs.

 

Take on as many projects and clients as you desire without worrying about cost escalations

As your field service business grows, you’ll need software that scales with you, not against you. With Jobber, you could find yourself limited by user caps and restricted access to critical features unless you upgrade to their most expensive plan.

For example, their Connect plan, priced at $169/month, accommodates 5 users. Any additional users will cost you $29/month, but even then, essential features like two-way client communication are not included.

 

This means that while you can send one-way updates, such as “on my way” texts using Jobber’s Automated Client Notifications, you can’t engage in real-time conversations with customers or manage those interactions in one place.

To unlock this feature, you’d need to upgrade to their Grow plan at $249/month (billed annually), which supports up to 15 users. This means that even if you have a small team, you’re forced to pay as much as a larger company just to gain access to basic communication capabilities.

That kind of pricing escalation can be frustrating for businesses that rely on clear, real-time conversations with clients to keep projects on track.

Imagine your technician arrives at a job site to repair a water heater, but the client also needs a leaking pipe fixed. Without two-way communication, the technician would either have to leave without confirming the added task or proceed without the client’s approval—leading to confusion and dissatisfaction.

Smooth, back-and-forth communication in moments like these is crucial to avoid delays, miscommunication, and unhappy clients.

What’s more, with Jobber, you’re never quite sure when adding more clients or projects will mean higher costs. As shown below, Jobber’s pricing page doesn’t disclose the number of clients and projects you can manage per tier.

 

Buildbite, on the other hand, empowers you to grow without financial constraints. Our pricing structure doesn’t punish you for success. Whether you manage 5 projects or 50, your costs stay the same, and you’ll never have to worry about hitting limits or paying more just to keep your business running smoothly.

We provide unlimited projects, unlimited clients, and multi-user management from the very start—even on our most affordable plan.

On top of that, two-way communication; and all other essential field operation management tools, come as standard. This not only keeps your projects organized but ensures you’re able to quickly address changes, avoid costly misunderstandings, and build stronger relationships with your clients.

That way, we’re able to stay true to our promise to growing field service businesses:

  • …that you will scale your business without worrying about escalating software costs or missing out on essential features. 

  • …that you’ll reduce stress, enhance your team’s productivity, and focus on growing your business through exceptional service and satisfied customers.

  • …that you’ll enjoy the kind of flexibility that allows you to build lasting client relationships and improve your industry reputation.

The table below highlights the key differences between Buildbite and Jobber– in pricing, user limits, and communication features.

Feature Buildbite Jobber
# of Users Up to 5 users Up to 5 users
# of Projects Unlimited projects Undisclosed
# of Clients Unlimited clients Undisclosed
Two-way Communication Yes Unavailable
Job Details and Documents Yes Yes
Time Tracking Yes Yes
Job Scheduling Yes Yes
Reporting Yes Yes
Integration Yes Yes
Onboarding Support/Coaching Yes Yes
Price (Billed Yearly) €79 or $89/month $129/month

 

Other Buildbite pricing tiers:

  • Standard: This plan is best for growing companies that need field management for a few teams. It costs €129/mo and includes up to 20 users, unlimited projects, unlimited clients, and no hidden fees. 

  • Premium is best for established companies that need field management for several teams. It costs €179/mo and includes up to 50 users, unlimited projects, unlimited clients, and no hidden fees.
 

Simplify every part of field service management without overspending on essential tools

Buildbite is designed to simplify every part of field management. It offers a full suite of tools for scheduling jobs, documenting field data, enabling your team to collaborate and communicate in real-time, accessing customer and job information from the field, and managing tasks across multiple projects. 

Here’s how we simplify field operations management:

 

Onboard clients with ease

When you log in to Buildbite for the first time, you’ll see a page where you can add a new project or check projects you’ve been invited to; either as a subcontractor, project manager, or client. 

To start a new project, click “Add new project”, name the project, add a project ID– for invoicing purposes, and assign the project to the owner/company.

