Quick Overview
- 1#1: Buildxact - Cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software designed for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate quotes quickly.
- 2#2: Stack - AI-powered digital takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for construction projects.
- 3#3: ProEst - Cloud-based estimating solution for construction professionals offering database-driven takeoffs, assemblies, and bid management.
- 4#4: Clear Estimates - Online estimating tool for contractors that generates professional proposals with customizable templates and real-time pricing.
- 5#5: Leap - Digital sales and operations platform for home improvement contractors featuring instant estimating and CRM integration.
- 6#6: Knowify - Cloud construction management software with integrated job costing, estimating, and invoicing for subcontractors.
- 7#7: Jobber - Field service management software that includes professional quoting and estimating tools for home service businesses.
- 8#8: Housecall Pro - All-in-one platform for home service pros providing mobile estimating, scheduling, and invoicing capabilities.
- 9#9: Joist - Mobile app for small contractors to create and send professional estimates, invoices, and payments on the go.
- 10#10: Method - Online estimating and project management tool tailored for trade contractors with customizable price lists and client portals.
Tools were selected based on key metrics: core functionality (including takeoff precision, automation, and integration), user experience (ease of use and interface design), technical reliability, and overall value to ensure they meet the demands of professionals across varying project scales.
Comparison Table
Online estimating software simplifies project planning, from cost breakdowns to resource tracking, and selecting the right tool enhances efficiency and accuracy. This comparison table explores top options like Buildxact, Stack, ProEst, Clear Estimates, Leap, and more, helping readers identify software tailored to their workflows, team size, and project complexity.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buildxact Cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software designed for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate quotes quickly. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Stack AI-powered digital takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for construction projects. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ProEst Cloud-based estimating solution for construction professionals offering database-driven takeoffs, assemblies, and bid management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Clear Estimates Online estimating tool for contractors that generates professional proposals with customizable templates and real-time pricing. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Leap Digital sales and operations platform for home improvement contractors featuring instant estimating and CRM integration. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Knowify Cloud construction management software with integrated job costing, estimating, and invoicing for subcontractors. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Jobber Field service management software that includes professional quoting and estimating tools for home service businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Housecall Pro All-in-one platform for home service pros providing mobile estimating, scheduling, and invoicing capabilities. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Joist Mobile app for small contractors to create and send professional estimates, invoices, and payments on the go. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Method Online estimating and project management tool tailored for trade contractors with customizable price lists and client portals. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
Cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software designed for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate quotes quickly.
AI-powered digital takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for construction projects.
Cloud-based estimating solution for construction professionals offering database-driven takeoffs, assemblies, and bid management.
Online estimating tool for contractors that generates professional proposals with customizable templates and real-time pricing.
Digital sales and operations platform for home improvement contractors featuring instant estimating and CRM integration.
Cloud construction management software with integrated job costing, estimating, and invoicing for subcontractors.
Field service management software that includes professional quoting and estimating tools for home service businesses.
All-in-one platform for home service pros providing mobile estimating, scheduling, and invoicing capabilities.
Mobile app for small contractors to create and send professional estimates, invoices, and payments on the go.
Online estimating and project management tool tailored for trade contractors with customizable price lists and client portals.
Buildxact
specializedCloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software designed for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate quotes quickly.
Real-time integrated supplier pricing database that pulls live costs directly into estimates for unmatched accuracy.
Buildxact is a cloud-based online estimating and takeoff software tailored for residential builders, remodelers, and small to medium construction firms. It enables quick creation of professional estimates using customizable templates, 2D/3D takeoffs, and real-time material pricing from integrated suppliers. The platform also includes job costing, scheduling, client selections, and seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero for end-to-end project management.
Pros
- Lightning-fast estimating with pre-built templates and automated calculations
- Live supplier pricing integration for accurate, up-to-date costs
- Comprehensive job management including takeoffs, scheduling, and client portals
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced takeoff features
- Limited customization options for highly specialized workflows
Best For
Residential builders and remodelers who need accurate, professional estimates integrated with full job management.
Pricing
Tiered subscriptions starting at $149/month (Essentials) up to $399/month (Premium), billed annually with custom enterprise options.
Stack
specializedAI-powered digital takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for construction projects.
Advanced digital takeoff engine that automatically detects and quantifies items from plans with high precision
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform tailored for construction professionals, enabling precise on-screen measurements from digital plans and PDF uploads. It features customizable assemblies, real-time collaboration, and automated bid generation to accelerate the preconstruction bidding process. The software integrates seamlessly with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Sage, while offering mobile access for field updates.
Pros
- Highly accurate on-screen takeoff tools with PDF support
- Real-time team collaboration and cloud accessibility
- Extensive integrations with accounting and project management software
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for complex assemblies
- Higher pricing may deter small solo operators
- Limited customization in reporting templates
Best For
Mid-sized construction contractors and estimators seeking robust, collaborative takeoff and bidding tools.
Pricing
Starts at $2,499/year for Essentials (1 user), $4,999/year for Pro (up to 5 users), with Enterprise custom pricing.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud-based estimating solution for construction professionals offering database-driven takeoffs, assemblies, and bid management.
Highly customizable estimating database with historical bid intelligence and supplier price feeds for dynamic accuracy
ProEst is a cloud-based estimating software tailored for the construction industry, enabling users to perform digital takeoffs, assemble detailed cost estimates from a vast database of items and assemblies, and manage bids efficiently. It integrates seamlessly with accounting systems like Sage 300 and project management tools like Procore, supporting real-time collaboration and mobile access. The platform emphasizes accuracy through features like historical bid data analysis and customizable reporting, streamlining the pre-construction process for contractors.
Pros
- Comprehensive database of assemblies and real-time cost updates for precise estimating
- Strong integrations with ERP, accounting, and PM software like Sage and Procore
- Digital takeoff tools with audit trails and mobile accessibility for field use
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth and somewhat dated interface
- Quote-based pricing can be expensive for small firms or solo estimators
- Limited advanced AI or automation compared to newer competitors
Best For
Mid-sized construction contractors in general, electrical, or mechanical trades needing robust, database-driven estimating with enterprise integrations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $4,000-$6,000 per user/year depending on modules and user count; free demo available.
Clear Estimates
specializedOnline estimating tool for contractors that generates professional proposals with customizable templates and real-time pricing.
Drag-and-drop assembly library with thousands of pre-priced items tailored for remodeling projects
Clear Estimates is a cloud-based estimating software designed specifically for home improvement contractors and remodelers to create professional bids and proposals quickly. It features a vast library of pre-built assemblies, drag-and-drop functionality, and seamless QuickBooks integration for accurate pricing and invoicing. The platform also supports mobile access, photo attachments, and customizable templates to streamline the estimating process from site to client approval.
Pros
- Extensive drag-and-drop assembly library for rapid estimate creation
- Seamless QuickBooks Online integration for effortless accounting
- Mobile app for on-site estimating and client approvals
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small operations
- Steeper learning curve for non-remodeling users
- Limited advanced reporting compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Remodeling contractors and home service pros who prioritize speed and accuracy in creating professional bids on the go.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month for solo users (Pro plan), scales to $495/month for teams (Enterprise), with a 30-day free trial.
Leap
specializedDigital sales and operations platform for home improvement contractors featuring instant estimating and CRM integration.
Embedded one-click financing applications that provide instant approvals within estimates
Leap is an all-in-one sales enablement platform tailored for home service contractors, providing fast online estimating tools to generate accurate proposals on-site or remotely. It integrates digital contracts, scheduling, and financing options to streamline the entire sales process from lead to close. Primarily designed for trades like roofing, HVAC, solar, and remodeling, it helps contractors win more jobs with professional, customizable estimates delivered via mobile app or web.
Pros
- Seamless integration of estimating with instant financing approvals
- Mobile-first design for on-site proposal generation
- Customizable templates and automation to speed up sales cycles
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small or solo contractors
- Best suited for specific home services industries, less flexible for general use
- Full feature set requires training and integrations
Best For
Home service contractors in roofing, HVAC, solar, or remodeling who need integrated estimating, financing, and sales tools to close deals faster.
Pricing
Custom pricing typically starts at $149/user/month, with tiers based on features and volume; free demo available.
Knowify
enterpriseCloud construction management software with integrated job costing, estimating, and invoicing for subcontractors.
Pre-built assemblies and digital takeoff tools that enable rapid, standardized estimating directly linked to job costing
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management platform specializing in online estimating for trade contractors, featuring digital takeoff tools, customizable assemblies, and real-time cost tracking from bid to job completion. It streamlines the estimating process by integrating with accounting software like QuickBooks for accurate job costing and invoicing. The software also supports project management, time tracking, and mobile access, making it a comprehensive solution for subcontractors in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and similar trades.
Pros
- Powerful assembly library and digital takeoff for fast, accurate estimates
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for job costing and invoicing
- Mobile app for on-site updates and real-time collaboration
Cons
- Learning curve for complex estimating workflows
- Pricing can be high for solo contractors or very small teams
- Limited flexibility outside construction-specific use cases
Best For
Small to mid-sized trade contractors and subcontractors needing integrated estimating, job costing, and project management.
Pricing
Tiered subscription starting at $99/user/month for Essentials, up to $399/user/month for Enterprise, with annual discounts available.
