Executive Summary (Quick Verdict)
Stop clicking “Get Started” buttons that lead to sales forms. We have verified the signup process for every major platform.
- Instant Access (No Credit Card): Jobber, Housecall Pro, and Workiz. You can be logged in and dispatching a test job in 2 minutes.
- Demo Required (Sales Call): ServiceTitan and Simpro. You cannot access these without a 60-minute qualification call with a rep.
- The “Credit Card Trap”: Beware of trials that ask for a card upfront (e.g., some legacy tools). They rely on you forgetting to cancel.
Use the Access Matrix below to find the trial type that fits your patience level.
There is nothing more frustrating than clicking a button that says “Start Free Trial,” only to be redirected to a form asking for your phone number, company size, and revenue.
That is not a trial. That is a Lead Capture Form.
In the field service software industry, there is a massive divide between “Product-Led” companies (who let you play with the software) and “Sales-Led” companies (who hide the software behind a salesperson).
We believe in “Try Before You Buy.”
This guide is your gatekeeper. We have manually tested the signup flows of the top 20 platforms in 2026 to tell you exactly which ones offer Instant Access, which ones require a Credit Card, and which ones force you into a Zoom Demo.
🚦 The Access Matrix: Trial vs. Demo
We use a “Traffic Light” system to categorize accessibility.
- 🟢 Green (Instant): No Credit Card. Instant Login.
- 🟡 Yellow (Friction): Credit Card Required OR “Lite” Version Only.
- 🔴 Red (Demo Only): Sales Call Mandatory. No Public Access.
| Software | Access Type | Trial Length | Credit Card? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jobber | 🟢 Instant | 14 Days | No | Small Business / Route |
| Housecall Pro | 🟢 Instant | 14 Days | No | Residential Sales |
| Workiz | 🟢 Instant | 7 Days | No | Locksmith / Junk |
| FieldPulse | 🟢 Instant | 7 Days | No | Micro-Business |
| ServiceTitan | 🔴 Demo Only | N/A | N/A | Enterprise HVAC |
| FieldEdge | 🔴 Demo Only | N/A | N/A | QB Desktop Users |
| Simpro | 🔴 Demo Only | N/A | N/A | Construction |
| Service Fusion | 🔴 Demo Only | N/A | N/A | Office-Heavy Teams |
| Yardbook | 🟢 Instant | Forever (Free) | No | Landscaping (Solo) |
| Software | Best For | Starting Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jobber ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5) | 🚀 Best Overall Small to Med Business | $19 / month | Try Free Read Review |
| Workiz ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) | 📞 Best for Dispatch Locksmith & Garage | $29 / month | Try Free Read Review |
| Housecall Pro ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5) | 🎨 Best for Visuals Residential Sales | $49 / month | Visit Site Read Review |
| ServiceTitan ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) | 🏢 Best for Enterprise Commercial & Heavy Service | Custom Quote | Get Demo Read Review |
| FieldPulse ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) | 📱 Best Mobile App Easy to Use | $59 / month | Visit Site Read Review |
| RepairShopr ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) | 💻 Best for Repair Shops IT & Electronics | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
| Simpro ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) | 🏗️ Best for Projects Construction & Security | Custom Quote | Get Demo Read Review |
| Service Fusion ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5) | 🎧 Best for VoIP Mid-Market Service | Custom Quote | Get Demo Read Review |
| FieldEdge ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5) | 🔄 Best for QB Desktop Legacy Sync Users | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
| Successware ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5) | 📊 Best for Accounting Plumbing & HVAC | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
| Zoho Field Service ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.1/5) | 💰 Best Budget Zoho Users | $15 / month | Visit Site Read Review |
| Thryv ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.0/5) | 📢 Best for Marketing All-in-One CRM | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
| RazorSync ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.9/5) | ⚡ Simple Service Field Service Basics | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
✅ Verified Data: Checks on Jan 29, 2026 via vendor portals.
Source: Pricing Index
(DOI/Dataset).
Disclosure: We may earn commissions. Learn more & Methodology.
Part 1: “Instant Access” Trials (No Credit Card)
These companies are confident enough in their product to let you use it without a chaperone. If you are a startup or a do-it-yourselfer, start here.
1. Jobber (The Gold Standard)
- The Experience: It is the smoothest onboarding in the industry. You enter your email, answer 3 questions (“What is your trade?”, “How many people?”), and you are dropped directly into the Command Center.
- What You Can Test: Everything. You can create a fake customer, schedule a job, dispatch it to your phone, and even “pay” the invoice using a test card.
- Pro Tip: Download the mobile app immediately and log in with the same credentials. The magic of Jobber is seeing the sync between the desktop and the phone.
- Start Here: Jobber Review & Trial Link
2. Housecall Pro (The Sales Engine)
- The Experience: Similar to Jobber, but they will prompt you to set up your “Pricebook” early on. They want you to see their visual proposal tools.
- What You Can Test: You can build “Good-Better-Best” proposals. We recommend grabbing an iPad to test the technician’s presentation view, as that is their killer feature.
- Warning: Their sales team is aggressive. Expect a phone call within 15 minutes of signing up. If you just want to test, ignore the call.
- Start Here: Housecall Pro Review & Trial Link
3. Workiz (The Communication Hub)
- The Experience: Workiz focuses on their “Phone System.” During the trial setup, they will offer to generate a “Test Phone Number” for you. Do it.
- What You Can Test: Call your new Workiz number from your cell phone. Watch the “Service Phone” pop up on the screen with the caller ID. This is the “Aha!” moment for locksmiths and garage door pros.
- Start Here: Workiz Review & Trial Link
Part 2: “Demo-Only” Enterprise Solutions
If you have more than 10 trucks or complex inventory needs, you cannot “Trial” software. You must “Implement” it. That is why ServiceTitan and FieldEdge hide behind a demo wall.
Why No Free Trial?
It is not (just) to be annoying. It is because the software is too complex to set up alone.
- Configuration: You need to map General Ledger codes to QuickBooks.
- Data Migration: You need to import 5,000 pricebook items.
- Training: An untrained user logging into ServiceTitan would look at the dashboard and quit. It looks like the cockpit of a 747.
Table 3: Self-Serve vs. Sales-Led Onboarding
Before you book a demo, understand the fundamental difference in commitment required.
| Feature | Self-Serve (Jobber, HCP) | Sales-Led (ServiceTitan, Simpro) |
|---|---|---|
| Access Speed | Instant: 2 minutes to login. | Slow: 3-7 days to schedule demo. |
| Setup Cost | $0: Do it yourself. | $2k – $15k: Mandatory onboarding fees. |
| Time to First Invoice | < 1 Hour: Send a bill immediately. | 2-3 Months: After full implementation. |
| Data Import | CSV Upload: Simple lists only. | White Glove: Engineers map your GL codes. |
| Customization | Low: You adapt to the software. | High: The software adapts to you. |
What to Expect on the Demo Call
- The Qualification (15 Mins): The rep will ask about your revenue, truck count, and current pain points. They are checking if you can afford them.
- The Guided Tour (45 Mins): They will share their screen. Do not let them give you the standard script. (See our Interrogation Checklist below).
- The Pricing Reveal (Last 5 Mins): They will save the price for the very end, once they hope you are “sold” on the value.
🕵️♀️ How to “Interrogate” a Sales Rep (The Checklist)
When you are on a demo with ServiceTitan, FieldEdge, or Simpro, you are in a negotiation. Do not be a passive listener. Take control of the screen share.
Use this Demo Interrogation Checklist to uncover the truth.
| Category | The Question to Ask | Why Ask It? |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile App | “Stop the slideshow. Can you mirror your iPad screen right now?” | Reps love showing polished slides. Make them show the actual laggy app. |
| Inventory | “Show me what happens if a tech tries to sell a part that is out of stock.” | Does it warn them? Or does it let them sell a ghost part? |
| Sync | “Show me the ‘Sync Log’ for QuickBooks. How do I fix an error?” | Every sync breaks. You need to see how hard it is to fix. |
| Pricebook | “How do I bulk-update prices when copper goes up 10%?” | If the answer is “manually edit each item,” run away. |
| Support | “Call your support line right now on speaker. Let’s see how long it takes.” | This is the ultimate stress test. (They will likely refuse, which tells you everything). |
| Contracts | “Is there an auto-renewal clause with a price hike? Show me in the contract.” | Most enterprise contracts have a hidden 7% annual increase. |
Part 3: The “Credit Card Trap” Warning
Some software (often older, legacy platforms or aggressive startups) will offer a “Free Trial” but require a Credit Card to unlock it.
Why this is dangerous:
- The “Negative Option” Billing: If you forget to cancel on Day 14, they charge you for the full year.
- The Cancellation Gauntlet: You can sign up online, but to cancel, you have to call a phone number between 9 AM and 5 PM EST and talk to a “Retention Specialist.”
Our Policy:
We generally do not recommend testing software that gates a trial behind a credit card unless you are 100% ready to buy. The risk of accidental billing is too high.
- Note: Jobber and Housecall Pro do NOT require a card. This is the industry standard for 2026. If a company asks for a card, they are behind the times.
Part 4: Who Should NOT Start a Trial Yet? (The “Danger Zone”)
We see this mistake constantly: A business owner gets excited, signs up for 3 trials at once, gets overwhelmed, and abandons them all. You have limited “Trial Energy.” Do not waste it.
1. The “Peak Season” Risk
- Scenario: It is July. You run an HVAC company in Phoenix. It is 115°F. Your phone is ringing off the hook.
- The Mistake: You try to switch dispatch software because you are stressed.
- The Result: Disaster. You do not have time to learn a new interface when you are dispatching 15 calls a day. You will hate the software, even if it is good.
- Advice: Wait until the shoulder season (September/October) to start a trial.
2. The “No Process” Risk
- Scenario: You don’t have a Flat Rate Pricebook. You don’t have a standardized list of services. You price jobs by “gut feel.”
- The Mistake: You sign up for ServiceTitan or Housecall Pro.
- The Result: You stare at a blank screen. Software cannot fix a lack of process; it only scales it. If you import garbage data, you get garbage reports.
- Advice: Build your Pricebook in Excel before you start the trial.
3. The “Vaporware” Risk
- Scenario: You find a software called “DispatchKing3000” that promises everything for $19/mo.
- The Warning Signs: No physical address on the website. No LinkedIn page with real employees. The copyright footer says “2021”.
- The Risk: You upload your customer data to a server that might be shut down tomorrow.
- Advice: Stick to the verified vendors in our Software Index.
Part 5: How to Run a “Stress Test” Trial
Signing up is easy. Testing is hard. Most contractors sign up, look at the dashboard for 5 minutes, get overwhelmed, and leave.
To truly evaluate software, you must run a Simulated Workflow. Follow this script during your 14-day Jobber/HCP trial.
The 60-Minute Stress Test Script
Step 1: The Setup (15 Mins)
- Upload your logo.
- Connect your Stripe/Payment processor (Test Mode).
- Add one dummy technician (User: “Test Tech”).
- Download the mobile app on your phone. Log in as “Test Tech”.
Step 2: The Workflow (30 Mins)
- Create a Customer: Create “John Doe” with your own cell phone number.
- Create a Job: “Leaking Sink Repair.” Schedule it for right now.
- Dispatch: Assign it to “Test Tech.”
- Check your phone: Did you get a push notification?
- Travel: On the app, click “On My Way.”
- Check your texts: Did John Doe (you) get an “On My Way” SMS?
- Work: Add a photo of your sink. Add a line item “PVC Pipe ($20).”
- Invoice: Click “Complete & Invoice.”
- Check your email: Did the invoice arrive? Does it look professional?
Step 3: The Money (15 Mins)
- Open the invoice in your email.
- Click “Pay Now.”
- Use a test credit card (or charge $1.00 on your real card).
- Check the dashboard: Did the status update to “Paid” instantly?
- Check QuickBooks (if connected): Did the payment sync?
If the software fails any step of this loop, it is not the right tool for you.
Part 6: Hardware Requirements for Testing
Don’t judge the software if your hardware is the bottleneck.
1. The “Dispatcher” Test
Do not test the dispatch board on a 13-inch laptop. You will hate it.
- Requirement: Use a 24-inch monitor or larger. Dispatch boards are map-heavy and data-dense. They need pixels.
2. The “Technician” Test
Do not test the mobile app on a 5-year-old cracked Android phone.
- Requirement: Use a modern iPhone (13 or newer) or iPad.
- Why: Field service apps are resource-heavy. They cache databases and process photos. If your phone is slow, the app will feel slow, even if the software is good.
Part 7: Data Retention & Privacy
What happens if you spend 2 weeks building a pricebook in a trial, but then decide not to buy?
The “Sandbox” vs. “Production” Reality
- Jobber/HCP: The trial is a “Production” environment. If you buy, your data stays. If you leave, they usually keep the data for 30-90 days before wiping it.
- ServiceTitan Sandbox: During implementation, you work in a “Sandbox” (Practice Mode). Data does not automatically transfer to the “Live” site unless the implementation team migrates it.
Beware the “Zombie Trial”
Some less reputable software companies have “Negative Option” clauses. Even if you never log in, if you entered a card, they will start billing you automatically after 14 days.
- The Policy Check: Before entering a card, search the Terms of Service for “Auto-Renewal.” If it’s there, set a calendar alarm for Day 13 to cancel.
Your Rights (GDPR/CCPA)
If you do a demo with a sales rep and decide not to buy, you have the right to ask them to delete your data.
- Why bother? To stop the sales calls.
- Action: Send an email to
privacy@[softwarename].comwith the subject line “Data Deletion Request.” This usually triggers a compliance workflow that removes you from their aggressive CRM call lists faster than simply saying “Not interested.”
Pro Tip: Export Your Work
If you build a customer list or pricebook during a trial, export it to CSV before the trial expires.
- Why: If you decide to switch to a different software later, that CSV is your golden ticket. You can import it into the new tool. Do not let your hard work get locked behind an expired trial wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which field service software has a free trial without a credit card?
Jobber, Housecall Pro, Workiz, and FieldPulse all offer 7-14 day free trials with no credit card required. You can sign up with just an email address.
Does ServiceTitan have a free trial?
No. ServiceTitan does not offer a self-serve free trial. You must request a demo, qualify with a sales representative, and sign a contract before you can access the live software. They do provide a “Sandbox” environment during the paid implementation phase.
How long are the typical trial periods?
The industry standard is 14 Days.
- Jobber: 14 Days.
- Housecall Pro: 14 Days.
- Workiz: 7 Days.
- FieldPulse: 7 Days.
- Tip: If you need more time, email their support. They will almost always extend your trial by another 7 days if they think you are a serious buyer.
Can I keep my data after the trial ends?
Most platforms will retain your data for 30 to 90 days after the trial expires in hopes that you will come back. However, they are not legally required to. Always export your data to Excel/CSV before the trial ends to be safe.
Is it better to do a demo or a trial?
- Do a Trial if you have <5 employees. You can learn faster by doing it yourself.
- Do a Demo if you have >10 employees. You need a sales engineer to answer complex questions about workflows, permissions, and accounting integrations that aren’t obvious in a self-serve trial.