Quick Overview
- 1#1: JobTread - Simple construction management software for scheduling, estimating, and job costing tailored for small contractors.
- 2#2: Buildxact - Easy-to-use estimating, takeoff, and job management software designed for small to medium construction businesses.
- 3#3: Joist - Mobile app for quick estimating, invoicing, and payments for small contractors and tradespeople.
- 4#4: Knowify - Construction management platform with estimating, job costing, and invoicing for subcontractors.
- 5#5: Houzz Pro - All-in-one business software for home builders and remodelers including scheduling, invoicing, and lead management.
- 6#6: Buildertrend - Comprehensive construction project management software for builders with scheduling, messaging, and financial tools.
- 7#7: Fieldwire - Mobile-first construction management app for task management, plans, and field collaboration.
- 8#8: Raken - Daily construction reporting software with time tracking, photos, and manpower logging.
- 9#9: Stack - Construction operations platform for budgeting, forecasting, and procurement management.
- 10#10: Bluebeam Revu - PDF markup and editing software optimized for construction document review and collaboration.
We ranked these tools based on critical factors including ease of navigation, comprehensive feature sets (such as estimating, invoicing, and collaboration), reliability in real-world use, and value for different operational scales, ensuring each entry stands out as a standout choice for simplicity and effectiveness.
Comparison Table
Simplify your search for construction software with this comparison table featuring leading tools like JobTread, Buildxact, Joist, Knowify, Houzz Pro, and more. Readers will discover key features, usability, and suitability to streamline workflows and manage projects effectively.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JobTread Simple construction management software for scheduling, estimating, and job costing tailored for small contractors. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Buildxact Easy-to-use estimating, takeoff, and job management software designed for small to medium construction businesses. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Joist Mobile app for quick estimating, invoicing, and payments for small contractors and tradespeople. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Knowify Construction management platform with estimating, job costing, and invoicing for subcontractors. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Houzz Pro All-in-one business software for home builders and remodelers including scheduling, invoicing, and lead management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 6 | Buildertrend Comprehensive construction project management software for builders with scheduling, messaging, and financial tools. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Fieldwire Mobile-first construction management app for task management, plans, and field collaboration. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Raken Daily construction reporting software with time tracking, photos, and manpower logging. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Stack Construction operations platform for budgeting, forecasting, and procurement management. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Bluebeam Revu PDF markup and editing software optimized for construction document review and collaboration. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
Simple construction management software for scheduling, estimating, and job costing tailored for small contractors.
Easy-to-use estimating, takeoff, and job management software designed for small to medium construction businesses.
Mobile app for quick estimating, invoicing, and payments for small contractors and tradespeople.
Construction management platform with estimating, job costing, and invoicing for subcontractors.
All-in-one business software for home builders and remodelers including scheduling, invoicing, and lead management.
Comprehensive construction project management software for builders with scheduling, messaging, and financial tools.
Mobile-first construction management app for task management, plans, and field collaboration.
Daily construction reporting software with time tracking, photos, and manpower logging.
Construction operations platform for budgeting, forecasting, and procurement management.
PDF markup and editing software optimized for construction document review and collaboration.
JobTread
specializedSimple construction management software for scheduling, estimating, and job costing tailored for small contractors.
Visual Job Dashboard that provides real-time profitability tracking and drag-and-drop scheduling in one centralized view
JobTread is an all-in-one construction management platform tailored for small to medium-sized contractors, simplifying job tracking from bid to payment. It offers tools for estimating, scheduling, time tracking, invoicing, change orders, and job costing, all accessible via a user-friendly web and mobile app. Designed to replace spreadsheets and fragmented apps, it provides real-time insights into project profitability and team performance without enterprise-level complexity.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Comprehensive job management from estimate to invoice
- Strong mobile app for field teams
- Excellent QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer third-party integrations than larger platforms
- Per-user pricing can scale up for bigger teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction firms seeking simple, affordable job management without overwhelming features.
Pricing
Starts at $69/user/month (Starter), $99/user/month (Pro), $149/user/month (Enterprise), billed annually with discounts.
Buildxact
specializedEasy-to-use estimating, takeoff, and job management software designed for small to medium construction businesses.
Lightning-fast 2D/3D takeoffs with automatic material costing and supplier price feeds
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for small to medium-sized builders and tradespeople, focusing on simplifying estimating, quoting, job tracking, and scheduling. It offers digital takeoffs, real-time costing, and seamless integrations with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks. The platform emphasizes speed and ease, enabling users to produce professional quotes and manage jobs from any device.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with fast digital takeoffs and quoting
- Strong supplier integrations for up-to-date pricing
- Mobile app for on-site job management and tracking
Cons
- Reporting features are somewhat basic compared to enterprise tools
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced scheduling
- Limited customization for highly complex projects
Best For
Small to medium residential builders and remodelers seeking straightforward estimating and job costing without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $149 AUD/month for Basic plan (1 user), up to $499 AUD/month for Enterprise; annual discounts available.
Joist
specializedMobile app for quick estimating, invoicing, and payments for small contractors and tradespeople.
Instant on-site estimate creation with client e-signatures and one-tap conversion to invoices
Joist is a mobile-first software solution tailored for small construction businesses and tradespeople, enabling quick creation of professional estimates, invoices, and job management directly from smartphones or tablets. It streamlines workflows by allowing users to send quotes on-site, collect digital signatures, track time and expenses, and process payments seamlessly. With a focus on simplicity, Joist eliminates paperwork hassles for solo operators and small teams handling straightforward projects.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for on-the-go use
- Generous free plan with unlimited estimates and invoices
- Fast payment processing with QuickBooks integration
Cons
- Limited advanced project management tools
- Basic reporting and analytics capabilities
- Scalability issues for teams larger than 5-10 users
Best For
Solo tradespeople and small construction crews needing simple, mobile quoting and invoicing without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Pro at $29/month (billed annually) for payments and advanced features; Premium at $49/month.
Knowify
specializedConstruction management platform with estimating, job costing, and invoicing for subcontractors.
Real-time, two-way synchronization with QuickBooks Online for automatic job, invoice, and payment updates
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management platform tailored for small to medium-sized contractors, focusing on simplifying job costing, estimating, invoicing, and time tracking. It offers tools for project management, purchase orders, and scheduling, with strong emphasis on financial accuracy. The software excels in integrating seamlessly with QuickBooks, enabling real-time data sync to streamline accounting workflows.
Pros
- Seamless two-way QuickBooks integration for effortless accounting
- Robust mobile app for on-site time tracking and approvals
- Detailed job costing and customizable reporting tools
Cons
- Limited advanced scheduling and CRM features compared to enterprise tools
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users
- Occasional reported delays in QuickBooks sync
Best For
Small to mid-sized contractors relying on QuickBooks who need simple, finance-focused project management without complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month (Basic plan), with Pro at $199/user/month and custom Enterprise pricing.
Houzz Pro
specializedAll-in-one business software for home builders and remodelers including scheduling, invoicing, and lead management.
Exclusive integration with Houzz's homeowner marketplace for direct, qualified leads
Houzz Pro is an all-in-one business management platform tailored for home design and construction professionals, including tools for lead generation, project scheduling, budgeting, invoicing, and time tracking. It stands out with integrated 3D rendering and floor planning features that enhance client presentations and approvals. While comprehensive, it bridges design visualization with basic construction project management, making it suitable for remodelers and smaller contractors.
Pros
- Seamless lead generation from Houzz's massive homeowner marketplace
- Powerful 3D visualization and rendering tools integrated with project workflows
- Comprehensive suite covering CRM, scheduling, invoicing, and mobile access
Cons
- Higher pricing that may not suit very basic construction needs
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features and design focus
- Less optimized for large-scale or heavy construction compared to specialized tools
Best For
Remodelers, design-build firms, and small contractors who need client-facing visuals and lead generation alongside simple project management.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month (billed annually) for Core plan; scales to $349/month for Premium, with a 30-day free trial.
Buildertrend
enterpriseComprehensive construction project management software for builders with scheduling, messaging, and financial tools.
The client portal, which enables homeowners to view progress, approve selections, and communicate directly without phone calls.
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management software tailored for home builders, remodelers, and general contractors, offering tools for project scheduling, budgeting, and client communication. It provides features like daily logs, time tracking, invoicing, and a dedicated client portal accessible via web and mobile apps. While powerful for managing multiple projects, its feature depth can feel complex for users seeking purely simple tools.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering scheduling, financials, and communication
- Strong mobile app for on-site use
- Robust client portal for real-time updates and approvals
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be high for small teams
- Overly feature-rich for basic 'simple' construction needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction firms needing scalable project management beyond basic checklists.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; starts around $300/month for solo/basic plans, $400+ for teams with per-user add-ons.
Fieldwire
specializedMobile-first construction management app for task management, plans, and field collaboration.
Hyperlinked plans that let users tap directly on drawings to view linked tasks, photos, RFIs, and issues.
Fieldwire is a mobile-first construction management platform tailored for field teams, enabling real-time collaboration through task assignment, plan viewing, issue tracking, and photo documentation. It simplifies daily operations with tools like punch lists, RFIs, submittals, and customizable reports, all accessible offline on iOS and Android devices. Primarily used by general contractors, subs, and foremen, it bridges the gap between office and field without overwhelming complexity.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app with offline access for on-site use
- Real-time collaboration and hyperlinked plans for quick issue resolution
- Robust reporting and customizable forms for efficient documentation
Cons
- Limited native scheduling and budgeting tools
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
- Advanced features often require higher-tier plans or integrations
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction teams and field supervisors needing simple, mobile-centric tools for daily task management and site coordination.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; Pro at $39/user/month; Business at $54/user/month (billed annually).
Raken
specializedDaily construction reporting software with time tracking, photos, and manpower logging.
One-tap daily reports that compile photos, notes, timecards, and manpower data into shareable PDFs instantly
Raken is a mobile-first construction management app designed to streamline daily field reporting, time tracking, and photo documentation for construction teams. It enables foremen to quickly log job site activities, manpower, weather, and issues via an intuitive app, automatically generating professional PDF reports. The platform bridges field and office communication, with integrations to tools like Procore and QuickBooks for enhanced workflow efficiency.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for quick daily logs and photo capture
- Automated report generation saves hours of manual work
- Strong integrations with Procore, QuickBooks, and payroll systems
Cons
- Limited advanced project scheduling or bidding tools
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
- Customization of reports requires some setup time
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction crews and foremen prioritizing simple, mobile daily reporting and field productivity tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $19/user/month (Essentials), $39/user/month (Pro), up to $69/user/month (Enterprise); annual billing required, with a 14-day free trial.
Stack
specializedConstruction operations platform for budgeting, forecasting, and procurement management.
Lightning-fast point-and-click digital takeoffs from any PDF or plan, reducing manual measurement time by up to 80%
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software tailored for simplifying pre-construction workflows. It enables users to perform digital takeoffs directly from PDFs, plans, and images with point-and-click tools, automatically calculate quantities, and generate professional bid proposals. Designed for small to mid-sized contractors, it emphasizes speed and ease over complex enterprise features, making it a straightforward solution for everyday estimating needs.
Pros
- Intuitive point-and-click takeoff tools for quick measurements
- Cloud-based access with mobile support for on-site use
- Affordable and scalable pricing for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer third-party integrations (e.g., no native ERP support)
- Basic customization options for assemblies and templates
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction contractors who need fast, simple digital takeoffs and estimating without the complexity of full project management suites.
Pricing
Starts at $59/user/month (billed annually); free trial available, with tiered plans up to $149/user/month for advanced features.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedPDF markup and editing software optimized for construction document review and collaboration.
Precision measurement tools with automatic scaling, area/perimeter calculations, and Quantity Link to Excel
Bluebeam Revu is a robust PDF editor tailored for the construction industry, specializing in markup, measurement, and collaboration on blueprints and project documents. It provides tools for precise quantity takeoffs, annotations, OCR scanning, and real-time cloud-based sharing via Studio. While powerful for document workflows, it lacks broader construction management features like scheduling or task tracking.
Pros
- Advanced markup and measurement tools with dynamic calculations
- Seamless cloud collaboration through Studio Sessions
- Customizable tool chests and integration with Excel for takeoffs
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-basic features
- Primarily Windows desktop-focused with limited mobile capabilities
- Subscription pricing escalates quickly for advanced editions
Best For
Construction professionals and estimators focused on document review, markup, and quantity takeoffs in AEC workflows.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at $240/user (Basics), $349 (Core), $449 (Complete), up to $600+ (Extreme).
Conclusion
The reviewed construction software offers varied capabilities to suit different needs, with JobTread emerging as the top choice—ideal for small contractors needing integrated scheduling, estimating, and job costing. Buildxact and Joist also stand strong: Buildxact excels in takeoff and job management, while Joist impresses with its mobile-first speed for estimates and payments, making each a compelling alternative depending on specific priorities.
Don’t miss out—start with JobTread, the leading solution, and transform how you manage your projects with ease.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison