Join vs Buildertrend: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Join and Buildertrend comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Join
Unite construction teams for collaborative preconstruction and design phase management.
Best for you if:
- • You need construction project management features specifically
- • Centralizes cost, timeline, and design for preconstruction.
- • Facilitates real-time collaboration among all project stakeholders.
Buildertrend
All-in-one cloud-based software for construction project management.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need estimating & takeoff features specifically
- • Cloud-based construction management platform
- • Manages projects from pre-sale to service
| At a Glance |  Join |  Buildertrend |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Construction Project Management | Estimating & Takeoff |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Join | Buildertrend |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Construction Project ManagementSubcontractor Management | Estimating & TakeoffField Management |
How Join and Buildertrend Compare
Join
Unite construction teams for collaborative preconstruction and design phase management.
Paid
Buildertrend
All-in-one cloud-based software for construction project management.
Free tier available
Join is a construction project management tool. Buildertrend is in estimating & takeoff.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Buildertrend has a free tier. Join is paid only.
Go with: Buildertrend
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Join
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Join
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Join is paid. Buildertrend is freemium. Buildertrend lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Join is a construction project management tool. Buildertrend is in estimating & takeoff. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Join
- Our pick for this comparison
Buildertrend
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for estimating & takeoff
The Bottom Line
Join is our pick. Buildertrend has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Join or Buildertrend better?
Join scores high/100 in our evaluation. Join is paid and Buildertrend is freemium.
What are Join and Buildertrend used for?
Join: Unite construction teams for collaborative preconstruction and design phase management.. Buildertrend: All-in-one cloud-based software for construction project management..
What does Join cost vs Buildertrend?
Join is a paid tool. Buildertrend is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.