Quick Overview
- 1#1: PaintScout - Mobile estimating app designed specifically for painting contractors to create professional, accurate paint job estimates on-site.
- 2#2: Estimating Edge - Comprehensive business management software with advanced paint estimating, takeoff, and job costing tailored for painting contractors.
- 3#3: SuccessWare - ERP system for painting and coatings contractors featuring precise estimating, scheduling, and project management tools.
- 4#4: Xactimate - Industry-standard estimating software used for detailed insurance restoration and painting cost calculations with vast pricing databases.
- 5#5: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff and estimating software that excels in quickly measuring paint quantities from blueprints and generating bids.
- 6#6: Bluebeam Revu - PDF-based markup and takeoff tool widely used by estimators for accurate area measurements and paint quantity calculations.
- 7#7: Stack - Cloud-based AI-assisted construction takeoff and estimating platform that supports fast paint surface calculations from digital plans.
- 8#8: ProEst - Cloud estimating software with customizable assemblies for paint jobs, integrating real-time material pricing and labor costs.
- 9#9: Jobber - Field service management platform with simple estimating tools for painters, including quoting, invoicing, and scheduling.
- 10#10: Housecall Pro - All-in-one business software for home service pros like painters, offering quick estimate creation and job tracking features.
We ranked these tools by evaluating feature breadth (including takeoff, material pricing, and scheduling), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the demands of modern professional painting operations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores popular paint estimating software tools, such as PaintScout, Estimating Edge, SuccessWare, Xactimate, PlanSwift, and others, to highlight their unique features and usability. Readers will gain insights to evaluate which tool best fits their project needs, from efficiency to cost-saving capabilities.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PaintScout Mobile estimating app designed specifically for painting contractors to create professional, accurate paint job estimates on-site. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Estimating Edge Comprehensive business management software with advanced paint estimating, takeoff, and job costing tailored for painting contractors. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | SuccessWare ERP system for painting and coatings contractors featuring precise estimating, scheduling, and project management tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Xactimate Industry-standard estimating software used for detailed insurance restoration and painting cost calculations with vast pricing databases. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff and estimating software that excels in quickly measuring paint quantities from blueprints and generating bids. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Bluebeam Revu PDF-based markup and takeoff tool widely used by estimators for accurate area measurements and paint quantity calculations. | other | 7.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.7/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 7 | Stack Cloud-based AI-assisted construction takeoff and estimating platform that supports fast paint surface calculations from digital plans. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | ProEst Cloud estimating software with customizable assemblies for paint jobs, integrating real-time material pricing and labor costs. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | Jobber Field service management platform with simple estimating tools for painters, including quoting, invoicing, and scheduling. | other | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Housecall Pro All-in-one business software for home service pros like painters, offering quick estimate creation and job tracking features. | other | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
Mobile estimating app designed specifically for painting contractors to create professional, accurate paint job estimates on-site.
Comprehensive business management software with advanced paint estimating, takeoff, and job costing tailored for painting contractors.
ERP system for painting and coatings contractors featuring precise estimating, scheduling, and project management tools.
Industry-standard estimating software used for detailed insurance restoration and painting cost calculations with vast pricing databases.
Digital takeoff and estimating software that excels in quickly measuring paint quantities from blueprints and generating bids.
PDF-based markup and takeoff tool widely used by estimators for accurate area measurements and paint quantity calculations.
Cloud-based AI-assisted construction takeoff and estimating platform that supports fast paint surface calculations from digital plans.
Cloud estimating software with customizable assemblies for paint jobs, integrating real-time material pricing and labor costs.
Field service management platform with simple estimating tools for painters, including quoting, invoicing, and scheduling.
All-in-one business software for home service pros like painters, offering quick estimate creation and job tracking features.
PaintScout
specializedMobile estimating app designed specifically for painting contractors to create professional, accurate paint job estimates on-site.
