Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procore - Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced estimating, bidding, takeoff, and invoicing tools.
- 2#2: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction software for estimating, scheduling, project management, and client invoicing.
- 3#3: Knowify - Cloud-based tool for construction estimating, job costing, project tracking, and automated invoicing.
- 4#4: Buildxact - Estimating and takeoff software for builders with integrated job management and invoicing features.
- 5#5: Leap - Modern platform for quick construction estimating, sales proposals, financing, and digital invoicing.
- 6#6: JobTread - Construction management software offering customizable estimating templates, scheduling, and invoicing.
- 7#7: Joist - Mobile app for trades with fast estimating, professional proposals, invoicing, and payment collection.
- 8#8: Stack - AI-powered digital takeoff and estimating software that integrates with accounting for invoicing.
- 9#9: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff and estimating tool for construction with assemblies and export to invoicing systems.
- 10#10: Sage Estimating - Professional estimating software with database-driven takeoffs and integration for construction invoicing.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core capabilities (estimating precision, invoicing integration), user-friendliness, scalability, and overall value, prioritizing those that balance robust functionality with practical adoption ease.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading construction estimate and invoice software tools including Procore, Buildertrend, Knowify, Buildxact, Leap, and more, providing insights into key features, pricing, and integration capabilities to help readers find the right fit for their projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procore Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced estimating, bidding, takeoff, and invoicing tools. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction software for estimating, scheduling, project management, and client invoicing. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Knowify Cloud-based tool for construction estimating, job costing, project tracking, and automated invoicing. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Buildxact Estimating and takeoff software for builders with integrated job management and invoicing features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Leap Modern platform for quick construction estimating, sales proposals, financing, and digital invoicing. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | JobTread Construction management software offering customizable estimating templates, scheduling, and invoicing. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Joist Mobile app for trades with fast estimating, professional proposals, invoicing, and payment collection. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | Stack AI-powered digital takeoff and estimating software that integrates with accounting for invoicing. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff and estimating tool for construction with assemblies and export to invoicing systems. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 10 | Sage Estimating Professional estimating software with database-driven takeoffs and integration for construction invoicing. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced estimating, bidding, takeoff, and invoicing tools.
All-in-one construction software for estimating, scheduling, project management, and client invoicing.
Cloud-based tool for construction estimating, job costing, project tracking, and automated invoicing.
Estimating and takeoff software for builders with integrated job management and invoicing features.
Modern platform for quick construction estimating, sales proposals, financing, and digital invoicing.
Construction management software offering customizable estimating templates, scheduling, and invoicing.
Mobile app for trades with fast estimating, professional proposals, invoicing, and payment collection.
AI-powered digital takeoff and estimating software that integrates with accounting for invoicing.
Digital takeoff and estimating tool for construction with assemblies and export to invoicing systems.
Professional estimating software with database-driven takeoffs and integration for construction invoicing.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive construction management platform with advanced estimating, bidding, takeoff, and invoicing tools.
Direct linkage of estimate line items to subcontract commitments and progress invoices for automated financial reconciliation
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform that provides advanced tools for estimating, takeoff, bidding, and invoicing tailored to the construction industry. It enables users to create accurate cost estimates, manage subcontractor bids, and streamline progress billing with AIA-compliant invoices integrated directly with project financials. The software's unified dashboard ensures real-time visibility into budgets, commitments, and payments, reducing errors and improving cash flow management across projects.
Pros
- Seamless integration between estimating, budgeting, and invoicing for accurate financial tracking
- Robust mobile app for on-site estimate updates and invoice approvals
- Advanced reporting and analytics for detailed cost breakdowns and forecasting
Cons
- High cost may be prohibitive for small contractors
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Limited native takeoff tools, often requiring integrations
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms needing an all-in-one platform for professional estimating and invoice management across multiple projects.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on projects and users; typically starts at $500+/month with annual contracts and scales significantly for larger deployments.
Buildertrend
enterpriseAll-in-one construction software for estimating, scheduling, project management, and client invoicing.
End-to-end estimate-to-invoice automation that syncs changes, budgets, and payments in real-time
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform tailored for builders, remodelers, and contractors, with robust tools for creating detailed estimates from digital takeoffs and managing invoicing workflows. It supports progress billing, AIA forms, change order tracking, and seamless integration between estimates, budgets, and invoices to streamline financial processes. Beyond core estimating and invoicing, it offers scheduling, client portals, and mobile access for full project oversight.
Pros
- Powerful estimating with digital takeoff and assembly libraries
- Advanced invoicing including progress billing and AIA compliance
- Seamless integration across project phases for accurate financial tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex features
- Higher cost may deter small solo operators
- Limited advanced customization in reporting
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms and remodeling companies needing an all-in-one solution for precise estimating, invoicing, and project management.
Pricing
Starts at $299/month for basic single-user plan (billed annually), scales to $399+ for teams with custom enterprise quotes; unlimited storage and projects included.
Knowify
specializedCloud-based tool for construction estimating, job costing, project tracking, and automated invoicing.
Advanced digital takeoff and estimating module with pre-built assemblies for rapid, precise bid creation
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for trade contractors and subcontractors, specializing in accurate estimating, job costing, and professional invoicing. It enables users to create detailed takeoffs, generate AIA-compliant bills, track expenses in real-time, and manage projects from bid to payment. The platform integrates deeply with QuickBooks for seamless accounting and offers mobile apps for field teams to update time, photos, and approvals on the go.
Pros
- Powerful estimating tools with digital takeoffs and customizable assemblies
- Robust invoicing including progress billing and AIA forms
- Real-time job costing and QuickBooks integration for accurate financial tracking
Cons
- Learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing scales quickly with users and advanced features
- Reporting capabilities lack deep customization
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction subcontractors needing integrated estimating, invoicing, and job cost control.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month for Essential plan; Pro at $249/user/month and Enterprise custom pricing; annual discounts available.
Buildxact
specializedEstimating and takeoff software for builders with integrated job management and invoicing features.
Live, real-time pricing database from major suppliers that automatically updates estimates
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction estimating and takeoff software designed for residential builders, remodelers, and trade contractors. It streamlines the creation of accurate estimates through digital takeoffs, live supplier pricing, and job costing tools. The platform also handles invoicing, progress claims, and integrates with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks for seamless financial management.
Pros
- Intuitive digital takeoff and estimating tools
- Live pricing from 300+ suppliers for accuracy
- Strong integrations with accounting and supplier databases
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo operators
- Limited advanced customization for complex commercial projects
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionality
Best For
Small to medium residential builders and remodelers seeking efficient estimating and invoicing without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Plans start at $149/month (Solo), $249/month (Teams), $349/month (Business), with annual discounts and a free trial available.
Leap
specializedModern platform for quick construction estimating, sales proposals, financing, and digital invoicing.
Built-in financing platform connecting to dozens of lenders for one-click approvals during proposals
Leap is an all-in-one sales and operations platform tailored for home service contractors in construction trades like roofing, HVAC, and plumbing. It enables quick creation of digital estimates and proposals, seamless integration of financing options from multiple lenders, and efficient invoicing with payment processing. The software streamlines the entire sales-to-payment cycle with mobile accessibility and CRM tools for customer management.
Pros
- Integrated financing marketplace for instant customer approvals
- Mobile-first design ideal for on-site use
- Streamlined invoicing and payment collection with low fees
Cons
- Premium pricing may not suit very small operations
- Limited depth in full project management or takeoff tools
- Initial setup and customization require time
Best For
Home service contractors focused on residential sales cycles who need fast financing and payment tools.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around $99/user/month, plus transaction fees for payments and financing.
JobTread
specializedConstruction management software offering customizable estimating templates, scheduling, and invoicing.
Integrated job costing that automatically pulls from estimates and actuals for real-time profitability insights
JobTread is a cloud-based construction management platform designed specifically for trade contractors, offering tools for creating detailed estimates, managing job costs, generating invoices, and tracking payments from bid to closeout. It streamlines workflows with digital takeoffs, assemblies, change orders, and progress billing, integrating seamlessly with QuickBooks for accounting. Ideal for residential and light commercial projects, it emphasizes accuracy in job costing to improve profitability.
Pros
- Robust estimating with assemblies and digital takeoffs
- Seamless invoice generation from estimates and change orders
- Strong job costing and profitability tracking
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Limited third-party integrations beyond QuickBooks
- Reporting could be more customizable
Best For
Small to mid-sized trade contractors focused on residential remodeling, roofing, or siding who need an all-in-one tool for estimates, invoicing, and job costing.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for solo users, $199/month for teams of up to 5, with custom enterprise pricing; 14-day free trial available.