Jobber
specializedField service management software that includes professional quoting and estimating tools for home service businesses.
The branded Client Hub, allowing clients to instantly view, approve estimates, and pay deposits online without needing software.
Jobber is an all-in-one field service management platform with robust online estimating tools designed for home service businesses like landscaping, HVAC, and plumbing. It enables users to create professional, customizable quotes with line items, pricing rules, discounts, and attachments, then send them via email or a branded client hub for easy online review and approval. Beyond estimating, it integrates seamlessly with scheduling, invoicing, payments, and CRM to manage the full job lifecycle from quote to completion.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop quote builder with templates and automation
- Client hub for self-service approvals, signatures, and payments
- Strong mobile app for on-site estimating and real-time updates
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and features
- Lacks advanced takeoff or CAD integration for complex estimates
- Some customization requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized field service businesses needing integrated estimating within broader job management workflows.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month for Core (1 user, billed monthly) or $49/user/month annually; Connect at $169/month ($119/user annually, min 2 users); Grow at $349/month ($199/user annually, min 5 users).
Housecall Pro
specializedAll-in-one platform for home service pros providing mobile estimating, scheduling, and invoicing capabilities.
One-click conversion of approved estimates into scheduled jobs and invoices
Housecall Pro is an all-in-one business management platform for home service professionals like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians, with strong online estimating capabilities integrated into its scheduling and invoicing tools. Users can build customized estimates on mobile devices or desktops using templates, line items, and pricing rules, then send them digitally for customer review, signatures, and approvals. Estimates seamlessly convert to jobs, invoices, or contracts, streamlining the sales-to-service process.
Pros
- Robust mobile estimating with templates and real-time pricing calculations
- Seamless integration of estimates into scheduling and payments
- Digital signatures and customer portal for quick approvals
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like unlimited users
- Steeper learning curve for non-estimating modules
- Limited customization in estimate templates compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Home service businesses seeking an integrated platform where estimating flows directly into operations and payments.
Pricing
Starts at $65 per user/month (Essentials plan, billed annually), with Plus at $129 and Pro at $229 per user/month; add-ons for payments and marketing available.
Joist
specializedMobile app for small contractors to create and send professional estimates, invoices, and payments on the go.
One-tap estimate generation from customizable templates directly in the mobile app
Joist is a mobile-first cloud-based platform tailored for small service businesses like contractors and tradespeople, enabling quick creation of professional estimates, invoices, and quotes directly from smartphones or tablets. It streamlines on-site workflows with features for job tracking, payment collection, and basic scheduling. The software integrates with QuickBooks for seamless accounting and emphasizes speed and simplicity over complex enterprise tools.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for rapid on-site estimating
- Integrated payment processing with no extra fees on some plans
- Free tier with unlimited estimates and invoices for basic use
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Basic template library lacks depth for specialized trades
Best For
Solo contractors or small service teams needing fast, mobile estimates without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free plan for unlimited estimates/invoices; paid plans start at $19/month (Essentials) up to $49/month (Pro) with annual discounts.
Method
specializedOnline estimating and project management tool tailored for trade contractors with customizable price lists and client portals.
Native two-way sync with QuickBooks Online and Desktop for instant estimate-to-invoice accounting updates
Method (usemethod.com) is a cloud-based CRM platform with built-in estimating and quoting capabilities designed for service-based businesses like contractors and field service providers. It enables users to create customizable estimates, generate professional quotes, and seamlessly convert them into invoices while integrating directly with QuickBooks for real-time accounting sync. The software stands out by combining CRM, project management, and estimating in one customizable dashboard, reducing the need for multiple tools.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated accounting
- Highly customizable templates and workflows for estimates
- All-in-one platform combining CRM, estimating, and invoicing
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Lacks advanced takeoff and CAD integration for complex construction estimating
- Higher cost for teams needing premium features
Best For
Small to medium service-based businesses seeking an integrated CRM and estimating solution with strong accounting ties.
Pricing
Starts at $25/user/month (Method Starter), up to $98/user/month (Method Enterprise), billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
Conclusion
The top 10 online estimating tools showcase varied strengths, with Buildxact leading as the best choice—its cloud-based takeoff and quick quote generation excel for residential builders and remodelers. Stack and ProEst follow closely, offering unique advantages: Stack’s AI automation simplifies quantity takeoffs, while ProEst’s database-driven tools suit broader construction needs, making them strong alternatives for different project types. Ultimately, Buildxact, Stack, and ProEst deliver, with Buildxact emerging as the top pick for efficiency and reliability.
Try Buildxact today to transform your estimating process—saving time and boosting accuracy, whether you’re a builder or looking to streamline quotes, setting your projects up for success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison