This comparison looks at Portal.io and SimPRO, two platforms used by AV, IT, and security integrators to manage proposals and projects. They take very different approaches: Portal centers on fast quoting and a clean customer experience, while SimPRO focuses more on job tracking, scheduling, and service delivery. If you’re choosing between the two, here’s what you need to know.
About Portal.io
Portal.io is a cloud-based platform built specifically for AV, IT/MSP, and security integrators. It takes the busywork out of quoting by bringing proposals, product data, and payments together in one simple and streamlined workflow so teams can move faster and win more jobs.
Instant Proposals: Build clean, professional quotes with good, better, best pricing and collect client approvals and payments all in one screen
Managed Catalog: Use over 2 million structured SKUs with dealer pricing. No manual entry or updates needed
Integrated Payments and Invoicing: Accept deposits and balances inside the proposal using QuickBooks, Stripe, or Square
Mobile App for Sales and Techs: Build and send quotes, create invoices and change orders. No QuickBooks access needed. Everything syncs back to the office automatically.
Ideal For
Portal is best suited for fast-moving sales teams, small to mid-sized integrators, or any company that wants to quote and collect payment in the field. It’s ideal for firms that prioritize speed, simplicity, and a modern client experience.
About SimPRO
SimPRO is a job and field service management platform built for contractors and trades with a strong focus on security integrators. It helps manage installations, service jobs, inventory, compliance, and scheduling
Job Management: Schedule technicians, manage recurring jobs, and track service contracts in one system
Inventory and Procurement: Control stock and automate ordering from suppliers
Security Industry Features: Includes tools for alarm system compliance, audit trails, and vendor integrations specific to security
Mobile Apps for Techs: Field staff can log time, access documentation, and update job status from anywhere
Ideal For
SimPRO is built for companies managing ongoing service contracts, field teams, and complex installations. It’s best for firms with dedicated back-office staff who need job costing, inventory control, and compliance tracking across departments.
Feature Comparison Chart
Feature | Portal.io | SimPRO |
Platform Type | Cloud-based | Cloud-based |
Product Catalog | Over 2 M structured SKUs with dealer pricing | Manual product entry unless integrated with supplier feeds |
Payments & Invoicing | Collect payments starting at proposal signing, auto-sync to accounting
| Invoices sent after job or service completion |
AI Capabilities | AI Proposal Builder | — |
CRM | Light CRM or third-party integration (Zoho, Salesforce) | Light CRM or third-party integration |
Change Orders | Client facing e-signature approvals | Managed via job updates |
Document Handling | Attach files | Attach files to job records |
Scheduling & Task Mgmt | Not included | Full technician scheduling and dispatch |
Reporting & Analytics | Sales and proposal metrics | Job costing and detailed financial reporting |
Mobile Access | Full Function Native iOS app, mobile responsive | SimPRO Mobile for field staff |
Pricing | Starts at $29, no onboarding or training fees | Starts at $149 plus onboarding fees |
Conclusion
Portal.io is a strong fit for integrators focused on sales efficiency, such as quoting, proposals, and payment collection, without the need for complex system setup. Its structured catalog and built-in support tools help teams move quickly and professionally.
SimPRO is more robust in job management and service operations with specific tools for security integrators. It excels in field scheduling, compliance, and inventory tracking but requires more time to configure and maintain.
To decide which platform fits best, consider how your team works. Whether you are primarily quoting and closing jobs or managing technicians and service workflows every day.