Comparison · Bid and cost estimating software
Clear Estimates vs PlanSwift: which is better in 2026?
Clear Estimates82.0#6 in best bid and cost estimating software
PlanSwift91.0#1 in best bid and cost estimating softwarePlanSwift ranks higher in our list of bid and cost estimating software (#1 against #6, score 91.0 against 82.0).
- 82.0Editorial score91.0
- 1Platforms1
- NoFree to useNo
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Clear Estimates if you want
Residential remodelers and handymen.
Web-based estimating for residential remodelers, with a preloaded parts database and invoices from estimates. It is built for residential work, so commercial estimators will find it narrower than takeoff tools.
Choose PlanSwift if you want
Trade estimators on Windows measuring plans.
Takeoff and estimating in one Windows tool, with trade plugins and AI tools on the Core plan. It is annual and Windows-only, so Mac users and browser-first teams are better served by the web tools here.
The main differences
- Only PlanSwift runs on Windows.
- Only Clear Estimates runs on Web.
Side by side
| Clear Estimates | PlanSwift | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 82.0 | 91.0 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | SubscriptionMonthly or annual plans with a 30-day free trial | SubscriptionAnnual plans; 14-day free trial before choosing a plan |
| Free to use | No | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WindowsWindows |
| Made by | Not stated | ConstructConnect |
| Digital takeoff from drawings | No | Yes |
| Monte Carlo simulation | No | No |
| Main users | Residential remodelers | Trade estimators |
| Best for | Residential remodelers and handymen | Trade estimators on Windows measuring plans |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Clear Estimates vs PlanSwift
- Is PlanSwift better than Clear Estimates?
- PlanSwift ranks higher in our list of bid and cost estimating software (#1 against #6, score 91.0 against 82.0). Clear Estimates is best for: residential remodelers and handymen. PlanSwift is best for: trade estimators on Windows measuring plans.
- Which is cheaper, Clear Estimates or PlanSwift?
- Clear Estimates: Monthly or annual plans with a 30-day free trial. PlanSwift: Annual plans; 14-day free trial before choosing a plan.
- Do Clear Estimates and PlanSwift run on the same platforms?
- Clear Estimates supports Web. PlanSwift supports Windows.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
