eTakeoff vs CostX

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared eTakeoff vs CostX based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Takeoff Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

eTakeoff is a sophisticated takeoff and estimating software designed to facilitate detailed construction cost estimates. This tool is particularly apt for architects, contractors, and quantity surveyors who specialize in creating accurate and efficient project bids. The value that eTakeoff brings to its users includes enhanced accuracy in measurements, the automation of repetitive tasks, and the simplification of complex project variables into manageable data points. Among its celebrated features are its user-friendly interface, integration capabilities with other project management tools, and advanced scaling functions. When it comes to user experiences, eTakeoff distinguishes itself by providing an intuitive platform that reduces the learning curve, which has been appreciated by users focused on productivity. In terms of pricing considerations, the software typically offers a tiered pricing structure that can vary based on the number of users and specific feature needs, with payment frequencies flexible, ranging from monthly to annual plans to cater to different budgeting requirements. Its cost efficiency is often highlighted by users who leverage its extensive feature set against their investment, striking a commendable balance between functionality and expense.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Fast, automated takeoffs
  • Accurate quantity calculations
  • Excellent customer support
  • Flexible pricing options
Cons
  • Limited free version
  • Learning curve for complex features
  • Occasional file compatibility issues
  • Can be slow on large projects
  • Copying function needs improvement
read more...
Designed by RIB, costX provides cost estimating and takeoff solutions that help to plan budgets, determine material quantities and create reports. Managers can compare drawings and highlight model changes to identify modifications. Compare multiple subcontractors simultaneously to make strategic business decisions.

It supports BIM files exported from SketchUp, Revit, Tekla, Microstation, ArchiCAD, Mudshark and several others. Color code estimates to streamline the review process. Integrate with Microsoft Excel to avoid duplicate entries.
read more...
$50/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$4,500 One-Time
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Increased Efficiency: Ditch manual takeoffs and leverage onscreen tools for faster, less error-prone quantifications.
  • Enhanced Accuracy: Minimize manual calculations and human error with automated features and AI-powered assistance.
  • Improved Collaboration: Share plans and measurements seamlessly with stakeholders for better project understanding and decision-making.
  • Boosted Productivity: Automate repetitive tasks, manage projects efficiently, and free up time for higher-value activities.
  • Streamlined Workflow: Integrate effortlessly with common estimating software and planrooms for a smooth, connected experience.
  • Reduced Costs: Minimize rework due to errors, optimize material procurement, and potentially win more bids with competitive quotes.
  • Scalable Solutions: Choose a plan that fits your business needs, from a free basic version to feature-rich enterprise options.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Generate accurate quantity breakdowns and cost estimates to inform strategic project planning and budgeting.
  • Improved Communication: Share clear, annotated takeoffs with clients and subcontractors, fostering transparency and trust.
  • Enhanced Competitiveness: Submit accurate, timely bids with confidence, potentially increasing your win rate.
read more...
  • Generate Precise Quotes: Upload BIM files to estimate quantities and costs with just a few clicks. Develop forecast models to test what-if scenarios to improve efficiency. Enable multiple cost planners to work on the same estimate to promote collaboration. 
  • Eliminate Data-entry Errors: Drag and drop dimensions directly from the system to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to save time. Automatically update changes made to estimates to keep everyone on the same page. 
  • Perform Accurate Takeoffs: Cut takeoff time by up to 80% with 2D takeoff tools. Automatically assign random colors to negative and positive measurements in each dimension group. 
  • Make Informed Decisions: Create and analyze data using reporting modules. Categorize tasks by zones and codes. Generate charts and graphs to identify trends and outliers. 
  • Deploy on the Cloud: Access files from remote locations through web-enabled devices. Track project statuses in real time. 
read more...
  • Dimension Basic: Take simple measurements and view information created with Advanced or Premier versions.
    • Integration: Integrate an electronic planroom. Jump back and forth between plans without switching back to the planroom.
    • Scaling and Measuring: Set drawing scales and measure counts, lengths, perimeters and areas with precision. Transfer quantities to other applications via the clipboard.
  • Dimension Advanced: Speed up time-consuming conversions of file formats with advanced database technology.
    • Flip/Rotate Measurements: Save time creating takeoffs of extended areas like hotels. Measure one side and flip the design to get a total measurement.
    • Viewing tools: Quickly access lists of layers, drawings, measurements, quantities, traces and other tools to create and correct multiple drawings at the same time.
    • Measurement List: Extract printable lists of all measurements and sort by column values and display subtotals.
    • Bid codes: Create and export standard bid codes with extensive control over formatting.
    • Annotations: Highlight drawings with text, lines, rectangles, ovals, clouds, freehand lines and arrows.
    • Issue Management: Flag issues as open, critical or resolved. Display an issues list to see which items need attention.
    • FTP Integration: Use FTP to add drawings to projects. Display them for viewings and takeoffs.
    • Drawing Comparison: Compare original drawings to revised drawings, different floors in multi-story buildings or specific units to original models in residential and other construction sites.
  • Dimension Premier: Get premier tools and features to make takeoff easier.
    • Search Patterns: Use pattern search to tag symbols representing materials in any trade, including door and wall types, fixtures, and receptacles. Search drawings for symbols and display them for review.
    • Advanced Excel Integration: Automatically update measurements. Drill down on formulas to see measurements used.
    • Quantity Worksheet: Summarize takeoff measurements, quantities and annotations in projects. Analyze and extract complete auditing reports.
    • Advanced Project & Drawing Management: View and sort projects by bid date, description or plan source. Select auto-backups and hide or delete multiple projects.
    • Advanced Measuring Tools: Use advanced tools to create and edit annotations and make takeoffs more efficient.
  • Bridge: Capture item and assembly information to present within the Bridge main window.
read more...
  • BIM Takeoff: Extract material quantities from 3D models to create accurate estimates. Customize takeoffs by creating model maps. Encourage multiple employees to work on a single project. View BIM takeoffs using costX Viewer. 
  • 2D Takeoff: Calculate lengths, areas and counts of scanned 2D drawings, CAD files and PDFs. Integrate with costXL to link changes in dimensions and quantities into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. 
  • Workbooks: Live-link material quantities to drawings and cost databases to help eliminate costly errors. Import Excel data retaining existing formulas. 
  • Subcontractor Comparison: Build databases consisting of relevant quotes using the bid day tool. Integrate subcontractors’ data with associated reports to make informed decisions. 
  • Auto-revisioning: Load initial measurements into revised DWG drawings to highlight modifications, make comparisons and update quantities. 
  • Reports: Build cost plans and bills of quantities as per client requirements using customizable report writing functionality. Automatically add page breaks to reports. 
  • Rate Libraries: Extract workers’ information, create bills of materials and generate cost estimates from BIM files. Access system administration to create rate libraries. 
read more...

Product Ranking

#19

among all
Takeoff Software

#24

among all
Takeoff Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

76
we're gathering data
87
we're gathering data
96
we're gathering data
0
we're gathering data
Show More Show More

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

eTakeoff
CostX
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 87 96 0 94 88 100 43 91 0 25 50 75 100
87%
0%
13%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
92%
0%
8%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
0%
0%
100%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
94%
0%
6%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
92%
0%
8%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
43%
0%
57%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
91%
0%
9%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

30%
0%
70%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A

User Sentiment Summary

Good User Sentiment 63 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 34 reviews
76%
of users recommend this product

eTakeoff has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 76% when considering 63 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

90%
of users recommend this product

CostX has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 34 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

n/a
4.4 (4)
3.83 (32)
n/a
3.8 (29)
4.5 (28)
3.5 (2)
4.5 (2)

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated eTakeoff and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Measurement Tools and Project Management.

Measurement Tools Award
Project Management Award

CostX stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Faster Takeoffs: Users praise the intuitive interface and automated tools that significantly reduce time spent on manual takeoffs, streamlining the process for quicker project estimates.
Improved Accuracy: Automated calculations and AI-assistance minimize human error, leading to more accurate quantity estimations, reducing rework costs and improving project predictability.
Enhanced Collaboration: Sharing plans, measurements, and annotations directly within eTakeoff fosters seamless collaboration between estimators, project managers, and clients, improving communication and transparency.
Flexible Scalability: From a free individual plan to feature-rich enterprise options, eTakeoff adapts to businesses of all sizes, allowing them to choose a solution that scales with their needs and budget.
Data-Driven Decisions: Users value the generation of accurate quantity breakdowns and cost estimates, providing valuable data for informed project planning, budgeting, and strategic decision-making.
Show more
Detailed Cost Breakdown: Users appreciate the ability to break down costs into granular detail, allowing for precise tracking and analysis of project expenses. For example, they can easily see the cost of labor, materials, and equipment for each specific task.
Streamlined Bidding Process: CostX simplifies the bidding process by providing a centralized platform for managing bids, allowing users to easily compare different bids and make informed decisions. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of errors.
Improved Accuracy: Users find that CostX helps them create more accurate cost estimates by providing access to real-time data and allowing for adjustments based on changing market conditions. This leads to more competitive bids and a higher likelihood of winning projects.
Enhanced Collaboration: CostX facilitates collaboration among team members by providing a shared platform for accessing and updating project data. This ensures everyone is working with the same information and reduces the risk of miscommunication.
Show more
Complex Interface: Users have found the interface to be less intuitive and somewhat outdated, leading to a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with the software.
Limited Integration Capabilities: eTakeoff has been criticized for its lack of seamless integration with other commonly used construction software, potentially hampering workflow efficiency.
Cost Considerations: Some users find the pricing to be on the higher side, especially small to medium-sized businesses that have to manage tight budgets.
Customer Support Issues: There have been instances where users experienced slow response times from customer support, impacting their ability to resolve issues in a timely manner.
Performance Glitches: Users occasionally report performance issues such as software lag or crashes, especially when handling larger project files.
Manual Update Requirements: The necessity for manual updates is a point of contention; users express a desire for an automatic update feature to ensure they're always using the latest version.
Show more
Limited Customization: Some users have found that CostX's customization options are limited, making it difficult to tailor the software to their specific needs. For example, they may not be able to create custom reports or modify the interface to suit their workflow.
Steep Learning Curve: CostX can be challenging to learn, especially for users who are new to construction estimating software. The interface can be complex and the software has a lot of features, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
Lack of Mobile Functionality: CostX is primarily a desktop application, which can be inconvenient for users who need to access their data on the go. The lack of a mobile app can make it difficult to work on projects remotely or to quickly check estimates while on site.
Price: CostX can be expensive, especially for small businesses or individual contractors. The cost of the software, combined with the potential need for training and support, can be a significant investment.
Show more

User reviews of eTakeoff paint a picture of a construction takeoff and estimating software valued for its efficiency, accuracy, and collaborative features. Compared to similar products, users highlight several key differentiators. One strength frequently mentioned is ease of use. The intuitive interface and automation features are seen as a significant advantage over competitors, particularly for beginners. Users report faster takeoffs and reduced learning curves, allowing them to focus on strategic aspects of estimating. Another key strength is accuracy. Automated calculations and AI-assistance are praised for minimizing human error, leading to more reliable quantity estimations. This is crucial for competitive bidding and project cost control, and users compare it favorably to products requiring more manual calculations. Collaboration is another area where eTakeoff shines. Users appreciate the ability to share plans, measurements, and annotations seamlessly, fostering better communication and transparency with project stakeholders. This is seen as a significant advantage compared to competitors with limited collaboration features, as it improves project efficiency and reduces misunderstandings. However, some users mention limitations in the free version, which lacks advanced features like custom assemblies and integrations. Additionally, a learning curve for complex features is noted, although extensive tutorials and support are available. Finally, some users mention occasional file compatibility issues, which can be a hurdle when working with specific file formats. Overall, eTakeoff's user reviews suggest a valuable tool for construction professionals seeking to streamline takeoffs, improve accuracy, and collaborate effectively. While not without limitations, its strengths in ease of use, accuracy, and collaboration position it well in the competitive landscape, particularly for users prioritizing these aspects and willing to navigate a potential learning curve for advanced features.

Show more

Does CostX make your construction bids "cost-effective" or just "costly"? CostX is a popular software for construction bidding and takeoff, but user reviews are mixed. Some users praise its flexibility and accuracy, highlighting its ability to handle specialized work and provide reliable quantities for negotiations. They appreciate the speed and efficiency it brings to the bidding process, allowing them to tender more projects and increase profitability. However, others find the software lacking in training and support, leading to difficulties in maximizing its potential. The lack of a streamlined backup procedure is also a concern, as losing data in CostX can be detrimental to a company. CostX is most suited for construction companies that require a flexible and accurate takeoff and estimating solution, particularly those specializing in niche areas. Its ability to handle various drawing types and provide detailed quantities makes it a valuable tool for negotiating contracts and ensuring profitability. However, companies should be prepared to invest in training and ensure proper backup procedures are in place to mitigate potential data loss.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Takeoff Software


Active Takeoff

Autodesk Takeoff

Bluebeam

Buildxact

Countfire

Esticom

Methvin

On-Screen Takeoff

PlanSwift

PrebuiltML

Procore

Square Takeoff

STACK

Stratosphere

Takeoff Live

Related Categories

Head-to-Head Comparison

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings