Quick Overview
- 1#1: Stack - Simplifies construction project management with job costing, scheduling, invoicing, and real-time reporting.
- 2#2: Buildxact - Provides easy estimating, job scheduling, and financial tracking for small residential builders.
- 3#3: Joist - Offers mobile estimating, invoicing, time tracking, and payments for small contractors.
- 4#4: Knowify - Streamlines project management, estimating, job costing, and invoicing for trade contractors.
- 5#5: JobTread - Manages construction projects with customizable scheduling, budgeting, and communication tools.
- 6#6: Raken - Captures daily reports, photos, timecards, and manpower data via mobile app for construction sites.
- 7#7: Fieldwire - Facilitates on-site task management, plan viewing, and team collaboration for construction projects.
- 8#8: Buildertrend - Delivers all-in-one scheduling, budgeting, client communication, and financial tools for home builders.
- 9#9: Procore - Provides comprehensive project management including documents, RFIs, and financials for construction teams.
- 10#10: Autodesk Build - Enables cloud-based project coordination, field management, and BIM integration for construction workflows.
We evaluated tools based on their ability to simplify core tasks like scheduling, invoicing, and on-site collaboration, paired with ease of use and consistent performance to ensure they deliver value across diverse construction needs.
Comparison Table
Construction project management software simplifies workflows, and this table compares top tools like Stack, Buildxact, Joist, Knowify, JobTread, and more, helping you understand their key features, pricing, and unique strengths to find the right fit for your needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stack Simplifies construction project management with job costing, scheduling, invoicing, and real-time reporting. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Buildxact Provides easy estimating, job scheduling, and financial tracking for small residential builders. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Joist Offers mobile estimating, invoicing, time tracking, and payments for small contractors. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 | Knowify Streamlines project management, estimating, job costing, and invoicing for trade contractors. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | JobTread Manages construction projects with customizable scheduling, budgeting, and communication tools. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | Raken Captures daily reports, photos, timecards, and manpower data via mobile app for construction sites. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Fieldwire Facilitates on-site task management, plan viewing, and team collaboration for construction projects. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Buildertrend Delivers all-in-one scheduling, budgeting, client communication, and financial tools for home builders. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Procore Provides comprehensive project management including documents, RFIs, and financials for construction teams. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 10 | Autodesk Build Enables cloud-based project coordination, field management, and BIM integration for construction workflows. | enterprise | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.0/10 | 5.5/10 |
Simplifies construction project management with job costing, scheduling, invoicing, and real-time reporting.
Provides easy estimating, job scheduling, and financial tracking for small residential builders.
Offers mobile estimating, invoicing, time tracking, and payments for small contractors.
Streamlines project management, estimating, job costing, and invoicing for trade contractors.
Manages construction projects with customizable scheduling, budgeting, and communication tools.
Captures daily reports, photos, timecards, and manpower data via mobile app for construction sites.
Facilitates on-site task management, plan viewing, and team collaboration for construction projects.
Delivers all-in-one scheduling, budgeting, client communication, and financial tools for home builders.
Provides comprehensive project management including documents, RFIs, and financials for construction teams.
Enables cloud-based project coordination, field management, and BIM integration for construction workflows.
Stack
specializedSimplifies construction project management with job costing, scheduling, invoicing, and real-time reporting.
Visual Schedule Board providing an interactive, timeline-based view of tasks for effortless planning and adjustments
Stack (stackct.com) is a mobile-first construction project management software tailored for simplicity, offering tools for scheduling, daily logs, task assignments, RFIs, submittals, and real-time team communication. It enables field teams to capture photos, update progress, and collaborate seamlessly without complex setups. Designed for small to mid-sized contractors, it focuses on visual scheduling and fieldwork efficiency to keep projects on track.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop visual scheduling
- Powerful mobile app for real-time field updates and photo documentation
- Streamlined workflows for daily logs, RFIs, and submittals
Cons
- Limited integrations with accounting or BIM software
- Basic advanced reporting and analytics
- Scalability challenges for very large enterprise projects
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction contractors managing straightforward projects who prioritize mobile accessibility and simplicity over enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99 per active project per month, with Pro and Enterprise tiers for additional features and support.
Buildxact
specializedProvides easy estimating, job scheduling, and financial tracking for small residential builders.
Lightning-fast digital plan takeoff and estimating directly from PDFs or images, reducing quote times dramatically.
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction management platform tailored for small to medium-sized builders and remodelers, focusing on streamlining estimating, takeoff, job costing, scheduling, and invoicing. It enables users to create professional quotes quickly from digital plans, track project progress in real-time, and integrate seamlessly with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. The software emphasizes simplicity, making it accessible without requiring advanced technical skills.
Pros
- Powerful digital takeoff and estimating tools for fast, accurate quotes
- Seamless integrations with accounting and supplier systems
- Intuitive mobile app for on-site job tracking and approvals
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may overwhelm solo operators
- Limited advanced scheduling options like Gantt charts
- Occasional learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
Best For
Small to medium residential builders and remodelers who need straightforward tools for estimating, quoting, and basic project management without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month (Basic), $299/month (Core), $499/month (Advanced); annual discounts available.
Joist
specializedOffers mobile estimating, invoicing, time tracking, and payments for small contractors.
One-tap estimate-to-invoice conversion with embedded photos and signatures for instant professionalism
Joist is a mobile-first app tailored for small construction contractors, enabling quick creation of estimates, invoices, time tracking, and payments directly from a smartphone. It streamlines simple project management by allowing users to schedule jobs, track expenses, and communicate with clients in one intuitive platform. While not suited for complex enterprise projects, it excels in on-site efficiency for trades like plumbing, electrical, and handyman services.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile interface for on-the-go estimate and invoice creation
- Seamless payment processing with QuickBooks integration
- Offline mode for job sites without reliable internet
Cons
- Limited advanced project scheduling and Gantt charts
- Basic reporting and analytics compared to full PM suites
- Fewer third-party integrations for larger workflows
Best For
Solo contractors or small crews handling straightforward residential and small commercial jobs who prioritize mobile simplicity over enterprise features.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; Pro plan at $29/month; Max plan at $69/month with advanced features.
Knowify
specializedStreamlines project management, estimating, job costing, and invoicing for trade contractors.
Real-time job costing dashboard that automatically syncs with QuickBooks for precise profit tracking on every project
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for trade contractors, offering tools for estimating, job costing, invoicing, and project management. It enables real-time tracking of costs, schedules, change orders, and subcontracts, with strong integrations to QuickBooks and other accounting systems. The platform's mobile app supports field teams in time tracking, photos, and updates, making it suitable for simple to moderately complex construction projects.
Pros
- Robust job costing and real-time profitability tracking
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for financial accuracy
- Comprehensive mobile app for field management
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small teams
- Reporting features lack deep customization
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized trade contractors handling residential or commercial projects who prioritize accurate job costing and financial integration.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for Launch plan (1 user), $299/month for Pro (up to 5 users), $499/month for Enterprise; annual discounts available.
JobTread
specializedManages construction projects with customizable scheduling, budgeting, and communication tools.
Real-time job costing with automatic profitability insights tied to estimates and actuals
JobTread is a cloud-based construction management software designed for small to mid-sized contractors, offering tools for estimating, job scheduling, costing, invoicing, and purchase order management. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks to streamline financial tracking and provides mobile access for on-site updates. The platform focuses on simplicity, helping users manage projects from bid to closeout without overwhelming complexity.
Pros
- Strong QuickBooks integration for effortless accounting
- Mobile app enables real-time field updates and time tracking
- Comprehensive job costing tracks profitability accurately
Cons
- Limited customization in reporting and dashboards
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit solo operators
- Occasional glitches in scheduling drag-and-drop reported by users
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction firms needing an all-in-one tool for job management without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $169/month for Basic (1 user), $299/month for Pro (up to 5 users), and $499+/month for Enterprise; annual billing discounts available.
Raken
specializedCaptures daily reports, photos, timecards, and manpower data via mobile app for construction sites.
One-tap daily reports that auto-populate photos, weather, manpower, and notes for instant professional documentation
Raken is a mobile-first construction management platform specializing in daily reporting, time tracking, and field documentation for construction teams. It enables users to quickly log photos, notes, weather, manpower, and equipment data on-site, automatically generating professional daily reports shareable with stakeholders. The app bridges field and office communication through customizable forms, production tracking, and integrations with tools like Procore and QuickBooks, making it ideal for simplifying routine project documentation.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app perfect for field teams with offline capabilities
- Robust daily reporting and photo organization tools
- Strong integrations with Procore, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Teams
Cons
- Lacks advanced PM features like scheduling, budgeting, or full Gantt charts
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or multiple projects
- Reporting customization can feel limited for complex needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction firms prioritizing simple daily logs, field reporting, and time tracking over comprehensive project planning.
Pricing
Starts at $19/user/month (billed annually) for Pro plan; project-based pricing from $39/project/month; Enterprise custom.