Fast job scheduling 

Once the new project is created, you can create jobs and assign them to your team with only a few clicks. After creating the new client project, organize the project into different project phases; each with its own set of tasks, and assign specific crew members to the tasks.

You can invite them from your phone book or email address and they'll receive a text message inviting them to join the task, all within the app. That way, they can start tracking time on their task and access instructions.

This system makes it easy to organize these jobs in a schedule, ensuring that jobs of various lengths and scopes (from days to months) are easily managed and distributed across a team with different geographic locations and skill sets.

Access all project information in one place

Buildbite provides a platform where your crew can document jobs thoroughly, by adding notes, taking pictures or videos, and referencing old jobs or equipment information. This centralized media library provides everyone with a single source of truth for all project-related assets.

Additionally, Buildbite includes intelligent features such as sorting and filtering functions  - that help teams find the right files more easily -  a quick preview feature, and the option to mark files as favorites– all of which make it easier to access and share your files on mobile devices.

 

Time tracking & payroll integration

Instead of filling out tedious timesheets, Buildbite lets your teams track task-specific work with ease. Workers can clock in or out and start tracking time spent on tasks with one tap on their mobile phone.  To make sure you maximize the data you collect, time-tracking reports can be created and exported into payroll or used for job costing.

 

Create custom permissions and role-based access.

Because your team comprises varying roles, Buildbite allows project owners to implement custom permissions—allowing certain team members to view specific data (e.g., service schedules) while restricting editing privileges to a smaller group. This ensures sensitive information is handled only by those with the right access.

 

Make faster decisions with real-time field data and task updates

Buildbite enables you to stay connected to your team with real-time updates on job progress, site conditions, and employee activity. This allows you to make faster, smarter decisions and quickly address any issues that arise in the field.

Aside from the fact that task updates including files and media are automatically indexed for easy access - you can also filter and sort updates by task, date, or file type, and even bookmark important updates for quick reference.

Additionally, Buildbite offers push notifications that instantly notify your crew of changes. Whether it's an updated schedule or a task modification, team members receive real-time notifications on their phones, ensuring they always have the latest information at hand.

 

Enjoy dedicated data migration, customer service, & comprehensive integration 

Moving to Buildbite from Jobber or any other platform is not just simple—it’s stress-free. We understand that switching software can seem daunting, especially if you're managing data from multiple spreadsheets or dealing with disconnected systems. That’s why we assign you a dedicated data migration team to handle the entire transition for you.

Whether you’re moving data from spreadsheets, documents, or other field service software, our migration experts will ensure everything is transferred smoothly, without any labor strain on your team. You’ll be up and running with Buildbite quickly—no need to worry about repetitive processes or double-checking data. We simplify everything so you can immediately start enjoying a centralized, streamlined system.

In addition to hassle-free migration, Buildbite offers comprehensive integrations with the tools you already rely on. You can easily connect to your favorite task and project management software, ensuring that time tracking and task management stay synced across platforms. Likewise, transferring billing data to your preferred payment system is seamless, eliminating the need for manual data entry or duplicative processes.

 

Should you need assistance, our dedicated customer support team is available by phone and in-app chat. From setup to ongoing use, we’re committed to providing you with a smooth, guided experience, ensuring your business keeps running efficiently as you transition to a more robust, all-in-one field service solution.

 

Try the most comprehensive and affordable Jobber alternative free for 30 days.

Buildbite customer Thomas Noreila, the CEO of Trähus says:

We chose to use Buildbite as the tool to help us improve customer relationships and retention, and we have never looked back". 

When you see the results you’ll understand why…

Start your 30-day free trial and experience the benefits firsthand.

 

2. Housecall Pro


Like Jobber, Housecall Pro is a full-service tool that enables service professionals to run their entire business on their smartphones and complimentary web portals. 

The app supports service professionals with all aspects of their workflow, including QuickBooks Desktop & Online integration, job scheduling, customer database, invoicing and payment processing, technician dispatch, and much more. It is also fully integrated with access to the Housecall consumer booking app.

