The verdict
On the data we hold, it's close: neither pulls ahead on features, a free plan or AI access. The choice comes down to how you work.
What the data says
- Both have a free plan, so you can try each before you pay.
- Both start at $29/mo.
- Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
- In our Team ranking, Assembly places 1 and ServiceM8 2 of 14.
Side by side
Plans and pricing
AS
Assembly
- FreeSolopreneurs testing client portalsFree
- StarterSolo consultants needing API access$49/mo
- ProfessionalSmall teams wanting automation and custom domains$99/mo
SE
ServiceM8
- FreeSolo operators and sole tradersFree
- StarterSmall teams needing unlimited users$29/mo
- GrowingBusinesses with moderate job volumes$79/mo
- PremiumFirms requiring advanced reporting$149/mo
- Premium PlusHigh-volume enterprises$349/mo
Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.
Who each is for
Other options worth a look
- SUTool·PeopleRuns the Entrepreneurial Operating System with V/TO, Rocks, Level 10 meetings, scorecards, issues tracking, and accountability charts for aligned teams.
Team
From $11/mo yearlyFree plan - USTool·PeopleManages inventory, production, purchasing and sales orders across multiple locations and channels from a unified cloud system.
Team
From $90.75/mo yearlyFree plan - ZETool·PeopleRuns secure professional team chats and built-in tasks for operational staff, featuring AI agents and integrated file storage.
Team
From $50/moFree plan - PITool·PeopleCompare discounted rates across major carriers to print labels, schedule pickups, and track shipments from a single dashboard.
Team
From $34.99/moFree plan - EVTool·PeopleUnifies incorporation, business banking, payroll, bookkeeping, and taxes into a single automated back-office platform for startups.
Team
From $25/moFree plan - TRTool·PeopleManages field job scheduling, quoting, invoicing and accounting sync for trade contractors and service businesses.
Team
From $47/moFree plan