A real field tech compares LeadRoute and FieldEdge.
FieldEdge has a long history serving HVAC and plumbing shops with deep QuickBooks Desktop integration. LeadRoute is leaner, web-first, and built around distributed crews. Both work - this page walks through where each one actually fits.
The honest framing
FieldEdge is the legacy HVAC and plumbing dispatch tool with mature QuickBooks Desktop sync and a deep features list for established residential trades shops. LeadRoute is built web-first for lean and distributed crews, with multi-state convoy planning and a CSV-based accounting hand-off instead of a deep desktop sync. Most teams switching from FieldEdge are looking for lower cost, easier setup, and a tool that works the same way on every phone. Most teams choosing FieldEdge over LeadRoute need the QuickBooks Desktop pipeline running today and aren't ready to switch their accounting flow.
Side-by-side comparison
| Category | LeadRoute | FieldEdge |
|---|---|---|
| Entry pricing | $29 / month (solo tech) | Custom quote, typically $100+ / user / month |
| 5-tech crew (annual) | $948 / year ($79 / mo Starter) | ~$6,000+ / year (custom quote) |
| Setup time | Sign up, run a job same day | Onboarding and data migration project |
| QuickBooks | CSV export (QBO + QBD compatible) | Native QuickBooks Desktop sync |
| Multi-state convoy work | Convoy Planner is core | Built around single-metro residential service |
| Tech app | Mobile-friendly web - no install | Native iOS / Android app |
| Lead / assistant pay splits | Built in | Not the primary use case |
| Free trial | 14 days, no card | Demo required |
Competitor pricing and features are based on publicly available information and may have changed since this page was last updated. Verify directly with FieldEdge for the latest.
Why teams pick LeadRoute
Predictable pricing
Tier-based, not per-user. No custom quote, no minimum seat count.
Works on any phone
Any phone browser works. No app friction for new techs joining.
Convoy Planner
Multi-day, multi-state install rollouts. Outside FieldEdge's design center.
Built by a field tech
Every screen comes from someone who ran installs at hundreds of sites.
When FieldEdge is the better pick
FieldEdge is the better pick when you run an established HVAC or plumbing shop on QuickBooks Desktop and need a deep, live two-way sync today - not a CSV export. If your accounting team requires QuickBooks Desktop integration and pulls reporting from there daily, FieldEdge has invested years into that pipeline. It's also a more mature fit for traditional single-metro residential service operations with established office staff.
Questions, answered
Is LeadRoute a true FieldEdge alternative?
For dispatch, routing, recurring service, customer ETA, and automated tech payouts - yes. For QuickBooks Desktop deep sync, FieldEdge still wins; LeadRoute exports a QuickBooks-compatible CSV instead.
How much does LeadRoute cost vs FieldEdge?
LeadRoute starts at $29/mo with public tier pricing. FieldEdge is quote-based and typically runs $100+ per user per month after setup. For a 5-tech crew the gap is usually 5-10x.
Does LeadRoute integrate with QuickBooks?
Yes - via a QuickBooks-compatible CSV export that works with both QBO and QBD. It's not a live two-way sync today, but it handles invoicing, customer, and payment exports for most lean teams.
Can LeadRoute do multi-day convoy installs FieldEdge can't?
Yes - the Convoy Planner handles multi-day, multi-state rollouts with hotel logistics and crew assignments in one view. FieldEdge was not designed around that pattern.
Do techs need to install an app?
No - LeadRoute runs in any phone browser. FieldEdge has a native iOS/Android app. The trade-off is that LeadRoute has no native offline mode out of the box.
See LeadRoute for yourself.
Start your 14-day free trial. No credit card. No sales call.