Comparing Housecall Pro to Jobber? We've created an in-depth comparison: Jobber vs Housecall Pro 2024: Which is better?

Housecall Pro features:

  • Drive sales: The comprehensive suite of sales tools such as review management, pipeline management, online booking, and sales proposal. 
  • Complete jobs: Get access to tools for scheduling, dispatching, estimates, and communication. 
  • Receive and manage money: Invoicing, payment, expense card management, business financing, and consumer financing. 

Housecall Pro pros:

  • Ease of use
  • Comprehensive features
  • Customer service
  • Customer support
  • Easy scheduling
  • Payment management. 

Housecall Pro cons:

  • The cost per user is expensive
  • CRM not robust 

Housecall Pro pricing:

Housecall Pro costs vary by plan. Customers can choose from Basic, Essentials, or Max plans. Prices range from $49 (Basic - 1 user) to $129 (Essential up to 5 users) per month. 'Contact Us' (Max - unlimited users).

 

3. Buildertrend

Buildertrend is a residential construction project management software used by home builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors. Helps contractors to take control of projects and bring efficiency, organization, and seamless communication to their businesses. 

Builders can manage jobs, sales, finances, materials, client relationships, and more on one convenient platform – allowing time to take on more jobs without the added stress.

Buildertrend key features:

  • Materials management
  • Sales management
  • Financial management
  • Project management
  • Communications management
  • Time tracker
  • Customer portal
  • Doc management

Buildertrend pros:

  • Lots of features and options 
  • End to end
  • All info in one place

Buildertrend cons:

  • Focused on residential construction site management
  • It can be slow and complex when adding project info 
  • Some specific feedback about financial and estimating functionality

Buildertrend pricing:

Buildertrend is priced per feature. The essential plan costs $199/month for a mix of sales and project management tools you need to get started with tech. That includes job scheduling, To-Do’s, customer portal, and sales proposals.

 

4. Raken


Raken’s field management software is best for businesses that want to simplify workflow between on-site and office crew members. From digital documentation and production tracking to safety tools, you’ll have the insights you need to improve your projects—and reduce costs–no more messy paperwork.

The mobile field apps for iOS and Android make remote collaboration easy too.

With the mobile app, field crews can input project data on the go. They can even upload time-stamped photos, videos, and notes for better visibility. Then, all that data is automatically uploaded to the web app for the office. With everything stored in one place, you’ll have accurate records to protect your business from litigation or risk. Save time. Improve profitability.

Raken key features:

  • Daily progress reporting
  • Time and production tracking
  • Safety and quality management
  • Document management
  • Integrations

Raken pros:

  • Fast & easy to use: Raken’s user-friendly interface is optimized for both field and office use, making it simple to input and manage data on the go.
  • Customer-centric: The platform shows a clear understanding of its users' needs, providing features tailored to contractors and field service professionals.
  • Strong reporting features: Raken offers robust reporting tools, allowing businesses to generate detailed project reports quickly and efficiently.
  • Effective project management: The platform excels in organizing and managing multiple projects, ensuring that tasks, schedules, and teams are effectively coordinated.

Raken cons:

  • Limited photo viewing options: Viewing images can be cumbersome, as you must download photos to zoom in or out, limiting real-time functionality.
  • Complex worker management: Adding workers to projects can be more complicated than necessary, leading to inefficiencies.
  • Data entry repetition: Some users find themselves having to input the same information multiple times, which can lead to unnecessary repetition and wasted time.
  • Workarounds for specialized trades: Certain industries, like plumbing, may require additional workarounds or adjustments to use the platform effectively.

Pricing

Contact Raken support.

 

5. Contractor Foreman

Contractor Foreman is an affordable and easy-to-use construction management software serving contractors in 75+ countries. All-in-one solution, all of your project management needs in one easy and affordable tool.

