MekaDesk
MekaDesk vs ARI: a factual comparison (September 2026)
ARI (Auto Repair Software) is shop management software whose publisher says it serves 4,000+ shops in 50+ countries, mostly in the US and Canada. MekaDesk is a flat-price shop management app for independent one-to-three-bay shops and mobile mechanics. This page compares published prices, terms and documented features as of September 30, 2026 — including what ARI offers that MekaDesk doesn’t.
Method. ARI information comes from ari.app (home page, pricing page and “ARI vs AutoLeap” page, last updated June 2026 per the publisher), checked on September 30, 2026. We don’t use user reviews or unpublished figures. MekaDesk information reflects the live version on the same date.
Scope. Both products serve auto repair shops for estimates, invoices, customers, vehicles and appointments. “Not documented” means we couldn’t find it on ARI’s website, not that it doesn’t exist in the product.
Corrections. Plans change. If anything here is wrong or outdated, email support@mekadesk.com and we’ll correct it within two business days. Always check current terms on the vendor’s website before you buy.
Side-by-side
| Criteria | MekaDesk | ARI |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99/month or $149/year, everything included | ARI Pro: $39.99/month or $399.99/year; ARI Pro Plus: $59.99/month or $599.99/year |
| Contract | None; cancel anytime | “No Contract Required”; cancel anytime from the ARI settings, per the publisher |
| Free trial | 14 days, full access, no credit card | Free version limited to 5 invoices, estimates, inspections, clients and vehicles |
| Estimates, repair orders, invoices | Yes, converted without retyping, deposits | Estimates, invoices, job cards and inspections |
| Vehicle lookup | VIN decoding (NHTSA vPIC) | License plate reader, VIN decoder, CarFax service history |
| Labor guides and parts | Your own labor rates, parts list and inventory; no labor guide or parts catalog | Mitchell1 and AI labor guides; parts ordering through PartsTech and Nexpart |
| Online payments | No; payment tracking and overdue reminders | Square, 360Payments, PayPal, Stripe, Helcim; customer financing with Wisetack |
| Accounting | CSV export | QuickBooks Online sync |
| Devices and offline use | Any browser on phone, tablet or PC, installable app; works with no connection | Web plus native iOS, Android and Windows apps; “offline-friendly” use, per the publisher |
| Users | One account per shop, on any number of devices | Multiple users with roles and permissions |
What ARI offers that MekaDesk doesn’t
- Labor guides (Mitchell1 and AI) and built-in parts ordering (PartsTech, Nexpart).
- Online invoice payments (Square, PayPal, Stripe, Helcim) and customer financing (Wisetack).
- A license plate reader, CarFax service history and an OBD scanner.
- Native iOS, Android and Windows apps, and multiple users with roles and permissions.
- QuickBooks Online sync, a client portal and an online booking page.
- A free version limited to 5 invoices, estimates, inspections, clients and vehicles.
What MekaDesk offers that ARI’s website doesn’t document
- A 14-day trial with full access and no document cap, no credit card required.
- Business data kept on your own devices, with a cloud backup encrypted before it leaves the device.
- Read-only access to your records and a full export after you cancel.
- The same app in English, Spanish or French.
Check it yourself
Try MekaDesk free for 14 days with your real estimates and invoices. No credit card required. $14.99/month after that, no contract.
Start my free trialFAQ
How much does ARI cost compared to MekaDesk?
ARI publishes two paid plans: ARI Pro at $39.99/month or $399.99/year, and ARI Pro Plus at $59.99/month or $599.99/year, plus a free version limited to 5 invoices, estimates, inspections, clients and vehicles. MekaDesk costs $14.99/month or $149/year with everything included, after a 14-day free trial with no credit card.
Does MekaDesk have labor guides like ARI?
No. ARI offers Mitchell1 and AI labor guides and parts ordering through PartsTech and Nexpart. MekaDesk lets the shop keep its own labor rates, parts list and inventory, but has no labor guide or parts catalog.
Is this comparison independent?
No, it is published by MekaDesk. It only uses information ARI publishes on its website, with the date it was checked, and lists what ARI offers that MekaDesk does not. Errors reported to support@mekadesk.com are corrected within two business days.
ARI is a trademark of its owner, cited only to identify the product compared. Mitchell1, CarFax, QuickBooks, Square, 360Payments, PayPal, Stripe, Helcim, PartsTech, Nexpart and Wisetack are trademarks of their respective owners, cited because they appear in ARI’s published offer. MekaDesk is not affiliated with any of these companies.