PlanSwift vs Stratosphere

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared PlanSwift 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

PlanSwift, a ConstructConnect offering, is an estimation software designed for general and specialty contractors. It helps manage concrete, drywall, electrical, flooring, framing, HVAC and more while improving accuracy, saving time and increasing profit margins.

Users can complete estimation for simple and complex areas, volumes, items, perimeters and length with point and click support. They can also drag-and-drop assemblies like labor costs, waste and materials and calculate expenses. It can do internal, material and labor calculations and export them to users’ Excel sheets.

Pros
  • Easy to learn & use
  • Fast, accurate takeoff
  • Flexible reporting tools
  • Good customer support
  • Cloud-based & mobile
Cons
  • Limited 3D capabilities
  • Fewer integrations
  • Higher cost for some projects
  • Can be slow on complex models
  • May require training for advanced features
read more...
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
read more...
$1,749 Annually
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$79/User, Monthly
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

  • Faster Takeoff Times: Drag-and-drop interface and automated calculations dramatically reduce manual work, saving significant time on takeoffs.
  • Improved Accuracy: Eliminate manual errors with PlanSwift's precise measurements and automatic calculations, leading to more reliable estimates.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time cloud-based access allows teams to collaborate efficiently, ensuring everyone works with the latest information.
  • Streamlined Estimating: Generate professional estimates quickly and easily with flexible reporting tools and customizable templates.
  • Increased Project Visibility: Gain insights into material needs, costs, and potential risks with detailed takeoff reports and visual aids.
  • Reduced Material Waste: Accurate takeoffs lead to more precise material ordering, minimizing waste and saving costs.
  • Improved Bidding Competitiveness: Submit faster, more accurate bids with confidence, giving you an edge in the competition.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Access project data and takeoffs on the go with the mobile app, enhancing flexibility and productivity.
  • Scalability for Growth: As your business grows, PlanSwift easily adapts to handle larger and more complex projects.
  • Peace of Mind: Trustworthy customer support and regular software updates ensure you have the ongoing assistance you need.
read more...
  • 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.
read more...
  • Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplify takeoffs with point-and-click measurements and direct placement of pre-defined assemblies onto plans.
  • Automatic Calculations: Eliminate manual errors with PlanSwift's automatic calculations for lengths, areas, volumes, and more.
  • Multiple File Format Support: Seamlessly import and work with various file formats, including PDFs, DWGs, and images.
  • Customizable Assemblies: Create and save reusable assemblies for frequently used materials and components, streamlining takeoffs.
  • Advanced Measurement Tools: Handle complex shapes and curved lines with tools like arc calculations and automatic cut-out deductions.
  • Color Coding and Annotation Tools: Highlight different takeoff items, track progress, and add notes directly on plans for clear communication.
  • Powerful Reporting Tools: Generate detailed takeoff reports with customizable layouts, filtering options, and cost summaries.
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration: Work together on projects in real-time with team members and clients, regardless of location.
  • Mobile App Integration: Access project data, view plans, and perform basic takeoffs on the go with the mobile app.
  • Open API Integration: Connect PlanSwift with other software you use through its open API for increased data flow and automation.
  • Scalability and Customization: Adapt PlanSwift to your specific needs with customizable settings, user roles, and data fields.
read more...
  • 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.
read more...

Product Ranking

#6

among all
Takeoff Software

#36

among all
Takeoff Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

83
40
87
53
92
25
29
14
Show More Show More

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

PlanSwift
Stratosphere
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 87 92 29 94 91 88 71 100 53 25 14 58 47 63 43 36 0 25 50 75 100
87%
0%
13%
53%
0%
47%
92%
0%
8%
25%
0%
75%
29%
0%
71%
14%
0%
86%
94%
0%
6%
59%
0%
41%
83%
0%
17%
42%
0%
58%
88%
0%
12%
63%
0%
37%
71%
0%
29%
43%
0%
57%
100%
0%
0%
36%
0%
64%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

60%
0%
40%
0%
0%
100%

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 411 reviews
we're gathering data
86%
of users recommend this product

PlanSwift has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 411 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

we're gathering data
4.3 (23)
n/a
4.3 (377)
n/a
4.0 (11)
n/a

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated PlanSwift and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Platform Capabilities.

Platform Capabilities Award

we're gathering data

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

User-Friendly Interface: Planswift is praised for its intuitive and straightforward interface which allows users to easily navigate and utilize the software, enhancing productivity for takeoff and estimating tasks.
Accurate Takeoffs: Users appreciate the precision that Planswift provides, enabling them to quickly generate accurate materials and labor estimates, essential for competitive bidding and managing project margins.
Customizable Templates: With Planswift, the ability to create custom templates for various project types helps streamline the estimating process, saving valuable time while ensuring consistency across estimates.
Integration with Other Software: The software's compatibility with third-party applications ensures a seamless workflow, allowing for the easy import and export of data and enhancing overall efficiency.
On-Screen Takeoff: The on-screen takeoff feature allows users to directly measure plans on their computer screen, reducing the need for physical plans and promoting a paperless environment.
Support and Training: Responsive customer support combined with a robust set of training resources empowers users to maximize the potential of the software.
Cost-Effective: Many users find Planswift to be an affordable solution without compromising the functionality required for managing takeoff and estimating complexities.
Show more
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.
Show more
Steep Learning Curve: For new users, PlanSwift can be quite daunting to learn and master, particularly for those with limited tech experience, potentially delaying project starts.
Occasional Bugs: Users have reported running into software glitches that can disrupt the takeoff and estimating process, requiring workarounds or customer support intervention.
Inconsistent Customer Support: While some users find the support helpful, others report slow response times and varying levels of assistance when facing issues with the software.
Performance Issues with Large Files: Handling large and complex projects can sometimes slow down the software, leading to longer loading times and decreased responsiveness.
Limited Cloud Capabilities: Compared to competitors, PlanSwift's cloud features are not as robust, potentially hindering collaboration and remote access for teams.
Cost Prohibitive for Small Businesses: The pricing structure can be on the higher end, presenting financial challenges for small firms or independent contractors.
Outdated Interface: Some users feel that the user interface is not as modern or intuitive as other solutions, affecting user experience and efficiency.
Limited Integration with Other Platforms: PlanSwift's ability to integrate with other construction management or accounting software is often seen as insufficient or overly complex.
Show more
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.
Show more

Users consistently praise Planswift's user-friendliness and affordability compared to industry giants like Bluebeam Revu and OnCenter Estimating. Newcomers find its interface intuitive and training resources abundant, enabling them to become productive quickly. Additionally, Planswift's subscription model makes it financially accessible to smaller firms and individual contractors. However, some users lament a perceived lack of advanced features present in competitors. While Planswift boasts core functionalities like 3D takeoff and integration with popular CAD programs, it may not cater to highly complex projects requiring specialized tools for intricate assemblies or detailed cost estimating. A key differentiator highlighted by users is Planswift's customer support. They commend its responsiveness and helpfulness, often exceeding expectations compared to competitors. This personalized support is crucial for users encountering technical issues or seeking guidance on advanced functionalities. Ultimately, user reviews depict Planswift as a valuable tool for those prioritizing ease of use, affordability, and reliable customer support. However, users requiring in-depth features for highly specialized projects might find themselves needing to explore alternative solutions. Weighing individual needs against Planswift's strengths and weaknesses is crucial for making an informed decision.

Show more

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.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Takeoff Software


Active Takeoff

Autodesk Takeoff

Bluebeam

Buildxact

Countfire

Esticom

eTakeoff

Methvin

On-Screen Takeoff

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