Quick Overview
- 1#1: Tekmetric - All-in-one shop management platform with integrated accounting, invoicing, payments, and financial reporting tailored for automotive repair shops.
- 2#2: Shopmonkey - Digital vehicle service management software featuring streamlined invoicing, payments processing, and bookkeeping tools for auto shops.
- 3#3: AutoLeap - Cloud-based automotive business platform that automates scheduling, invoicing, and financial management for repair shops.
- 4#4: Shop-Ware - Modern repair shop software with digital inspections, customer-approved invoicing, and integrated accounting features.
- 5#5: QuickBooks Online - Cloud accounting software with automotive-specific integrations for invoicing, inventory tracking, and financial reporting.
- 6#6: Xero - Online accounting solution supporting automotive businesses with inventory management, invoicing, and bank reconciliation.
- 7#7: Mitchell 1 Manager SE - Shop management system offering accounting, payroll, invoicing, and parts inventory control for auto repair facilities.
- 8#8: ALLDATA Manage - Integrated shop management tool providing invoicing, scheduling, and bookkeeping capabilities for service centers.
- 9#9: Protractor - Affordable shop management software with built-in accounting, quickbooks integration, and financial tracking for repair shops.
- 10#10: RAPID21 - Cloud shop management platform with invoicing, parts purchasing, and financial reporting tools for automotive businesses.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right automotive bookkeeping software is vital for efficient shop management, and this comparison table breaks down top tools like Tekmetric, Shopmonkey, AutoLeap, Shop-Ware, QuickBooks Online, and more to support informed decisions. Readers will find details on key features, pricing, and usability tailored to automotive workflows, helping them identify the best fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tekmetric All-in-one shop management platform with integrated accounting, invoicing, payments, and financial reporting tailored for automotive repair shops. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Shopmonkey Digital vehicle service management software featuring streamlined invoicing, payments processing, and bookkeeping tools for auto shops. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | AutoLeap Cloud-based automotive business platform that automates scheduling, invoicing, and financial management for repair shops. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Shop-Ware Modern repair shop software with digital inspections, customer-approved invoicing, and integrated accounting features. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | QuickBooks Online Cloud accounting software with automotive-specific integrations for invoicing, inventory tracking, and financial reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Xero Online accounting solution supporting automotive businesses with inventory management, invoicing, and bank reconciliation. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 7 | Mitchell 1 Manager SE Shop management system offering accounting, payroll, invoicing, and parts inventory control for auto repair facilities. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | ALLDATA Manage Integrated shop management tool providing invoicing, scheduling, and bookkeeping capabilities for service centers. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 9 | Protractor Affordable shop management software with built-in accounting, quickbooks integration, and financial tracking for repair shops. | specialized | 1.2/10 | 0.5/10 | 2.5/10 | 0.2/10 |
| 10 | RAPID21 Cloud shop management platform with invoicing, parts purchasing, and financial reporting tools for automotive businesses. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
All-in-one shop management platform with integrated accounting, invoicing, payments, and financial reporting tailored for automotive repair shops.
Digital vehicle service management software featuring streamlined invoicing, payments processing, and bookkeeping tools for auto shops.
Cloud-based automotive business platform that automates scheduling, invoicing, and financial management for repair shops.
Modern repair shop software with digital inspections, customer-approved invoicing, and integrated accounting features.
Cloud accounting software with automotive-specific integrations for invoicing, inventory tracking, and financial reporting.
Online accounting solution supporting automotive businesses with inventory management, invoicing, and bank reconciliation.
Shop management system offering accounting, payroll, invoicing, and parts inventory control for auto repair facilities.
Integrated shop management tool providing invoicing, scheduling, and bookkeeping capabilities for service centers.
Affordable shop management software with built-in accounting, quickbooks integration, and financial tracking for repair shops.
Cloud shop management platform with invoicing, parts purchasing, and financial reporting tools for automotive businesses.
