Honest comparison · Updated 2026
Spanner vs QuickBooks
QuickBooks is full accounting software — powerful, but more than many tradies need. If your goal is to send a professional invoice, add GST and your ABN, and get paid by card, a lighter mobile app may suit you better. Here is how Spanner and QuickBooks compare.
Spanner is free to download on iOS & Android
Side-by-side comparison
| Spanner | QuickBooks | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, then $9.99/mo Pro | Monthly accounting subscription (tiered) |
| Best for | Solo tradies, mechanics, sole traders | Businesses needing full accounting |
| GST & ABN on invoices | Automatic | Yes |
| Mobile-first | Built for the phone | Desktop-first, has an app |
| WhatsApp sharing | One tap | Email-focused |
| Card payments on invoices | Built in (Stripe) | Via payments add-on |
| Full accounting / bank feeds / payroll | No | Yes |
| Trade-specific (vehicle rego, bookings) | Yes | No |
| Learning curve | Minutes | Steeper — built for bookkeeping |
Choose Spanner if…
- Invoicing and getting paid is your main need, not bookkeeping
- You want a phone-first app you can use on the job
- You want WhatsApp sharing and card payments built in
- You want a free start and a low flat price
- You are a mechanic wanting vehicle tracking and bookings
Choose QuickBooks if…
- • You need full double-entry accounting and reporting
- • You run payroll and need BAS/tax lodgement
- • Your bookkeeper or accountant uses QuickBooks
- • You manage complex finances across multiple accounts
The verdict
Spanner wins on simplicity, price and mobile speed for the invoicing job. QuickBooks wins when you need full accounting. If you are a solo tradie, start with Spanner; reach for QuickBooks only when your books outgrow a simple invoice app.
Spanner vs QuickBooks — FAQ
Does Spanner do accounting like QuickBooks?
No. Spanner focuses on invoicing, quoting and getting paid. QuickBooks is a full accounting platform. For many tradies, Spanner covers the day-to-day and an accountant handles the books.
Which is cheaper, Spanner or QuickBooks?
Spanner — it is free for up to 5 invoices and $9.99/month for Pro, versus a tiered accounting subscription for QuickBooks.
Can I switch from QuickBooks to Spanner?
Yes, if you only used QuickBooks for invoicing. If you relied on its accounting features, keep those (or pass them to your accountant) and use Spanner for fast mobile invoicing.
Try Spanner free
Invoice your first job in minutes. Free to start, $9.99/mo for Pro.