Selecting the right software is crucial for AV, IT/MSP, and security integrators aiming to streamline operations and enhance client interactions. While both Portal and Jobber offer tools to run your business, they serve different needs. This guide breaks down their strengths and limitations for system integrators deciding between the two.
About Portal.io
Portal is a cloud-based platform built specifically for AV, IT/MSP, and security integration companies. It combines product data, quoting, invoicing, and client collaboration in a single system. Users also benefit from responsive, integration-focused support that's especially helpful during setup or when questions arise mid-proposal.
Highlights:
Extensive Industry Product Catalog: Access structured data for over 2 million SKUs, including live vendor pricing, specifications, and images.
Change Order Management: Present and track project changes with a client-facing interface that supports signatures and revision history.
Personalized Video: Embed Loom-style videos in proposals to guide clients through pricing, options, or scope details.
Ideal For:
Sales teams and integration companies in the AV, IT/MSP, and security sectors who need to move quickly on quotes, reduce manual work, and streamline procurement.
About Jobber
Jobber is a cloud-based field service management platform used by service businesses in industries like landscaping, HVAC, plumbing, and home cleaning. Jobber is used to coordinate field teams and collect payments from customers.
Highlights
Job Scheduling: Assign and manage jobs with drag-and-drop calendars and crew routing.
Mobile Apps for Field Use: Equip technicians with schedule access, job updates, and notes while on-site.
Route Optimization for Daily Appointments: Jobber helps businesses plan the most efficient driving route for daily service calls—ideal for pest control or lawn care, but not typical for integrators who work on-site for days or weeks at a time.
Feature Comparison: Portal vs. Jobber
Feature | Portal.io | Jobber |
Platform Focus | Quoting, client approvals, and managed industry product data | Field service management |
Product Catalog | 2M+ SKUs included with pricing and metadata | Manual product entry; no shared catalog |
AI Proposal Generation | Yes | — |
CRM Tools | Basic client tracking plus native integrations with Zoho and Salesforce | Basic client tracking |
Change Order Handling | Client-facing with approval and signature tracking | Limited; edits allowed without formal tracking |
Personalized Video Support | Supports Loom-style embedded videos in proposals | — |
Document Management | Attach files to proposals | Attach files to jobs or quotes |
Scheduling & Dispatch | — | Job calendars and routing |
Payment Integrations | Integrated with QuickBooks Payments, Stripe, and Square | Jobber Payments |
Mobile Access | iOS app and mobile-optimized interface | Native apps for field staff |
Pricing | Starts at $29/month | Starts at $49/month (Core Plan) |
Final Thoughts
Portal.io and Jobber are built for very different types of businesses. For organizations focused on system integration proposals and procurement efficiency, Portal.io offers a modern and streamlined approach. Jobber excels when managing crews, jobs, and recurring service flow in the field.