Methvin vs Stratosphere

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

Stratosphere Software Tool

Product Basics

Methvin is a takeoff and estimating software designed to streamline construction project bidding and cost management. It caters to contractors of all sizes, but its comprehensive features and integrated functionalities might particularly benefit medium-sized businesses handling complex projects. Users can extract quantities directly from plans, generate bills of materials, and create detailed cost estimates. Integration with scheduling and resource management modules allows for comprehensive project oversight. Methvin is praised for its ease of use, powerful automation, and ability to handle diverse project types. Compared to similar offerings, Methvin emphasizes visual takeoff tools, comprehensive cost databases, and seamless integration across estimating, scheduling, and resource management. However, user reviews suggest its pricing might be less competitive for smaller firms, with costs typically based on a per-user, annual subscription model.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Fast takeoff creation
  • Cloud-based accessibility
  • Integrates with other tools
  • Affordable pricing
Cons
  • Limited customization
  • Fewer features than competitors
  • Can be slow with large projects
  • Limited reporting options
  • Customer support can be slow
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Stratosphere is a cloud-based estimation software that helps construction professionals perform calculations from anywhere in the world. From files to estimation tools, it provides contractors access to everything they need. It helps them save time on measuring and markup digital blueprints.

It also helps contractors centralize all project-related documents in one place. Furthermore, Excel add-ons provide the necessary tools to estimate materials costs and quantities. It offers a myriad of markup and measuring tools such as highlight pens, notes and embedded images that help contractors streamline access to all documents and specs. It also provides in-app support for quick issue resolution.

Pros
  • Cloud-based accessibility
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Accurate material takeoffs
  • Improved collaboration
  • Reduced rework costs
Cons
  • Limited free plan features
  • Learning curve for new users
  • Occasional bugs reported
  • Not ideal for complex projects
  • Customer support wait times
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$27 Monthly
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$79/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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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

  • Speed Up Takeoffs: Measure areas in both imperial and metric scales with the web-based takeoff tool. Achieve accurate calculations to prepare attractive bids. 
  • Access Work Remotely: Communicate with teams or individual contractors from anywhere, anytime. Stay connected and updated with the progress of the project remotely.
  • Incorporate Multiple Integrations: Export to Excel, create PDFs and much more with multiple third-party integrations.
  • Manage Projects Efficiently: Starting from tendering up to the execution phase, touch all stages of the construction project to stay updated.
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  • Increased Accuracy in Material Takeoffs: Stratosphere's cloud-based platform and advanced measurement tools minimize errors and ensure precise material calculations, reducing waste and project costs.
  • Improved Collaboration and Communication: Real-time collaboration features and centralized data storage enable seamless communication and project visibility among estimators, contractors, and other stakeholders.
  • Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: Streamlined workflows, automated calculations, and easy-to-use interface accelerate the takeoff process, saving time and resources.
  • Reduced Rework and Errors: Accurate material takeoffs and improved communication minimize rework due to miscalculations or misunderstandings, leading to cost savings and project schedule adherence.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Built-in reporting and data analysis tools provide valuable insights into material usage and project trends, enabling informed decision-making.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Stratosphere adapts to projects of all sizes and complexities, accommodating the needs of growing businesses and diverse construction requirements.
  • Accessibility and Remote Work Capabilities: Cloud-based accessibility allows estimators and contractors to work from anywhere with an internet connection, improving flexibility and team collaboration.
  • Standardized Takeoff Process: Consistent workflows and data storage ensure accuracy and reduce errors across projects, streamlining the takeoff process for the entire team.
  • Improved Communication with Subcontractors: Accurate and detailed takeoffs facilitate clear communication with subcontractors, leading to fewer errors and smoother project execution.
  • Enhanced Integration with Other Construction Software: Stratosphere integrates with popular construction software, streamlining data flow and reducing manual data entry.
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  • Audit Trail: Obtain documentary evidence about project progression from audits. Stay updated with the associated costs of events and processes that occurred.
  • Templates: Leverage custom templates to build designs and send measurements seamlessly. Add notes and color areas showing changes and updates.
  • Electrical Estimating: Generate cost estimates and win bids efficiently. Link worksheets to multiple tasks and divide them accordingly to perform accurate pricing.
  • Historical Database: Transform historical construction data into useful information to incorporate in projects. Avoid the pitfalls of construction processes by implementing corrections based on data.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Extract actionable insights from reporting to make improvements to projects. Leverage metrics to plan daily tasks to increase productivity.
  • Project Management: Stay on top of required materials and labor and track project progress. Address areas needing improvement to run projects smoothly.
  • Takeoff: Perform fast and accurate takeoffs remotely. Measure material perimeters and length and count elements. Maintain complete oversight throughout the process.
  • Subcontractor Management: Keep subcontractors updated on changes and project progress. Allow them to access necessary documents.
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  • Cloud-Based Accessibility: Access projects, data, and collaborate with your team from any device with an internet connection.
  • Digital Takeoff from Blueprints: Directly measure and estimate materials from digital blueprints, eliminating manual processes and reducing errors.
  • Powerful Measurement Tools: Utilize advanced tools for linear footage, area, volume, and complex assemblies, ensuring accurate takeoffs.
  • Customizable Objects: Create and save custom objects for frequently used materials or assemblies, streamlining future takeoffs.
  • Markup and Annotation Tools: Mark up blueprints, add notes, and collaborate with colleagues in real-time.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Share projects, edits, and updates with team members instantly, improving communication and efficiency.
  • Centralized Data Storage: Securely store project data in the cloud, ensuring accessibility and eliminating data loss.
  • Built-in Reporting: Generate detailed reports on material usage, costs, and project trends for informed decision-making.
  • Integration with Other Software: Connect Stratosphere with popular construction software for seamless data flow and reduced manual work.
  • Mobile App for On-Site Access: Access project data, takeoffs, and markups from your mobile device while on the job site.
  • Offline Mode with Syncing: Work on projects offline and synchronize your data to the cloud when you regain internet connectivity.
  • Scalable for Different Project Sizes: Adapts to projects of all complexities, from small renovations to large-scale construction.
  • Regular Updates and Development: The Stratosphere platform is constantly updated with new features and improvements based on user feedback.
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Product Ranking

