Novagems vs GuardsPro: Side-by-Side Comparison for Security Companies (2026)

TL;DR: Novagems vs GuardsPro

Novagems is the better choice for security companies that need reliable support, an all-in-one platform without add-on fees, and a proven track record with 500+ customers. GuardsPro offers low entry-level pricing and a 30-day free trial, but its modular pricing adds up quickly, and poor customer support is its most consistent weakness across independent reviews.

The key decision: If support and reliability matter to your operations, Novagems wins. If you want to trial security software with a 30-day window and have very basic needs, GuardsPro is worth testing.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Customer Support

This is the most important difference between the two platforms — and the most commonly cited issue in independent GuardsPro reviews.

Novagems: 24/7 support included on all plans. Accessible via chat and email. Fast response times are consistently cited in customer reviews. Support is available during setup, onboarding, and day-to-day operations.

GuardsPro: Email-only support. No phone support. Multiple independent reviews on Capterra, G2, and GetApp describe GuardsPro’s customer support as the platform’s biggest weakness — with reviewers using phrases such as “worst customer service I’ve experienced,” slow response times, and billing disputes that went unresolved. In the security industry, where operational issues don’t wait for business hours, email-only support with slow turnaround is a serious limitation.

Bottom line: Novagems wins decisively on support. If your security operation runs 24/7, you need a software partner that does too.

Pricing: All-In vs Modular

Novagems: One plan includes scheduling, GPS tracking, geofencing, timesheets, incident reporting, checkpoint tours, client portal, and team communication. No surprise add-ons for core features.

GuardsPro: Base plans start at $5/user/month (Essential) to $10/user/month (Professional). However, the features most security companies actually need are sold as separate add-on modules:

Once you add the modules required for standard security operations, the total cost is comparable to or higher than Novagems — with more complexity in managing multiple modules.

Bottom line: Novagems is more predictable and straightforward. GuardsPro’s headline price looks low until you price in the features you actually need.

GPS Tracking and Patrol Monitoring

Novagems: Real-time GPS with updates every 30–60 seconds, geofence alerts, NFC and QR checkpoint scanning, live map across multiple sites. Included in all plans.

GuardsPro: Real-time GPS and geofencing available from the Advanced plan ($8/user/month) upward. Site tours with NFC, QR, and virtual tags are on the Professional plan and require the site tours add-on. GPS-based tracking is available, though some users have reported mobile app stability issues including freezing mid-report and slow clock-in.

Bottom line: Both handle GPS tracking. Novagems includes GPS and checkpoints without plan or module upsells; GuardsPro requires the right plan tier plus add-ons to access equivalent features.

Scheduling

Novagems: Drag-and-drop weekly and monthly scheduling with automated conflict detection, overtime alerts, open shifts, and instant mobile notifications. Most managers build a full week’s schedule in under 10 minutes.

GuardsPro: Scheduling (shift templates, open shifts, shift exchange) is available — but it is sold as a separate Scheduler add-on module, not included in any base plan. This means you pay extra for a feature that is central to daily operations.

Bottom line: Novagems includes scheduling in the core platform. GuardsPro charges extra for it.

Mobile App Reliability

Novagems: Guards use the Novagems mobile app to clock in/out, view schedules, scan checkpoints, and log incidents. App stability is consistently rated positively in customer reviews.

GuardsPro: Multiple user reviews report mobile app instability — including the app freezing mid-report, a spinning circle preventing clock-in, and slow updates. For guards in the field, app reliability is non-negotiable.

Bottom line: Novagems has a stronger record of mobile app reliability based on independent user feedback.

Incident Reporting

Novagems: Guards log incidents from their phone in real-time with photos, GPS coordinates, and timestamps automatically attached. Supervisors receive instant alerts. Reports are formatted and ready to share with clients immediately.

GuardsPro: Incident reporting is included and supports photos and timestamps. GuardsPro offers 25+ report types, which is a genuine strength for companies that need varied reporting formats.

Bottom line: Both handle incident reporting. GuardsPro has strong reporting breadth; Novagems has the advantage in real-time supervisor alerts and client-ready formatting.

Minimum Users and Company Size

Novagems: No minimum user count specified. Suitable from small operations upward.

GuardsPro: Minimum billing of 3 users. Very small 1–2 person security operations are still billed for 3 users — a friction point for the smallest companies.

Bottom line: Novagems has no minimum user requirement. GuardsPro charges a minimum of 3 users regardless of actual headcount.

Track Record

Novagems: Founded 2017. 500+ businesses, 100,000+ team members managed. Published customer stories including Securiwatch (1,500+ guards), UGS Security (750 employees), and JMS Security.

GuardsPro: Founded 2016 (as Guardso). A longer founding history than Novagems, but reviews across Capterra, G2, and GetApp indicate the platform’s public reputation has declined — driven primarily by support complaints. The platform’s review profile also appears under-managed on major review sites.

Bottom line: Both platforms have been in market for nearly a decade. Novagems has stronger recent customer validation and a better-maintained public reputation.

Who Should Choose Novagems

Novagems is the right choice if:

• You need 24/7 support — your operations run around the clock and your software partner should too
• You want all-in-one pricing — scheduling, GPS, timesheets, incident reports, and client portal without add-on fees
• You want mobile app reliability your guards can depend on in the field
• You have 10–500 guards and want to be operational within 1–2 days
• You operate in both the US and Canada
• You want a proven platform with 500+ customers and published case studies

Who Should Choose GuardsPro

GuardsPro may be worth considering if:

• You want to trial security software with a 30-day free trial before committing
• Your operation has very basic needs — GPS and reporting without complex scheduling
• You’re a small operation (3–15 guards) looking for the lowest possible entry price
• You already have strong internal IT/admin support to handle issues without vendor assistance
• You need specific add-on modules like vehicle patrol or visitor management that GuardsPro specialises in

Migration: Switching to Novagems

Moving to Novagems is straightforward:

1. Export your guard data from GuardsPro (CSV export available)
2. Import to Novagems — the team assists with bulk import of guard profiles, sites, and schedule templates
3. Configure checkpoints — NFC tags and QR codes set up at patrol points (typically 1 day per site)
4. Train your team — guards and managers need approximately 1–2 hours of orientation
5. Go live — full operations within 1–2 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Novagems and GuardsPro?

The biggest difference is customer support. Novagems provides 24/7 support on all plans. GuardsPro is email-only with no phone support — slow response times are the most common complaint in independent reviews. For security companies where issues can’t wait, this is a critical distinction.

Is GuardsPro cheaper than Novagems?

GuardsPro’s base plan starts at $5/user/month, but scheduling, site tours, payroll export, and integrations are all add-on modules. Once you add the features you actually need, the total cost is comparable to or higher than Novagems, which includes everything in one platform.

Does GuardsPro have 24/7 support?

No. GuardsPro does not offer phone support or 24/7 support. Support is email-only with slow response times per independent reviews. Novagems includes 24/7 support on all plans.

Does GuardsPro work in Canada?

Yes, GuardsPro operates globally including Canada. Novagems also serves US and Canadian security companies — both platforms cover North America.

Which is easier to get started with?

Both platforms offer quick setup. GuardsPro offers a 30-day free trial. Novagems offers a 14-day free trial with guided onboarding support — most companies are fully operational within 1–2 business days.

Ready to try Novagems? Start your free 14-day trial →