Joist vs ServiceM8
Head-to-head comparison of pricing, features, integrations, and use-case fit. Updated 2026-05-20.
Joist
Estimating and invoicing app for solo contractors
- Starting price
- Free tier available
- Aggregate rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Best team size
- 1-3
- Free trial
- 30 days
ServiceM8
Job management app for small service businesses (Apple-only)
- Starting price
- From $19/mo
- Aggregate rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Best team size
- 1-15
- Free trial
- 14 days
Quick verdict
Joist: Solo contractors and small 1-2 person operations needing only estimates and invoicing.
ServiceM8: Small Apple-using trade businesses 1-15 employees wanting job-count-based pricing.
User ratings favor ServiceM8 (4.7 vs 4.5).
Joist has a lower starting price (Free tier available).
Pricing side-by-side
| Tier | Joist | ServiceM8 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free — Free | Starter — $19/mo |
| Tier 2 | Pro — $13/mo | Growing — $49/mo |
| Tier 3 | Pro+ — $26/mo | Premium — $149/mo |
Feature comparison
Only in Joist
- + estimates
- + credit card payments
- + client signatures
- + photo attachments
Both have
- ✓ invoicing
Only in ServiceM8
- + scheduling
- + quotes
- + online booking
- + form automation
- + stripe integration
- + ios only apps
Integrations
Only in Joist
- + intuit payments
Both integrate with
- ✓ quickbooks online
Only in ServiceM8
- + xero
- + stripe
- + zapier
- + myob
Both support these trades
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Joist or ServiceM8?
Neither is universally better — they target different buyers. Solo contractors and small 1-2 person operations needing only estimates and invoicing. Small Apple-using trade businesses 1-15 employees wanting job-count-based pricing. The right pick depends on your team size, budget, and vertical.
Is Joist cheaper than ServiceM8?
Joist has a lower starting price (Free tier available vs From $19/mo). However, total cost depends on team size, features needed, and tier — see the full pricing breakdown above.
Can Joist and ServiceM8 integrate with QuickBooks?
Joist integrates with QuickBooks. ServiceM8 integrates with QuickBooks.
Do Joist or ServiceM8 offer a free trial?
Joist: 30-day free trial. ServiceM8: 14-day free trial.
Need a deeper look?
See our full reviews with detailed pricing tiers, integration depth, and weaknesses.