Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procore - Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced estimating, bidding, and bid board integration for contractors.
- 2#2: Buildertrend - All-in-one project management software for residential contractors featuring estimating, scheduling, and client proposals.
- 3#3: Stack - AI-powered digital takeoff and estimating software that automates quantity takeoffs and bid generation.
- 4#4: PlanSwift - On-screen takeoff and estimating software designed to accelerate bid preparation from digital plans.
- 5#5: Bluebeam Revu - PDF-based markup and takeoff tool for precise quantity extraction and collaborative bid reviews.
- 6#6: Buildxact - Cloud-based takeoff, estimating, and quoting software tailored for residential builders and remodelers.
- 7#7: Knowify - Job costing and management platform with integrated estimating and bid management for subcontractors.
- 8#8: JobTread - Construction CRM and project management software with customizable estimating and bid templates.
- 9#9: Sage Estimating - Professional estimating software with extensive cost databases and assemblies for accurate bids.
- 10#10: HCSS HeavyBid - Heavy construction bidding software for detailed cost estimation, resource planning, and bid analysis.
We ranked these tools based on comprehensive feature sets—including takeoff, estimating, and collaboration capabilities—user experience, reliability, and real-world value, ensuring they meet the demands of contractors across residential, commercial, and heavy construction sectors.
Comparison Table
Contractor bid software is essential for streamlining pre-construction workflows, and selecting the right tool hinges on balancing functionality and user fit. This comparison table evaluates key features, usability, and specific strengths of tools like Procore, Buildertrend, Stack, PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, and more, guiding readers to identify software that aligns with their project needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procore Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced estimating, bidding, and bid board integration for contractors. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Buildertrend All-in-one project management software for residential contractors featuring estimating, scheduling, and client proposals. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Stack AI-powered digital takeoff and estimating software that automates quantity takeoffs and bid generation. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | PlanSwift On-screen takeoff and estimating software designed to accelerate bid preparation from digital plans. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Bluebeam Revu PDF-based markup and takeoff tool for precise quantity extraction and collaborative bid reviews. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Buildxact Cloud-based takeoff, estimating, and quoting software tailored for residential builders and remodelers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Knowify Job costing and management platform with integrated estimating and bid management for subcontractors. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | JobTread Construction CRM and project management software with customizable estimating and bid templates. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Sage Estimating Professional estimating software with extensive cost databases and assemblies for accurate bids. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | HCSS HeavyBid Heavy construction bidding software for detailed cost estimation, resource planning, and bid analysis. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced estimating, bidding, and bid board integration for contractors.
All-in-one project management software for residential contractors featuring estimating, scheduling, and client proposals.
AI-powered digital takeoff and estimating software that automates quantity takeoffs and bid generation.
On-screen takeoff and estimating software designed to accelerate bid preparation from digital plans.
PDF-based markup and takeoff tool for precise quantity extraction and collaborative bid reviews.
Cloud-based takeoff, estimating, and quoting software tailored for residential builders and remodelers.
Job costing and management platform with integrated estimating and bid management for subcontractors.
Construction CRM and project management software with customizable estimating and bid templates.
Professional estimating software with extensive cost databases and assemblies for accurate bids.
Heavy construction bidding software for detailed cost estimation, resource planning, and bid analysis.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive construction management platform with advanced estimating, bidding, and bid board integration for contractors.
Bid Board with automated ITB distribution, real-time subcontractor responses, and analytics for bid leveling
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with advanced bidding and estimating tools designed specifically for contractors. It enables users to create detailed takeoffs, manage subcontractor invitations to bid via the Bid Board, and collaborate in real-time on bid documents. The software streamlines the entire bid process, from solicitation to award, while integrating seamlessly with downstream project management features for a unified workflow.
Pros
- Robust Bid Board for efficient subcontractor management and bid tracking
- Advanced estimating tools with digital takeoff and quantity integration
- Seamless integration with full project management suite for bid-to-build transition
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive feature set
- High pricing that may overwhelm small contractors
- Customization can require additional setup time
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms seeking an all-in-one platform for bidding, estimating, and project execution.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $500+/month per project or $375-$675/user/month, with enterprise tiers.
Buildertrend
enterpriseAll-in-one project management software for residential contractors featuring estimating, scheduling, and client proposals.
Integrated bid management with automatic change order generation and client approval portals
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform tailored for contractors, with robust bidding and estimating tools that enable digital takeoffs, cost calculations, and bid creation. It streamlines the bidding process by integrating subcontractor management, real-time cost tracking, and client approval workflows. Beyond bidding, it offers full project management, scheduling, and financial tools to support end-to-end operations.
