Quick Overview
- 1#1: Trimble AccuBid - Comprehensive electrical estimating and takeoff software for precise bidding and cost management on complex projects.
- 2#2: ConEst IntelliBid - Database-driven electrical bidding software that automates estimates and supports detailed labor and material takeoffs.
- 3#3: Electric Ease - Intuitive electrical estimating tool that streamlines bidding with pre-built assemblies and quick calculations.
- 4#4: PataBid Pro - AI-assisted MEP estimating software optimized for fast electrical takeoffs and accurate bid generation.
- 5#5: Stack - Cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform that enables collaborative electrical bidding workflows.
- 6#6: PlanSwift - Digital plan takeoff software with estimating features tailored for electrical contractors' bidding needs.
- 7#7: ProEst - Cloud estimating solution with electrical-specific databases for efficient bid preparation and management.
- 8#8: Sage Estimating - Robust construction estimating software featuring extensive electrical item libraries for competitive bidding.
- 9#9: Bluebeam Revu - PDF markup and takeoff tool that supports electrical contractors in preparing detailed bids from plans.
- 10#10: Togal.AI - AI-powered automated takeoff software that speeds up electrical quantity extraction for bidding.
Tools were evaluated based on key factors including feature set (e.g., AI takeoff, collaboration), user experience, data accuracy, and value, ensuring the list identifies the most indispensable platforms for modern electrical contracting.
Comparison Table
Electrical bidding software is essential for efficient project management, and this comparison table showcases tools like Trimble AccuBid, ConEst IntelliBid, Electric Ease, PataBid Pro, Stack, and more. Readers will learn about key features, usability, and suitability to choose the right fit for their contracting needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trimble AccuBid Comprehensive electrical estimating and takeoff software for precise bidding and cost management on complex projects. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | ConEst IntelliBid Database-driven electrical bidding software that automates estimates and supports detailed labor and material takeoffs. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Electric Ease Intuitive electrical estimating tool that streamlines bidding with pre-built assemblies and quick calculations. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | PataBid Pro AI-assisted MEP estimating software optimized for fast electrical takeoffs and accurate bid generation. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Stack Cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform that enables collaborative electrical bidding workflows. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | PlanSwift Digital plan takeoff software with estimating features tailored for electrical contractors' bidding needs. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | ProEst Cloud estimating solution with electrical-specific databases for efficient bid preparation and management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Sage Estimating Robust construction estimating software featuring extensive electrical item libraries for competitive bidding. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Bluebeam Revu PDF markup and takeoff tool that supports electrical contractors in preparing detailed bids from plans. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Togal.AI AI-powered automated takeoff software that speeds up electrical quantity extraction for bidding. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 6.8/10 |
Comprehensive electrical estimating and takeoff software for precise bidding and cost management on complex projects.
Database-driven electrical bidding software that automates estimates and supports detailed labor and material takeoffs.
Intuitive electrical estimating tool that streamlines bidding with pre-built assemblies and quick calculations.
AI-assisted MEP estimating software optimized for fast electrical takeoffs and accurate bid generation.
Cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform that enables collaborative electrical bidding workflows.
Digital plan takeoff software with estimating features tailored for electrical contractors' bidding needs.
Cloud estimating solution with electrical-specific databases for efficient bid preparation and management.
Robust construction estimating software featuring extensive electrical item libraries for competitive bidding.
PDF markup and takeoff tool that supports electrical contractors in preparing detailed bids from plans.
AI-powered automated takeoff software that speeds up electrical quantity extraction for bidding.
Trimble AccuBid
specializedComprehensive electrical estimating and takeoff software for precise bidding and cost management on complex projects.
Industry-leading database of over 120,000 verified electrical assemblies with dynamic labor units and conduit fill calculations
Trimble AccuBid is a premier electrical estimating and bidding software tailored for electrical contractors, offering a comprehensive database of over 120,000 pre-built assemblies, labor units, and material costs for accurate bid preparation. It streamlines the entire process from digital takeoff and quantity calculation to labor factoring and bid formatting, with advanced features like conceptual estimating and integration with Trimble's project management ecosystem. Widely regarded as the industry standard, it enables users to produce professional bids faster and with greater precision than manual methods.
Pros
- Massive database of 120,000+ electrical items with real-world labor and pricing data
- Powerful digital takeoff and automated assemblies for rapid estimating
- Seamless integration with Trimble Connect and other construction software
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- High upfront cost and requires Windows environment
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to cloud-native competitors
Best For
Established electrical contractors managing large-scale commercial and industrial projects that demand pinpoint bidding accuracy and speed.
Pricing
Starts at around $5,000 for a single-user perpetual license, plus annual maintenance (~20%) and optional modules; enterprise pricing customized.
ConEst IntelliBid
specializedDatabase-driven electrical bidding software that automates estimates and supports detailed labor and material takeoffs.
