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.

Calculatie

€49
/ month / project manager
 

Kostenraming

Probeer gratis

Essentieel

€99
/ month / project manager
€40
for supporting staff
Perfect voor ondersteunende rollen of belanghebbenden—krijg toegang tot essentiële projectfuncties en bekijk belangrijke financiële gegevens zonder volledige platformrechten, zodat gebruikers op de hoogte blijven en kunnen bijdragen zonder praktische taken.

Meestal gekozen voor: site-ingenieurs, klanten, calculators of auditors.

Calculatie en budgetbeheer

  • Alles in Calculatie
  • Volg budgetten en werkelijke uitgaven
  • Beheer inkoopfacturen automatisch
  • Herbruik actieve projectkostgegevens voor raming
  • Synchroniseer facturen met Xero en QuickBooks
Probeer gratis

Professioneel

€149
/ month / project manager
€40
for supporting staff
Perfect voor ondersteunende rollen of belanghebbenden—krijg toegang tot essentiële projectfuncties en bekijk belangrijke financiële gegevens zonder volledige platformrechten, zodat gebruikers op de hoogte blijven en kunnen bijdragen zonder praktische taken.

Meestal gekozen voor: site-ingenieurs, klanten, calculators of auditors.

Calculatie, kostenbeheer en inkooporderbeheer

  • Alles in Essentieel
  • Uitgeven en beheren van inkooporders
  • Volg toegezegde kosten op het budget
  • Voorspel projectwinstgevendheid in real-time
  • Maak cashflowprognoses
  • Beheer klantcontracten en voortgangsrapporten
Probeer gratis

Ultiem

€199
/ month / project manager
€40
for supporting staff
Perfect voor ondersteunende rollen of belanghebbenden—krijg toegang tot essentiële projectfuncties en bekijk belangrijke financiële gegevens zonder volledige platformrechten, zodat gebruikers op de hoogte blijven en kunnen bijdragen zonder praktische taken.

Meestal gekozen voor: site-ingenieurs, klanten, calculators of auditors.

Volledige functionaliteit

  • Alles in Professioneel
  • Automatiseer offertes van onderaannemers en leveranciers
  • Volg onderaannemingen en voortgang
  • Beheer wijzigingen in onderaannemingen
  • Verzamel betalingsaanvragen van onderaannemers
Probeer 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.