Autera vs Small Garage SG1

The Small Garage SG1 alternative
that works from your phone.

Small Garage SG1 is a Windows desktop application for independent garages with 1 to 7 bays. Autera is cloud-based with native iOS and Android apps, works from any device, starts free, and needs no installation.

Autera is best for garages who want cloud access from any device, native phone apps for the team, and no Windows-only dependency.

Small Garage SG1 is best for small single-site workshops (1-7 bays) that prefer locally-installed Windows software with one annual payment and UK phone support.

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FEATURE COMPARISON

Side-by-side comparison

8 clear winsAutera leads on 8 features Small Garage SG1 doesn’t match
FeatureAuteraSmall Garage SG1
Free planWINAutera Solo is free with no time limit. SG1 has no free plan. They offer a free trial download, but the trial length is not stated.Solo, free forever
Annual costSG1 is £195/year for one PC, £295 for two, £360 for three. Autera Starter billed annually would be around £348/year. Both are affordable for a small garage. SG1 is cheaper if you have one PC.From £348/year (Starter)From £195/year (1 PC)
PlatformWINSG1 runs only on Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11 and does not support Mac, tablet or phone. Autera works from any device with a browser, plus native iOS and Android apps.Cloud (any device, any browser)Windows desktop only
Native iPhone and Android appWINSG1 is Windows desktop software only. No mobile app, no Mac version, no tablet version is mentioned on their site. Autera ships native apps on every plan.
Access from multiple locationsWINSG1 runs on up to 3 networked Windows PCs in the same location. Autera works from anywhere with an internet connection.Local network only
Installation requiredWINSG1 requires downloading and installing a Windows application with specific system requirements (2.5GHz CPU, 4-8GB RAM, 1366x768 screen). Autera needs only a browser.Windows installer
Automatic updatesBoth include updates in the subscription. Autera updates are instant (cloud). SG1 updates require downloading a new version.Updates included
Online backupsSG1 includes free online backups. Autera data lives in the cloud, so there is nothing to back up locally.Cloud, automaticOnline backup included
VRM lookupDVLA, includedPaid credits
Invoices and quotes
Job diary and scheduler
SMS remindersWorkshop+Paid credits
Xero and Sage exportWINSG1 exports data for Xero and Sage. Autera syncs live with Xero, QuickBooks and Sage, so invoices and payments post without a file in between.Live sync (Starter+)Data export
Online bookingWINAutera gives each workshop a public booking page. SG1 has a separate MOT Booking Calendar web tool, but general online booking is not part of the core product.Separate MOT booking calendar
Data migrationWINFree, usually within one working dayNot stated
UK phone supportSG1 offers UK telephone support on 01761 432123, Monday to Friday 8-4. Autera support is email and in-app. If phone support matters to you, SG1 has the edge.Email and in-appPhone, Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

Comparison reviewed October 2026. Pricing and feature sets change frequently, check smallgaragesoftware.co.uk for the latest from Small Garage SG1.

WHY AUTERA

Why UK garages choose Autera

Cloud, not a Windows installer

Autera runs in the browser and on native apps. No Windows requirement, no installation, no moving licences between PCs.

The team on their phones

Native iOS and Android apps on every plan. SG1 runs only on Windows desktops in the same building.

Work from anywhere

Check a job from home, a customer site, or the parts counter. SG1 is limited to up to 3 networked PCs in one location.

A free plan to start

Autera Solo is free forever. No trial to cancel, no card to enter. SG1 starts at £195/year.

Live accounting sync

Invoices post straight to Xero, QuickBooks or Sage. No file export, no manual import.

Free data migration

Send whatever you have. We load your customers, vehicles, job history and staff free, usually within one working day.

QUESTIONS

Common questions

SG1 is £195/year for one PC. Autera Starter is £29/month. For a single-PC setup, SG1 costs less per year. But Autera Solo is free with no time limit, and a paid plan adds cloud access, native mobile apps, live accounting sync and online booking, none of which SG1 offers.

No. SG1 runs only on Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11. No Mac, iOS, Android or tablet version is listed on their site. Autera works from any device with a browser, plus native iOS and Android apps.

UK phone support, Monday to Friday 8am-4pm. If you want someone to call when something goes wrong, SG1 has that. At £195/year for one PC, it is also very affordable for a single-station setup.

No. SG1 runs on up to 3 networked Windows PCs in the same location. Remote access is not part of the product. Autera works from anywhere with an internet connection.

Export what you can from SG1, in whatever format it gives you. We load your customers, vehicles, job history and staff free, usually within one working day. No fee, on any plan.

Comparing other UK garage software too?

vs ServiceM8vs Garage Hivevs Garage Assistantvs MAM Autoworkvs LaunchControl

Or explore Autera by feature:

Garage management softwareMOT remindersInvoicingVehicle health checks
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Send it over in whatever state it is in. We load your customers, vehicles, job history and staff for you, free, usually within one working day.

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