Comparison · reviewed 2026-10-04
CostKit vs STACK: which one fits your work?
Compare the work each product supports and the terms of its pricing. This guide is published by CostKit; it is not an independent performance benchmark.
STACK combines drawing takeoff, item and assembly estimating, and proposal tools. Its site lists AI takeoff. The $49/user/month Build & Operate product is not the Takeoff & Estimate plan.
CostKit drafts phase-by-phase estimates from your scope and measurements. Review all quantities and pricing references against site conditions and supplier quotes before sharing.
Pricing and billing terms
CostKit: Free includes 2 estimates/month and watermarked PDFs. Starter is $39/month, Pro $89/month and Team $179/month (5 seats). Annual billing is $360, $840 and $1,680 respectively. Paid plans include editing, branding and client delivery. See current plan limits.
STACK
- Takeoff & Estimate: As low as $299/user/month
Advertised starting rate; confirm billing commitment and required tier.
- Full STACK Platform: As low as $348/user/month
Includes field tools; confirm scope, seats and contract terms.
- Free version: Available for Takeoff & Estimate
Check current usage and feature limits.
Prices are USD where shown. Vendor offers, taxes, seats and contract terms can change. A monthly equivalent is not necessarily a monthly payment option.
Workflow comparison
| Workflow | CostKit | STACK |
|---|---|---|
| Starting information | Your project description, location and measurements | Cloud takeoff, estimating and optional field-management tools. |
| AI and takeoff | AI first-pass estimating; supported PDF upload reads written schedules and notes, not drawing dimensions or symbols | Drawing takeoff and assemblies; AI takeoff listed by vendor |
| Cost check | Review available pricing references, allowances and exclusions | Test against your own measurements, quotes and job requirements |
When to evaluate STACK
- Your estimates start with measured drawings and assemblies.
- You need to evaluate takeoff and field tools together.
When to try CostKit
- You want to draft a first-pass estimate from a written scope.
- You can supply measurements and review the result before sending it.
- You want to try an anonymous preview before choosing a subscription.
STACK: features to evaluate
- Takeoff and estimating in one workflow
- Cloud collaboration
Questions to resolve before buying
- Confirm plan scope and per-user costs.
- Do not confuse field-only pricing with estimating pricing.
Choosing a tool
Choose based on the workflow you need. Trial STACK against your drawing, integration and team requirements; try CostKit for a description-based first pass. We have not run a controlled speed or accuracy comparison.
Official sources
Reviewed 2026-10-04. Follow the vendor links to confirm current terms; any unverified details are marked above.
Try a first-pass estimate
Use the anonymous preview and check it against a job you know. No credit card required.
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