Contractor Foreman key features:

  • Project management tools including job scheduling, daily logs, work orders, etc. 
  • Financial management tools including estimates, bid management, invoices, and purchase orders
  • People management tools such as team chat, time cards, calendars, and safety meetings
  • Document management suite for files and photos, reports, forms and checklists, RFI’s, etc. 
  • Integration with Quickbooks, Google Calendar, etc. 

Contractor Foreman pros:

  • Contractor Foreman’s design is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate even for those new to project management software.
  • Users benefit from comprehensive training resources and responsive customer support, ensuring they can maximize the platform’s capabilities.
  • Contractor Foreman offers a complete suite of tools for managing every aspect of field service operations, from project management to invoicing and reporting.

Contractor Foreman cons:

  • Can be overwhelming: While the platform’s extensive features are beneficial, some users may find it too large and complex for smaller operations or simpler needs.
  • Slow functionality in certain areas: Some functions, such as QuickBooks integration, have been noted to be slow, which can create bottlenecks for businesses relying on real-time data syncing.

Contractor Foreman pricing:

Contractor Foreman’s pricing ranges from the Basic ($49/month for one user) to Unlimited ($249/month for unlimited users). 

 

6. Fieldwire


Fieldwire (by Hilti) is a job management software designed for construction teams. It serves as a collaborative platform where the entire project team, from foremen to project managers, can coordinate tasks and track performance.

Fieldwire’s free plan is great for basic task management and up to 3 projects. But if you need to manage field teams and access a full suite of features, upgrading to a paid plan is the way to go.

Fieldwire features:

  • Plan viewing: Upload, view, and navigate through blueprints directly within the app
  • Issue tracking: Log and track deficiencies with photos, descriptions, and assignments
  • Task management & scheduling: Assign tasks to team members with due dates, priorities,
  • Punch list: Create and manage punch lists
  • Document management: Stora and organize all project-related documents in a centralized location

 Fieldwire pros:

  • Free plan available
  • Mobile-first
  • Apps for iOS and Android 

Fieldwire limitations:

  • Most features are only available on higher-tier pricing plans
  • No customer support on the basic plan
  • Expensive for larger teams

Fieldwire pricing:

Fieldwire offers several per-user pricing tiers. There is a free plan but it has limited functionality. Charged annually, pricing ranges from $39/month to $79/month. 

 

7. Buildbook

BuildBook is all-in-one construction management software for residential custom home builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors who want to simplify their sales process, streamline the flow of communication between their clients and team, and generate more profits—before, during, and after projects. 

It’s not for large commercial construction firms or tract builders who have internal sales teams and custom software systems. With Buildbook, you get access to a suite of features that enable you to win the job, do the work, and stay in sync with teams and clients.

Buildbook key features:

  • CRM and sales pipeline tools
  • Job scheduling and task management
  • Team management
  • Client dashboard
  • Team and client chat
  • Daily logs
  • Quickbooks integration

Buildbook pros:

  • Features are easy to use & not overcomplicated 
  • Seamless integrations 
  • Efficient job tracking
  • Outstanding customer service

Buildbook cons:

  • Limited task management: The to-do lists and tasks can be difficult to create, making it harder to manage detailed project tasks effectively.
  • Lacks core project management features: While Buildbook excels in client-focused functions, its project management capabilities are somewhat limited. There is no time-tracking feature, and it doesn’t offer customer payment processing, which could hinder businesses that need these essential tools.

Buildbook pricing:

Contact Buildbook for pricing.

 

8. BigChange


BigChange is all-in-one job management software plus hardware for real-time tracking. Customers often describe it as highly customizable software that makes it easy to plan, manage, schedule, and track work. 

Depending on your pricing tier, you will get the all-in-one job management software with hard-wired vehicle tracking for mobile users or a rugged tablet or smartphone with unlimited data. This makes it a great choice for field service businesses in plumbing & heating, drainage, utilities, fire & security, hire & equipment rental, etc.

