Comparison · Bid and cost estimating software
PlanSwift vs STACK: which is better in 2026?
PlanSwift91.0#1 in best bid and cost estimating software
STACK83.5#4 in best bid and cost estimating softwarePlanSwift ranks higher in our list of bid and cost estimating software (#1 against #4, score 91.0 against 83.5).
- 91.0Editorial score83.5
- 1Platforms1
- NoFree to useNo
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
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.
Choose STACK if you want
Contractors and estimators who bid and run jobs in one tool.
Takeoff, estimating and proposals in one cloud product, with a field app that carries bids into project delivery. Per-user pricing makes it costlier for large estimating teams than narrower takeoff tools.
The main differences
- Only PlanSwift runs on Windows.
- Only STACK runs on Web.
Side by side
| PlanSwift | STACK | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 91.0 | 83.5 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 10 | #4 of 10 |
| Price | SubscriptionAnnual plans; 14-day free trial before choosing a plan | SubscriptionPer-user monthly plans; demo available |
| Free to use | No | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WindowsWindows | WebWeb |
| Made by | ConstructConnect | Not stated |
| Digital takeoff from drawings | Yes | Yes |
| Monte Carlo simulation | No | No |
| Main users | Trade estimators | Contractors and subcontractors |
| Best for | Trade estimators on Windows measuring plans | Contractors and estimators who bid and run jobs in one tool |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about PlanSwift vs STACK
- Is PlanSwift better than STACK?
- PlanSwift ranks higher in our list of bid and cost estimating software (#1 against #4, score 91.0 against 83.5). PlanSwift is best for: trade estimators on Windows measuring plans. STACK is best for: contractors and estimators who bid and run jobs in one tool.
- Which is cheaper, PlanSwift or STACK?
- PlanSwift: Annual plans; 14-day free trial before choosing a plan. STACK: Per-user monthly plans; demo available.
- Do PlanSwift and STACK run on the same platforms?
- PlanSwift supports Windows. STACK supports Web.
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.