✅ Updated January 2026

Electricians have some unique accounting needs compared to other trades — test-and-tag record keeping, per-circuit job costing, compliance documentation and often a mix of residential and commercial work. Here's what software actually works for sparkies.

📋 In This Article

  1. →Software comparison table
  2. →ServiceM8 for electricians
  3. →simPRO for electricians
  4. →Xero for sole traders
  5. →Which to choose

Electrician Software Comparison 2026

SoftwarePrice/monthCompliance DocsJob CostingMaterials TrackingScore
ServiceM8 ⭐ Best for Solo/SmallBest for 1–5 electricians
$29/month
 ✓ Forms ✓ Good ✓ Good
9.0
simPRO Best for Large TeamsEnterprise field service
~$145/month
 ✓ Full compliance ✓ Excellent ✓ Excellent
8.6
TradifyGood scheduling
$35/month per user
 ◑ Basic ✓ Good ◑ Basic
8.0
XeroAccounting only
$35/month
 ✗ ◑ Basic ✗
7.2
💡 Key insight: If you do compliance-heavy work (test and tag, RCDs, safety certificates), ServiceM8 or simPRO handles the documentation that generic accounting software can't. Pair either with Xero for BAS and payroll.

ServiceM8 for Electricians

ServiceM8 has become the go-to for residential and light commercial electricians in Australia. Key features for sparkies:

✅ Why Electricians Love It

  • Custom digital forms for test-and-tag, RCD testing, safety certificates
  • Photo documentation on every job — critical for compliance
  • Quote, schedule, dispatch and invoice from iPhone
  • Client communication via SMS built in
  • Integrates directly with Xero for BAS and payroll

❌ Limitations

  • Android app significantly behind iOS
  • Not ideal for large commercial projects
  • No native inventory management — needs add-on

Which to Choose

Solo sparky or small team (1–5): ServiceM8 + Xero. ServiceM8 handles the job management and compliance docs, Xero handles the accounting.

Growing electrical contractor (5–20 staff): simPRO. It's more expensive but purpose-built for electrical contractors with full compliance, large job management and detailed costing.

Just need to invoice and do BAS: Xero or Rounded. If you're a sole trader sparky with simple needs, don't over-invest in software.

SoftwareFree TrialAction
ServiceM8 ⭐14 days freeTry ServiceM8 Free →
Xero30 days freeTry Xero Free →