Tekmetric
specializedAll-in-one shop management platform with integrated accounting, invoicing, payments, and financial reporting tailored for automotive repair shops.
One-click accounting sync with QuickBooks/Xero plus repair order-level profitability analytics
Tekmetric is a comprehensive shop management platform designed specifically for automotive repair businesses, with robust bookkeeping features at its core. It streamlines invoicing, payment processing, accounts receivable management, and financial reporting through seamless integrations with QuickBooks Online and Xero. The software provides real-time profitability insights per repair order, technician commissions, and multi-shop consolidations, making it ideal for accurate automotive-specific accounting.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks and Xero integrations for automated bookkeeping sync
- Real-time financial dashboards and profitability tracking per job/technician
- Automated invoicing, payments, and A/R management tailored to auto shops
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small single-bay shops
- Advanced reporting requires Pro or Elite plans
- Initial setup and data migration can take time
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level auto repair shops needing integrated shop management and advanced bookkeeping capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month (Essential, up to 5 users), $399/month (Pro), $599/month (Elite); annual billing required, additional fees for extra users/locations.
Shopmonkey
specializedDigital vehicle service management software featuring streamlined invoicing, payments processing, and bookkeeping tools for auto shops.
Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) tool that auto-populates repair orders and invoices for precise, visual bookkeeping entries
Shopmonkey is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for automotive repair shops, providing integrated bookkeeping tools alongside shop management features like scheduling and inventory. It excels in handling invoicing, payments processing, accounts receivable/payable tracking, and financial reporting specific to the auto service industry. With seamless QuickBooks integration and real-time dashboards, it automates financial workflows to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy in bookkeeping tasks.
Pros
- Integrated invoicing and payments directly tied to repair orders for accurate automotive bookkeeping
- Intuitive mobile-friendly interface with real-time financial dashboards
- Strong QuickBooks Online sync for advanced accounting without double-entry
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can strain small shops' budgets
- Advanced payroll and tax features require third-party integrations
- Customization options for reports are somewhat limited compared to dedicated accounting software
Best For
Mid-sized automotive repair shops needing an all-in-one platform that combines operational management with streamlined bookkeeping.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month (Essentials plan for up to 4 users), scales to $499+/month for Enterprise; billed annually with add-ons for extra users/vehicles.
AutoLeap
specializedCloud-based automotive business platform that automates scheduling, invoicing, and financial management for repair shops.
Digital vehicle inspections that auto-populate invoices and feed directly into financial tracking for accurate, real-time bookkeeping.
AutoLeap is an all-in-one business management platform designed specifically for auto repair shops, offering integrated bookkeeping tools alongside scheduling, invoicing, and customer management. It provides real-time financial reporting, expense tracking, profit and loss statements, and seamless QuickBooks integration to handle automotive-specific accounting needs. This solution automates billing from digital inspections and streamlines payments, reducing manual entry errors common in shop environments.
Pros
- Tailored financial reporting for auto shops with P&L and KPI dashboards
- Seamless integration of operations like inspections into invoicing and bookkeeping
- QuickBooks Online sync for advanced accounting without double-entry
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small shops
- Some advanced customization requires support assistance
- Limited standalone payroll features, relies on integrations
Best For
Mid-sized auto repair shops needing integrated shop management and bookkeeping without multiple software tools.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for basic plans, scales to $500+ per month based on users, locations, and features; custom quotes available.
Shop-Ware
specializedModern repair shop software with digital inspections, customer-approved invoicing, and integrated accounting features.
Real-time profitability tracking by individual repair order, technician, and vehicle, providing automotive-specific financial insights not found in general bookkeeping software.
