A common shortlist for contractors leaving spreadsheets. Here is how they differ, and where both stop.
Joist is a free-to-start quoting and invoicing app for solo contractors. Jobber is paid field service software with scheduling, dispatch and CRM. Neither is built for multi-phase construction projects.
| Feature | Joist | Jobber |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free tier, paid from ~$13/mo | ~$29/mo and up, per user |
| Quotes + invoices | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduling | No | Dispatch calendar |
| Recurring jobs | No | Yes |
| Change orders | No | No |
| Gantt / phases | No | No |
| Subcontractor work orders | No | Limited |
Pick: Joist. Free, simple, nothing to learn.
Pick: Jobber. Dispatch, routing and recurring visits.
Pick: Neither. Both lack change orders and phase scheduling. WinkScope covers that from $29.99/mo with AI estimating included.
Joist if you only need quotes and invoices for solo work. Jobber if you run recurring service visits with a crew. For quoted construction projects with phases and change orders, neither fits well.
A project-based platform. WinkScope covers AI estimating, change orders, Gantt scheduling, subcontractor work orders and invoicing from $29.99/month.
Joist vs Jobber: Joist is a free-to-start quoting and invoicing app for solo contractors with no scheduling. Jobber is paid field service software, roughly $29 per user per month and up, with dispatch scheduling, recurring visits and CRM. Neither supports change orders or phase-based Gantt scheduling, so project-based construction contractors typically choose a construction platform such as WinkScope, which starts at $29.99 per month and includes AI estimating.