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Head-to-head · Project Estimation Software

Trimble Quest vs Buildxact

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Trimble Quest #1 in Project Estimation Software 9.3/10 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 5 features Visit Trimble Quest
Buildxact #3 in Project Estimation Software 8.9/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Buildxact

Trimble Quest leads on 0 checks, Buildxact on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreTrimble Quest · 9.3/10
  • Free planonly Buildxact
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresTrimble Quest · 2 of 5

Trimble Quest scores higher on our rubric for project estimation software: 9.3 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Trimble Quest is the better fit for contractors needing resource-based cost forecasting. Buildxact is the better fit for small builders wanting a free starting point.

  • Trimble Quest fits best

    Contractors needing resource-based cost forecasting

  • Buildxact fits best

    Small builders wanting a free starting point

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Trimble Quest 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Buildxact 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.9
Ranking #1 in Project Estimation Software #3 in Project Estimation Software
Best for Contractors needing resource-based cost forecasting Small builders wanting a free starting point
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Pricing on request · 30-day trial $169/mo
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial 30 days 14 days
Free trial length 30 days 14 days
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 2 integrations 4 integrations
Features Trimble Quest 2/5 · Buildxact 0/5
Scenario planning Not checked yet Not checked yet
Resource capacity Not checked yet Not checked yet
Cost estimation ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Historical data ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Agile estimation Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Estimation method Bottom-up Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • First-principles estimating with reusable resource-based costing libraries
  • Compares supplier and subcontractor quotes with markups and selling rates
  • Links estimates to schedules and tracks budgets against actual costs
  • Free Go plan includes AI estimating and professional proposals
  • PDF takeoffs, bids, schedules, budgets, and site updates in one platform
  • Web, iOS, and Android apps with Xero and QuickBooks integrations
Cons
  • Designed for civil contractors rather than general-purpose project teams
  • Runs through the web, with no additional platform listed
  • Recurring pricing requires contacting sales
  • Paid plans start at $169 per month with annual billing
  • Advanced features are split across higher-priced Pro and Master tiers
  • The free Go plan is limited to five complimentary credits
Our verdict

Trimble Quest is cloud-based construction cost estimating and budget management software for civil contractors. Its bottom-up approach centers on first-principles, resource-based estimating, with tools for creating or importing bids,…

Read the review →

Buildxact is cloud-based construction estimating and project management software for residential builders and remodelers. It brings together digital takeoffs from PDF plans, estimating, proposals, subcontractor quote requests, scheduling,…

Read the review →
  1. Trimble QuestProject Estimation Software 9.3Pricing on request · 30-day trial
  2. BuildxactProject Estimation Software 8.9Free plan · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Trimble Quest — where it wins

    • First-principles estimating with reusable resource-based costing libraries
    • Compares supplier and subcontractor quotes with markups and selling rates
    • Links estimates to schedules and tracks budgets against actual costs

    Where it doesn't

    • Designed for civil contractors rather than general-purpose project teams
    • Runs through the web, with no additional platform listed
    • Recurring pricing requires contacting sales

  • Buildxact — where it wins

    • Free Go plan includes AI estimating and professional proposals
    • PDF takeoffs, bids, schedules, budgets, and site updates in one platform
    • Web, iOS, and Android apps with Xero and QuickBooks integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid plans start at $169 per month with annual billing
    • Advanced features are split across higher-priced Pro and Master tiers
    • The free Go plan is limited to five complimentary credits
  • Trimble Quest9.3/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial

    A resource-based estimating suite for contractors managing bids, budgets, and forecasts.

    Visit Trimble QuestFull verdict →
  • Buildxact8.9/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A broad construction platform with a free entry plan and costly paid tiers.

    Visit BuildxactFull verdict →

More comparisons

All project estimation software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update