Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procore - Comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform that handles projects from bidding to closeout for general contractors.
- 2#2: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction software for scheduling, estimating, client communication, and financials tailored to residential general contractors.
- 3#3: Autodesk Construction Cloud - Integrated platform connecting design, build, and operations teams with tools for document management, BIM, and project controls.
- 4#4: Fieldwire - Mobile-first field management app for task assignment, plans, photos, and reporting to keep construction teams aligned.
- 5#5: Knowify - Project management and job costing software with estimating, invoicing, and change order tracking for commercial contractors.
- 6#6: JobTread - Customizable construction management tool for estimating, scheduling, CRM, and job costing designed specifically for general contractors.
- 7#7: Raken - Daily construction reporting app that captures photos, notes, manpower, and weather data to streamline site documentation.
- 8#8: Foundation Software - Robust construction accounting software focused on job costing, payroll, and financial reporting for contractors.
- 9#9: Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate - ERP solution providing accounting, project management, and service operations for construction and real estate firms.
- 10#10: CMiC - End-to-end enterprise platform for construction project management, financials, and resource planning.
We ranked these tools based on key features (e.g., project lifecycle management, financial tracking), user experience (ease of integration, intuitive design), and value (return on investment, scalability), ensuring they deliver consistent performance and adapt to varying project scales.
Comparison Table
General contractors rely on software to streamline project workflows, and this comparison table explores top tools like Procore, Buildertrend, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Fieldwire, Knowify, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, collaboration capabilities, and practical fit to identify the best solution for their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procore Comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform that handles projects from bidding to closeout for general contractors. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction software for scheduling, estimating, client communication, and financials tailored to residential general contractors. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Autodesk Construction Cloud Integrated platform connecting design, build, and operations teams with tools for document management, BIM, and project controls. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Fieldwire Mobile-first field management app for task assignment, plans, photos, and reporting to keep construction teams aligned. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Knowify Project management and job costing software with estimating, invoicing, and change order tracking for commercial contractors. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | JobTread Customizable construction management tool for estimating, scheduling, CRM, and job costing designed specifically for general contractors. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Raken Daily construction reporting app that captures photos, notes, manpower, and weather data to streamline site documentation. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Foundation Software Robust construction accounting software focused on job costing, payroll, and financial reporting for contractors. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate ERP solution providing accounting, project management, and service operations for construction and real estate firms. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | CMiC End-to-end enterprise platform for construction project management, financials, and resource planning. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform that handles projects from bidding to closeout for general contractors.
All-in-one construction software for scheduling, estimating, client communication, and financials tailored to residential general contractors.
Integrated platform connecting design, build, and operations teams with tools for document management, BIM, and project controls.
Mobile-first field management app for task assignment, plans, photos, and reporting to keep construction teams aligned.
Project management and job costing software with estimating, invoicing, and change order tracking for commercial contractors.
Customizable construction management tool for estimating, scheduling, CRM, and job costing designed specifically for general contractors.
Daily construction reporting app that captures photos, notes, manpower, and weather data to streamline site documentation.
Robust construction accounting software focused on job costing, payroll, and financial reporting for contractors.
ERP solution providing accounting, project management, and service operations for construction and real estate firms.
End-to-end enterprise platform for construction project management, financials, and resource planning.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based construction management platform that handles projects from bidding to closeout for general contractors.
Portfolio-level financial forecasting and analytics, providing real-time project health insights and cash flow predictions across multiple jobs
Procore is a leading cloud-based construction management platform tailored for general contractors, offering end-to-end tools for preconstruction, project execution, financials, quality, safety, and closeout. It centralizes document management, scheduling, RFIs, submittals, change orders, daily logs, inspections, and budgeting to streamline workflows across office and field teams. With robust mobile apps and integrations, it provides real-time collaboration and data-driven insights for complex projects.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one suite covering bidding, project management, financials, and field operations
- Industry-leading mobile app enabling real-time field data capture and collaboration
- Extensive integrations (QuickBooks, Autodesk, ERP systems) and advanced analytics for insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features, requiring training
- Premium pricing can be prohibitive for small contractors
- Some advanced customizations demand IT support or consultants
Best For
Large general contractors and enterprise firms handling multiple high-value, complex construction projects.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $500–$1,000+ per month per project or $375–$625 per user/month, with enterprise plans scaling accordingly.
Buildertrend
specializedAll-in-one construction software for scheduling, estimating, client communication, and financials tailored to residential general contractors.
Dynamic client portal enabling homeowners to view schedules, approve change orders, and message teams in real-time
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform tailored for general contractors, home builders, and remodelers. It centralizes project workflows with tools for scheduling, budgeting, time tracking, invoicing, and subcontractor management. The software also features robust client portals for real-time updates, document sharing, and communication, alongside a mobile app for on-site productivity.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering full project lifecycle from bid to closeout
- Powerful mobile app with offline capabilities for field teams
- Excellent customer support and training resources
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be expensive for small teams or solo contractors
- Limited customization in reporting compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized general contractors and residential builders seeking an end-to-end solution for project management and client relations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $299/month for Essentials plan (up to 9 users), scaling to $599+/month for Premium tiers with unlimited users and advanced features.
Autodesk Construction Cloud
enterpriseIntegrated platform connecting design, build, and operations teams with tools for document management, BIM, and project controls.
BIM Collaborate Pro for cloud-based model coordination, automated clash detection, and issue resolution across distributed teams
Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for the AEC industry, enabling general contractors to manage projects from design through construction and handover. It integrates BIM collaboration, document management, RFIs, submittals, issues tracking, cost forecasting, and field productivity tools into a single ecosystem. With strong mobile capabilities and real-time data sharing, ACC helps teams reduce rework, improve coordination, and make informed decisions on large-scale projects.
Pros
- Seamless BIM integration and model coordination for clash detection and design review
- Robust project management tools including RFIs, submittals, and cost tracking
- Excellent mobile app for field teams with offline access and real-time updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and numerous modules
- High pricing that may not suit small or mid-sized contractors
- Occasional performance lags with very large models or datasets
Best For
Large general contractors handling complex, BIM-intensive projects that benefit from end-to-end digital collaboration and Autodesk ecosystem integration.
Pricing
Subscription-based; starts at ~$65/user/month for basic plans, with full suites like Autodesk Build at $100+/user/month or custom enterprise pricing.
Fieldwire
specializedMobile-first field management app for task assignment, plans, photos, and reporting to keep construction teams aligned.
Plan hyperlinking, which ties tasks, RFIs, and photos directly to specific blueprint locations for precise field navigation
Fieldwire is a mobile-first construction management platform tailored for general contractors, focusing on field operations like task assignment, plan viewing, and issue tracking. It enables real-time collaboration between office and field teams through annotated photos, punch lists, RFIs, and automated reports. Designed for on-site efficiency, it streamlines daily workflows and improves accountability across projects.
Pros
- Superior mobile app for on-site plan markup and task management
- Real-time updates and collaboration tools reduce communication delays
- Comprehensive reporting and walkthrough features for progress tracking
Cons
- Limited native financial and scheduling modules compared to full-suite competitors
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced features like custom forms
- Integration ecosystem is solid but not as extensive as top alternatives
Best For
General contractors with field-heavy teams needing intuitive mobile tools for daily coordination and plan-based workflows.
Pricing
Free plan for small teams; Pro starts at $29/user/month (billed annually), Business at $54/user/month, Enterprise custom.
Knowify
specializedProject management and job costing software with estimating, invoicing, and change order tracking for commercial contractors.
Automated AIA progress billing with real-time job cost insights tied directly to estimates
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software designed specifically for general contractors, subcontractors, and specialty trades, providing end-to-end tools for estimating, job costing, invoicing, and project tracking. It stands out with robust financial features like AIA billing, progress billing, and real-time job costing, integrated seamlessly with QuickBooks and other accounting platforms. The platform also includes mobile apps for time tracking, change orders, and daily logs, enabling efficient field-to-office workflows.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for accurate financial syncing
- Comprehensive job costing and AIA billing automation
- Strong mobile app for field time tracking and updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be high for small teams
- Limited advanced scheduling and CRM features
Best For
Mid-sized general contractors and subcontractors who prioritize financial accuracy and QuickBooks integration over broad project management bells and whistles.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month (billed annually) for basic plans, up to $199+/user/month for advanced features; custom enterprise pricing available.
JobTread
specializedCustomizable construction management tool for estimating, scheduling, CRM, and job costing designed specifically for general contractors.
Live Job Dashboards providing instant, real-time visibility into job costs, change orders, and profit margins
JobTread is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for general contractors, offering end-to-end tools for estimating, job scheduling, real-time job costing, invoicing, and subcontractor management. It emphasizes profitability tracking through live dashboards that update costs, change orders, and margins in real-time. The platform includes mobile access for on-site updates and integrates with QuickBooks for seamless accounting.
Pros
- Superior real-time job costing and profitability dashboards
- Strong mobile app for field management and updates
- Easy integration with QuickBooks and other accounting tools
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced scheduling and estimating features
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to top competitors
- Pricing scales quickly for teams with multiple users
Best For
Mid-sized general contractors focused on residential remodeling and light commercial projects that need precise financial tracking and job profitability insights.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month (billed annually) for the Pro plan; higher tiers like Business at $199/user/month; custom Enterprise pricing available.
Raken
specializedDaily construction reporting app that captures photos, notes, manpower, and weather data to streamline site documentation.
Automated daily reports that consolidate photos, manpower tracking, quantities, and notes into shareable PDFs in minutes
Raken is a mobile-first construction management platform tailored for general contractors, focusing on streamlining daily field reporting, time tracking, photo documentation, and production logs. It enables field teams to capture job site data in real-time, including manpower, equipment, weather, and issues, then automatically generates professional reports for office sharing. The app emphasizes ease of use on job sites with offline capabilities, bridging the gap between field and office workflows.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app optimized for field use with offline access
- Robust daily reporting that integrates photos, timecards, and production data seamlessly
- Quick report generation and customizable templates for efficient documentation
Cons
- Lacks comprehensive project management tools like advanced scheduling or budgeting
- Integrations are limited compared to broader platforms like Procore
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams without small-business discounts
Best For
General contractors and field supervisors prioritizing daily logs, site documentation, and real-time field-to-office reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $19/user/month (Pro plan, billed annually), $39/user/month (Premier), with custom Enterprise pricing.
Foundation Software
enterpriseRobust construction accounting software focused on job costing, payroll, and financial reporting for contractors.
Advanced Job Cost Ledger providing real-time, drill-down profitability analysis across multi-phase construction projects
Foundation Software is a robust, desktop-based construction accounting ERP system designed specifically for general contractors, offering comprehensive job costing, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger functionality. It excels in tracking project profitability with detailed WIP reports and handles complex requirements like certified payroll and prevailing wage compliance. The software integrates various modules to streamline financial operations for construction firms.
Pros
- Exceptional job costing and WIP reporting for precise profitability tracking
- Strong certified payroll and compliance features for union and prevailing wage jobs
- Highly customizable reports and dashboards tailored to construction needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex, legacy desktop interface
- Limited native mobile and cloud accessibility compared to modern competitors
- High upfront and ongoing costs with perpetual licensing model
Best For
Mid-sized general contractors requiring deep financial accounting and job cost control without heavy reliance on field management tools.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $10,000-$20,000+ for core modules, plus $2,000-$5,000 annual maintenance per user; custom quotes based on modules and users.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
enterpriseERP solution providing accounting, project management, and service operations for construction and real estate firms.
Sophisticated job cost ledger with real-time variance analysis and retainage handling
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is a comprehensive ERP software tailored for construction and real estate firms, focusing on job costing, project accounting, and financial management. It provides tools for estimating, subcontract management, payroll, and service operations, enabling general contractors to track costs across multiple projects accurately. With strong integration capabilities and customizable reporting, it supports complex, multi-entity operations but requires significant setup.
Pros
- Robust job costing and project financial tracking
- Advanced reporting and customizable dashboards
- Seamless integration with Microsoft Office and other Sage tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- Outdated on-premise interface lacking modern cloud mobility
- High upfront costs and long implementation time
Best For
Mid-to-large general contractors needing in-depth back-office accounting and multi-project financial control.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $5,000-$15,000+ annually for base modules plus per-user fees, with substantial one-time implementation costs.
CMiC
enterpriseEnd-to-end enterprise platform for construction project management, financials, and resource planning.
Unified single-database platform that ensures real-time data consistency across all construction ERP functions without silos.
CMiC is a comprehensive, cloud-based ERP platform tailored for construction firms, offering end-to-end solutions for general contractors including financial management, project controls, field operations, HR, and procurement. It unifies data across modules to streamline workflows from pre-construction bidding to project closeout. With mobile accessibility and advanced analytics, it supports real-time decision-making for large-scale operations.
Pros
- Fully integrated single-database architecture for seamless data flow
- Robust project financials and job costing capabilities
- Scalable for enterprise-level contractors with strong compliance tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- Lengthy and costly implementation process
- Opaque pricing requires custom quotes
Best For
Large general contractors managing complex, multi-project portfolios who need a unified enterprise ERP.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on modules and users; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase diverse strengths, with Procore emerging as the top choice, offering a comprehensive cloud-based platform that guides projects from start to finish. Close behind, Buildertrend excels for residential contractors with its focused mix of scheduling, estimating, and client tools, while Autodesk Construction Cloud stands out for its integration of design, BIM, and operational workflows, catering to those prioritizing cross-team collaboration.
Take the first step toward more efficient project management by exploring Procore—its robust features can help streamline your processes, enhance coordination, and elevate your overall performance.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison