Contractor Software Comparison 2025
Our Honest Take on How to Choose the Best Software for Your Business
Yes, we make contractor software ourselves, so of course we're a bit biased! But along the way to building our own solution, we've taken the time to really take these tools for a proper test drive. From free tools to enterprise platforms, here's how we think the options stack up for real contractors.
Contractor software options compared:
How we compared contractor software options
On our journey to build Dave, we've tested pretty much every contractor software on the market. We've signed up for trials, poked around in the back end, and used them for real projects. We've talked to contractors who use each platform daily. We've even built integrations with some of them.
So while we're obviously picking favorites here a little bit, we've also got a pretty good sense of what's out there and what actually works for different types of contractors.
We've broken down the options into categories based on the type of contractor they're best suited for. We've also included a few free tools that are great for small contractors with minimal needs.
DaveOUR SOLUTION
All-in-one contractor platform
Dave is built specifically for small to medium contractors who want professional results without complexity. It combines estimates, invoicing, project organization, and marketing tools in one simple app.
Dave's key features:
- •5-minute setup with no training required
- •Professional estimate templates that win jobs
- •Easy to use on-the-go perfect for job sites
- •Integrated invoicing and payment processing (coming soon)
- •Built-in project organization tools
- •Job-site photos and notes
- •Google Reviews integration to collect 5-star reviews
- •Outstanding customer support from real contractors
"Dave has everything I need in one place. The estimates look professional, invoicing is simple, and I can track projects without getting overwhelmed. It's built for how contractors actually work."
Strengths:
- ✓Designed specifically for contractors
- ✓No steep learning curve
- ✓Professional results without complexity
- ✓Mobile-first approach for job sites
Limitations:
- •Newer platform (less established)
- •Focused on core features vs extensive add-ons
Best for:
Small to medium contractors who want professional results without the complexity and high costs of enterprise solutions
Get organized, win jobs, and wow customers.
Try Dave for 14 days to see how easy running your business can be.
Joist
Invoicing and estimates
An invoicing and estimate app for home service contractors. Offers basic estimates and invoicing functionality with limited project management capabilities.
Joist's key features:
- •Basic estimate templates
- •Invoice creation and management
- •Payment processing integration
Strengths:
- ✓Straightforward interface
- ✓Basic functionality
Limitations:
- •Limited project management features
- •Expensive for what you get
- •Minimal customization options
- •Basic reporting and analytics
Best for:
Contractors who only need basic estimates and invoices
Jobber
Field service management
A comprehensive field service management platform with scheduling, invoicing, and customer management. Better suited for service-based contractors with recurring customers.
Jobber's key features:
- •Advanced scheduling features
- •Customer relationship management
- •Automated workflow tools
- •Team communication features
Strengths:
- ✓Strong scheduling capabilities
- ✓Good for recurring service work
Limitations:
- •Complex setup and learning curve
- •Expensive for small contractors
- •Overkill for simple contracting needs
- •Limited construction-specific features
Best for:
Service contractors with recurring customers and complex scheduling needs
Buildertrend
Construction project management
A comprehensive construction management platform designed for larger contractors and home builders. Feature-rich but complex and expensive for most contractors.
Buildertrend's key features:
- •Comprehensive project management
- •Advanced reporting tools
- •Client communication portals
- •Document management system
Strengths:
- ✓Extensive feature set
- ✓Good for complex projects
Limitations:
- •Very expensive for small contractors
- •Steep learning curve
- •Overkill for simple jobs
- •Complex interface
Best for:
Large contractors and home builders with complex, high-value projects
CompanyCam
Photo documentation
Specialized photo documentation app for contractors. Great for capturing job progress and creating before/after galleries, but limited to photo management only.
CompanyCam's key features:
- •Professional photo documentation
- •Before/after galleries
- •Team collaboration on photos
- •Integration with other tools
Strengths:
- ✓Excellent photo management
- ✓Great for marketing materials
Limitations:
- •Photo-focused only
- •No extensive estimate or invoicing features
- •Requires additional tools for complete workflow
- •Limited project management
Best for:
Larger teams and contractors who need professional photo documentation and integrate with major project management platforms
Invoice2go
Small business invoicing
A general business management platform for small businesses across various industries. Offers invoicing, expense tracking, and basic business management features.
Invoice2go's key features:
- •Invoice creation and customization
- •Expense tracking and receipt management
- •Time tracking and project management
- •Payment processing integration
- •Business reporting and analytics
Strengths:
- ✓Comprehensive business features
- ✓Wide industry support
Limitations:
- •Generic templates not optimized for construction
- •No specialized construction features
- •Expensive for basic functionality
- •Limited project management for contractors
Best for:
Small business owners across various industries who need comprehensive invoicing and business management
QuickBooks
Accounting software
Popular accounting software with some contractor features. Good for bookkeeping but lacks contractor-specific tools like professional estimates and project management.
QuickBooks's key features:
- •Comprehensive accounting tools
- •Tax preparation features
- •Expense tracking
- •Financial reporting
Strengths:
- ✓Strong accounting capabilities
- ✓Widely supported
Limitations:
- •Not built for contractors
- •No estimate templates
- •Complex for simple needs
- •Requires accounting knowledge
Best for:
Contractors who need comprehensive accounting but have other tools for estimates and project management
Free Tools
DIY solutions
Combination of free apps like Google Sheets, Canva, and basic invoicing tools. Requires more manual work but no monthly cost.
Free Tools's key features:
- •No monthly cost
- •Familiar tools (Google Sheets, Canva)
- •Complete customization control
- •No vendor lock-in
Strengths:
- ✓No cost
- ✓Full customization
- ✓No learning curve for familiar tools
Limitations:
- •Time-consuming manual work
- •No professional templates
- •Difficult to scale
- •No integrated workflow
- •Limited mobile functionality
Best for:
Very small contractors with minimal needs and plenty of time for manual work
How to choose the right contractor software for your business
The best contractor software is software that makes your job easier and helps you win more work.
When picking contractor software, start by identifying your biggest challenges. Do you struggle with creating professional estimates? Are you losing money on jobs because you can't track costs? Do you spend too much time on paperwork instead of actual work?
No matter what your biggest challenges are, look for software that solves those problems without adding complexity. Consider the following:
- The size of your business: Consider whether you're a solo contractor or manage a crew, and whether you handle one job at a time or juggle multiple projects.
- The types of jobs your business does: Consider whether you do service work, new construction, remodeling, or specialty trades, and what tools you need to manage each type effectively.
- Ease of use: To get up and running quicker, choose contractor software that's easy to use and has good customer support. If it takes weeks to learn, it's probably not worth it.
- Integration with other tools: To create a smooth workflow, choose tools that work well with software you already use, like your accounting system.
- Will it help you stand out and win more? Being organized is half the battle, more and more clients look to your Google Reviews to see if you're a good fit for their project. Pick a software that helps you stand out.
Read reviews from other contractors in your trade and test out free trials when available. Throughout the process, keep in mind that the best contractor software will save you time, reduce errors, help you look more professional, and ultimately help your business make more money.
Ready to streamline your contracting business?
The right contractor software can make your workday smoother, your estimates more professional, and your business more profitable. Starting your search is simple: try Dave free for 14 days and see the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in contractor software?
Look for software that handles your core needs: professional estimates, invoicing, effective marketing tools, and clear project organization. Avoid software that's overly complex or has features you'll never use. You want something that saves time, not costs it.
How long does it take to get started with contractor software?
Most platforms offer free trials, so you can test them out before committing. Dave is designed to get you up and running in about 5 minutes, while some enterprise solutions can take weeks to set up properly. Start with a trial to see how quickly you can create your first estimate or invoice.
Is contractor software worth the monthly cost?
Absolutely. Good contractor software typically pays for itself by helping you win more jobs with professional estimates, get paid faster with streamlined invoicing, and save hours of paperwork each week. Most contractors see a return on investment within the first month.
Build a smarter,
stronger
business
Win Jobs
Send estimates fast, look professional, and stand out from the first impression.
Stay Organized
Stay confident and in control with photos, notes, and files exactly where you need them.
Get Paid
Send branded invoices in seconds, track when they're seen, and get paid fast.
Build Reputation
Be the contractor that clients remember. Send review links with photos in seconds.
Built by contractors,
for contractors
We worked side by side with real contractors who were tired of bouncing between multiple tools and bloated apps. Dave cuts the clutter so you can run your jobs in one place.
Build with clarity and run with confidence.
Join the other pros using Dave to quote faster, stay organized, and stack wins on every job.