Autera compared with the rest of the market

Nine side-by-side comparisons against the systems UK independent garages actually shortlist. Each one says what the other product does better, because a comparison that never concedes anything is not worth reading.

If you would rather start with money, the cost of garage software in the UK sets out what each vendor publishes, and which three will not tell you without a call.

Side by side

• Autera vs Garage HivePublished pricing from £29 a month against tiers that typically land above £350.
• Autera vs TorqueOSFree plan and self-serve signup against four paid packages and a callback to arrange access.
• Autera vs TechManNative iOS and Android apps, rather than a browser on a tablet.
• Autera vs ServiceM8Built for UK garages and MOT work, not adapted from general field service.
• Autera vs MAM Autowork OnlineLighter to run, without the overhead of a full factor system.
• Autera vs Motasoft VGMNo twelve-month contract. Motasoft is cheaper above roughly seven technicians.
• Autera vs GarageDashSame £29 and unlimited users. A free plan under it, DVLA lookup, and phone apps rather than a Windows one.
• Autera vs Motion Bookings£29 against £39, and one flat price for multiple sites instead of a fee per location.
• Autera vs WorkautoUnlimited registration lookups rather than fifty a month, with invoicing in the same system.
• Autera vs Dragon2000For garages that fix cars, rather than a dealer system with a workshop bolted on.
• Autera vs Garage Assistant (GA4)Cloud-native, with nothing to install on a machine in the office.
• Autera vs AutoChainA free plan, and health checks included rather than a separate line.
• Autera vs LaunchControlA free tier and official DVLA and DVSA data, not a third-party feed.
• Autera vs Torq'dFree plan and tiered pricing from £29 against a flat £90 for everyone.
• Autera vs GDSNo setup fee, self-serve signup, and native apps. GDS starts at £149 plus £350 setup.
• Autera vs Small Garage SG1Cloud and native apps against Windows-only desktop software.
• Autera vs SesarNative apps and a free plan against a PWA at £89.99 with unlimited SMS bundled in.
• Autera vs Garage InvoiceFree plan, instant account, native apps. Garage Invoice is £45 with no trial and a 24-hour wait.
• Autera vs AutoSageSelf-serve signup and tiered pricing against demo-first onboarding at £99.99 per branch.
• Autera vs AutodotsUK-built with DVLA and Xero against a global platform with staff caps from 2 users.
• Autera vs AIT OnlineUnlimited staff from £29 against per-user pricing from £35 plus paid modules for booking and health checks.

Before you shortlist

• Best garage management software UKThe market compared honestly, including options that are not us.
• What it actually costsPublished prices across the market, and what the from-price hides.
• Switching from ServiceM8We move your data across, free.
• Autera pricingSolo free forever, Starter £29, Workshop £79, Multi-Bay £149.