Best free automotive software: Hibbitts, PartsTech, and Square
Best automotive software under $200/mo: Tekmetric, Shop Boss, and Torque360
Best automotive software under $400/mo: Shop-Ware, RO Writer, and Protractor
Running an auto repair shop is a balancing act. Between managing a busy workflow, keeping repairs on schedule, and ensuring every customer leaves satisfied, there isn't much time left to deal with complicated computer programs. You need a shop management solution that works as hard as you do, but you don't want it eating up all your profit margins.
Today, even small shops and mobile mechanics can access professional-grade management tools for a fraction of the cost. Whether you are looking for a way to streamline your day-to-day tasks or need a full, all-in-one system with digital vehicle inspections, there is an affordable option out there.
Free Mechanic Shop Software Options
If you are just starting out or keeping things extremely lean, "free" is a price tag that’s hard to beat. While most free software comes with limits on users or features, these options may be a good place to start.
Hibbitts Auto Pro
Hibbitts is a veteran-owned and operated software solution for mechanic shops. Offering a free version that includes estimates, invoices, and POS, this solution can be a good starting point for new shops. More mature shops may need more functionality and modern features, but this can be a good stepping stone to an all-in-one solution.
Hibbitts free features include:
One free user
CRM
Estimates
Invoices
POS
PartsTech
While not a full-blown auto repair shop management software, PartsTech is an essential tool for any shop. It allows for parts ordering from multiple vendors in one place. Instead of calling three different stores, you can see real-time availability and pricing instantly. They offer a free tier with limited functionality so you can test out the solution.
Square is a popular POS software for all types of businesses. It does lack most modern shop management features, but it can help smaller shops schedule and take payments.
Square free features include:
Invoices
Estimates
Point of sale
Scheduling
Basic website
Best Auto Repair Software Under $200 a Month
This is the "sweet spot" for most shop owners. In this pricing bracket, you get professional functionality, reliable customer support, and the ability to streamline your entire mechanic business without breaking the bank.
Tekmetric
Tekmetric is the only all-in-one solution that was built by a former shop owner. With intuitive workflows, modern features, and reliable support, Tekmetric is a leading shop software option for under $200 a month.
Tekmetric features include:
Estimates
Digital vehicle inspections and mobile app
Marketing/CRM solution
Payments and POS
Single, multi-location, and franchise support
70+ integrations
Shop Boss
Shop Boss is a modern shop management system with a base plan starting under $200/mo. Offering competitive features and support, Shop Boss is a solid pick for shops that have larger budgets.
Shop Boss features include:
Canned jobs
VIN scanner
Payments
Dashboards
DVIs
Torque360
Torque360 is a well-rounded software option for all types of shops. Torque360 has a variety of uses and supports automotive, marine, and RV shops.
Torque360 features include:
Digital vehicle inspections
POS
Inventory management
Mobile app
Estimates & invoices
Top Automotive Software Under $400 a Month
If your mechanic shop is growing or you have multi-location ambitions, you may be able to justify a more expensive software solution. However, expensive doesn’t always mean better. Focus on the features your shop needs today and what your shop will need to scale in the future.
Shop-Ware
Shop-Ware starts around $224/mo, but offers a competitive all-in-one shop management software. Supporting single and multi-shop businesses, Shop-Ware might be a good solution for your shop.
Shop-Ware features include:
CRM
Estimates and invoices
DVIs
Payments
Inventory management
RO Writer
RO Writer is a cloud-based automotive shop software and starts at around $219 per month. Offering a modern all-in-one solution, this is a competitive option in the auto repair shop software space.
RO Writer features include:
DVIs
Single and multi-shop support
Inventory management
Faster workflows
Reporting
Protractor
Protractor is the most expensive software we researched, starting around $359/mo. This may be a good solution for multi-shop businesses or shops looking to scale quickly.