Real-time, photo-embedded estimates generated in under 5 minutes on mobile devices
PaintScout is a specialized estimating and job management software tailored for painting contractors, enabling rapid creation of professional proposals directly from job sites via its intuitive mobile app. It automates calculations for paint quantities, labor, and materials based on user-defined pricing templates and real-time measurements. Beyond estimating, it streamlines scheduling, invoicing, change orders, and client communication, providing a complete workflow solution for painting businesses.
Pros
- Extremely fast on-site estimating with photo integration and automated calculations
- Professional, customizable proposals that impress clients and close deals quicker
- Comprehensive job management including scheduling, invoicing, and progress tracking
Cons
- Subscription pricing can be high for very small or solo operations
- Primarily focused on painting, limiting versatility for multi-trade contractors
- Advanced customization may require initial setup time
Best For
Professional painting contractors and teams seeking a mobile-first tool to streamline estimating, proposals, and job management.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for solo users (Pro plan), $99/month for teams (Plus plan), with Enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial available.
Estimating Edge
specializedComprehensive business management software with advanced paint estimating, takeoff, and job costing tailored for painting contractors.
EdgePaint database with thousands of up-to-date products from brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore for instant, precise material takeoffs
Estimating Edge is a cloud-based estimating software tailored specifically for painting contractors, enabling precise digital takeoffs, material calculations, and professional bid generation. It features an extensive database of paint products from major brands, customizable assemblies for walls, trim, and exteriors, and tools for labor factoring and waste calculations. The platform supports importing blueprints, mobile access for field updates, and seamless proposal creation to win more jobs efficiently.
Pros
- Vast, real-time paint product database with accurate coverage and pricing
- Powerful digital takeoff tools with blueprint import and measuring
- Customizable assemblies and reports for precise, professional bids
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners due to specialized features
- Pricing on the higher end for solo operators
- Limited third-party integrations compared to general construction software
Best For
Mid-sized painting contractors seeking specialized, accurate estimating for complex residential and commercial paint jobs.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month (billed annually) for basic plan; Pro plan at $195/user/month with advanced features and unlimited projects.
SuccessWare
specializedERP system for painting and coatings contractors featuring precise estimating, scheduling, and project management tools.
Paint-specific estimating engine with automatic calculations from blueprints and a comprehensive product database
SuccessWare is a comprehensive business management software tailored for painting contractors, featuring a robust estimating module that calculates paint quantities, labor, materials, and costs from digital takeoffs and blueprints. It integrates estimating with CRM, scheduling, invoicing, and job tracking to streamline operations from bid to payment. The platform includes a vast database of paint products and pricing, making it efficient for professional painters handling complex jobs.
Pros
- Highly accurate paint-specific estimating with material and labor databases
- Seamless integration of estimating with CRM and job management
- Mobile app for on-site access and real-time updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Pricing can be high for small operations
- Primarily Windows-based with limited Mac support
Best For
Mid-sized painting contractors needing an all-in-one platform for precise estimating and full business management.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $149/month for solo users, scaling to $300+ for teams with advanced features.
Xactimate
enterpriseIndustry-standard estimating software used for detailed insurance restoration and painting cost calculations with vast pricing databases.
Dynamic, region-specific price lists with thousands of paint-specific line items that auto-populate based on project location and scope
Xactimate is a comprehensive estimating platform primarily designed for property restoration and insurance claims, featuring an extensive database of line items for painting tasks including surface preparation, priming, and multi-coat applications. It excels in generating detailed, regionally priced estimates with integrated sketching tools for accurate square footage takeoffs specific to paint jobs. While not exclusively a paint estimating tool, it provides robust capabilities for contractors handling paint work within larger restoration projects.
Pros
- Vast, regularly updated price database with localized paint pricing and labor rates
- Integrated sketch and takeoff tools for precise area calculations and paint quantity estimates
- Strong support for insurance claims formatting and integrations with accounting software
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface overwhelming for simple paint jobs
- High subscription costs make it less ideal for small painting contractors
- Overkill for non-restoration paint projects, with features geared more toward full claims estimating
Best For
Restoration contractors and insurance adjusters needing detailed paint estimates as part of comprehensive property damage claims.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$259/month for online access (Essentials plan); higher tiers up to $349/month or annual discounts; desktop version additional fees.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff and estimating software that excels in quickly measuring paint quantities from blueprints and generating bids.
Drag-and-drop assemblies that auto-calculate quantities, waste factors, and costs for repetitive paint elements like walls and trim
PlanSwift is a digital takeoff and estimating software primarily for construction trades, enabling paint estimators to measure surface areas, lengths, and volumes directly from PDFs, CAD files, or scanned blueprints using point-and-click tools. It supports custom assemblies for painting tasks, such as calculating square footage for walls, ceilings, trim, and accounting for doors/windows deductions, with built-in cost databases and reporting. While not exclusively for painting, it streamlines accurate quantity takeoffs and bid generation, integrating with Excel and QuickBooks for comprehensive estimates.
Pros
- Rapid point-and-click takeoffs for precise paint surface measurements
- Customizable assemblies and databases tailored to painting workflows
- Strong export options to Excel and accounting integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced assemblies and customization
- No dedicated mobile app or cloud access for field use
- Windows-only with high system requirements
Best For
Mid-sized painting contractors managing complex blueprints who prioritize accurate digital quantity takeoffs over specialized paint management features.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at ~$1,595 per user, plus ~$300-400 annual maintenance; multi-user discounts available.
Bluebeam Revu
otherPDF-based markup and takeoff tool widely used by estimators for accurate area measurements and paint quantity calculations.
Dynamic Fill measurement tool for automatically calculating areas of irregular shapes like rooms or walls with multi-layer paint applications.
Bluebeam Revu is a versatile PDF editor and markup tool tailored for the AEC industry, enabling precise digital takeoffs and measurements from blueprints essential for paint estimating. It supports area, length, and volume calculations with customizable toolsets for painting-specific annotations like surface types and coats. While powerful for quantity extraction, it requires integration with external spreadsheets for cost calculations, lacking native paint databases or automated bid generation.
Pros
- Highly accurate digital takeoff tools for measuring walls, ceilings, and surfaces
- Customizable symbol libraries and quantity linksets for paint-specific workflows
- Seamless export to Excel for cost estimating and collaboration via Bluebeam Studio
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced takeoff and scripting features
- No built-in cost databases, labor rates, or paint calculators
- Subscription pricing can be high for small painting contractors focused solely on estimating
Best For
Construction estimators and painting contractors handling complex PDF blueprints who integrate takeoffs with external estimating tools.
Pricing
Subscription-based: Basics at $15/month, Core at $25/month, Complete at $35/month per user (billed annually with discounts).
Stack
specializedCloud-based AI-assisted construction takeoff and estimating platform that supports fast paint surface calculations from digital plans.
Intelligent Assemblies library for rapid paint quantity and cost calculations from measured areas
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software designed for precise quantity takeoffs from digital plans and generating detailed bids. For paint estimating, it enables users to measure wall and surface areas accurately, apply paint coverage rates, calculate material quantities like gallons needed, and factor in labor costs using customizable assemblies. It supports collaboration and integrates with accounting software for streamlined workflows in painting projects.
Pros
- Highly accurate digital takeoff tools for measuring paintable surfaces from PDFs and blueprints
- Customizable assemblies and templates tailored for paint jobs including coverage and labor calculations
- Cloud-based collaboration allowing real-time team access and integrations with QuickBooks and Procore
Cons
- General construction focus means less specialized paint-specific features compared to niche tools
- Moderate learning curve for advanced takeoff functionalities
- Pricing can add up for small teams without volume discounts
Best For
Mid-sized painting contractors needing robust takeoff and estimating for commercial projects with team collaboration.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for Pro plan, $149/user/month for Enterprise with advanced features; annual discounts available.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud estimating software with customizable assemblies for paint jobs, integrating real-time material pricing and labor costs.
Dynamic assemblies library allowing paint estimators to build reusable templates for common jobs like walls, ceilings, and trim with automatic quantity adjustments.
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software that supports paint estimators through digital takeoffs, customizable assemblies, and detailed cost databases for materials like paint, primers, and labor. It enables accurate quantity calculations for surface areas, coats, and coverage rates, integrating takeoff data directly into professional bid documents. While versatile for various trades, it excels in handling complex commercial painting projects with real-time collaboration and reporting tools.
Pros
- Powerful digital takeoff tools for precise surface area measurements
- Extensive customizable database for paint materials and labor assemblies
- Seamless integration with accounting software like QuickBooks
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-construction users
- Lacks specialized paint-specific features like color matching or advanced coverage simulators
- Higher pricing may not suit small painting operations
Best For
Mid-sized painting contractors managing commercial and multi-trade projects that require robust takeoff and bidding capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes; typically starts at $5,000/year for basic plans, scaling with users and features.
Jobber
otherField service management platform with simple estimating tools for painters, including quoting, invoicing, and scheduling.
All-in-one workflow connecting estimates directly to job scheduling, client approvals, and payments
Jobber is an all-in-one field service management software designed for home service businesses, including painting contractors, offering quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and CRM tools. Its estimating features allow for customizable quotes with line items for materials, labor, and expenses, making it adaptable for basic paint job estimates. However, it lacks specialized paint takeoff capabilities like digital measurements or automated paint quantity calculators based on square footage.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with mobile app for on-site quote creation
- Seamless integration of estimates with scheduling and invoicing
- Customizable quote templates to speed up repeat paint jobs
Cons
- No built-in digital takeoff or blueprint integration for accurate measurements
- Lacks paint-specific tools like coverage calculators or multi-coat estimators
- Higher pricing tiers add up quickly for teams focused only on estimating
Best For
Small painting businesses needing a general business management tool with basic estimating rather than advanced, paint-specific software.
Pricing
Lite plan starts at $49/month (solo user); Core at $129/month, Grow at $349/month (billed annually, additional users extra).
Housecall Pro
otherAll-in-one business software for home service pros like painters, offering quick estimate creation and job tracking features.
Instant conversion of estimates to scheduled jobs with automated dispatching and client notifications
Housecall Pro is an all-in-one field service management platform designed for home service pros, including painters, offering mobile estimating tools to create detailed job quotes with line items for labor, materials like paint quantities, and photos. It streamlines the process from estimate to invoice and payment within the same app. While versatile for general contractor needs, its paint estimating lacks advanced takeoff or area calculation features found in specialized software.
Pros
- Seamless integration of estimating with scheduling, dispatching, and invoicing
- Mobile-first app for on-site estimate creation and client signatures
- Customizable templates and QuickBooks integration for easy material tracking
Cons
- Lacks specialized paint takeoff tools like automated measurements or room calculators
- Basic estimating customization compared to dedicated painting software
- Higher cost for full features may overwhelm solo painters
Best For
Small to mid-sized painting businesses seeking an all-in-one operations platform beyond just estimating.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month (Basic, billed annually) for core features; Essentials at $129/month and Max at $229/month unlock advanced estimating and integrations; custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
The reviewed paint estimating software tools, though diverse in focus, deliver powerful solutions for contractors, with PaintScout leading as the top choice due to its mobile design and on-site accuracy. Estimating Edge stands out for its comprehensive business management features, while SuccessWare impresses with its integrated ERP capabilities—each offering a distinct advantage to suit varied operational needs. Together, they redefine efficiency in generating and managing paint job estimates.
Ready to elevate your estimating process? Start with PaintScout today to experience streamlined, professional job estimation that saves time and enhances profitability for your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