IntelliAssemblies with built-in electrical intelligence for automatic conduit fill, wire sizing, and labor optimization
ConEst IntelliBid is a robust estimating and bidding software designed specifically for electrical contractors, offering digital takeoff, assembly-based estimating, and comprehensive bid management. It features an extensive library of pre-built electrical assemblies, automatic labor calculations, and tools for conduit fill, voltage drop, and panel schedules. The software integrates with accounting systems and supports detailed reporting to streamline the entire bidding process from takeoff to proposal.
Pros
- Vast library of electrical-specific assemblies and databases for accurate estimating
- Advanced digital takeoff with precise measuring and annotation tools
- Customizable labor factoring and automatic calculations for conduit, voltage drop, and more
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training time
- Dated user interface compared to modern cloud-based alternatives
- High upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees
Best For
Mid-to-large electrical contractors managing complex commercial and industrial projects that require highly detailed and precise bidding.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $5,000-$10,000 per seat with 18-20% annual maintenance; subscription options available from $300/month.
Electric Ease
specializedIntuitive electrical estimating tool that streamlines bidding with pre-built assemblies and quick calculations.
Pre-built electrical assemblies that auto-populate labor units, material costs, and overheads based on regional data
Electric Ease is a cloud-based electrical estimating and bidding software tailored for electrical contractors, enabling digital takeoffs from PDFs and CAD files, assembly-based cost calculations, and professional bid generation. It features a vast library of electrical-specific assemblies for accurate labor and material pricing, along with tools for project tracking and mobile access. The platform integrates with popular accounting software to streamline workflows from bid to job completion.
Pros
- Extensive electrical-specific assembly library for quick, accurate estimating
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop takeoff tools
- Cloud-based with strong mobile app for field use
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations beyond basic accounting tools
- Advanced customization requires some training
- Higher pricing tiers needed for multi-user teams
Best For
Mid-sized electrical contractors seeking specialized, user-friendly bidding tools without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for basic plan; scales to $199+/user/month for advanced features and unlimited projects.
PataBid Pro
specializedAI-assisted MEP estimating software optimized for fast electrical takeoffs and accurate bid generation.
Real-time pricing database pulled directly from supplier feeds for electrical materials and labor
PataBid Pro is a cloud-based estimating and bidding software tailored for electrical contractors, offering digital plan takeoff, automated quantity calculations, and a comprehensive database of electrical assemblies with real-time pricing. It streamlines the bidding process by integrating material costs, labor rates, and bid management tools into a single platform. Users can generate accurate proposals quickly, collaborate with teams, and export to Excel or accounting software like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Extensive electrical-specific item database with live pricing updates
- Powerful digital takeoff tools for precise quantity extraction
- Strong integration with popular accounting and project management software
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be higher for smaller firms
- Limited mobile functionality compared to desktop version
Best For
Mid-sized electrical contractors handling complex commercial projects who need accurate, data-driven bidding.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $149/user/month for basic plan, scaling to $299+/user/month for enterprise features; custom quotes available.
Stack
enterpriseCloud-based takeoff and estimating platform that enables collaborative electrical bidding workflows.
Pre-loaded database of thousands of electrical assemblies tailored for NEC-compliant estimating
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based platform tailored for electrical contractors, focusing on streamlining the bidding process through digital takeoffs, estimating, and bid management. It features pre-built electrical assemblies, plan viewing, and collaboration tools to help generate accurate bids quickly. Beyond bidding, it extends into project management to track jobs from estimate to completion, making it a comprehensive solution for electrical subcontractors.
Pros
- Extensive library of electrical-specific assemblies for fast estimating
- Cloud-based collaboration and mobile access for on-site use
- Integrated takeoff and bidding workflow reduces manual errors
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to larger platforms
- Steeper learning curve for complex custom assemblies
- Pricing can be high for solo or very small operations
Best For
Mid-sized electrical contractors seeking an all-in-one tool for bidding and basic project tracking without needing extensive customizations.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $150/user/month, with enterprise plans custom-quoted based on team size and features.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital plan takeoff software with estimating features tailored for electrical contractors' bidding needs.
Drag-and-drop assemblies for rapid electrical system estimation
PlanSwift is a versatile digital takeoff and estimating software designed for construction trades, including electrical bidding, allowing users to import PDF plans and perform precise on-screen measurements of electrical components like conduits, wiring, and fixtures. It features customizable assemblies and databases to automate quantity calculations and generate bids exportable to Excel or accounting systems. While powerful for takeoffs, it requires user setup for electrical-specific pricing and labor.
Pros
- Fast point-and-click takeoffs from digital plans
- Customizable assemblies for electrical items like panels and runs
- Seamless Excel export and QuickBooks integration
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Lacks built-in NEC codes or electrical-specific labor tables
- Desktop-only (Windows), no mobile or cloud access
Best For
Electrical contractors focused on accurate quantity takeoffs from blueprints who are comfortable with customization.
Pricing
One-time license starts at ~$1,749 per user, plus annual maintenance (~20% of license cost); volume discounts available.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud estimating solution with electrical-specific databases for efficient bid preparation and management.
On-screen digital takeoff integrated directly with estimating engine for faster, error-reduced electrical quantity calculations
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating and bidding software that supports electrical contractors with digital takeoff tools, customizable cost databases, and automated bid creation. It enables users to import blueprints, perform precise quantity takeoffs for wiring, fixtures, and panels, and generate detailed electrical bids with real-time material and labor pricing. The platform integrates with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Sage, facilitating seamless transition from bid to project management.
Pros
- Comprehensive electrical assemblies and cost database for accurate estimates
- Real-time pricing updates from supplier integrations
- Strong integration with popular construction accounting software
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced takeoff and customization features
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small firms
- Limited specialization in electrical-specific workflows compared to niche tools
Best For
Mid-sized electrical contractors managing complex commercial projects who require scalable, integrated bidding and estimating.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $5,000–$15,000 annually depending on users, modules, and add-ons.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseRobust construction estimating software featuring extensive electrical item libraries for competitive bidding.
Intelligent Visual Assemblies that use parametric formulas to automatically scale electrical bids based on project variables like voltage, distance, and conduit type
Sage Estimating is a robust construction cost estimating software from Sage, tailored for detailed bidding across trades including electrical work. It leverages an extensive database of pre-built electrical assemblies, items, and labor units to generate accurate bids from takeoffs. The tool supports formula intelligence for dynamic calculations and integrates with Sage accounting and project management solutions for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Vast electrical-specific database with thousands of assemblies and items
- Formula-driven intelligence for precise, customizable calculations
- Strong integration with Sage 300 and other construction tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High pricing with custom quotes
- Primarily desktop-based with limited cloud/mobile access
Best For
Mid-to-large electrical contractors managing complex commercial and industrial projects that require detailed, database-driven estimating integrated with accounting.
Pricing
Custom quotes; typically $4,000–$6,000 per user annually for subscription, or perpetual licenses starting at $5,000+ with 20% annual maintenance.
Bluebeam Revu
otherPDF markup and takeoff tool that supports electrical contractors in preparing detailed bids from plans.
Customizable tool chests and dynamic measurement summaries for electrical quantity takeoffs with visual legends
Bluebeam Revu is a versatile PDF editor and markup tool designed for the AEC industry, allowing electrical contractors to perform digital takeoffs, measurements, and annotations directly on bid documents like blueprints and schematics. It excels in quantity estimation through customizable toolsets for counting conduits, panels, and fixtures, with export options to spreadsheets for further bidding analysis. While not a dedicated estimating platform, it streamlines the pre-bid review process and integrates with specialized electrical bidding software.
Pros
- Highly accurate measurement and takeoff tools with electrical-specific custom sets
- Real-time collaboration via Bluebeam Studio for team bid reviews
- Robust PDF editing and markup capabilities for handling complex electrical plans
Cons
- No built-in material/labor cost databases or automated bid generation
- Subscription model can be costly for small firms without full estimating needs
- Limited native support for electrical-specific calculations like load balancing
Best For
Electrical contractors focused on digital plan takeoffs and markup who already use complementary estimating software.
Pricing
Subscription-based: Basics at $240/user/year, Core at $300/user/year, Complete at $350/user/year; perpetual licenses also available starting at $200.
Togal.AI
specializedAI-powered automated takeoff software that speeds up electrical quantity extraction for bidding.
Patented AI computer vision that automatically detects and quantifies electrical components from plans in seconds
Togal.AI is an AI-powered takeoff and estimating platform designed to automate quantity extraction from construction blueprints, significantly speeding up the bidding process. For electrical bidding, it uses computer vision to detect and measure elements like fixtures, panels, conduits, and symbols from PDF plans. While effective for initial takeoffs, it excels more in general construction than highly specialized electrical workflows, often requiring manual tweaks for complex calculations.
Pros
- Rapid AI-driven takeoffs reduce manual measurement time by up to 90%
- Cloud-based collaboration for team bidding workflows
- Custom AI training improves accuracy over time for electrical symbols
Cons
- Lacks deep electrical-specific tools like panel schedules or voltage drop calculations
- Occasional inaccuracies in detecting complex electrical layouts requiring verification
- Higher pricing may not justify for small electrical contractors
Best For
Mid-sized electrical contractors seeking to accelerate blueprint takeoffs in general construction bids without needing ultra-specialized electrical software.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for Pro plan (billed annually), with custom enterprise pricing; free trial available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools provide solid options for streamlining electrical bidding, with Trimble AccuBid leading as the top choice, boasting comprehensive estimating and cost management for complex projects. ConEst IntelliBid and Electric Ease are strong alternatives, offering automated estimates and intuitive interfaces, respectively, to suit varied needs. All top-ranked tools deliver value, enhancing efficiency in bid preparation and management.
Take the first step to optimize your bidding workflow—try Trimble AccuBid to experience its precision and functionality firsthand.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
