Shop software comparison
Lugbird, the reliable step up from ARI
ARI is the budget favourite, especially for mobile mechanics: real features (VIN scan, DVI, invoicing) at the lowest price in the category.
Side by side
Lugbird vs ARI
Swipe the table sideways for the full comparison.
| Feature | Lugbird | ARI |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, or $49 a month flat | Pro is $39.99 a month ($33.33 billed annually). |
| Users | Unlimited users on every plan | Unlimited users and devices on paid plans. |
| Contract | Month-to-month. Cancel self-serve in two clicks. | No contracts. |
| Data export | Full CSV export, free, any time | Not publicly documented |
| Signup | Self-serve. No demo call. | Not publicly documented |
| Digital inspections | Photo inspections on every plan | Not publicly documented |
| Online approval | Online estimate approval + live repair tracker on every plan | Not publicly documented |
| Public repair tracker | Public repair-status tracker for every RO | Not publicly documented |
ARIfigures are public pricing and terms, verified July 2026. Rows marked "not publicly documented" are not claims either way, check ARI's site or ask for a demo. Always check the vendor's site for current pricing.
Where ARI is the better pick
A one-person mobile operation that needs the absolute lowest price and can live with the rough edges.
Documented in reviews and pricing pages
- Reviewers report randomly duplicated invoice items and numbers
- Labor-time suggestions reviewers describe as inconsistent
- QuickBooks bulk invoice sync reported broken as of 2026
- Stability complaints: slow loads, logouts, glitchy pages
Ready to move off ARI?
Free to start, no card. Import your customers and vehicles and write your first estimate today.