Joist alternative: PlainJob vs Joist
Short answer: if you only need quotes and invoices, Joist is cheaper, from $17 a month on Pro. If you also want to schedule the work and share it with a helper or two, PlainJob does that for $39 a month for up to 3 people. Joist's plan with scheduling is listed at $70 a month (introductory; normally $100).
Joist's plans
| Plan | Billed monthly | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Basics | $10/mo | Up to 5 documents a month, online payments, estimates to invoices |
| Pro | $17/mo | Unlimited documents and clients, your logo, photos, work orders |
| Elite | $32/mo | License and insurance on documents, change orders, reports, reviews |
| Run | $70/mo (intro; $100 regular) | Organize jobs, schedule visits, link jobs to estimates and invoices |
Joist also sells an AI receptionist add-on from $49 a month. Annual billing gives two months free.
Side by side
| PlainJob | Joist | |
|---|---|---|
| Quotes and invoices | Yes, $39/mo | Yes, from $17/mo (Pro) |
| Scheduling and calendar | Included | Run plan, $70/mo intro |
| Customer approves online | Yes, types their name | Digital signatures in app |
| Up to 3 people | Included | Check Joist |
| Request-a-quote link | Included | Not listed |
| Online payments | At launch, no markup | Yes, today |
| Your logo and job photos | Coming | Pro and up |
| QuickBooks sync | No (spreadsheet export) | Listed in plan comparison |
| Phone app | Web app, adds to home screen | iOS and Android |
Prices and features change. Check Joist's pricing page before you decide.
When Joist is the better pick
- You work alone and only need to send estimates and invoices.
- You need card payments, your logo and job photos today.
- You want homeowner financing offered on your estimates.
When PlainJob is the better pick
- You want quotes, the schedule and invoices in one place without paying $70 or more.
- You have a helper or partner who needs to see the same jobs.
- You want customers to request quotes from a link on your Google profile.
- You want a price that won't go up while you stay subscribed.
Questions
Is Joist cheaper than PlainJob?
For quotes and invoices alone, yes. On Joist's pricing page (checked October 13, 2026), Pro is $17 a month and Elite is $32 billed monthly. PlainJob is $39 a month, but that includes scheduling and up to 3 people. Joist's plan with scheduling, Run, is listed at $70 a month (an introductory price, normally $100).
Does Joist have scheduling?
Only on its Run plan, according to Joist's plan comparison: organizing jobs, scheduling visits and linking jobs to estimates and invoices are listed under Run.
Which is better for a crew of 2 or 3?
PlainJob is built for it: one $39 plan covers up to 3 people seeing the same jobs, clients and schedule. Check Joist's site for how it handles more than one user.
Does PlainJob take card payments like Joist?
Not yet. Joist offers online payments today. PlainJob adds card and bank payments through Stripe at launch, with no markup on Stripe's fee.