A simpler CostX alternative
In short
CostX is a professional QS suite with 2D and BIM measurement and estimating — powerful, but a big investment. If you mainly need 2D PDF takeoff, Solid Takeoff is a far simpler and cheaper alternative that runs in any browser and starts free.
CostX is aimed at quantity surveyors doing formal measurement, including BIM. If that's not your world — you're a trade contractor or estimator who needs quantities off a PDF — it's more tool and more cost than the job needs.
Solid Takeoff focuses on fast 2D take-off in the browser: set scale, measure, group into conditions with waste, mark up and export. Start free, on a Mac or PC.
| Solid Takeoff | CostX | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Focused 2D PDF takeoff + markup + export | 2D + BIM measurement + estimating suite |
| Runs on | Any browser — Mac, Windows, Chromebook, iPad | Windows (licensed) |
| Free plan | Yes | No — licensed (quote) |
| Pricing | Free, or Pro ~$29/user/mo | High; QS/enterprise licensing |
| Learning curve | Minutes | Significant |
| BIM / 3D | No — 2D | Yes |
When a simpler tool is the right call
If you don't need BIM measurement or a full estimating workbook, most of CostX sits unused while you carry its cost and complexity. For 2D take-off — still the bulk of everyday estimating — Solid Takeoff is quicker to learn and free to start.
What you keep
Scale presets and draw-to-calibrate, linear/area/count measurement, conditions with waste, Bluebeam-style markup, real-time collaboration, and annotated PDF + CSV export — all in the browser.
The verdict
For QS-grade and BIM measurement, CostX is in a different class. If your need is fast, affordable 2D takeoff on any device, Solid Takeoff is the simpler CostX alternative — free to start.
Frequently asked questions
What's a good CostX alternative for 2D takeoff?
Solid Takeoff is a simple, browser-based alternative for measuring PDFs — lengths, areas and counts with conditions and export — at a fraction of the cost. It doesn't do BIM/3D measurement like CostX.
Does it run on Mac?
Yes — it's browser-based, so it runs on macOS, Windows, Chromebook and iPad. CostX is Windows software.
Can it do BIM takeoff?
No — Solid Takeoff is 2D only. For BIM measurement, CostX is the specialist.
Is it cheaper?
Considerably — Solid Takeoff is free to start and about $29/user/month. CostX is professionally licensed and quoted.
Try it on your own plan — free
Open a PDF and measure in your browser. No card, no install, no CAD. Free plan forever.
Comparison based on publicly available information at the time of writing; competitor features and pricing change — check each vendor for current details. All product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for identification and comparison only.