When to choose Fergus
Consider Fergus if estimating and understanding job costs are central to the way you run work. Its pricing distinguishes full users from timesheet users, so decide who needs to manage quotes and invoices and who only needs to record time. The advertised full-user prices are “from” figures. Ask for the complete configuration rather than multiplying a headline amount and assuming every role or feature is covered.
When to choose Powered Now
Consider Powered Now if UK job paperwork and the supplier’s accounting or tax tools are important to your process. Its single-user Business tier and per-user Professional/Premium tiers serve different buying situations. A sole trader should not assume that the entry price covers a growing team. Confirm the specific certificate and tax workflow you need, then compare that plan’s total monthly or annual cost.
Compare the real subscription cost
Fergus Essentials (from) starts at GBP 39 per user per month. VAT treatment is not established in the checked price record. Powered Now Business starts at GBP 28 per business per month. The published amount excludes VAT. Compare the plan that covers the work you need, including office and field users, any job allowance and extras. These starting figures do not establish the final bill for the same team or the same scope. Keep currencies and payment commitments separate.
The plan differences that can change the decision
Fergus: Estimates support reusable material and labour combinations. Invoicing and job-cost tracking are documented. Invoices and contacts sync with Xero. Powered Now: Business has a diary; Premium adds drag-and-drop staff scheduling. Business has job sheets; Professional adds certificates and custom forms. The supplier lists built-in MTD for Income Tax; Professional adds VAT returns. These distinctions are reasons to inspect the workflow during a trial or demo. An unverified item in the table means the checked evidence is incomplete, not that the product cannot perform that task. In particular, establish the exact certificate or accounting transaction needed rather than accepting a broad feature name.
Restrictions and buying questions
Fergus: Full users are billed monthly. Timesheet-only users start at GBP 12 per month. Larger teams can request a custom plan. Confirm VAT and the final number of full licences. Powered Now: Monthly plans exclude VAT. Annual Business costs GBP 280; Professional GBP 320 per user; Premium GBP 400 per user, paid once each year.
What to test before deciding
Take an estimate with labour and materials, plus the certificate or job sheet you need to issue. In Powered Now, confirm which tier includes that exact paperwork. In Fergus, follow the actual cost back to the estimate. Fergus: No payment card required. Powered Now: No payment card required. Use a representative sample job rather than customer data you do not need for the test. Ask which trial or demonstration features remain in the plan being quoted, and record any manual steps or extras before deciding.