--- title: "Trimble AutoBid Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra" description: "With the help of Capterra, learn about Trimble AutoBid Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other HVAC Estimating products and more." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/193710/AutoBid/" page_type: "product" language: "en" publication_date: "2026-10-19" --- # Trimble AutoBid Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on October 19, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews) Trimble AutoBid ## What is Trimble AutoBid? Trimble® AutoBid Mechanical is the market leading estimating software for commercial and industrial mechanical, piping and plumbing contractors. Providing contractors with Integrated OnScreen View graphical takeoff, automatic fitting generation, value engineering, a database of over 100,000 items and multiple industry standard labor books. Trimble AutoBid helps contractors create accurate bids and gain a competitive advantage on bid day. ## What is Trimble AutoBid used for? [HVAC Estimating](https://www.capterra.com/hvac-estimating-software/)[Plumbing Estimating](https://www.capterra.com/plumbing-estimating-software/)[Subcontractor](https://www.capterra.com/subcontractor-software/) Top alternative Featured Overall rating Based on 53 user reviews Reviews sentiment Positive 89% Neutral 8% Negative 4% Starting price $1 Per User, Per Month Free trial available Includes Free Version Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Do you work for Trimble AutoBid?[Manage this product listing](https://www.g2.com/products/trimble-autobid/claim_requests/new?auto=true) ## Compare with a popular alternative Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status. ### Trimble AutoBid 4.3 (53) VS. [4.5 (1,401)](https://www.capterra.com/p/147181/STACK-Takeoff/reviews/) Starting Price $1 per user, per month Starting Price $299 Flat Rate, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version Ease Of Use 3.9 (53) Ease Of Use 4.5 (1,401) Value For Money 4.0 (45) Value For Money 4.3 (1,247) Customer Service 4.4 (50) Customer Service 4.7 (1,280) ## Trimble AutoBid alternatives [4.5 (2,680)](https://www.capterra.com/p/56250/Procore/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 94% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.6 (510)](https://www.capterra.com/p/153475/FieldPulse/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 92% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.5 (842)](https://www.capterra.com/p/166113/Contractor-Foreman/reviews/) Starting price $49.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 92% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars Highest Rated [4.6 (1,490)](https://www.capterra.com/p/127994/Jobber/reviews/) Starting price $39.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 93% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/193710/AutoBid/alternatives/) ## FAQs about Trimble AutoBid Overview ### Which roles and teams benefit most from Trimble AutoBid? Trimble AutoBid is most used by estimators, including mechanical and plumbing estimators, who prepare material takeoffs, price labor and materials, and build bids for construction work. Estimating managers and chief estimators oversee consistent bid practices, while preconstruction and project management teams connect estimates with project planning, scope review, and handoff. Answer based on 49 reviews Overview ### What company size and industries is Trimble AutoBid built for? Trimble AutoBid is built for small construction businesses, which account for 52% of reviewers, and mechanical, piping, and plumbing contractors. Construction represents 89% of users, followed by mechanical or industrial engineering at 4% and architecture and planning at 2%. It also serves midsize firms (40%) and enterprises (8%) for HVAC estimating. Answer based on 53 reviews Features and Usability ### What are the key features of Trimble AutoBid? Trimble AutoBid includes on-screen takeoff with automatic fitting generation to speed specification-based quantity work. Its core estimating features support cost estimating, vendor pricing comparisons, and quotes/estimates. Customizable reports and data export provide project cost analysis, including job-cost tracking across daily, weekly, or monthly periods. Answer based on 13 reviews Getting Started and Support ### How difficult is it to set up Trimble AutoBid? Trimble AutoBid supports detailed project setup through configurable systems, assemblies, zones, shared databases, and custom reports. Mechanical contractors value the ability to match local methods and codes, while plumbing-focused or field-based users may face a steep initial setup process. Creating new systems, equipment symbols, and complex assemblies can require training and time. Answer based on 18 reviews Getting Started and Support ### Are Trimble AutoBid conferences useful for networking and training? Trimble AutoBid provides conference attendees opportunities to meet peers, exchange estimating ideas, attend classes, and view construction technology. Some mechanical contractors find these events useful for learning and product awareness, but networking can feel unfocused across diverse industries. Off-site computer labs and limited time in sessions can also reduce the value for some attendees. Answer based on 16 reviews Getting Started and Support ### What training and onboarding options does Trimble AutoBid offer? Trimble AutoBid provides in person training, live online sessions, webinars, documentation, and videos to help teams get started. In person and live online formats support guided instruction, webinars cover scheduled learning sessions, and documentation and videos offer self-paced reference material for setup and feature review. Answer based on 8 reviews Getting Started and Support ### What customer support options does Trimble AutoBid offer, and how do users rate the experience? Trimble AutoBid offers email/help desk, FAQ/forum, knowledge base, phone support, and chat. Users report timely, reliable, and responsive assistance, with some describing technical staff as efficient and able to resolve issues. Others cite long phone waits, limited urgency for recurring bugs, and support teams that address symptoms rather than underlying causes. Answer based on 12 reviews Features and Usability ### How easy is Trimble AutoBid to learn and use? Trimble AutoBid offers accessible on-screen takeoff tools and familiar workflows, but its depth takes time to learn. Estimators with prior mechanical estimating experience often adapt quickly, while new users can find menus, databases, assemblies, and item libraries confusing. Training videos help, though customization and error correction may require additional guidance. Answer based on 28 reviews Features and Usability ### How fast is Trimble AutoBid for estimating takeoffs? Trimble AutoBid speeds up on-screen takeoffs with automatic fitting generation, manipulation tools, and flexible reporting. Mechanical estimating teams value reduced manual counting and generally responsive performance, especially on standard estimates. Some users still encounter PDF import or viewer issues, network-workflow limitations, and extra clicks where keyboard shortcuts could make routine takeoff work faster. Answer based on 19 reviews ## Features AI summary Based on 223 HVAC Estimating reviews Capterra data shows that buyers of HVAC Estimating software rank the following features as their top priorities: - **Dispatch Management** (**66%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical) - **Quotes/Estimates** (**65%**) - **Customer Database** (**67%**) Trimble AutoBid includes **Quotes/Estimates** but does not include **Dispatch Management** or **Customer Database**. Its **Quotes/Estimates** feature helps contractors create accurate project pricing, present clear bid details, and respond to opportunities faster, providing teams with a practical way to improve bidding consistency and support better cost planning. Quotes/Estimates 4.8 (10) 120.00% of 10 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Generate quotes or estimates for customers Takeoff 4.9 (16) 131.25% of 16 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Measure digital plans to calculate labor and materials needed Cost Estimating 4.0 (12) 133.33% of 12 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Forecast the cost and resources required to complete a project Data Import/Export 3.5 (10) 120.00% of 10 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Import and export data to and from software applications Estimating 4.5 (10) 130.00% of 10 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Estimate expected cost based on various factors before a project begins For Plumbing Industry 4.4 (9) 133.33% of 9 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Serving plumbing industry professionals Trimble AutoBid 20 features Share bid details, archive bids, and create bid requests to assist in bid solicitation and quote comparison Tracks all change orders submitted across projects and updates the budget to reflect the most recent costs Provides a channel for team members to share AI models, media files, communicate, and work together For commercial and industrial purposes Collection of data related to the costs associated with various items, products, services, or activities Forecast the cost and resources required to complete a project Alter the layout and content of reports Import and export data to and from software applications Store, manage, and track all electronic documents in a centralized location Estimate expected cost based on various factors before a project begins Software designed specifically for HVAC companies Serving plumbing industry professionals Track, manage, and standardize customer rates for services performed by technicians Organize and schedule projects Monitor the progress of projects from start to finish Generate quotes or estimates for customers Collection, analysis, and representation of numerical data and generation of reports to understand various patterns View and track pertinent metrics to find patterns and gain insights from data Ensure subcontractors are working safely on client sites and document audits/inspections for reference. Measure digital plans to calculate labor and materials needed Get Advice We can help you find the software with the features you need. Features 4.2 (53) 4.2 Based on 53 reviews ## Pricing Value for money 4.0 (45) Free Trial Free Version Basic $1.00 Value for money 4.0 (45) 4.0 Based on 45 reviews Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. Our team has helped 1 million+ businesses like yours find options that fit their needs. ## Support, customer service and training options Customer Service 4.4 (50) Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos Deployment - Web - Android - iPhone/iPad Typical users - Freelancers - Small businesses - Mid size businesses - Enterprises Customer Service 4.4 (50) 4.4 Based on 50 reviews ## User reviews Overall rating 4.3 Based on 53 reviews Filter by rating Counts reflect reviews available in this feed. 5(24) 4(22) 3(5) 2(0) 1(2) Mentioned topic Recent reviews first, then most helpful ES Estimator Estimator Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Autobid Sheetmetal Review" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 January 22, 2019 Overall, this is a great