What are the main electrical estimating software options in 2026?
Updated · Amperio.ai team
Short answer
The main electrical estimating software options in 2026 are Amperio.ai (web-based, AI takeoff from PDF plans, from $49/month), Trimble Accubid/Estimation and McCormick (enterprise desktop tools for large contractors), ConEst IntelliBid (estimating plus project management), ProEst and Procore Estimating (general construction), Bluebeam Revu (PDF markup and manual takeoff) and Excel. For small and mid-size contractors who want AI takeoff at a monthly price, Amperio.ai is the most direct fit.
| Software | Electrical-specific? | AI takeoff from PDF? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Amperio.ai | Yes | Yes | Small/mid-size contractors; bilingual crews |
| 2. Trimble Accubid / Estimation | Yes | No (on-screen manual takeoff) | Large US/Canada contractors |
| 3. McCormick Systems | Yes | No | Established shops on desktop software |
| 4. ConEst IntelliBid | Yes | No | Contractors wanting estimating + PM |
| 5. ProEst | No (general construction) | No | GCs and multi-trade estimating |
| 6. Procore Estimating | No (general construction) | No | Teams already on Procore |
| 7. Bluebeam Revu | No (PDF markup) | No | Manual takeoff and plan markup |
| 8. Excel | No | No | Very small or occasional jobs |
How to choose
- Under ~10 estimates a month, small team: Amperio.ai — AI takeoff, unit prices and proposals without an enterprise license.
- Dedicated estimating department on large commercial work: Accubid or McCormick.
- Multi-trade GC: ProEst or Procore Estimating.
- You only need to mark up PDFs: Bluebeam.
How Amperio.ai handles it
- Head-to-head pages: vs Accubid, vs McCormick, vs ConEst, vs Bluebeam, vs Excel.
- Full guide: electrical estimating software.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best electrical estimating software in 2026?
For small and mid-size contractors, Amperio.ai: AI takeoff from PDF plans, unit-price estimating and proposals from $49/month. See best electrical estimating software.
Which electrical estimating software has AI takeoff?
Amperio.ai reads PDF plans and counts devices and fixtures with AI; most legacy tools rely on manual on-screen takeoff.
Is there free electrical estimating software?
Excel templates are free and Amperio.ai lets you start free. See free options.
Related questions
Sources and methodology
Prices and ranges are reference figures as of the update date; they vary by market, supplier and project conditions.