Drywall estimator comparison
BoardCount vs SimplyWise: which fits your quoting process?
Both apps can produce client-facing estimates. The important difference is where the first draft comes from. BoardCount starts with room measurements and the contractor’s inputs; SimplyWise advertises a fast AI draft from photos and a job description. Either result needs review before it becomes a price you stand behind.
| Question | BoardCount | SimplyWise Cost Estimator |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Small drywall contractor who wants measured material quantities, own rates, and a proposal. | Contractor across multiple trades who wants a quick photo-assisted first draft and broader business tools. |
| Starting an estimate | Enter area or room dimensions; add ceilings, doors, windows, waste, and pricing. | Generate an editable draft from a photo and description; also advertises LiDAR room scanning. |
| Pricing control | Use your own material prices, labor, tax, and markup. | Offers editable line items, markup, overhead, and advertised live material pricing. |
| Client document | Branded proposal PDF and separate internal estimate PDF. | Branded estimates and PDF export; also supports invoicing. |
| Access and data | iPhone and iPad; offline-first; no BoardCount account; jobs stay on your device in the current version. | iPhone app with a web editor and account sync. Some mobile features, including LiDAR, are not available on web. |
| Published US price | Free Quick Calc; Pro $4.99/month, $39.99/year, or $59.99 lifetime. | Published standard plan $29.99/month or $239.99/year for its app suite; actual offers may vary. |
When BoardCount is a better fit
Choose BoardCount if your job is drywall, you already measure the rooms, and you want the sheet count, finish materials, pricing, and client PDF to come from a reviewable takeoff. It works on iPhone and iPad and keeps jobs local in the current version. See the three-room worked bid and the two-page sample proposal before deciding.
When SimplyWise may fit better
SimplyWise is attractive when your work spans several trades and you want an editable estimate drafted from a photo, or you also want receipts, mileage, and invoicing in one suite. Its LiDAR scanning and broader workflow are real features. The generated scope, quantities, specifications, and local prices still need contractor review.
What this comparison cannot tell you
We have not run a controlled same-job accuracy or speed test across the two apps. A photo-generated draft is not a verified material order, and a measured takeoff can still be wrong when inputs or assumptions are wrong. Compare both on a real job before switching your estimating process.
Sources and review date
- BoardCount US App Store listing for devices, features, and in-app purchases.
- SimplyWise US App Store listing for advertised features.
- SimplyWise published pricing for its standard plan; the company says pricing tests may differ.
- SimplyWise product FAQ for web features, sync, PDF export, and scanning.
- BoardCount pricing and feature details.
Product details and prices were checked September 25, 2026. SimplyWise is not affiliated with BoardCount. We welcome factual corrections through support.