[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Construction Bidding](https://www.selecthub.com/category/construction-bidding/) \> [Construction Bidding Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/construction-bidding-software/) \> [PlanHub](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-bidding-software/planhub/) \> PlanHub vs SmartBid # PlanHub vs SmartBid Last Updated: August 17th, 2026 Our analysts compared [PlanHub](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-bidding-software/planhub/) vs [SmartBid](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-bidding-software/smartbid/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Construction Bidding Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/construction-bidding-software/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Construction Bidding Software&cta=construction-bidding-software). [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![PlanHub Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/78ccad7da4c2fc2646d1848e965794c5-0db4974d53997b1d41ea645a71f9cd72/resources/normal/logo.png?1693318539)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-bidding-software/planhub/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) Remove Add to Compare [![SmartBid Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/ac450d10e166657ec8f93a1b65ca1b14-82528e4fe0a307296ea81d1e308f0db9/resources/normal/logo.png?1693318539)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-bidding-software/smartbid/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo-cb/?category=Construction+Bidding+Software&product%5Fname=PlanHub&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F78ccad7da4c2fc2646d1848e965794c5-0db4974d53997b1d41ea645a71f9cd72%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693318539) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo-cb/?category=Construction+Bidding+Software&product%5Fname=PlanHub&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F78ccad7da4c2fc2646d1848e965794c5-0db4974d53997b1d41ea645a71f9cd72%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693318539) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing-cb/?category=Construction+Bidding+Software&product%5Fname=PlanHub&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F78ccad7da4c2fc2646d1848e965794c5-0db4974d53997b1d41ea645a71f9cd72%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693318539&price=5) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing-cb/?category=Construction+Bidding+Software&product%5Fname=PlanHub&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F78ccad7da4c2fc2646d1848e965794c5-0db4974d53997b1d41ea645a71f9cd72%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693318539&price=5) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo-cb/?category=Construction+Bidding+Software&product%5Fname=SmartBid&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fac450d10e166657ec8f93a1b65ca1b14-82528e4fe0a307296ea81d1e308f0db9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693318539) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo-cb/?category=Construction+Bidding+Software&product%5Fname=SmartBid&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fac450d10e166657ec8f93a1b65ca1b14-82528e4fe0a307296ea81d1e308f0db9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693318539) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing-cb/?category=Construction+Bidding+Software&product%5Fname=SmartBid&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fac450d10e166657ec8f93a1b65ca1b14-82528e4fe0a307296ea81d1e308f0db9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693318539&price=3) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing-cb/?category=Construction+Bidding+Software&product%5Fname=SmartBid&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fac450d10e166657ec8f93a1b65ca1b14-82528e4fe0a307296ea81d1e308f0db9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693318539&price=3) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating PlanHub - Analyst Score: 59 out of 100 59 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (422 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating SmartBid - Analyst Score: 76 out of 100 76 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (95 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $1,199 Annually [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=PlanHub&category=Construction Bidding Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/78ccad7da4c2fc2646d1848e965794c5-0db4974d53997b1d41ea645a71f9cd72/resources/normal/logo.png?1693318539) $450 Monthly Free Trial is unavailable → Pros What we like about PlanHub and SmartBid: * Connects you to a network of over 25,000 suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for outreach * Users find the interface intuitive and easy to pick up without much training * Lets you post unlimited projects and add unlimited members to the dashboard * Project posting and bid invites are simple, even for first-time users * Side-by-side bid comparison and automated bid leveling help you avoid costly errors * Prequalification forms and compliance tracking keep subcontractor documents organized * Mobile app lets you monitor bids and access project data while off-site * Integrates with Procore, Autodesk BIM 360, Stack and Dropbox for connected workflows Cons What we dislike about PlanHub and SmartBid: * Doesn't categorize items by CSI divisions or cost codes, which limits scope-of-work tracking * Users note the messaging system isn't robust enough for ongoing subcontractor communication * The webpage isn't mobile optimized, so on-the-go access is limited * Project files sometimes get labeled incorrectly, creating document management headaches * Users find the depth of features overwhelming at first and report a steep learning curve * Customization options are limited, making it harder to match unique bidding workflows * Connecting to existing tools can create integration friction and data inconsistencies * Pricing may feel steep for smaller construction firms with tighter budgets ### Our Review **Bottom line:** PlanHub and SmartBid both help you run bidding from one place, but they fit