Protractor features include:
Digital vehicle inspections
POS
Online booking
Repair orders
Inventory management
Which features should I look for?
When we talk about pricing for auto repair software, it’s easy to focus only on the monthly bill. But remember the real "cost" is the time you waste on a bad system. A good software solution will pay for itself within a few months.
Most importantly, it should streamline your workflows and reduce friction in the shop. Some key features to look for in any shop software:
Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI): Build trust with your customers by sharing photos and videos of the repairs needed.
Customer communication: Two-way texting can save you and your service advisors a lot of time.
Payments and POS: Taking payment quickly and securely is one of the most important features for any shop.
Scalability: Find a software solution that supports your long-term goals.
Cloud-based: If you are on the go a lot, find a solution that keeps up with your busy schedule.
Support: Before you buy, give each software company a call and see which one will pick up their phone for support needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right auto repair shop management software is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your business. The goal of any shop management software isn't just to track repair orders—it's to reduce friction in your workflows. By using modern software, you can spend less time behind a desk and more time doing what you love.
What are some affordable auto repair shop software options under $200 per month?
Is free auto repair shop software available?
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G2 gathers the reviews and opinions of real Tekmetric customers and compares them with competitors in the auto repair shop software industry. Awards are based on metrics such as usability, results, and other factors.
For Fall 2025, G2 has awarded Tekmetric with a range of badges, including Momentum Leader, Best Results, Best Usability, Best Realtionship, Most Implementable, and Grid Leader.
These awards reflect our customers' experiences and trust in Tekmetric, highlighting their role in our success.
What These Badges Mean
Momentum Leader: We're leading the pack, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the automotive industry.
Best Results & Best Usability: Tekmetric is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, helping you achieve the results you want.
Most Implementable: Change can be scary – That's why we've made it easy to get started and integrate with Tekmetric so you can hit the ground running.
Grid Leader: This badge showcases how our customers describe Tekmetric as the go-to solution for auto shop management.
Best Relationship: Tekmetric has always been focused on creating a positive experience and relationship with our customers.
Thank You to Our Customers
We couldn't have done it without our customers! Your feedback and support drive us to continually improve and deliver the best possible shop management experience. We're excited to continue this journey with you and can't wait to see what we accomplish together in the future. We'll continue to innovate, listen to your feedback, and provide the tools you need to run your shop.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial advice. Please reference section179.org and a professional accountant for advice on financial planning and filing taxes.
As 2020 comes to an end, you might be thinking about all of this year's expenses and wondering what you might be able to write off on your taxes. You may even be considering whether or not to make a big purchase, weighing the tax deductions you could get if you bought it this year versus next.
Is it worth buying that new lift before the year ends? Or should you put it off until 2021?
What is Section 179?
Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows business owners to write off the entire cost of a piece of equipment, renovations, or other assets in the first year instead of writing off an asset a little bit at a time over a five, seven, fifteen, or thirty-nine year period. To give an example, if a shop owner buys a new tire machine, they could either write off the taxes over a seven-year period, or they can use Section 179 to get the entire deduction in the first year.
What Type of Costs Qualify for Section 179?
Tangible business property, including machinery and equipment
Leasehold improvements
Computer software*
*Is Tekmetric Eligible for Section 179?
Generally speaking, off-the-shelf computer software that has been purchased outright is eligible for Section 179. Because Tekmetric is a web-based software and does not make users sign a contract, it is not eligible for section 179, but it does qualify for a standard tax deduction.
Businesses are buckling down and tightening their checkbooks in an effort to control expenses to avoid or reduce the effects of a potential recession.
But in the auto repair industry, there are unique opportunities that come with uncertainty in the market – and that’s more business opportunities.
As people across the country reduce their spending, they are more likely to repair vehicles than to replace them, offering auto repair shops the opportunity to actually increase business. With the right strategies, you may find that it’s entirely possible for your shop to not only survive an economic recession – but thrive and grow.
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