Softabase

PlanSwift vs Raken: Complete Comparison 2026

An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.

PlanSwift logo

PlanSwift

7.5(950 reviews)

Digital takeoff and estimating software that helps contractors measure quantities and calculate costs from blueprints.

Raken logo

Raken

8.3(1,120 reviews)

Digital daily reporting and field management platform that replaces paper logs with mobile-first construction documentation.

Quick Comparison

AspectPlanSwiftRaken
Best ForMEP subcontractors doing 20+ bids per monthSuperintendents still filling out paper daily reports
Pricing ModelSubscriptionSubscription
Starting Price$99/mo$15/mo
Deploymenton premisecloud
PlatformsWINDOWSWEB, IOS, ANDROID
Rating7.5/108.3/10

Pros & Cons

PlanSwift

Pros

  • Intuitive point-and-click takeoff that estimators learn in 1-2 days
  • Assembly feature automates complex multi-item measurements
  • Handles large blueprint sets without performance issues
  • Excel integration exports quantities directly to spreadsheets
  • Perpetual license option means no ongoing subscription costs

Cons

  • Interface looks and feels outdated β€” hasn't been modernized in years
  • Windows-only with zero Mac, mobile, or cloud support
  • No real-time collaboration β€” sharing requires file exports
  • Limited integrations with modern construction management platforms
  • $1,595 perpetual license is expensive for a single-purpose tool
  • ConstructConnect ownership has added pushy upselling to other products

Raken

Pros

  • Daily reports take 5 minutes on a phone instead of 30 minutes on paper
  • GPS-verified time tracking catches buddy punching and inaccurate hours
  • Safety checklists and toolbox talk documentation keep you OSHA-compliant
  • At $15-25/user it has the lowest entry point of any construction field tool
  • Weather data auto-fills from the job site location - one less thing to type
  • Integrates with Procore, PlanGrid, and BIM 360 for data continuity

Cons

  • It's a reporting tool only - no scheduling, RFIs, or financial management
  • Limited value as a standalone product without a PM platform alongside it
  • Custom report templates require the Pro plan at $25/user
  • Offline functionality can be inconsistent depending on device and OS version
  • Photo quality compression can reduce detail in documentation images

Pricing Comparison

ProductPricing ModelStarting Price
PlanSwiftsubscription$99/mo
Rakensubscription$15/mo

Our Verdict

Choose PlanSwift if...

MEP subcontractors doing 20+ bids per month

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Choose Raken if...

Superintendents still filling out paper daily reports

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Still Not Sure?

Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.