Feature Comparison
| Feature | Trace | Buildertrend |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49 USD/month | Not published (reported ~$339-$499/month) |
| How clients get in | A link by text or email | An invitation to its client portal |
| Client account or password | None | Set up by invitation |
| Scheduling | A stage-by-stage plan | Full scheduling |
| Estimating | ||
| Budgets and financials |
When to Choose Trace
- Your main problem is client communication - clients text you constantly for updates
- You want your clients in with one tap - no app, no password
- You're a small outfit and don't need estimating or accounting software
- You want to keep the cost low - $49 USD/month
- You want to start today - talk the job through and send the plan
When to Choose Buildertrend
- You need full project management - scheduling, estimating, change orders
- You need financial tracking - budgets, invoicing, payments
- You want one system for the office and the field
Can You Use Both?
Yes. You can run the office side in Buildertrend and use Trace only for what your client sees: one link, no account to set up.
Price Comparison
Over one year:
- Trace Pro: $490 USD/year billed yearly, or $49 USD/month
- Buildertrend: not published; at the reported ~$339-$499/month, that's roughly $4,000-$6,000 USD/year (as of Oct 2026)