Software Comparisons

Buildertrend vs Planyard

This global page gives a high-level comparison between Planyard and Buildertrend so you can understand the main differences before choosing a regional deep dive.

On this page

  • Reviews at a glance
  • Quick summary (global)
  • Side-by-side comparison
  • Why teams pick each product
  • Implementation timelines
  • Who should choose what
  • Pricing note and links
Book a 30-minute demo See pricing
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Reviews at a glance

Global ratings from Capterra and the Xero App Store (where available).

Programme Rating Summary
Planyard (Capterra) 4.6 / 5.0 ✔ Recognised for simple rollout, QS-friendly design and accurate cost control.
Planyard (Xero App Store) 4.8 / 5.0 ✔ Praised for reducing duplicate entry and keeping ledgers clean.
Buildertrend (Capterra) 4.5 / 5.0 ✔ Popular with residential builders for schedules, selections and client portals.

Quick summary (global)

  • Planyard. Focused on project-side cost control, forecasting and approvals. Integrates with Xero, QuickBooks and (region permitting) Sage. Transparent pricing and rapid rollout.
  • Buildertrend. An all-in-one platform for residential builders. Combines schedules, selections, change orders and client communications with accounting integrations. Mainly applicable for the US market – UK and European companies often mention issues with processes that don’t work.

Side-by-side comparison

Aspect Planyard Buildertrend
Primary focus Project-side cost control with forecasting and CVR All-in-one management for residential builders
Time to implement ✔ Days to pilot a live project ✔ Days to weeks depending on modules
Ease of use ✔ Built for QS/commercial and PM roles ✔ Easy for field and client collaboration
Reporting ✔ Real-time CVR and forecasting ✖ Job budget reports; deeper analysis varies
Accounting integrations Xero, QuickBooks Online and Sage QuickBooks Online and Xero
Pricing ✔ Transparent per-user plans with free trial ✖ By quote via sales

Why teams pick Planyard

  • Commercial control. Budgets, commitments, forecasting and approvals in one place.
  • Accurate reporting. Live CVR and early visibility into cost overruns.
  • Ledger-friendly. Posts only approved, coded invoices to Xero, QuickBooks or Sage.
  • Transparent pricing. Clear per-user cost and a free trial.

Why teams pick Buildertrend

  • All-in-one platform. Combines project management, scheduling and client experience tools.
  • Residential focus. Ideal for home builders and remodelers.
  • Client communication. Built-in portals for selections, change orders and updates.
  • Integrations. Works with QuickBooks and Xero for accounting.

Implementation timelines

Product Typical duration Steps
Planyard ✔ A few days to pilot
  1. Connect accounting
  2. Import budget and codes
  3. Pilot a live project
Buildertrend ✔ Days to weeks
  1. Configure chosen modules
  2. Train project and client users

Who should choose what

  • Choose Planyard if your goal is accurate cost control, forecasting and approvals next to your ledger.
  • Choose Buildertrend if you are a residential builder who wants scheduling, selections and client communication in one platform.

Pricing and packages

Planyard offers transparent per-user plans and a free trial (regional pricing may vary). Buildertrend pricing is provided by quote through their sales team.

Estimación

€49
/ month / project manager
 

Estimación de costos

Prueba gratis

Esencial

€99
/ month / project manager
€40
for supporting staff
Perfecto para roles de apoyo o partes interesadas: accede a funciones esenciales del proyecto y visualiza datos financieros clave sin permisos completos de la plataforma, permitiendo a los usuarios mantenerse informados y contribuir sin tareas prácticas.

Usualmente seleccionado para: ingenieros de obra, clientes, estimadores o auditores.

Estimación y control de presupuesto

  • Todo en Estimación
  • Rastrear presupuestos y gastos reales
  • Gestionar facturas de compra automáticamente
  • Reutilizar datos de costos de proyectos activos para estimaciones
  • Sincronizar facturas con Xero y QuickBooks
Prueba gratis

Profesional

€149
/ month / project manager
€40
for supporting staff
Perfecto para roles de apoyo o partes interesadas: accede a funciones esenciales del proyecto y visualiza datos financieros clave sin permisos completos de la plataforma, permitiendo a los usuarios mantenerse informados y contribuir sin tareas prácticas.

Usualmente seleccionado para: ingenieros de obra, clientes, estimadores o auditores.

Estimación, control de costos y gestión de órdenes de compra

  • Todo en Esencial
  • Emitir y gestionar órdenes de compra
  • Rastrear costos comprometidos en el presupuesto
  • Prever la rentabilidad del proyecto en tiempo real
  • Crear previsiones de flujo de caja
  • Gestionar contratos con clientes e informes de progreso
Prueba gratis

Ultimate

€199
/ month / project manager
€40
for supporting staff
Perfecto para roles de apoyo o partes interesadas: accede a funciones esenciales del proyecto y visualiza datos financieros clave sin permisos completos de la plataforma, permitiendo a los usuarios mantenerse informados y contribuir sin tareas prácticas.

Usualmente seleccionado para: ingenieros de obra, clientes, estimadores o auditores.

Funcionalidad completa

  • Todo en Profesional
  • Automatizar cotizaciones de subcontratistas y proveedores
  • Rastrear subcontratos y progreso
  • Gestionar órdenes de cambio de subcontratistas
  • Recopilar aplicaciones de pago de subcontratistas
Prueba gratis

In one paragraph

Planyard delivers project-side cost control, forecasting and approvals that connect directly to accounting. Buildertrend is a strong all-in-one for residential builders with scheduling and client portals. Choose Planyard for commercial control; choose Buildertrend for broader project management. For local differences, read the UK or US pages.

Sources and last updated: Public vendor listings on Capterra and Xero App Store, Planyard and Buildertrend websites, October–November 2025. Last reviewed 5 November 2025.