Head-to-head · HVAC Estimating Software
McCormick Systems vs STACK
McCormick Systems leads on 0 checks, STACK on 1, and 0 are 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 scoreSTACK · 5.0/10
- Free planonly STACK
Our editors rank McCormick Systems at #2 and STACK at #3 for hvac estimating software; McCormick Systems has no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.
STACK offers free plan; McCormick Systems doesn't publish it.
McCormick Systems is the better fit for contractors needing detailed multi-trade takeoff. STACK is the better fit for teams needing broad takeoff and estimating workflows.
- McCormick Systems fits best
Contractors needing detailed multi-trade takeoff
- STACK fits best
Teams needing broad takeoff and estimating workflows
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Side by side
| Feature | McCormick Systems —/10 Visit ↗ | STACK 5.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | — | 5.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in HVAC Estimating Software | #3 in HVAC Estimating Software |
| Best for | Contractors needing detailed multi-trade takeoff | Teams needing broad takeoff and estimating workflows |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Phone | Email, Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 1 integrations | 17 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features McCormick Systems 0/6 · STACK 0/6 | ||
| HVAC cost database | Not published | Not published |
| Labor-rate database | Not published | Not published |
| HVAC takeoff tools | Not published | Not published |
| Proposal builder | Not published | Not published |
| Job costing | Not published | Not published |
| QuickBooks sync | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Mobile apps | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | McCormick Systems brings digital takeoff and estimating together for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors. Its workflow starts with PDF plans and extends through material and labor estimates, bid proposals, reporting, and… Read the review → |
STACK is a cloud-based construction preconstruction platform for specialty contractors, general contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, owners, and developers. Its Takeoff & Estimate product lets HVAC teams upload digital plans, mark up… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
McCormick Systems — where it wins
- PDF takeoff with automated material counting and measurement
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical databases with prebuilt assemblies
- Tracks supplier pricing, bid costs, and change orders
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires contacting sales
- Its focus on MEP estimating may not suit other trades
- FOUNDATION is the only listed integration
STACK — where it wins
- Digital measurements, markups, overlays, and drawing comparisons
- Labor, material, item, and assembly estimating worksheets
- Web, desktop, mobile access with accounting and ERP integrations
Where it doesn't
- Workflows are construction-wide rather than HVAC-specific
- ERP connectors are available only as a Pro add-on
- Free plan focuses on viewing, markup, and core takeoff tools
- McCormick Systems—/10 · Pricing on request
A trade-focused estimating suite for MEP contractors working from PDF plans.
Visit McCormickFull verdict → - STACK5.0/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
Broad digital takeoff and estimating for HVAC teams that need construction-wide workflows.
Visit STACKFull verdict →
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All HVAC estimating software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026