ServiceM8 is a solid job management app you set up and run yourself. Kairvio is set up and run for you, and adds missed-call text-back, AI messaging, and one inbox for every call, text, and social message, for one flat price.
| Feature | Kairvio | ServiceM8 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Flat $197/mo, whole team | By job volume: free (30 jobs) to $349/mo |
| Setup | Done for you | You set it up and run it |
| Platform support | iOS, Android, web (PWA) | iPhone & Android apps (a few features iPhone-only) |
| Business phone | ServiceM8 Phone add-on (from $19/mo) | |
| AI replies to texts & messages | AI helps you draft messages | |
| AI phone answering | Available to add | AI Phone Agent (phone plans from $32/mo) |
| Unified Inbox | Inbox for email & job texts; no built-in Facebook/Instagram | |
| Job tracking | ||
| Quoting & invoicing | ||
| Online payments |
Competitor pricing and features based on their public websites as of September 2026. Plans change; check their site for current details.
ServiceM8's Inbox handles email and job-related texts, and Facebook messages need a third-party connection like Zapier. Kairvio brings calls, texts, web chat, Facebook, and Instagram into one inbox, on your phone and computer.
ServiceM8 bills by job volume ($29/mo for 50 jobs up to $349/mo for 1,500), so the bill climbs as you get busier. Kairvio is one flat price, $197/mo for your whole team with setup included, with no per-job or per-user fees.
ServiceM8 Phone is an add-on from $19/mo, and its AI Phone Agent needs the $32/mo phone plan or higher. Its built-in AI helps you draft messages and quotes. With Kairvio, missed calls get a text back within seconds, and AI replies to texts, web chat, and social messages and books jobs, all in the flat price. AI phone answering is available to add.
With ServiceM8, choosing plans and add-ons, setup, and day-to-day running are on you. Kairvio is set up for you, and a local person makes changes when you need them.