Best apps for a solo builder to manage jobs, and what they cost
Prices checked on each company's own website on October 23, 2026. Prices change, so check their site before you buy.
If you just need a list of what's next on each job, a free tool like Trello is enough. If you need estimates, invoices, and payments, Contractor+, Contractor Foreman, and Jobber all have a free plan or start at $49 a month or less, and if you want your subs confirmed and the day's decisions in one place, that's what Danori does, starting at $99 a month.
Can I manage my jobs with a free app?
Yes, if what you need is a list. Trello and Notion both have free plans. You make a board or a page for each job, list the tasks, and move them along as they get done.
What a free tool won't do is anything on its own. It won't text your subs, follow up when they don't answer, or tell you what needs you today. You do all of that, and the tool holds the notes.
If you run one or two jobs and you're fine making the calls and texts yourself, start here. It costs nothing to try.
- Trello: free for up to 10 collaborators per workspace. Standard is $5 a user a month billed yearly, or $6 billed monthly.
- Notion: free plan for individuals. Plus is $12 a member a month, or $10 billed yearly.
Which contractor apps are cheapest?
Contractor+
Has a free plan: up to 250 leads and clients, and up to 5 estimates or invoices a month, on web, phone, and tablet. The first paid plan, Pro Team, is $98 a month with 2 users included, or $58 a month on a yearly plan paid upfront. Extra users are $29 a month, or $20 on the yearly plan. Pro Team adds card and bank payments, a client portal, job costing, a business phone system, and QuickBooks Online. Their site says it has AI estimating tools. Their pricing page also says all sales are final, so use the free plan before you pay.
Good pick if: you want estimates, invoices, and payments, and you want to start free.
Contractor Foreman
Starts at $49 a month for one user on the Basic plan, which covers project management, estimating, and scheduling. Higher plans add users and features, including QuickBooks Online. 30-day free trial, plus a 100-day money-back guarantee. It lists a long set of tools: estimates, invoices, change orders, purchase orders, bids, time cards, crew schedules, daily logs, punch lists, and more. Works on phone, tablet, and computer.
Good pick if: you want one tool that does a lot, including the office side, at a low starting price.
Jobber
Core plan is $49 a month for one user, billed monthly. Higher plans add more tools and users, and extra users are $29 a month each. 14-day free trial, no card needed. Clients can approve estimates, sign, and pay through Jobber's Client Hub, and it syncs with QuickBooks Online. iPhone and Android. Jobber says it serves home service pros.
Good pick if: your work is quotes, visits, and getting paid fast, and you want clients paying online.
What about Danori?
Danori is built for one thing: running jobs when you're the whole office.
A good assistant doesn't hand you 300 emails. They say here are the three decisions you need to make today, and I've handled the rest. That's what Danori is built to do. Your dashboard shows what needs you today. Danori sends the sub texts and the reminders. You make the decisions.
What that looks like:
- Your subs get a text with who, when, and where. They reply Y to confirm, N to decline, or R to ask for a new date. Nothing moves until you tap Apply.
- Confirmed subs get a reminder 2 days and 1 day out.
- Anyone who hasn't confirmed shows up on your dashboard with a Send reminder button.
- Set a backup sub if your first pick can't make it.
- Estimates and change orders.
- A client page with the photos you choose. No money shown.
What it doesn't do: invoices, client payments, QuickBooks, or time cards. If you need those, one of the apps above is a better fit.
Price: $99 a month for up to 5 projects, or $149 a month for 6 or more. One-month free trial. iPhone only, available in the US.
How do they compare?
| App | Starting price | Free option | Built around |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trello | Free | Free plan | Lists and boards |
| Notion | Free | Free plan | Notes and pages |
| Contractor+ | Free | Free plan | Estimates, invoices, payments |
| Contractor Foreman | $49/month, 1 user | 30-day trial | A big set of contractor tools |
| Jobber | $49/month, 1 user | 14-day trial | Quotes, visits, getting paid |
| Danori | $99/month, up to 5 projects | One-month trial | Sub confirmations and what needs you today |
Which one should I pick?
- You need a to-do list per job: Trello or Notion. Free.
- You need estimates and invoices on a tight budget: Contractor+ free plan, then Contractor Foreman or Jobber.
- You work from a computer as much as your phone: Contractor Foreman.
- Clients need to pay you online: Jobber or Contractor+.
- You're tired of chasing confirmations and holding every job in your head: Danori.
Plenty of builders run two: something for invoices and something for the jobs. Pick based on what's actually costing you time right now.
FAQ
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