CostX vs Cubit Estimating
CostX
costx.co.za
Cubit Estimating
buildsoft.com.auSide by side
| Figure | CostX | Cubit Estimating |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | A$14.17/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 10 |
| Spec score · Construction Estimating Software | 7.2 (#21) | 9.0 (#6) |
| Spec score · Construction Takeoff Software | 7.3 (#19) | 9.0 (#5) |
| Cloud security | The CostX Cloud page describes Microsoft Azure security measures and automated data backups. | Cloud setup documentation states secure passwords, mandatory authenticator-based two-factor authentication, browser or Remote Desktop access and user management. |
| Headquarters | Stuttgart, Germany | Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia |
| Intended users | The product range is presented for contractors, quantity surveyors and estimators, including individuals and small businesses seeking 2D takeoff. | The maker describes the product for estimators, quantity surveyors, builders, and contractors, including teams handling complex multi-trade projects. |
| Purpose | CostX provides an integrated environment for construction takeoff, estimating, feasibility studies and Bills of Quantities. | Cubit Estimating combines construction takeoff and estimating in one view, with estimates updating as measurements are made. |
Plans
Cubit Estimating
- AI EstimatingA$20 a month
- AI Estimating add-onA$20 a month
- Cubit Estimating StandardA$170 a year
- Cubit Estimating StandardA$170 a month
- Cubit Estimating ProfessionalA$226 a month
- Cubit Estimating ProfessionalA$226 a year
- Cubit Estimating EnterpriseA$255 a year
- Cubit Estimating EnterpriseA$255 a month
- Cloud SetupPriced on request
- Cubit Estimating CloudPriced on request
In their own words
CostX
CostX is an integrated construction environment for capturing dimensions, developing feasibility studies, and preparing Bills of Quantities. It takes off areas, lengths, and counts from scanned, PDF, CAD, and other 2D drawings. Quantities and costs can also be estimated from BIM or 3D models. Spreadsheet workbooks link live to drawings and data repositories, while revision mode compares drawings and highlights design changes. Users can prepare estimates, tenders, Bills of Quantities, subcontractor comparisons, and customised reports. The CostXL add-in links dimensions, workbook values, rates, and constants with Microsoft Excel. CostX Core includes 2D takeoff, linked workbooks, subcontractor comparison, and reports; BIM and auto-revisioning require the full platform. CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute for read-only review, with tender prices saved for import into CostX. Pricing is on request. Licenses can be standalone for one PC or network-based with a central database.
Cubit Estimating
Cubit Estimating combines construction takeoff and estimating in a view where estimates update as measurements are made. It accepts takeoff from PDF, DWG and DXF CAD, IFC BIM and standard image files. Enterprise supports IFC BIM quantity extraction, volume calculation and revision management, along with Shared Job Access for simultaneous work on an estimate and controls for assigned trades. Users can generate bills of quantities, trade breakdowns and cost analyses in PDF or Excel, then customize and brand reports. Integrations include Xero, Microsoft Excel, MudShark, BuilderTREND, Cubit Select and LiveCosts. The AI Estimating add-on automates repetitive takeoff work and is available with any edition. Buildsoft offers Windows installation and managed cloud access; it states cloud infrastructure maximum uptime of 99.95%. The cloud-hosted option uses encryption, firewalls and regular backups. Pricing is listed from 167 AUD/user/mo (annual), with a 14-day trial that includes Enterprise features and the AI Estimating module. Subscriptions have a minimum 12-month term, and each includes access to Australian-based technical support.