Side by side
Beam AI vs ContractorCounter
Both stand on plumbing estimating software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Paid AndroidiPhoneWeb
Choose Beam AI if your team needs cloud-based takeoffs, bid tracking, and PDF or Excel outputs. Its Done For You service may suit teams that want QA-checked takeoffs, while DIY is limited to three listed trades. Consider another option if you need a free plan.
Visit Beam AI
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2
ContractorCounter combines drawing markup, measurement and quote preparation in a browser workspace. Review AI suggestions and check quantities and prices before quoting.
Visit ContractorCounterThe facts
| Beam AI | ContractorCounter | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Do It Yourself – Construction plans: $8,000 a year | Team: $10 per seat a month |
| Plans published | 8 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | ibeam.ai | contractorcounter.com |
| On plumbing estimating software | #2 of 19 | #1 of 19 |
Beam AI: what it does well
- Done For You construction takeoffs are QA-checked before delivery.
- Takeoff tools include editing, derived measurements, and discrepancy callouts.
- The bid dashboard tracks deadlines, addenda, RFIs, and ITBs.
- Exports include PDF, Excel, and shareable links.
- Cloud access through the iBeam Portal requires no on-premise installation.
What to know first
- There is no free plan.
- The DIY construction license covers only HVAC, plumbing, and steel.
- Takeoff capacity varies by trade, project complexity, and license tier.
ContractorCounter: what it does well
- Markup tools work directly on construction PDFs.
- Measures length, area, volume and item counts.
- Takeoff quantities flow into editable priced quotes.
- Browser access includes Windows, macOS, iPad, iPhone and Android.
What to know first
- Free access limits AI use.
- Exports and sharing require paid access or an eligible trial.
- AI may miss items or misread drawings.
- It is not a full cost-database estimating suite.
Alternatives to Beam AI Alternatives to ContractorCounter The whole list