Top 5 Electrical Estimating Tools for Contractors

Accurate electrical estimating is one of the most critical aspects of running a successful electrical contracting business. For independent contractors, the right estimating software can mean the difference between winning bids and losing to competitors. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which is the best fit for your business? Our team of licensed estimators tested and reviewed the top five electrical estimating software solutions based on real-world criteria. From ease of use to cost-effectiveness, we’ve left no stone unturned. Here’s how each tool stacks up and why Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software emerged as the clear winner. Do you need expert advice on choosing the best estimating tool for your business? Call 800-941-7028 to speak with a licensed estimator today!

Evaluation Criteria

To help contractors find the best software for their needs, we evaluated the top solutions against the following criteria:

Key Factors We Considered

• Ease of Use: How straightforward is the software to set up and use right out of the box? The clear winner is Best Bid. The default setting will put you on target right out of the box. Basically, all you do is enter your quantities.
• Flexibility: Can the tool be customized to fit different estimating workflows? Again, Best Bid has designed their software to be modified. Every result can easily be changed.
• Detailed Assemblies: Does it include prebuilt assemblies that cover everything from fixtures to small parts like screws? Best Bids Assemblies are all-inclusive down to the screws.
• Technical Support: How available and responsive is the customer support team? Best Bid, hands down, has the best support handled by qualified estimators
• Speed: How quickly can users generate precise estimates with minimal keystrokes? Best Bid completes an estimate with the fewest keystrokes possible.
• Database Quality: Does the software offer up-to-date pricing databases? All software has adequate databases.
• Material Updates: How frequently is material pricing updated, and at what cost? All software uses NetPricer and Trade Services. EBM uses Epic. Best Bid uses Real Time Pricing, which is by far the least expensive, and NetPricer.
• On-Screen Takeoff Functionality: Does the software enable easy takeoffs directly from PDF plans? Accubid and McCormick have a multi-page Auto Count. EBM does not offer Auto Count, and Best Bid offers a single-page Auto Count.
• Cost: Is the pricing fair, and does it include hidden fees for licenses or updates? Best Bid is the only one that offers a one-time fee with no recurring fees, unlimited licenses, and free support. The cost is about 1/3 or less.
• Cloud and Server Version Availability: Does the software offer both cloud-based and server-hosted options? Best Bid does not offer a cloud version and never will. They believe in a one-time fee.

Take the first step in simplifying your estimates. Call 800-941-7028 and see why Best Bid stands out from the competition.

Software Options Reviewed

Here’s a deep dive into how each tool performed in our review, ranked from best to worst.

1. Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software

Best Bid consistently topped our evaluation with impressive scores across nearly all criteria.

Why Contractors Love It?

• • Top scores in ease of use, flexibility, and detailed assemblies
  • Single-page Auto Count and real-time pricing features
  • One-time purchase fee with no recurring costs
  • Unlimited licenses and free lifetime support

Best Bid is the best choice for contractors seeking a cost-effective, user-friendly solution without recurring fees. Need budget-friendly software with no monthly fees? Call 800-941-7028 to learn more about Best Bid.

Accubid Electrical Estimating Software

Accubid is a solid choice for contractors managing multi-location businesses.

• Highlights

• • Excellent server version functionality and on-screen takeoff capabilities
• Downsides
  • Higher cost compared to competitors
  • Less competitive support

3. McCormick

McCormick stands out with robust server and cloud version options, making it ideal for teams requiring flexibility.

• Pros

• • High marks in cloud versions and database capabilities
• Cons
  • Slower software speed
  • Limited flexibility

4. EBM

EBM received some of the lowest scores in our evaluation due to its lack of features essential to modern estimating workflows.

• Weaknesses

• • Poor on-screen takeoff functionality
  • Limited detailed assemblies
• Uses Epic for Pricing

5. Conest

Conest offers a balanced approach but fails to excel in any specific area.

• Strengths

• • Cloud version available
  • Decent technical support
• Weakness

• • Lacks standout features

Final Score Comparison

Score from 1–10 (10 being the best)

 

Criteria	Accubid	Best Bid	McCormick	EBM	Conest
Ease of Use	5	10	4	9	8
Flexibility	5	9	4	4	4
Detailed Assemblies	7	9	6	2	6
Server Version	10	7	10	7	7
Technical Support	5	10	6	5	7
Speed	6	10	4	6	6
Database	8	8	8	8	8
Cloud Versions	10	0	10	0	8
Material Updates	6	7	6	6	6
On-Screen Takeoff	9	8	9	2	6
Cost	4	10	4	5	7
TotalScore	75	88	71	54	73

    Still undecided? Call our team of experts at 800-941-7028. We’ll help you pick the right software solution for your business.

Why Best Bid Leads the Pack?

Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software outshines the competition in nearly every aspect. Here’s why it’s the go-to choice for contractors:

• Ease of Use

Best Bid’s intuitive design ensures that even first-time users can quickly create accurate estimates. Just input your quantities and go.

• Unmatched Flexibility

Modify assemblies, adjust settings, and customize results effortlessly to fit your unique projects.

• Detailed Assemblies

Best Bid includes comprehensive, prebuilt assemblies covering everything down to the screws.

• Real-Time Pricing

Stay competitive with up-to-the-minute pricing through the industry’s most cost-effective material update system.

• Cost-Effective

Best Bid offers a one-time fee (less than ⅓ of competitors’ pricing), free updates, and unlimited licenses. Join thousands of contractors who trust Best Bid. Call 800-941-7028 or visit our YouTube channel for a demo.

Choose Software That Fits Your Business

When selecting electrical estimating software, it is vital to choose a tool that aligns with your business model. While every tool on this list has strengths, Best Bid is the most contractor-friendly and value-driven option. Don’t leave your estimates up to chance. Whether bidding on small local projects or managing large-scale operations, Best Bid can simplify your process and improve accuracy. Take the guesswork out of estimating. Call 800-941-7028today and discover why Best Bid is the industry leader.