VertexMods Evaluates Top FiveM CAD, MDT and Dispatch Systems, Hosted and In-Game
VertexMods published a March 4, 2026 guide comparing hosted SaaS and in‑game CAD/MDT systems; SnailyCAD tops free picks while BlockBa5her’s DispatchSystem is a lightweight, RAM-first option.
1. SnailyCAD
SnailyCAD emerges in VertexMods’ March 4, 2026 guide as the standout free, community-driven CAD/MDT option for servers that want a polished, low-cost setup. User testimonials praise ease of installation and active support: "SnailyCAD is one of the easiest to set up and has many functions. Unsure how this CAD/MDT is free due to the hard work put into it and the amazing functions it comes with. Support is really quick and useful. I'm impressed with the whole Cad and how it works, cant wait to see what V5 brings!" Another user writes, "SnailyCAD impressed me from the very beginning! The design, the layout and the features are just perfect." Multiple voices credit developer Casper, with one noting, "Plus, the dev listens to his community and add new features asked by them. Support is quicker and more useful than most companies." For server owners who prioritize quick setup, active community feedback, and a free licensing model, SnailyCAD is the practical first pick cited by real operators.
2. Sonoran CAD
Sonoran CAD remains a major commercial player listed among popular choices in the guide and related coverage, and it is explicitly noted as offering "a limited free plan." That free tier makes Sonoran a sensible first test for teams evaluating hosted or partly-hosted CAD features without upfront cost. Community sentiment includes cost pushback: one long-term user said their community "were previously using SonoranCAD which is so overpriced and overrated" before moving to alternatives. Use case: Sonoran is appropriate if you want a recognized service with a free entry tier, but budget-conscious servers should test the free plan against open-source alternatives and account for longer-term subscription costs.
3. RocketCAD
RocketCAD appears in the guide as another frequently chosen open-source option alongside Sonoran and community GitHub projects. VertexMods and supplementary sources list RocketCAD explicitly among "popular choices" for servers seeking free or open-source CAD/MDT solutions. Practical takeaway: RocketCAD is worth evaluating when you want a community-maintained CAD that can be adapted to QBCore, ESX, QBOX, or standalone frameworks, but confirm active maintenance and compatibility with your framework before committing.
4. DispatchSystem (GitHub) by BlockBa5her
For servers that want an in‑game, resource-based CAD with zero hosting fees, the DispatchSystem repository by BlockBa5her is a clear, technically explicit option highlighted in the guide. The project description states: "Dispatch Systems is a CAD/MDT system for ingame FiveM use, this is not a permenant solution, but it works for free. This is an open source free project courtesy of BlockBa5her (the coder). It is free for anyone to use, as long as they do not re-distribute the software under their own name." Key technical notes are blunt and important for ops: "It does not store data in CouchDB and MySQL so EssentialMode is not needed. It stores all of the player's information in the RAM of the computer, but saves all of the data once the server is restarted." The repo shows "Releases 9" and provides in-game commands such as "/dsciv", "/dsleo", "/dsdmp" and the dump file "dispatchsystem.dmp", plus UI screens captions like "Civilian", "Police", "BOLO", and "Tickets and Notes." Caveats to treat as requirements: the RAM-first architecture limits long-term, live database persistence, the author warns it is "not a permenant solution," and redistribution under another name is not permitted. If you run a small RP server that values zero cost and simple in-game workflows, DispatchSystem is a clear candidate; if you need durable records or interoperability with MySQL/CouchDB, plan for a different solution or a custom adapter.
5. Hosted and premium marketplace solutions, including VertexMods listings and example products
VertexMods positions itself as a central marketplace for premium and free FiveM scripts and figures prominently in the guide’s hosted/SaaS coverage: "VertexMods is a curated FiveM scripts marketplace offering verified free and premium resources. Every script is reviewed for compatibility, security, and performance before listing — so server owners can install with confidence." Marketplace scale is notable: "1,400+ Verified Mods", "16K+ Downloads", "4K+ Active Servers", and the platform uses the tagline "The #1 marketplace for free & premium FiveM scripts." Hosted and premium products—illustrated by listings like the "FiveM LEO Interaction Menu"—claim polished UI, framework compatibility for ESX, QBCore and QBOX, and features such as "With over 30 interaction options accessible through a single keybind, officers spend less time navigating menus and more time engaging with citizens." Hosted options deliver strengths: DB-backed persistence, vendor support, marketed installation steps, and refund/purchase protections. Tradeoffs are cost and dependency on the vendor for uptime and updates; marketplace pages show "Installation" and "Framework Compatibility" headings to check before buying. For teams that need scale, polished UX and MySQL/CouchDB-backed records, a hosted or premium product can be the most operationally efficient choice.
Selection checklist and final guidance Choose by answering this checklist before you install: do you need hosted persistence or are file/RAM saves acceptable; which framework do you run (QBCore, ESX, QBOX, standalone); is active support and a development roadmap important; can you afford a paid SaaS or prefer open-source customization; and do license terms allow your intended redistribution or branding? Coohom’s design-led tip is practical: "Look for CAD/MDT systems with active support or communities, as regular updates and bug fixes ensure long-term stability. Open-source variants allow for customization to suit your server’s specific needs—consider enlisting someone with design thinking to polish the UI for better user engagement." Operational warning: DispatchSystem’s RAM-first architecture and redistribution restriction are non-trivial limits, and the Sonoran vs SnailyCAD debate shows price vs community support matters in daily server ops. Finally, use VertexMods’ March 4, 2026 guide as a starting checklist and verify framework compatibility, data persistence, and licensing before you deploy; that simple screening will save admin hours and avoid data-loss headaches during busy RP sessions.
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