Shop-Ware is a cloud-based shop management platform designed for automotive repair shops, providing integrated bookkeeping tools such as invoicing, payment processing, financial reporting, and profitability tracking by repair order, technician, and vehicle. It features seamless QuickBooks integration for handling general ledger and advanced accounting while embedding automotive-specific financial workflows like parts costing and labor billing directly into daily operations. The software offers real-time dashboards for monitoring revenue, expenses, and cash flow, helping shops maintain accurate books without switching applications.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for full accounting without data entry duplication
- Real-time profitability reporting tailored to automotive repair orders and technicians
- Automated invoicing and payment processing with parts matrix for accurate costing
Cons
- Advanced accounting features require QuickBooks integration rather than being native
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-user or multi-shop setups, potentially expensive for small operations
- Steeper learning curve for non-shop-management users focused solely on bookkeeping
Best For
Mid-sized automotive repair shops needing integrated invoicing, reporting, and QuickBooks-synced bookkeeping within a full shop management system.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for up to 5 technicians (billed annually), with custom pricing for larger shops or advanced features.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseCloud accounting software with automotive-specific integrations for invoicing, inventory tracking, and financial reporting.
Class and location tracking to segment revenues and costs across multiple services or shop branches
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software that automates bookkeeping tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and inventory management, making it adaptable for automotive repair shops and dealerships. It allows users to track parts inventory, job costs for services like oil changes or engine repairs, and generate financial reports for business insights. With mobile access and integrations, it supports on-the-go management for automotive businesses, though it requires customization for industry-specific workflows.
Pros
- Robust inventory tracking for auto parts with lot and serial number support
- Seamless bank feeds and automated categorization for quick reconciliation
- Extensive reporting and customizable dashboards for shop profitability analysis
Cons
- Lacks native automotive tools like VIN tracking or repair order templates
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans, increasing costs
- Steep initial setup for job costing and service-specific classifications
Best For
Small to mid-sized automotive repair shops needing scalable general accounting with strong integrations over specialized niche features.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start), $60/month (Essentials), $90/month (Plus for inventory), up to $200/month (Advanced); 50% off first 3 months, annual discounts available.
Xero
enterpriseOnline accounting solution supporting automotive businesses with inventory management, invoicing, and bank reconciliation.
Automatic bank feeds with AI-powered reconciliation for effortless handling of service payments and vendor transactions
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software primarily designed for small businesses, providing tools for invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, and financial reporting. For automotive bookkeeping, it handles general tasks like service invoicing and payroll but lacks built-in features for parts inventory, labor costing, or vehicle-specific tracking. Users can adapt it via integrations with automotive apps like Shop-Ware or GaragePlug, making it viable for basic shop accounting needs.
Pros
- Seamless bank feeds and auto-reconciliation for quick transaction matching
- Unlimited users and strong mobile app for on-the-go access
- Extensive app marketplace with some automotive integrations
Cons
- No native support for automotive specifics like parts catalogs or job costing
- Advanced reporting requires add-ons or custom setups
- Inventory tracking is basic and not suited for complex auto parts management
Best For
Small automotive repair shops needing flexible general accounting that can integrate with niche tools.
Pricing
Starts at $15/user/month (Early plan) up to $78/user/month (Established plan); 30-day free trial, billed monthly or annually.
Mitchell 1 Manager SE
specializedShop management system offering accounting, payroll, invoicing, and parts inventory control for auto repair facilities.
Seamless repair order-to-invoice workflow powered by Mitchell ProDemand integration for precise automotive bookkeeping
Mitchell 1 Manager SE is a robust shop management software tailored for automotive repair businesses, offering integrated bookkeeping features like invoicing, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and financial reporting. It seamlessly connects repair orders, estimates, and parts inventory to accounting entries, providing automotive-specific tools such as job costing and profitability analysis per vehicle service. While primarily a full shop management suite, its bookkeeping capabilities are enhanced by real-time data from digital inspections and scheduling.
