MechanicDesk vs WorkshopHQ: NZ Workshop Software Comparison
A factual 2026 comparison of MechanicDesk and WorkshopHQ for New Zealand workshops, covering published pricing, users, core workflow and what to test before switching.
This comparison uses publicly available information checked on 28 October 2026. Software pricing and features change, so confirm both providers' current pages before purchasing.
Published pricing
MechanicDesk's NZ site currently lists Starter at NZ$85 + GST for 1 user, Small at NZ$115 for 3 users, Team at NZ$150 for 6 users and Large at NZ$250 for 15 users, with extra users and SMS charged separately. WorkshopHQ currently publishes Starter at NZ$59 + GST for 1 user, Growth at NZ$79 for 3 users and Pro at NZ$99 for 6 users, with SMS usage and optional add-ons depending on setup.
Core workflow
MechanicDesk publicly describes booking diary, job management, invoicing and quoting, stock control, service scheduling, reporting and multisite management. WorkshopHQ publicly describes connected bookings, jobs, quotes, invoices, customers, vehicles, reminders, inventory, reports and optional portals/add-ons.
What to test side by side
- Create a booking and turn it into a job.
- Give a technician access to the job.
- Add parts and labour.
- Create additional-work approval or a quote.
- Prepare the invoice.
- Set a service or WOF reminder.
- Import sample customer and vehicle history.
Do not target competitor login searches
A search such as 'MechanicDesk login' has navigational intent: the user is trying to reach MechanicDesk. WorkshopHQ should not create a misleading login page to capture that search. Comparison content is the appropriate place to explain alternatives.
Which one should you choose?
If you are comparing MechanicDesk with WorkshopHQ, trial both with real jobs and price the user count and add-ons you will actually use. WorkshopHQ's current lower published entry prices may be attractive, but workflow fit and migration quality matter more than headline price alone.