different buyers. PlanHub leans toward small and mid-sized contractors who want a simple way to post projects and reach a wide subcontractor network. SmartBid suits general contractors who need deeper bid leveling, prequalification and tighter ties to project management tools. If you're a subcontractor or supplier hunting for work, PlanHub's reach matters. The platform opens you up to over 25,000 contacts, and users say posting projects and inviting bids is straightforward. The tradeoff is depth. You won't get CSI division tracking or cost code categorization, and the messaging tools feel light once conversations get serious. SmartBid takes a different angle. It's built around helping general contractors compare bids accurately, prequalify subs and stay on top of compliance. Document sharing runs on Microsoft Azure with granular permissions, and the mobile app keeps you connected on job sites. Users do flag a learning curve, so plan for ramp-up time. On price, PlanHub starts at $1,199 per year while SmartBid starts at $450 per month. The billing intervals differ, so weigh each against how you budget rather than comparing the figures head-to-head. Tech stack matters here too. SmartBid plugs into Procore, Autodesk BIM 360, Stack and Dropbox, which helps if you already run those tools. PlanHub connects with Stack, Raken, Databid and eSUB, which fits a lighter pre-construction stack. Pick PlanHub if reach and ease of use top your list. Pick SmartBid if accurate bid comparison, compliance tracking and integration depth matter more than the upfront learning investment. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, PlanHub has an analyst rating of 59\. By comparison SmartBid has an analyst rating of 76\. PlanHub - Analyst Score: 59 out of 100 59 SmartBid - Analyst Score: 76 out of 100 76 Features Comparison **Analytics & Reporting** Review your bidding history and project costs instantly, helping you spot trends and improve future estimates to win more profitable work. 25 42 **Bid Invitation & Closing Management** Manage subcontractor invitations, track who has responded, and clearly define bid closing times, ensuring you get all necessary pricing on schedule. 59 76 **Bid Request Management** Easily create and send professional bid requests to your subcontractors, ensuring they have all the required documents and detailed project scope upfront. 71 85 [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Construction Bidding Software) Strengths The best features of PlanHub and SmartBid as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. General Contractor Functionalities Planroom & Document Management Planroom & Document Management Subcontractor Functionalities Integrations & Extensibility Subcontractor Prequalification Bid Request Management ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Construction Bidding Software) How PlanHub and SmartBid compare against the top 7 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. PlanHub SmartBid \+ Add Product [\+ Add Product](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Construction Bidding Software) Analytics & Reporting Bid Invitation &Closing Management Bid Request Management General ContractorFunctionalities Planroom & DocumentManagement SubcontractorFunctionalities SubcontractorPrequalification 25 59 71 100 100 78 46 42 76 85 57 95 88 87 0 25 50 75 100 Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Analytics & Reporting** Review your bidding history and project costs instantly, helping you spot trends and improve future estimates to win more profitable work. 25% 0% 75% 42% 0% 58% **Bid Invitation & Closing Management** Manage subcontractor invitations, track who has responded, and clearly define bid closing times, ensuring you get all necessary pricing on schedule. 59% 0% 41% 77% 0% 23% **Bid Request Management** Easily create and send professional bid requests to your subcontractors, ensuring they have all the required documents and detailed project scope upfront. 75% 0% 25% 83% 0% 17% **General Contractor Functionalities** Consolidate all subcontractor bids, compare prices easily, and finalize the overall project cost, allowing you to create the most competitive final offer. 100% 0% 0% 57% 0% 43% **Planroom & Document Management** Store and organize all project drawings and specifications in one secure online location, so your entire team and all subcontractors access the correct files easily. 100% 0% 0% 86% 0% 14% **Subcontractor Functionalities** Receive, review, and quickly submit your competitive bids electronically, making it faster and simpler to secure new work and grow your business. 78% 0% 22% 89% 0% 11% **Subcontractor Prequalification** Verify the quality, safety, and financial stability of subcontractors before inviting them to bid, ensuring you only work with trustworthy and reliable partners. 50% 0% 50% 88% 0% 12% **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs**and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Construction Bidding Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Construction Bidding Software) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations & Extensibility** Connect this system with your current accounting and project management tools, ensuring all your bid data flows seamlessly without manual entry errors. 29% 0% 71% 86% 0% 14% ### Analyst Ratings for Vendor Qualification Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Construction Bidding Software) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Support** Access expert assistance and helpful guides instantly, ensuring you get the answers you need quickly so your bidding process stays on track. 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% 100% **Requirements Summary**Of typical requirements, 49% are fully supported out of the box by PlanHub including General Contractor Functionalities, Planroom & Document Management and Subcontractor Functionalities. SmartBid supports 69.5% and excels at Subcontractor Functionalities, Subcontractor Prequalification and Integrations & Extensibility. PlanHub has an analyst rating of 59 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 422 reviews, while SmartBid has an analyst rating of 76 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 95 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary PlanHub has a user sentiment rating of 85 based on 422 reviews. SmartBid has a user sentiment rating of 87 based on 95 reviews. ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 422 reviews ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 95 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 85% of users recommend this product PlanHub has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 422 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. 87% of users recommend this product SmartBid has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 87% when considering 95 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **G2.com, Inc** **4.0** (1) **4.4** (24) **Software Advice, Inc** **4.19** (229) n/a **Capterra Inc** **4.3** (192) **4.4** (64) **TrustRadius** n/a **4.0** (7) ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. SelectHub research analysts have evaluated PlanHub and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for General Contractor Functionalities. ![General Contractor Functionalities Award]() SelectHub research analysts have evaluated SmartBid and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Integrations & Extensibility. ![Integrations & Extensibility Award]() ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [PlanHub Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-bidding-software/planhub/alternatives/) [SmartBid Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-bidding-software/smartbid/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Bid management** – Filter project files by trade and service area, then track and compare bids from a centralized dashboard to make decisions faster. * **Subcontractor database** – Search a network of over 25,000 contacts by expertise and location, and pull subs straight into your bid invites. * **Bid navigator** – Bundles a PDF keyword scanner, custom alerts, a deadline calendar and bid analytics into one workflow for finding and tracking opportunities. * **RFI center** – Respond to subcontractor questions privately or publicly and set email alerts so you don't miss new requests. * **File sharing** – Stores, organizes and shares project files in a centralized cloud database so everyone works from the same documents. * **Bid comparison** – Consolidates submitted bids and standardizes tabulation so you can level multiple bids side-by-side and pick the right sub. * **Subcontractor management** – Imports existing databases, sorts contacts by trade and service area, and ties into public registries to widen your pool. * **Prequalifications** – Custom online forms collect sub data, supporting documents and confidentiality agreements before bids go out. * **Nonconformance tracking** – Uses OCR to cut manual entry, lets subs upload compliance documents and sends overdue notifications when expiration nears. * **Reports and metrics** – Color-coded reports flag spam emails and duplicate companies, and custom reports track who received, viewed and submitted bids. ### Top Alternatives in Construction Bidding Software [ BidPlanroom ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-bidding-software/bidplanroom/) [ Bidtracer ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-bidding-software/bidtracer/) [ Buildertrend ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-management-software/buildertrend/) [ BuildingBlok ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-management-software/buildingblok/) [ BuildingConnected ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-bidding-software/buildingconnected/) [ CoConstruct ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-management-software/coconstruct/) [ ConstructConnect ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-bidding-software/constructconnect/) [ Dodge Data and Analytics ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-bidding-software/dodge-data-and-analytics/) [ iSqFt ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-management-software/isqft/) [ PipelineSuite ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-bidding-software/pipelinesuite/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![PlanHub Software Tool]() ![BidPlanroom Software Tool]() [PlanHub VS BidPlanroom](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-bidding-software/planhub-vs-bidplanroom/) ![PlanHub Software Tool]() ![Bidtracer Software Tool]() [PlanHub VS Bidtracer](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-bidding-software/planhub-vs-bidtracer/) ![PlanHub Software Tool]() ![BuildingConnected Software Tool]() [PlanHub VS BuildingConnected](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-bidding-software/buildingconnected-vs-planhub/) ![PlanHub Software Tool]() ![CIVCAST Software Tool]() [PlanHub VS CIVCAST](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-bidding-software/planhub-vs-civcast/) ![PlanHub Software Tool]() ![ConstructConnect Software Tool]() [PlanHub VS ConstructConnect](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-bidding-software/planhub-vs-constructconnect/) ![PlanHub Software Tool]() ![Dodge Data and Analytics Software Tool]() [PlanHub VS Dodge Data and Analytics](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-bidding-software/planhub-vs-dodge-data-and-analytics/) ![PlanHub Software Tool]() ![Periscope S2G Software Tool]() [PlanHub VS Periscope S2G](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-bidding-software/planhub-vs-periscope-s2g/) ![PlanHub Software Tool]() ![PipelineSuite Software Tool]() [PlanHub VS PipelineSuite](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-bidding-software/planhub-vs-pipelinesuite/) ![PlanHub Software Tool]() ![SmartBid Software Tool]() [PlanHub VS SmartBid](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-bidding-software/planhub-vs-smartbid/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/construction-bidding-software-requiremen/) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard-cb/?category=Construction%20Bidding%20Software) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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