Fieldwire
specializedFacilitates on-site task management, plan viewing, and team collaboration for construction projects.
Plan hyperlinking that connects tasks, RFIs, and photos directly to specific blueprint sheets for instant field reference.
Fieldwire is a mobile-first construction management software tailored for field teams, enabling task assignment, plan viewing with markup, photo documentation, punch lists, RFIs, and daily reporting. It facilitates real-time collaboration between office and field personnel, reducing miscommunication on job sites. As a simple PM solution, it focuses on core fieldwork needs without overwhelming enterprise complexity, making it efficient for tracking progress and issues.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app with offline access for reliable field use
- Hyperlinked plans and tasks for quick navigation and context
- Comprehensive reporting and photo integration streamline documentation
Cons
- Lacks built-in financial or scheduling tools for full PM
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Customization options limited in lower tiers
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction teams prioritizing simple, field-focused project coordination over comprehensive enterprise management.
Pricing
Free plan for small projects (limited users); Pro at $39/user/month, Business at $54/user/month (billed annually), Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial.
Buildertrend
specializedDelivers all-in-one scheduling, budgeting, client communication, and financial tools for home builders.
The interactive Client Portal that enables homeowners to view progress, approve changes, and communicate directly without phone calls or emails.
Buildertrend is an all-in-one construction management platform designed primarily for residential builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors to handle projects from lead to closeout. It offers tools for scheduling, task management, budgeting, invoicing, time tracking, daily logs, and client communication via a dedicated portal. While powerful for coordinating teams and subcontractors, its extensive features can make it more suited to complex workflows than purely simple project management.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one toolkit including scheduling, financials, and field tools
- Strong mobile app for on-site updates and daily logging
- Excellent client portal for real-time communication and transparency
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small or simple projects
- Overkill for basic task tracking without needing full financial integration
Best For
Medium-sized residential construction firms managing multiple projects that require robust team and client coordination.
Pricing
Custom quotes required; starts around $299/month for small teams, scaling with users (typically $300-$1,000+/month).
Procore
enterpriseProvides comprehensive project management including documents, RFIs, and financials for construction teams.
Real-time daily logs and observations with photo attachments for seamless field-to-office reporting
Procore is a cloud-based construction management platform offering end-to-end tools for project planning, scheduling, document management, financial tracking, and field operations. It supports collaboration across teams with features like RFIs, submittals, daily logs, and mobile access for on-site updates. While highly capable for complex projects, its extensive functionality can feel overwhelming for simple construction management needs.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform with construction-specific tools
- Strong mobile app for field productivity
- Excellent integrations with third-party apps like QuickBooks and Autodesk
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High cost not ideal for small/simple projects
- Overkill for basic task and schedule management
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction firms needing scalable tools that grow beyond simple project tracking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $4,000-$10,000 annually for small teams, scaling with users, projects, and modules.
Autodesk Build
enterpriseEnables cloud-based project coordination, field management, and BIM integration for construction workflows.
Seamless BIM model coordination and sheets management integrated with Revit and Autodesk Design tools
Autodesk Build is a cloud-based construction management platform within Autodesk Construction Cloud, designed to centralize project data and streamline workflows like RFIs, submittals, issues tracking, daily logs, and quality inspections. It facilitates real-time collaboration between office and field teams via a robust mobile app and integrates deeply with Autodesk's design tools like Revit for BIM coordination. While powerful for end-to-end project delivery, it emphasizes enterprise-scale features over basic simplicity.
Pros
- Comprehensive construction-specific workflows (RFIs, submittals, punch lists)
- Strong mobile app for field updates and real-time collaboration
- Deep integrations with Autodesk BIM and design tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Overly complex and feature-heavy for simple projects
- High cost unsuitable for small teams or basic needs
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms already in the Autodesk ecosystem needing advanced field and coordination management.
Pricing
Subscription-based with project or user tiers; typically $85+/user/month or $1,000s/year per project, custom enterprise quotes.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer diverse solutions for construction project management, with Stack leading as the top choice due to its comprehensive suite of job costing, scheduling, invoicing, and real-time reporting. Buildxact stands out for small residential builders with its easy estimating and financial tracking, while Joist excels for small contractors with mobile-friendly features like estimating, invoicing, and payments. Each tool addresses unique needs, making the selection process dependent on specific project requirements.
Ready to streamline your construction projects? Begin with Stack to leverage its all-in-one capabilities and take control of scheduling, finances, and reporting—your next efficient project starts here.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
