· 3 min read
STACK Alternatives for Subcontractors in 2026
STACK is one of the best-known cloud takeoff and estimating tools, and for many teams it's a good choice. STACK's pricing page says it offers a free version of Takeoff & Estimate, with paid plans above it (source). Still, subcontractors look for alternatives for a few common reasons: the paid plan price, the time it takes to set up assemblies, or wanting a finished proposal instead of quantities. Here are five alternatives, described fairly from each vendor's own pages. For a direct one-to-one comparison, see STACK vs TradeBid.
| Tool | Runs on | Free option (per vendor) | Best for | |---|---|---|---| | TradeBid | Browser | 7-day free trial, 3 bids + 1 takeoff, card required | Subs who want a finished branded bid fast | | PlanSwift | Windows desktop | 14-day free trial, no card | Deep, custom takeoff with Excel | | Togal | Browser | See vendor site | Commercial estimators measuring large plan sets | | Bluebeam | Desktop and cloud | Free trial | Teams centered on PDF markup | | Kreo | Browser | 7-day free trial | Takeoff with report templates |
1. TradeBid
TradeBid is construction bidding software built for subcontractors. Upload plan PDFs, a scope, photos or notes, pick one of 36 trades, and TradeBid drafts an editable line-item bid with quantities, labor, materials, markup and exclusions. You review every line and export a branded PDF proposal. It runs in a browser, in English and Spanish. Try TradeBid free for 7 days: 3 bids and 1 takeoff included. A card is required, and you won't be charged if you cancel before the trial ends. After the trial, plans start at $149/month, or $100 for a single bid. See pricing. Choose it if you want to go from plans to a proposal with little setup. Skip it if you need project management after the bid.
2. PlanSwift
PlanSwift describes itself as a Windows desktop application with assemblies, custom formulas and a live Excel link, and it publishes its own PlanSwift vs STACK comparison. Its pricing page offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card (source). Choose it if you're on Windows and want deep takeoff control. Skip it if you're on a Mac.
3. Togal
Togal markets takeoff software for estimators and commercial contractors, with trade pages for drywall, electrical, plumbing and more (source). Trial availability varies by region, so check its site. Choose it if you measure large, repetitive commercial plan sets. Skip it if you mainly need pricing and a proposal.
4. Bluebeam
Bluebeam is PDF markup software with quantity takeoff tools, and it offers a free trial (source). Choose it if your team already marks up plans in Bluebeam. Skip it if you want line-item pricing built for you.
5. Kreo
Kreo's pricing page lists takeoff and estimating plans with a 7-day free trial (source). Choose it if you want browser takeoff with report templates. Skip it if you want trade-specific bid drafts for U.S. subs.
FAQ
Is there a free alternative to STACK?
STACK itself has a free version of Takeoff & Estimate, according to its pricing page. Most alternatives offer free trials instead: TradeBid (7 days, 3 bids + 1 takeoff), PlanSwift (14 days) and Kreo (7 days).
What's the best STACK alternative for a small subcontractor?
It depends on what you need at the end. If you want a finished, branded proposal fast, try TradeBid. If you want detailed manual takeoff on Windows, try PlanSwift.
Is there a STACK alternative that works on a Mac?
Yes. TradeBid, Togal and Kreo run in a browser, so they work on a Mac.