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 can add up as you scale, and multiple reviewers on G2 and Capterra have flagged support responsiveness as a concern.
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
| Feature | Novagems | GuardsPro |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time GPS tracking | ✓ | ✓ (Advanced plan+) |
| NFC / QR checkpoint scanning | ✓ | ✓ (Professional + add-on) |
| Drag-and-drop scheduling | ✓ | ✓ (Add-on module) |
| Mobile incident reporting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Client portal | ✓ | ✓ |
| Geofence clock-in | ✓ | ✓ (Advanced plan+) |
| Payroll integration | ✓ | ✓ (Add-on module) |
| All-in-one pricing | ✓ | ✗ (modules cost extra) |
| 24/7 support | ✓ | ✗ (email only) |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ 14 days | ✓ 30 days |
| US coverage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Canada coverage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Minimum users | None specified | 3 users minimum |
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 reviewers on G2 and Capterra have flagged support responsiveness as a concern — noting slow response times and billing disputes that took time to resolve. In the security industry, where operational issues don’t wait for business hours, email-only support with slower turnaround is a notable limitation compared to alternatives.
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:
| GuardsPro Module | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| Scheduler | Add-on |
| Payroll export | Add-on |
| Dispatcher | Add-on |
| Vehicle patrol | Add-on |
| Visitor manager | Add-on |
| Invoicer | Add-on |
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, though some users have reported mixed experiences with the platform’s support and responsiveness, based on public reviews on Capterra, G2, and GetApp.
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:
- Export your guard data from GuardsPro (CSV export available)
- Import to Novagems — the team assists with bulk import of guard profiles, sites, and schedule templates
- Configure checkpoints — NFC tags and QR codes set up at patrol points (typically 1 day per site)
- Train your team — guards and managers need approximately 1–2 hours of orientation
- 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 — multiple reviewers on G2 and Capterra have flagged support responsiveness as a concern. 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, and some users report slower response times based on public 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 →
Further Reading
- Types of Security Guard Services — pillar guide covering all 12 security service categories
- How to Price Security Guard Contracts — bill rates, margins, and contract pricing formulas
- Workforce Management for Security Companies — operations platform for security firms
- GPS Tracking and Geofencing — verified patrols and real-time guard location
- Start a Free 14-Day Trial — cancel anytime
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