piece of software that is reliable but costly. Pros It's ease of use, especially after we have been using Autobid Mechanical for piping for a while now. Adding this and being able to train people was easy since it was very similar to the Piping program Cons The fact that when you are taking off a run of duct you must click "ok" rather than just pressing the enter key like we do on the piping program. VE VP Estimating VP Estimating Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Estimating review" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 12, 2023 Awesome, great program. Pros Keeps accurate pricing based on specifications. Cons Awesome program, nothing. Great experiences thru the years. PM project manager project manager Used the software for: 1-3 years ### "Worst software I have seen since 1996" 1.0 Overall Rating 1.0 1.0 Ease of Use 1.0 1.0 Features 1.0 1.0 Customer Service 1.0 1.0 Likelihood to Recommend 0/10 August 26, 2020 my overall experience has been very bad and i would not recommend this program to any company unless you have a full time tech support on your payroll with a direct phone line to trimble support. Pros the pros of this software is the odd time you do get it to work it is easy to use and faster than doing estimates by hand Cons This software is outrageously expensive and you are forced to buy multiple licenses on top of the program. The software rarely ever works every time i click on it to start estimating a job i get a new error code as to why the software wont launch. then you are faced with the dilemma of either waiting on the phone with tech support for 3 hours or just doing the estimate by hand. off the start i would waste my time with tech support who would eventually fix the issue temporarily (usually for a day or two ) then you would get a new error code. i have finally just given up and went back to doing my estimates by hand and will be canceling my licenses . SE Senior Estimator Senior Estimator Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Tyler Gustason's Review" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 August 28, 2023 Great, I have used the software for over 10 years. I really like it. It does need to keep up with new technologies. Pros It is quick and easy to use. I really like it. Cons Not having the ability to upload or download files from other software tools PM Preconstruction Manager Preconstruction Manager Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "The best bang for my buck" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 August 31, 2023 This is the software I have used extensively in my career. It is flexible enough to allow complex calculations and is easily adaptable to the expert users as it is the novice. Pros The formatted reports and the data export functionality with Excel and Access. Cons Some of the functionality of the menus is not universally the same in all portions of the software. Some works with double click, some work with scrolling the mouse others with only scroll bar usage. Can be frustrating sometimes ES Estimator Estimator Used the software for: 1-3 years ### "Autobid Mechanical" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 September 6, 2023 Pros An easy software to learn, I learned with webex courses and a few pointers. Cons It doesn't self update, leaving it open to errors on the price side. No security updates unless they are critical and even then, you have to buy the service pack to complete the security update. EM Estimating Manager Estimating Manager Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Helpful Software" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 August 28, 2023 Have had a fantastic time using it for the past 10 years. Look forward to some form of update to software as it has now been two years without one. Pros AutoBid SheetMetal is fantastic product to use and easy to setup which is far superior to AutoBid Mechanical. Cons AutoBid Mechanical is difficult to get past error messages. ES Estimator Estimator Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Auto Bid Review" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 August 31, 2023 My overall experience has been excellent. I have produce hundreds of millions of bidding takeoffs in the last few years. Pros The product is easy to use and one feature that helps is the symbal schedule. Cons Sometimes my multipliers change and there is no notification that it changed and I miss it on a hectic bid day. PR Preconstruction Preconstruction Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Trimble Autobid" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 11, 2023 Very positive and it has saved me time that I can now spend in other facets of the business. Pros Ease of use and completeness of product. Cons We haven't experienced any issues that tech support couldn't handle. EM Estimating Manager Estimating Manager Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Simple but efficient" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 8/10 February 8, 2024 Overall experience is good. Technical support team is really efficient when you encounter an issue. Database could be more friendly if it can be linked directly to alpriser Pros The way you can setup your project and then manipulate and change certain systems or create line items or zones is what i like the most about this software. Cons Not directly linked with Alpriser and we have to manually add all the updates into the database. [View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/193710/AutoBid/reviews/) ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. Popular comparisons [Procore vs Trimble AutoBid](https://www.capterra.com/compare/56250-193710/Procore-vs-AutoBid)