#31

among all
Takeoff Software

#36

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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53
58
25
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14
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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Methvin
Stratosphere
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 67 58 57 58 72 88 71 100 53 25 14 58 47 63 43 36 0 25 50 75 100
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53%
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58%
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42%
25%
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75%
57%
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43%
14%
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86%
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67%
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88%
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63%
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37%
71%
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29%
43%
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57%
100%
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36%
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64%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

40%
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60%
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100%

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 35 reviews
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90%
of users recommend this product

Methvin has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 35 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

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4.4 (17)
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4.6 (18)
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Awards

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

User Favorite Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

User-Friendly Interface: Many users appreciate Methvin for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which simplifies the learning curve and accelerates the adoption process for new users.
Flexible Estimating Tools: The estimating suite in Methvin is often praised for its flexibility, allowing users to create detailed and adjustable estimates that can be easily tailored to different project requirements.
Collaborative Features: The platform promotes team collaboration, enabling multiple stakeholders to work on the same estimate simultaneously, which enhances efficiency and reduces errors.
Integration Capabilities: Users favor Methvin’s ability to integrate with other software systems, expanding its functionality and fitting well into existing technology ecosystems.
Responsive Customer Support: Responsive customer service garners positive feedback, as users find the support team helpful and quick to resolve any issues that arise.
Cloud-Based Solution: Being a cloud-based platform, Methvin offers accessibility from various devices and locations, which is crucial for teams that are often on-the-go or working remotely.
Comprehensive Reporting: Methvin’s reporting capabilities are considered robust, enabling users to generate insightful reports that assist with decision-making and project tracking.
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Cloud-based accessibility and remote work: Users appreciate the ability to access projects, collaborate with teams, and work from anywhere with an internet connection, improving flexibility and efficiency.
Accuracy and reduced errors: Many praise Stratosphere's advanced measurement tools and automated calculations for minimizing errors and ensuring precise material takeoffs, leading to cost savings and project success.
Improved collaboration and communication: Real-time collaboration features, markup tools, and centralized data storage are often highlighted for fostering seamless communication and project visibility among estimators, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Time-saving workflows and efficiency: Users value the streamlined workflows, automated calculations, and intuitive interface that accelerate the takeoff process, saving them time and resources.
Scalability and adaptability: The ability to adapt to projects of various sizes and complexities is appreciated by users, accommodating growth and diverse construction needs.
Mobile app for on-site access: Many find the mobile app for accessing project data, takeoffs, and markups from the job site valuable for improved field management and decision-making.
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Limited Integration Capabilities: Users often find Methvin's integration with other systems lacking, making it challenging to achieve a seamless workflow between various construction management tools.
User Interface Complexity: Some users report that Methvin's user interface can be less intuitive and more complicated than similar platforms, leading to a steeper learning curve.
Performance Issues: There are occasional reports about the software's slow performance, especially when handling larger, more complex projects, which can hinder productivity.
Customer Support Concerns: Users have expressed frustrations with customer support, indicating slow response times and lack of effective solutions to technical problems.
Feature Limitations: Some users feel that Methvin is not as feature-rich as competing estimating solutions, lacking advanced functionalities that could streamline the estimating process.
Mobile Experience: Users needing robust on-the-go access have pointed out that Methvin's mobile experience doesn't measure up to its desktop counterpart.
Reporting Inflexibility: The software's reporting tools are sometimes described as inflexible, offering limited customization options for users who need detailed and specific reports.
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Limited free plan features: Some users find the free plan features restrictive for professional use, requiring upgrades for essential functionalities like offline access or multiple project collaboration.
Learning curve for new users: While generally considered user-friendly, Stratosphere might have a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with cloud-based takeoff software or complex project requirements.
Occasional bug reports and technical issues: Some users mention encountering bugs or technical glitches, highlighting the need for continued improvement and platform stability.
Potentially high cost for complex projects or large teams: While pricing is generally competitive, the cost for larger teams or projects with advanced needs might exceed smaller competitors' budget limitations.
Customer support wait times: Some users report experiencing wait times or limitations when seeking customer support, particularly with free plans or during peak periods.
Not ideal for highly specialized projects: While adaptable, Stratosphere might not cater perfectly to highly specialized construction niches requiring unique features or integrations not offered by the platform.
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Sifting through user reviews of Methvin paints a picture of a user-friendly, affordable takeoff and estimating software ideal for smaller to medium-sized projects. Customers consistently praise its intuitive interface, cloud-based accessibility, and budget-conscious pricing compared to feature-rich competitors like OnCenter or PlanSwift. However, when complexity ramps up, some users find Methvin's capabilities limited. While its basic shapes and scaling tools handle standard takeoffs well, intricate details or curved walls might require exploring alternatives with advanced 3D modeling features. Collaboration shines as a major strength. Real-time data updates and integrations with project management platforms like Asana streamline communication and ensure everyone's on the same page. This is particularly valuable for geographically dispersed teams, a common scenario in construction. Ultimately, Methvin's value proposition lies in its user-friendliness, affordability, and collaborative features. If your projects prioritize ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and team-based workflows within moderate complexity, Methvin emerges as a strong contender. But for highly specialized needs or extensive 3D modeling, exploring competitors with more robust functionalities might be necessary.

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Users' opinions on Stratosphere paint a picture of a cloud-based takeoff software with both significant strengths and some noteworthy drawbacks. Many praise its accuracy, streamlined workflows, and collaborative features, highlighting time-saving benefits and reduced errors compared to manual methods. The ability to access projects and work remotely is seen as a major advantage, particularly for geographically dispersed teams. Additionally, the mobile app and offline functionality are valuable assets for field work and ensuring uninterrupted progress. However, some users caution about a steeper learning curve for beginners and occasional technical glitches. The limited free plan and potentially high costs for complex projects or large teams can be deterrents for budget-conscious users or those needing very specific features. While generally considered user-friendly, Stratosphere might not be ideal for highly specialized construction niches. Customer support wait times, particularly for free plans, are also mentioned as a concern. When compared to similar products, users value Stratosphere's cloud-based accessibility, collaborative features, and mobile app as differentiating factors. However, its learning curve, cost for complex projects, and limited free plan features are areas where some competitors might have an edge. Ultimately, the decision seems to hinge on individual needs and priorities. Those seeking a user-friendly platform with strong collaboration and remote work capabilities may find Stratosphere a valuable tool, while users with very specific needs or tight budgets might want to carefully consider its limitations before subscribing.

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Screenshots

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