Pros
- Advanced estimating with digital takeoff and assemblies library
- Seamless integration of bids with scheduling and financials
- Mobile app and client/sub portals for real-time collaboration
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be high for solo or small contractors
- Custom reporting requires workarounds
Best For
Mid-sized contractors and builders needing an all-in-one platform with strong bidding tied to project management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting around $299/month for basic plans, scaling to $500+ for teams with unlimited users and storage.
Stack
specializedAI-powered digital takeoff and estimating software that automates quantity takeoffs and bid generation.
AI-powered bid leveling that automatically compares subcontractor bids on apples-to-apples terms
Stack (stackct.com) is a construction technology platform that specializes in streamlining the bidding process for general contractors and subcontractors. It provides tools for digital bid invitations, submissions, management, and awards, centralizing pre-construction workflows. The software enhances collaboration through real-time updates, document sharing, and bid leveling features, making it easier to select the best subs for projects.
Pros
- Comprehensive bid management with automated invitations and tracking
- Robust subcontractor marketplace for quick sourcing
- Advanced bid leveling and comparison analytics
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small contractors
- Limited integrations with some popular estimating software
- Occasional reports of steep learning curve for new users
Best For
Mid-sized general contractors seeking an all-in-one platform to digitize and optimize subcontractor bidding.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for basic plan; Pro and Enterprise tiers from $499/month with advanced features and support.
PlanSwift
specializedOn-screen takeoff and estimating software designed to accelerate bid preparation from digital plans.
Drag-and-drop assemblies that automatically calculate quantities, costs, and labor in real-time during takeoffs
PlanSwift is a desktop-based takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction contractors, enabling digital measurements from PDFs, blueprints, and CAD files via intuitive point-and-click tools. It automates quantity takeoffs, applies customizable assemblies with labor and material costs, and generates detailed bid reports. The software supports on-site laser integration and exports to accounting systems like QuickBooks for seamless workflow.
Pros
- Extremely fast point-and-click takeoffs with real-time calculations
- Highly customizable assemblies and databases for precise estimating
- Robust integrations with accounting software and laser scanners
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users despite visual interface
- Desktop-only application lacking cloud collaboration features
- High upfront licensing cost with ongoing maintenance fees
Best For
Experienced estimators and contractors handling high-volume, detailed takeoffs from complex blueprints who prioritize speed and customization over cloud accessibility.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $1,595 per user plus ~20% annual maintenance; volume discounts available.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedPDF-based markup and takeoff tool for precise quantity extraction and collaborative bid reviews.
Quantity Link, which automatically syncs PDF measurements to live Excel spreadsheets for real-time bid calculations
Bluebeam Revu is a specialized PDF editor and markup tool designed for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, enabling digital takeoffs, quantity measurements, and collaborative plan reviews essential for contractor bidding. It allows users to measure areas, lengths, and volumes directly from PDF blueprints, export data to Excel, and annotate plans with custom markups. While highly effective for pre-bid document analysis, it functions more as a robust PDF toolkit than a complete bid management platform.
Pros
- Highly accurate digital takeoff and measurement tools with customizable scales
- Seamless integration with Excel via Quantity Link for dynamic estimating
- Strong collaboration features including Studio Sessions for real-time markups
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced takeoff and scripting functions
- No native bid assembly, subcontractor management, or scheduling integration
- Premium pricing without full estimating suite capabilities
Best For
Construction estimators and contractors focused on PDF plan takeoffs and markup who integrate with external estimating software.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $349 (Basics) to $699 (Complete) per user, plus $149-$279 annual maintenance; subscription from $240/year (Basics).
Buildxact
specializedCloud-based takeoff, estimating, and quoting software tailored for residential builders and remodelers.
Real-time supplier price integration for automatic material cost updates in estimates
Buildxact is a cloud-based estimating and takeoff software designed specifically for residential builders, remodelers, and trade contractors to streamline bidding and project management. It enables users to perform digital takeoffs, generate accurate quotes using customizable templates and material libraries, and track job costs in real-time. The platform integrates with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero, and includes features for scheduling, variation management, and supplier price updates.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for rapid quote creation and digital takeoffs
- Pre-built material libraries with real-time pricing from suppliers
- Strong integrations with accounting software and mobile app support
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small operations
- Primarily focused on residential construction with less for commercial
- Some advanced customization requires higher tiers
Best For
Small to medium residential builders and remodelers who need fast, accurate bidding without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month (Basic), $299/month (Pro), $499/month (Premier); annual billing offers discounts.
