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Head-to-head · Automobile Workshop Software

Shop-Ware vs Protractor

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Shop-Ware #5 in Automobile Workshop Software 7.7/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Shop-Ware
Protractor #6 in Automobile Workshop Software 7.6/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Protractor

Shop-Ware leads on 1 check, Protractor on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreShop-Ware · 7.7/10
  • Lowest starting priceShop-Ware · $249/mo

Shop-Ware scores higher on our rubric for automobile workshop software: 7.7 against 7.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.

Shop-Ware is cheaper to start at $249/mo against $359/mo.

Shop-Ware is the better fit for shops needing rich integrations and AI pricing. Protractor is the better fit for larger shops needing advanced workflow depth.

  • Shop-Ware fits best

    Shops needing rich integrations and AI pricing

  • Protractor fits best

    Larger shops needing advanced workflow depth

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Shop-Ware 7.7/10 Visit ↗ Protractor 7.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.7 7.6
Ranking #5 in Automobile Workshop Software #6 in Automobile Workshop Software
Best for Shops needing rich integrations and AI pricing Larger shops needing advanced workflow depth
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $249/mo (best) $359/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web Web, Windows, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Docs Docs
Integrations 10 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Shop-Ware 3/5 · Protractor 3/5
Digital job cards Not checked yet Not checked yet
Estimate approval ✓ ✓
Parts inventory ✓ ✓
Vehicle service history ✓ ✓
Labor rate settings Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • AI Parts Matrix supports parts-pricing workflows.
  • Digital inspections include photos, videos, notes and approvals.
  • Integrations cover parts, accounting, vehicle data and automation.
  • Connects scheduling, job assignments, work orders and estimates.
  • Combines digital inspections, approval communication and deferred-work tracking.
  • Tracks parts, technician time, service history, accounting and payments.
Cons
  • Startup includes only limited two-way texting.
  • Deployment is cloud-based and web-only.
  • Additional fees may apply for migration, Accounting Link and payments.
  • Core starts at $399 per month with monthly billing.
  • Advanced inspections and digital marketing are tied to higher-priced plans.
  • Support channels listed here are limited to documentation.
Our verdict

Shop-Ware is cloud-based automotive repair shop management software from Vehlo. It is designed for independent repair shops, family-owned garages and multishop organizations that need one system for estimates, repair orders, inspections,…

Read the review →

Protractor is shop-management software for automotive aftermarket repair businesses, including single-location shops and multi-shop operations. It brings appointment scheduling, technician and resource allocation, workflow views, job…

Read the review →
  1. Shop-WareAutomobile Workshop Software 7.7Paid
  2. ProtractorAutomobile Workshop Software 7.6Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Shop-Ware — where it wins

    • AI Parts Matrix supports parts-pricing workflows.
    • Digital inspections include photos, videos, notes and approvals.
    • Integrations cover parts, accounting, vehicle data and automation.

    Where it doesn't

    • Startup includes only limited two-way texting.
    • Deployment is cloud-based and web-only.
    • Additional fees may apply for migration, Accounting Link and payments.

  • Protractor — where it wins

    • Connects scheduling, job assignments, work orders and estimates.
    • Combines digital inspections, approval communication and deferred-work tracking.
    • Tracks parts, technician time, service history, accounting and payments.

    Where it doesn't

    • Core starts at $399 per month with monthly billing.
    • Advanced inspections and digital marketing are tied to higher-priced plans.
    • Support channels listed here are limited to documentation.

More comparisons

All automobile workshop software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update