[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Construction Estimating](https://www.selecthub.com/category/construction-estimating/) \> [Construction Estimating Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/construction-estimating-software/) \> [Clear Estimates](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-estimating-software/clear-estimates/) \> Clear Estimates vs CostOS # Clear Estimates vs CostOS Last Updated: May 11th, 2026 Our analysts compared [Clear Estimates](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-estimating-software/clear-estimates/) vs [CostOS](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-estimating-software/costos/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Construction Estimating Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/construction-estimating-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 Estimating Software&cta=construction-estimating-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 [![Clear Estimates Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/f953ad57910572bd6803da3faaa6e92b-737e3be99d1b79fba19438aa03ee9482/resources/normal/logo.png?1693318547)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-estimating-software/clear-estimates/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) Remove Add to Compare [![CostOS Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/f82798ec8909d23e55679ee26bb26437-162e73f678f84d092f0f21f8075ae71f/resources/normal/logo.png?1735677610)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-estimating-software/costos/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Construction+Estimating+Software&product%5Fname=Clear%2BEstimates&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff953ad57910572bd6803da3faaa6e92b-737e3be99d1b79fba19438aa03ee9482%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693318547) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Construction+Estimating+Software&product%5Fname=Clear%2BEstimates&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff953ad57910572bd6803da3faaa6e92b-737e3be99d1b79fba19438aa03ee9482%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693318547) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Construction+Estimating+Software&product%5Fname=Clear%2BEstimates&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff953ad57910572bd6803da3faaa6e92b-737e3be99d1b79fba19438aa03ee9482%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693318547&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Construction+Estimating+Software&product%5Fname=Clear%2BEstimates&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff953ad57910572bd6803da3faaa6e92b-737e3be99d1b79fba19438aa03ee9482%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693318547&price=2) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Construction+Estimating+Software&product%5Fname=CostOS&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff82798ec8909d23e55679ee26bb26437-162e73f678f84d092f0f21f8075ae71f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1735677610) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Construction+Estimating+Software&product%5Fname=CostOS&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff82798ec8909d23e55679ee26bb26437-162e73f678f84d092f0f21f8075ae71f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1735677610) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Construction+Estimating+Software&product%5Fname=CostOS&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff82798ec8909d23e55679ee26bb26437-162e73f678f84d092f0f21f8075ae71f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1735677610&price=5) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Construction+Estimating+Software&product%5Fname=CostOS&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff82798ec8909d23e55679ee26bb26437-162e73f678f84d092f0f21f8075ae71f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1735677610&price=5) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating 57 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (221 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating we're gathering data ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (42 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $79 Monthly [ Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Clear Estimates&category=Construction Estimating Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/f953ad57910572bd6803da3faaa6e92b-737e3be99d1b79fba19438aa03ee9482/resources/normal/logo.png?1693318547) $2,800/User, One-Time Free Trial is unavailable → Pros What we like about Clear Estimates and CostOS: * Built for remodelers with over 60 templates for kitchens, bathrooms, garages and additions * Localized pricing data covers 400 U.S. regions, so estimates reflect real local material and labor costs * Users find the interface easy to pick up, even if you're not especially tech-savvy * Connects with QuickBooks and Buildertrend, which keeps accounting and project handoffs tidy * BIM integration pulls quantities straight from 3D models, cutting manual takeoff work on complex jobs * Scales from small residential work up to large infrastructure projects without switching tools * Excel import and export is smooth, so existing spreadsheet workflows keep working * Connects with ERP and CAD systems, which suits firms running a wider tech stack Cons What we dislike about Clear Estimates and CostOS: * Customization is limited, so tailoring reports, proposals or templates to your branding can feel restrictive * Mobile app trails the desktop version, with weaker offline access and editing for on-site use * Lacks integration with takeoff tools, which is a gap for plan-heavy estimating * Aimed at small remodeling shops, so larger firms with complex reporting needs may outgrow it * 2D and 3D takeoff modules still have rough edges users want improved * Building assemblies can be tricky to set up, especially when you're new to the platform * Pricing isn't published, so you'll need to request a quote before you can compare costs * Depth of features means a steeper ramp-up than lighter residential estimating tools ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Clear Estimates and CostOS solve different problems. Clear Estimates fits small remodeling contractors who want quick, accurate residential estimates without a heavy learning curve. CostOS fits larger firms running complex commercial, industrial or infrastructure jobs that lean on BIM and detailed cost data. If your work is kitchens, baths, additions and similar remodels, Clear Estimates gives you a head start. The 60-plus prebuilt templates and 15,000 preloaded parts mean you're rarely building an estimate from a blank page. Localized pricing across 400 U.S. regions also keeps your numbers grounded without manual research. CostOS is a different animal. Its BIM integration pulls quantities directly from 3D models, which matters when you're estimating jobs where manual takeoffs would eat days. Excel, ERP and CAD connections fit firms that already run a wider construction tech stack and need estimating to plug into it. On price, Clear Estimates starts at $79 per month, which is friendly for a solo contractor or small shop. CostOS lists a starting price of $2,800 per user, one-time, so you'll want to weigh that upfront cost against how much complex work you actually take on. Pick Clear Estimates if you want fast residential estimates, QuickBooks and Buildertrend hooks, and minimal setup. Pick CostOS if BIM-driven takeoffs, scenario analysis and ERP integration are central to how you bid. The tradeoff is real: Clear Estimates trades depth for speed, and CostOS asks for more setup in exchange for handling much bigger jobs. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Clear Estimates has an analyst rating of 57\. Our analysts are still gathering data for CostOS. 57 we're gathering data Features Comparison **Bid Management** Manage and compare all subcontractor and supplier quotes easily, giving you the best possible pricing so you can win the project confidently. 24 we're gathering data **Cost Management** Track and compare your estimated project costs against actual spending, allowing you to manage your budget tightly and maximize your profit on every job. 69 we're gathering data **Document and Database Management** Store and organize all your pricing, materials, and project files in one central location, ensuring you quickly find and use the right information every time. 45 we're gathering data [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Construction Estimating Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Construction Estimating Software) How Clear Estimates compares against the top 8 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. Clear Estimates CostOS \+ Add Product [\+ Add Product](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Construction Estimating Software) Bid Management Cost Management Document And DatabaseManagement Estimate Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Takeoff Capabilities 24 69 45 78 93 75 62 0 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. **Bid Management** Manage and compare all subcontractor and supplier quotes easily, giving you the best possible pricing so you can win the project confidently. 29% 0% 71% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Cost Management** Track and compare your estimated project costs against actual spending, allowing you to manage your budget tightly and maximize your profit on every job. 75% 0% 25% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Document And Database Management** Store and organize all your pricing, materials, and project files in one central location, ensuring you quickly find and use the right information every time. 45% 0% 55% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Estimate Management** Create, review, and adjust multiple versions of an estimate quickly, allowing you to easily handle project changes and client requests with speed. 77% 0% 23% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Platform Capabilities** Access your project estimates and data securely on any device, allowing you to quickly create or review bids whether you are in the office or on a job site. 100% 0% 0% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Project Management** Convert your winning estimate directly into a project budget, ensuring a smooth transition from bidding to execution without needing to re-enter data. 63% 0% 37% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Reports And Dashboards** Convert your winning estimate directly into a project budget, ensuring a smooth transition from bidding to execution without needing to re-enter data. 67% 0% 33% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Takeoff Capabilities** Calculate quantities for materials and labor directly from digital plans, speeding up your process and eliminating manual counting errors entirely. 0% 0% 100% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **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 Estimating Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Construction Estimating 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 And Extensibility** Connect this tool with your accounting, project management, and scheduling systems, allowing all your estimate data to flow seamlessly and accurately. 33% 0% 67% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Requirements Summary** Of typical requirements, 39.1% are fully supported out of the box by Clear Estimates including Estimate Management, Project Management and Platform Capabilities. We are still evaluating data for CostOS at this time. CostOS has an analyst rating of and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 42 reviews, while Clear Estimates has an analyst rating of 57 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 221 reviews. Clear Estimates is a SelectHub award-winner. ### User Sentiment Summary Clear Estimates has a user sentiment rating of 90 based on 221 reviews. CostOS has a user sentiment rating of 96 based on 42 reviews. ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 221 reviews ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 42 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 90% of users recommend this product Clear Estimates has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 221 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites. 96% of users recommend this product CostOS has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 96% when considering 42 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **G2.com, Inc** n/a **4.4** (5) **Software Advice, Inc** **4.54** (112) **4.9** (21) **Capterra Inc** **4.5** (109) **4.8** (16) ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. Clear Estimates stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award]() CostOS stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite 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 Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 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 [ Clear Estimates Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-estimating-software/clear-estimates/alternatives/) [ CostOS Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-estimating-software/costos/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Template library** – Includes more than 60 prebuilt job templates for remodels like kitchens, baths, garages and additions, so you can start estimating without building from scratch. * **Localized pricing** – Pulls material and labor costs for 400 U.S. regions, helping your estimates match what jobs actually cost in your area. * **Accounting integrations** – Connects with QuickBooks for sales and receipt data and exports estimates to Buildertrend, with Zapier handling CRM handoffs. * **Proposal generation** – Builds formal proposals automatically using parts that come prewritten in contract language, cutting time spent drafting documents. * **BIM-based takeoff** – Integrates with Building Information Modeling to pull quantities from 3D models, supporting more accurate estimates on complex jobs than template-driven tools. * **Geographical indexing** – Adjusts cost estimates for regional pricing differences, with broader reach across global projects than U.S.-only pricing data. * **ERP and CAD links** – Connects with ERP and CAD systems so estimating data flows into the wider project and design stack. * **Scenario analysis** – Lets you build and compare multiple project scenarios side by side to test outcomes before committing to a bid. ### Top Alternatives in Construction Estimating Software [ B2W Estimate ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-estimating-software/b2w-software/) [ Buildertrend ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-management-software/buildertrend/) [ Buildxact ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/takeoff-software/buildxact/) [ CoConstruct ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-management-software/coconstruct/) [ ConstructionOnline ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-management-software/constructiononline/) [ HeavyBid ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-estimating-software/heavybid/) [ McCormick Estimating ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-estimating-software/mccormick-estimating/) [ PlanSwift ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/takeoff-software/planswift/) [ Plexxis ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-management-software/plexxis/) [ ProEst ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/construction-estimating-software/proest/) ### Related Categories Clear Estimates and CostOS can also be found with other leading products in these categories: [ Construction Bidding Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/construction-bidding-software/) [ Takeoff Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/takeoff-software/) Show more [ Construction Bidding Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/construction-bidding-software/) Show more ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Clear Estimates Software Tool]() ![Aconex Software Tool]() [Clear Estimates VS Aconex](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-management-software/aconex-vs-clear-estimates/) ![Clear Estimates Software Tool]() ![Buildertrend Software Tool]() [Clear Estimates VS Buildertrend](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-management-software/buildertrend-vs-clear-estimates/) ![Clear Estimates Software Tool]() ![CoConstruct Software Tool]() [Clear Estimates VS CoConstruct](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-management-software/coconstruct-vs-clear-estimates/) ![Clear Estimates Software Tool]() ![ConstructionOnline Software Tool]() [Clear Estimates VS ConstructionOnline](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-estimating-software/clear-estimates-vs-constructiononline/) ![Clear Estimates Software Tool]() ![Contractor Foreman Software Tool]() [Clear Estimates VS Contractor Foreman](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-estimating-software/clear-estimates-vs-contractor-foreman/) ![Clear Estimates Software Tool]() ![eSUB Software Tool]() [Clear Estimates VS eSUB](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-management-software/esub-vs-clear-estimates/) ![Clear Estimates Software Tool]() ![eTakeoff Software Tool]() [Clear Estimates VS eTakeoff](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-estimating-software/clear-estimates-vs-etakeoff/) ![Clear Estimates Software Tool]() ![Fieldwire Software Tool]() [Clear Estimates VS Fieldwire](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-management-software/fieldwire-vs-clear-estimates/) ![Clear Estimates Software Tool]() ![Jonas Construction Software Software Tool]() [Clear Estimates VS Jonas Construction Software](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-estimating-software/clear-estimates-vs-jonas-construction/) ![Clear Estimates Software Tool]() ![Procore Software Tool]() [Clear Estimates VS Procore](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-management-software/procore-vs-clear-estimates/) ![Clear Estimates Software Tool]() ![Sage Construction Software Tool]() [Clear Estimates VS Sage Construction](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-management-software/sage-construction-vs-clear-estimates/) ![Clear Estimates Software Tool]() ![Unity Construct Software Tool]() [Clear Estimates VS Unity Construct](https://www.selecthub.com/construction-management-software/unity-construct-vs-clear-estimates/) **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-estimating-software-require/) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [ Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Construction%20Estimating%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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