Knowify
enterpriseJob costing and management platform with integrated estimating and bid management for subcontractors.
Pre-loaded cost databases and customizable assemblies for rapid, accurate bid creation
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for trade contractors and subcontractors, specializing in estimating, bidding, job costing, and project management. It enables users to perform digital takeoffs, create detailed bids with pre-built assemblies and cost databases, and track projects from bid to invoice. The platform integrates seamlessly with accounting tools like QuickBooks, providing end-to-end visibility into costs and profitability.
Pros
- Powerful digital takeoff and estimating tools with industry-specific assemblies
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and other accounting software
- Comprehensive mobile app for on-site bid management and updates
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small contractors or solo users
- Moderate learning curve for non-tech-savvy teams
- Reporting features lack some advanced customization options
Best For
Small to mid-sized trade contractors and subcontractors needing robust bidding and job costing in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month for Essentials plan (billed annually), up to $399/user/month for Enterprise; custom quotes available.
JobTread
specializedConstruction CRM and project management software with customizable estimating and bid templates.
Dynamic Worksheets for creating fully customizable, client-ready bid templates with automatic calculations
JobTread is a cloud-based construction management platform designed specifically for contractors, focusing on bidding, estimating, job costing, scheduling, and project tracking. It enables users to create detailed bids with takeoffs, worksheets, and cost breakdowns, while integrating seamlessly with QuickBooks for financial management. The software also supports time tracking, subcontractor management, and mobile access for on-site updates, making it a comprehensive tool for residential and remodeling contractors.
Pros
- Robust bid builder with customizable worksheets and takeoffs
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for accurate job costing
- Mobile app for real-time field updates and scheduling
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller teams with limited needs
- Reporting features lack advanced customization options
- Steeper learning curve for complex estimating tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized remodeling and construction contractors seeking an integrated bidding and job management solution.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for the Basic plan, $199/user/month for Pro, and $299/user/month for Enterprise (billed annually).
Sage Estimating
enterpriseProfessional estimating software with extensive cost databases and assemblies for accurate bids.
Intelligent, industry-specific databases with millions of historical cost points that automatically suggest and populate accurate assemblies
Sage Estimating is a comprehensive construction estimating software from Sage that enables contractors to produce detailed, accurate bids using a vast database of items, assemblies, and labor rates. It supports digital takeoffs, customizable formulas for cost calculations, and integration with other Sage tools like accounting and project management software. Ideal for managing complex estimates across various trades, it emphasizes precision and historical data reuse to streamline bidding processes.
Pros
- Extensive pre-built database of over 25,000 items and assemblies for rapid bid assembly
- Advanced formula-driven calculations and customizable reporting
- Strong integrations with Sage 300 and other ERP systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Primarily desktop-based with limited mobile/cloud accessibility
Best For
Established mid-to-large construction firms handling complex, multi-trade projects that benefit from database-driven precision.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $4,000-$6,000 per user plus annual maintenance fees of 20-25%; cloud version available via subscription from $2,500/year per user.
HCSS HeavyBid
specializedHeavy construction bidding software for detailed cost estimation, resource planning, and bid analysis.
Bid abstraction sheets with automatic history-based pricing adjustments
HCSS HeavyBid is a robust estimating and bidding software tailored for heavy construction contractors, enabling detailed takeoffs, cost breakdowns, and bid preparation. It excels in managing complex bid items, subcontractor invitations, and historical data analysis to improve bid accuracy. The platform integrates with other HCSS tools for seamless transition from bid to job costing.
Pros
- Powerful historical cost database for accurate estimating
- Advanced subcontractor management and bid leveling
- Strong integration with HCSS job management suite
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High cost and lengthy implementation
- Limited native mobile support
Best For
Large heavy civil contractors handling complex bids that need deep historical analysis and subcontractor coordination.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $5,000+ annually per user with implementation fees.
Conclusion
The top 10 contractor bid software reviewed offer a mix of features, with Procore emerging as the top choice due to its comprehensive construction management platform that integrates estimating, bidding, and bid board tools seamlessly. Buildertrend stands out as a strong alternative for residential contractors with its all-in-one project management approach, while Stack excels for its AI-powered automation in takeoffs and bid generation.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try Procore, the top-ranked tool, to streamline your bidding process and gain a competitive edge.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison