PlanSwift vs STACK: Full Comparison (2026)
Quick Answer
Two takeoff and estimating tools with different delivery models. PlanSwift is a one-time purchase desktop app with deep measurement tools. STACK is cloud-based with a free tier and collaborative features.
PlanSwift vs STACK at a Glance
| Dimension | PlanSwift | STACK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 50.0/10 | 50.0/10 | Tie |
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | PlanSwift | STACK |
|---|---|---|
| PlanSwift Starter / Free | $749/one-time per seat | $Custom/monthly |
| PlanSwift Pro / Takeoff | $1749/one-time per seat | $2999/annual |
| Takeoff + Estimating | $4499/annual |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | PlanSwift | STACK |
|---|---|---|
| Client Portal | No | No |
| Subcontractor Portal | No | No |
| Safety Management | No | No |
| Document Management | No | Yes |
| Gantt Charts | No | No |
| Project Scheduling | No | No |
| RFIs | No | No |
| Submittals | No | No |
| Daily Logs | No | No |
| Photo/Video Documentation | No | No |
| Punch Lists | No | No |
| Budget Tracking | No | No |
| Change Order Management | No | No |
| Invoicing | No | No |
| API Access | No | No |
| BIM Support | No | No |
| QuickBooks Integration | No | No |
| Mobile App | No | No |
| Offline Mode | No | No |
| Bid Management | No | Yes |
| Estimating/Takeoff | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Reports | Yes | No |
| Reporting & Analytics | Yes | Yes |
| Time Tracking | No | No |
Our Recommendation
Choose PlanSwift if you want powerful desktop takeoff software with a one-time purchase and don't need cloud collaboration. Choose STACK if you want cloud-based takeoff accessible from anywhere, value the free tier for getting started, and need team collaboration on estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PlanSwift or STACK better for small contractors?
It depends on your budget and project complexity. Compare their pricing, features, and user reviews in our detailed breakdown above to find the best fit for your team size and workflow.
Can I migrate from PlanSwift to STACK?
Most construction software supports data export. Check both vendors' migration guides, and consider running both in parallel during transition. Many offer onboarding assistance for new customers switching from a competitor.
Do PlanSwift and STACK offer free trials?
PlanSwift offers a free trial. STACK offers a free trial. We recommend testing both with your actual project data before committing.
What's the main difference between PlanSwift and STACK?
See our TL;DR and verdict sections above for a concise summary. The key differences come down to target market, pricing model, and feature depth — which we break down dimension by dimension in this comparison.