Joist
specializedMobile app for trades with fast estimating, professional proposals, invoicing, and payment collection.
One-tap estimates and invoices sent directly via text or email from your smartphone
Joist is a mobile-first app tailored for contractors and home service pros, enabling quick creation and sending of professional estimates and invoices via phone. It streamlines job management with features like payment collection, scheduling, time tracking, and expense logging. Ideal for on-the-go use, it supports small businesses by integrating basic CRM and QuickBooks Online syncing.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile interface for instant estimates and invoices
- Integrated payment processing with low fees
- Free plan with solid core functionality
Cons
- Lacks advanced estimating tools like digital takeoffs or assemblies
- Limited reporting and customization for complex projects
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise alternatives
Best For
Solo contractors and small home service teams needing simple, mobile estimating and invoicing on a budget.
Pricing
Free Solo plan; Essential at $19/month, Pro at $49/month (annual discounts available).
Stack
specializedAI-powered digital takeoff and estimating software that integrates with accounting for invoicing.
Unlimited collaborators and storage across all plans for real-time team-based estimating without extra fees
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based construction takeoff, estimating, and invoicing software that enables contractors to import plans from PDFs or CAD files for precise digital measurements and quantity takeoffs. It features a vast database of pre-built assemblies, real-time material pricing, and tools to generate professional estimates, bids, change orders, and invoices. The platform supports team collaboration with unlimited users and integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks for streamlined financial workflows.
Pros
- Rapid digital takeoffs with point-and-click tools
- Extensive real-time pricing database and assemblies
- Unlimited users and seamless QuickBooks invoicing integration
Cons
- Moderate learning curve for advanced takeoff features
- Subscription costs can be high for small or infrequent users
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to desktop
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms and estimators handling residential or commercial projects that require collaborative takeoff, estimating, and invoicing.
Pricing
Subscriptions from $295/month (10 projects) to $995/month (unlimited); pay-per-plan at ~$2.50 per set, with free trial.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff and estimating tool for construction with assemblies and export to invoicing systems.
Patented drag-and-drop assemblies for instant reuse of takeoff items with automatic scaling and calculations
PlanSwift is a desktop-based on-screen takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction professionals, enabling rapid digital measurements from PDF plans, blueprints, or CAD files. It supports point-and-click quantity takeoffs, customizable assemblies, formula-driven calculations, and bid generation with export options to Excel or accounting tools. While strong in pre-construction estimating, its invoicing capabilities are limited to integrations rather than native functionality.
Pros
- Exceptionally fast point-and-click takeoffs for areas, lengths, and counts
- Highly customizable databases and assemblies for tailored estimating
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Excel, and other accounting software
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training time
- Desktop-only application with no cloud or mobile access
- High upfront cost and annual maintenance fees
Best For
Experienced construction estimators and contractors focused on precise takeoffs and bid preparation for residential or commercial projects.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $1,749 per user, plus ~$600 annual maintenance; volume discounts available.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseProfessional estimating software with database-driven takeoffs and integration for construction invoicing.
Patented Visual Assemblies database for drag-and-drop, parametric modeling of complex assemblies
Sage Estimating is a comprehensive construction estimating software designed for contractors and AEC professionals to create accurate, detailed cost estimates. It features extensive national cost databases, visual assemblies, and advanced takeoff tools with CAD/BIM integration for precise quantity takeoffs and bid management. The software also integrates seamlessly with Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate for job costing, invoicing, and project accounting workflows.
Pros
- Vast customizable cost databases covering multiple trades and regions
- Powerful visual assemblies and item/channel estimating for accuracy
- Strong integration with Sage accounting for invoicing and job costing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High pricing with quote-based model
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native tools
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms requiring precise estimating integrated with enterprise accounting and invoicing.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $4,000–$10,000+ annually per user depending on modules, with cloud or on-premise options and maintenance fees.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top construction estimate and invoice software highlights Procore as the distinguished leader, boasting a comprehensive platform integrating estimating, takeoff, and invoicing. For users seeking an all-in-one solution, Buildertrend offers strong functionality, while Knowify’s cloud-based efficiency excels in job tracking and automated billing. Diverse options ensure professionals find a fit, with Procore setting the benchmark.
Take the first step toward streamlined operations—try Procore to leverage its advanced tools and elevate your estimating and invoicing processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison