The Truth About "Free" Field Service Software
Let's be honest: most "free" software isn't really free. Companies use "free tiers" to get you in the door, then restrict features until you pay.
Here's what you'll typically find:
Common "Free Tier" Limitations
- User caps: Only 1-2 users allowed on free plans
- Job limits: 10-50 jobs/month maximum
- Missing features: No invoicing, no estimates, no payments
- No mobile app: Desktop only on free tiers
- Heavy branding: Their logo on your invoices and emails
- No support: Self-serve only, no help when you need it
We evaluated every major field service platform to find which ones offer real value for $0 — not just a demo dressed up as a "free tier."
Best Free Field Service Software: Our Rankings
#1: FieldFuze — Best Overall Free FSM
$0/monthTruly free with no limitations. Full features, unlimited users, unlimited jobs. Monetizes through payment processing (2.9%) — same model as Stripe and Square.
Why FieldFuze Wins
FieldFuze takes a fundamentally different approach to pricing. Instead of crippling features to push you toward paid plans, they make money the same way payment companies do — through transaction fees.
What's Included for $0/Month
- Job Scheduling & Dispatching: Full calendar, drag-and-drop scheduling, tech assignments
- Customer CRM: Complete customer database with history, notes, and communication
- Estimates & Proposals: Professional estimates with digital signatures
- Invoicing: Create and send invoices, track payments
- Payment Processing: Accept credit cards at 2.9%
- Inventory Management: Track parts on trucks, auto-deduct on job completion
- Time Tracking: Clock-in/out, job time tracking for payroll
- Commission Tracking: Calculate sales rep commissions automatically
- Insurance Claims: Track storm damage claims and supplements
- Mobile App: Full-featured iOS and Android apps
- Unlimited Users: No per-seat fees, add your whole team
The catch? There isn't one. They make money when you process payments — 2.9% per transaction. If you don't process payments through FieldFuze, you pay nothing. If you do, you pay the same rate Square and Stripe charge anyway.
| FieldFuze Pricing | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $0 |
| Per User Fee | $0 |
| Payment Processing | 2.9% |
| Setup Fee | $0 |
Best for: Any field service business that wants full-featured software without monthly fees. HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, landscaping, cleaning — works for all trades.
"I've tried Jobber, Housecall Pro, and ServiceTitan demos. FieldFuze does 90% of what they do for free. For a small HVAC company like mine, the math was obvious."
Try FieldFuze Free
No credit card required. No trial period. Just $0/month software that actually works.
Book a Demo#2: Jobber Free Tier
Jobber offers a limited free option called "Jobber Lite" in some markets. It's decent for absolute beginners but quickly becomes limiting.
Jobber Free Limitations
- 1 user only: Can't add any team members
- Limited jobs: Capped at a small number of jobs per month
- No invoicing: Must upgrade to paid plan
- No payments: Can't collect payments on free tier
- Basic features only: Just scheduling and basic CRM
- Jobber branding: Their logo on customer-facing materials
Jobber's paid plans start at $69/month for Core and go up to $349/month for Grow. The free tier is designed to get you started, then convert you to paid once you have more than a handful of jobs.
Best for: Solo operators just testing the waters who don't mind switching software later.
#3: Housecall Pro Free Trial
Housecall Pro doesn't have a true free tier — they offer a 14-day free trial. After that, you're looking at $79-$189/month plus add-on fees.
Housecall Pro Reality Check
- 14-day trial only: Not a free tier, just a trial
- Paid plans start at $79/month: Basic plan with 1 user
- $189/month for teams: Essentials plan for up to 5 users
- Add-on fees: GPS ($20/vehicle), Proposals ($40/mo), Price Book ($149/mo)
Housecall Pro's "free trial" is really just a way to get you using the software before charging. Not a sustainable free option.
Best for: Testing the software before committing to $100-$400/month in fees.
#4: ServiceTitan — No Free Option
ServiceTitan doesn't have a free tier or even public pricing. They require a demo and typically charge $125-$398 per technician per month, plus implementation fees of $3,000-$10,000+.
If you're searching for free field service software, ServiceTitan isn't an option. It's designed for established companies with $2M+ revenue.
Best for: Large operations willing to pay enterprise prices. Not for small businesses or those seeking free options.
Free FSM Software Comparison Table
| Software | Free Option | Users | Key Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| FieldFuze | $0/month forever | Unlimited | None |
| Jobber Lite | Limited free tier | 1 user only | No invoicing, limited jobs |
| Housecall Pro | 14-day trial only | Trial period | Not actually free |
| ServiceTitan | No free option | N/A | $125+/tech/month |
| FieldEdge | No free option | N/A | $100/office + $125/tech |
| Kickserv | Free tier | 2 users | Limited features |
What to Look for in Free Field Service Software
Not all free software is created equal. Here's what actually matters:
Must-Have Features
- Scheduling & Dispatching: This is the core of FSM. If it's limited, the software is useless.
- Customer Database: Need to store customer info, job history, and notes.
- Mobile App: Techs need to access jobs, complete work orders, and capture signatures in the field.
- Invoicing: Getting paid is essential. Many "free" tools skip this.
- No User Caps: Limiting to 1-2 users makes growth impossible.
Nice-to-Have Features
- Payment Processing: Collect payments on-site or via invoice.
- Estimates & Proposals: Convert leads into paying jobs.
- Inventory Management: Track parts and materials.
- Time Tracking: For payroll and job costing.
- Reporting: Understand business performance.
Why "Free Trials" Aren't Free Software
Many companies advertise "free" but actually offer free trials. Here's the difference:
| Type | What It Means | After Trial |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Use forever with limitations | Keep using, upgrade for more |
| Free Trial | Full access for 7-30 days | Pay or lose access |
| Truly Free (FieldFuze) | Full access forever | Keep using, $0/month always |
If you build your business on a "free trial," you'll eventually have to pay or migrate all your data to new software. That's disruptive and time-consuming.
Best Free FSM by Trade
Best Free Software for HVAC Contractors
FieldFuze — Includes scheduling, dispatching, estimates, inventory tracking for parts, and payment processing. Perfect for HVAC businesses of any size. $0/month with unlimited technicians.
Best Free Software for Plumbers
FieldFuze — Handles emergency dispatch, job scheduling, invoicing, and on-site payments. Track inventory across trucks. $0/month with no job limits.
Best Free Software for Electricians
FieldFuze — Professional estimates, scheduling, and invoicing included. Manage multiple technicians across jobs. $0/month with full features.
Best Free Software for Roofers
FieldFuze — Includes insurance claims tracking, photo documentation, estimates, and customer CRM. Perfect for residential and storm damage roofing. $0/month.
Best Free Software for Landscapers
FieldFuze — Recurring job scheduling, crew dispatching, invoicing, and payment collection. Manage seasonal crews without per-user fees. $0/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there actually free field service software?
Yes. FieldFuze offers truly free FSM software with $0/month subscription, unlimited users, and full features. They monetize through payment processing (2.9%), not subscriptions.
What's the catch with free FSM software?
Most "free" software has catches: limited users, limited features, or it's actually a trial. FieldFuze is different — no user limits, no job limits, full features. The only fee is 2.9% if you process payments.
Can I run my business on free software?
Absolutely. FieldFuze includes everything you need: scheduling, CRM, estimates, invoicing, and payments. Many contractors save thousands per year using FieldFuze instead of paid alternatives.
Which free FSM is best for small businesses?
FieldFuze is ideal for small businesses because it scales with you. Start solo, add team members as you grow — no pricing tiers that punish growth. $0/month whether you have 1 user or 20.
How does FieldFuze make money if it's free?
FieldFuze makes money through payment processing at 2.9% per transaction — the same rate as Stripe and Square. They don't need monthly subscriptions because they're aligned with your success.
The Bottom Line
Most "free" field service software is designed to get you hooked, then charge you. Limited users, limited jobs, missing features — it's all designed to push you toward paid plans.
FieldFuze is different. It's actually free, with full features, unlimited users, and no job limits. They make money when you process payments — a sustainable model that doesn't require squeezing you for monthly fees.
If you're searching for free field service software that actually works, FieldFuze is the clear winner in 2026.
Try the Best Free FSM Software
No credit card. No trial period. Just $0/month software that actually helps you run your business.
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