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Head-to-head · Construction Takeoff Software

CostX vs PlanSwift

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score CostX #7 in Construction Takeoff Software 8.4/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit CostX
PlanSwift #8 in Construction Takeoff Software 8.3/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 2 features Visit PlanSwift

CostX leads on 0 checks, PlanSwift on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCostX · 8.4/10
  • Free trialonly PlanSwift

CostX scores higher on our rubric for construction takeoff software: 8.4 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.

CostX is the better fit for commercial estimators needing integrated bid preparation. PlanSwift is the better fit for established Windows-based professional estimators.

  • CostX fits best

    Commercial estimators needing integrated bid preparation

  • PlanSwift fits best

    Established Windows-based professional estimators

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Side by side

Feature CostX 8.4/10 Visit ↗ PlanSwift 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.4 8.3
Ranking #7 in Construction Takeoff Software #8 in Construction Takeoff Software
Best for Commercial estimators needing integrated bid preparation Established Windows-based professional estimators
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — $2,000/seat/yr
Free plan Not checked yet —
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Email, Tickets, Phone Email, Phone, Live chat, Docs
Integrations 7 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features CostX 0/2 · PlanSwift 0/2
Custom assemblies Not checked yet Not checked yet
Drawing OCR Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Measurement types Not checked yet Not checked yet
Drawing formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Export formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Included collaborators Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines 2D, 3D/BIM takeoff and live-linked estimating workbooks
  • Supports revision comparison, bills of quantities and tender preparation
  • Connects with Excel, BI tools, ERP, CRM and project management systems
  • Digital measurement with reusable labor and material assemblies
  • AI tools for auto takeoff, counting, scaling, and bookmarking
  • Excel integration plus PDF, Excel, CSV, XML, and HTML exports
Cons
  • Quote-based pricing makes package costs harder to compare
  • Cloud requires an annual subscription with a minimum of four users
  • Windows-focused deployment may not suit teams needing other platforms
  • Windows-only desktop deployment
  • Annual pricing starts at $1,500 per seat
  • Advanced capabilities require higher-priced Core plans
Our verdict

CostX is construction estimating software for quantity surveyors, estimators, contractors and construction consultants. It brings together digital measurement from scanned, PDF and CAD drawings, quantity extraction from BIM or 3D models,…

Read the review →

PlanSwift is Windows desktop construction takeoff and estimating software for general contractors and specialty trade contractors. It measures areas, lengths, counts, slopes, and volumes from digital plans, then applies reusable material…

Read the review →
  1. CostXConstruction Takeoff Software 8.4Pricing on request
  2. PlanSwiftConstruction Takeoff Software 8.314-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • CostX — where it wins

    • Combines 2D, 3D/BIM takeoff and live-linked estimating workbooks
    • Supports revision comparison, bills of quantities and tender preparation
    • Connects with Excel, BI tools, ERP, CRM and project management systems

    Where it doesn't

    • Quote-based pricing makes package costs harder to compare
    • Cloud requires an annual subscription with a minimum of four users
    • Windows-focused deployment may not suit teams needing other platforms

  • PlanSwift — where it wins

    • Digital measurement with reusable labor and material assemblies
    • AI tools for auto takeoff, counting, scaling, and bookmarking
    • Excel integration plus PDF, Excel, CSV, XML, and HTML exports

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only desktop deployment
    • Annual pricing starts at $1,500 per seat
    • Advanced capabilities require higher-priced Core plans

More comparisons

All construction takeoff software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update