Joist Review 2026
Mobile-first estimating and invoicing app for solo contractors and small teams. Free tier available.
The ContractorRanks take
Joist is where a lot of solo contractors should start: a free, mobile-first way to send a professional estimate and invoice straight from the truck. It isn't field service software and won't schedule or dispatch — but for a one-person operation, it erases the 'I look unprofessional' problem for nothing.
What actually stands out: The near-zero barrier to entry is the whole pitch — a solo contractor can be sending branded estimates the same afternoon, free.
Who should skip it: The moment you add a second crew or need real scheduling, you've already outgrown it.
Research-based assessment by the ContractorRanks editorial team — drawn from vendor documentation, published pricing, and aggregated user reviews on G2 and Capterra. See our methodology.
Try Joist
Solo contractors and 1-5 person teams needing mobile estimating and invoicing without monthly cost.
Visit Joist →Joist Pricing
Free basic plan, Pro $19/mo, Elite $39/mo
- • Starting: $Free tier available
- • Best for: 1-5 employees
- • Hidden costs: Per-user fees, add-ons, onboarding fees may apply
- • Free trial: Typically 14 days (verify on vendor site)
Need the full per-tier breakdown, hidden-cost checklist, and per-team-size cost projection? See the full Joist pricing breakdown →
Key Features
- Mobile estimates & invoices
- Photo attachments
- Client signatures
- Payment processing
- Job management
- QuickBooks sync
- Free tier available
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Free tier for solo contractors
- Excellent mobile-first design
- Quick estimate creation
- Low barrier to entry
✗ Cons
- Limited features in free tier
- Not full field service software
- Basic reporting
- No scheduling/dispatching
Joist Alternatives
If Joist isn't the right fit, here are the top alternatives for Landscaping and Roofing contractors:
Need a deeper comparison with reasons to switch, migration considerations, and per-trade fit? See the full Joist alternatives breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Joist cost?
Joist pricing starts at $0/free / month. Free basic plan, Pro $19/mo, Elite $39/mo
Who is Joist best for?
Solo contractors and 1-5 person teams needing mobile estimating and invoicing without monthly cost.
What are the main pros of Joist?
Free tier for solo contractors. Excellent mobile-first design. Quick estimate creation. Low barrier to entry.
What are the downsides of Joist?
Limited features in free tier. Not full field service software. Basic reporting. No scheduling/dispatching.
Does Joist have a free trial?
Most contractor software offers a 14-day free trial. Visit the Joist website for current trial terms.
What are good alternatives to Joist?
Top alternatives include: Jobber, Housecall Pro, BuilderTrend, JobNimbus. The best alternative depends on your team size and trade specialty.
Ready to try Joist?
Most contractors decide within their free trial period.
Visit Joist →