Pros
- Deep integration with automotive repair data for accurate job costing and invoicing
- Comprehensive financial reports including P&L, balance sheets, and RO profitability
- QuickBooks compatibility and multi-location support for scaling shops
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Higher pricing compared to standalone bookkeeping tools
- Limited flexibility for non-automotive businesses
Best For
Medium-sized auto repair shops needing integrated operations and bookkeeping with repair-specific accounting.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $195-$295 per month per shop location, with custom quotes based on users and add-ons.
ALLDATA Manage
specializedIntegrated shop management tool providing invoicing, scheduling, and bookkeeping capabilities for service centers.
OEM-backed estimating integration that auto-populates accurate parts/labor costs into invoices
ALLDATA Manage is a shop management platform tailored for automotive repair businesses, offering integrated bookkeeping tools like invoicing, payment processing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. It connects repair orders directly to OEM-sourced data for accurate billing of parts and labor, while supporting QuickBooks integration for streamlined accounting. The software provides real-time dashboards and customizable reports to help shops monitor profitability and cash flow effectively.
Pros
- Seamless integration with OEM repair data for precise automotive invoicing
- QuickBooks sync for advanced bookkeeping without double-entry
- Robust reporting and analytics for profitability insights
Cons
- High subscription costs that may strain smaller shops
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Bookkeeping functionality is shop-management centric, less flexible for non-auto use
Best For
Medium to large automotive repair shops needing integrated estimating, invoicing, and basic bookkeeping tied to repair workflows.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts around $200-$400 per month based on shop size, users, and modules; requires quote.
Protractor
specializedAffordable shop management software with built-in accounting, quickbooks integration, and financial tracking for repair shops.
Automated end-to-end testing for Angular web applications
Protractor is an end-to-end testing framework primarily designed for automating tests on Angular and AngularJS web applications, not for automotive bookkeeping. It interacts with web browsers via Selenium to simulate user actions for QA purposes but lacks any tools for financial tracking, invoicing, payroll, inventory management, or automotive-specific accounting like repair orders or parts costing. While reliable for software testing, it provides zero capabilities for bookkeeping in the automotive sector.
Pros
- Free and open-source
- Integrates with popular testing tools like Jasmine and Selenium
- Lightweight for browser automation
Cons
- No accounting, invoicing, or financial reporting features
- Completely unsuitable for automotive bookkeeping needs
- Officially deprecated with no active maintenance
Best For
Web developers needing E2E testing for Angular apps, not automotive bookkeepers or accountants.
Pricing
Free (open-source)
RAPID21
specializedCloud shop management platform with invoicing, parts purchasing, and financial reporting tools for automotive businesses.
Automated deal posting that instantly reconciles front-end sales contracts to the general ledger
RAPID21 is a cloud-based dealership management system (DMS) with robust bookkeeping features tailored for automotive dealerships, handling general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting. It excels in industry-specific tasks like automated deal posting, inventory costing, and warranty billing integration. While comprehensive, its accounting module is deeply intertwined with sales, service, and parts management for end-to-end dealership operations.
Pros
- Automotive-specific accounting like deal posting and 360/410 cost adjustments
- Seamless integration with sales, service, and inventory modules
- Cloud-based with real-time reporting and multi-location support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to full DMS complexity
- Pricing is opaque and requires custom quotes
- Less flexible for pure bookkeeping without dealership ops
Best For
Mid-sized automotive dealerships needing integrated DMS with strong bookkeeping tied to daily operations.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on dealership size, users, and modules; typically starts around $500/month for small dealers (quote required).
Conclusion
The top three tools—Tekmetric, Shopmonkey, and AutoLeap—lead the pack, with Tekmetric emerging as the clear winner thanks to its all-in-one platform integrating accounting, invoicing, and shop management. Shopmonkey stands out for streamlined workflows, while AutoLeap impresses with robust cloud-based automation, each offering strong alternatives tailored to specific needs.
Whether managing a busy repair shop or seeking efficient financial tracking, Tekmetric is the top pick—explore its integrated features today to enhance your automotive bookkeeping efficiency and clarity.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