BigChange key features:

  • CRM
  • Job scheduling
  • Invoices
  • Reporting
  • Job sheets
  • Vehicle tracking
  • Business intelligence

BigChange pros:

  • Easy and quick to implement
  • Everything you need in one place

BigChange cons:

  • UK based support 
  • Long-term contract ‘tied in’

BigChange pricing:

Contact BigChange for pricing.

 

9. ServiceTitan

ServiceTitan is the leading business management platform for the trades, dedicated to consistent growth for commercial and specialty contractors by bringing service and construction operations together in one place. The software provides tools for front office operations, field operations, client experience management, and general management and insight features.

ServiceTitan key features:

While specific features might vary, some of the key capabilities often highlighted include:

  • Dispatch and scheduling: Efficiently manage appointments and dispatch technicians.
  • CRM and customer management: Track customer information and histories.
  • Mobile access: Allow technicians to access necessary information on the go.
  • Invoicing and payment processing: Handle billing and payments seamlessly.
  • Reporting and analytics: Generate reports to gain insights into business performance.

ServiceTitan pros:

  • User-friendly: ServiceTitan is designed to be easy to learn and use, which helps businesses get up to speed quickly.
  • Feature-rich: It offers a variety of tools that are valuable for managing home service businesses effectively.
  • Integration capabilities: ServiceTitan can integrate with various other software solutions, which can streamline workflow and increase efficiency.

ServiceTitan cons:

  • Cost: Some users find ServiceTitan to be on the pricier side, especially for smaller businesses.
  • Complexity: While feature-rich, it can be overwhelming for users who do not need all the functionalities.
  • Customer Support: Some reviews mention that customer support could be improved in response time and issue resolution.

ServiceTitan pricing:

The specific pricing details for ServiceTitan are not publicly listed.

10. FieldPulse


FieldPulse is a comprehensive business management platform for mobile service providers and contractors. It helps you manage your operations seamlessly in the office and on the go, with availability on iOS, Android, and the web.

FieldPulse offers tools for scheduling, customer management (CRM), invoicing, estimating, digital payments, timesheets, GPS-location tracking, and more. The goal is to reduce paperwork, improve efficiency, and strengthen customer relationships.

FieldPulse key features:

  • Scheduling & dispatching: Efficiently manage your team and appointments.
  • Invoicing & payments: Simplify financial transactions with integrated invoicing and payment options.
  • Customer management (CRM): Keep track of customer interactions and data.
  • Estimates: Create and deliver professional estimates.
  • Job management: Stay organized by managing jobs and tasks.
  • Timesheets: Track and manage employee work times.
  • Maintenance agreements: Manage ongoing service agreements easily.
  • Customer portals: Provide customers with a self-service option to manage their accounts.
  • Review management: Collect and manage customer reviews.
  • Custom forms, inventory & asset management: Tailor workflows and manage inventory efficiently.

FieldPulse pros:

  • User-friendly interface: Many users find the app intuitive and easy to use for staff and administration.
  • Mobile integration: Allows seamless scheduling, invoicing, and estimating from mobile devices.
  • Responsive customer service: Users appreciate the quick and helpful customer support team.
  • Customization: Offers custom fields and adaptability for various business needs.
  • Integration with QuickBooks: Helps streamline financial processes by syncing data efficiently.

FieldPulse cons:

  • Feature navigation: Some features can be difficult to find or update within the software.
  • Reporting complexity: Reporting features could be more straightforward and easier to use.
  • Limited local support: Users outside the United States, for example in Australia, face international transaction fees.

FieldPulse pricing:

Visit the FieldPulse website to request pricing.

Choosing the right Jobber alternative

Jobber may not be the best fit for every field service business due to its restrictive pricing, limited scalability, and lack of comprehensive customer service support.

Buildbite solves these issues by offering an affordable, scalable, and all-in-one solution that includes two-way communication, robust project management, and seamless integrations—all without locking essential features behind expensive tiers. Whether you're a small business just starting out or a growing company managing multiple job sites, Buildbite is designed to simplify field operations and support your team's growth.

Try Buildbite free for 30 days.