RSMeans Data Online vs ArcSite

AutoCAD

Trimble e-Builder

RoomSketcher

SmartDraw

WinEst Essentials

Inertia

Compare RSMeans Data Online and ArcSite based on features, pricing, verified reviews, integrations & more on GetApp. Find out which software is best for your business in 2026.

WinEst Essentials is the value-packed estimating solution for your entire estimate creation workflow. From initial conceptual budgeting to specialty execution, WinEst Essentials provides the tools you need to confidently make profitable decisions based on real-world data. Our subscription includes digital takeoff, up-to-date cost databases, drawing and document manipulation capabilities, product training, and collaboration tools.

Inertia is a construction management software that helps businesses with project management, job site coordination, and compliance management. The platform enables managers to collaborate, track progress, and communicate across teams.

e-Builder is the leading provider of fully integrated capital program and project management software for top facility owners. The company’s flagship product, e-Builder Enterprise, improves capital project execution resulting in increased productivity and quality, reduced cost, and faster project delivery.

RSMeansData Online is an estimating solution for the construction industry which provides users with access to a construction cost database and offers tools for budget planning, estimate creation, cost validation, industry price trend tracking, square foot modelling, and more.

Audit Trail

Change Order Management

Cost Database

Cost Estimating

Cost Tracking

Electrical Estimating

For AEC Industry

Historical Database

HVAC Estimating

Multiple Projects

Plumbing Estimating

Project Management

Proposal Generation

Quotes/Estimates

Reporting/Analytics

Takeoff

RSMeans Data Online

Web-based

Construction Inspector

I like the many options presented to develop a comprehensive estimate. Customer Service is the best I had encountered with any cost related company.

President

Generally good - we are satisfied with the product. Customer service is great too.

Senior Cost Consultant

Very comprehensive cost database. Good coverage of locations across the US and Canada and useful index tables.

Principal Planner & Development Consultant

But it is hard to be frustrated when software has more than you need.

Project Controls Manager

I feel confident in their prices, wages and factors for various areas of the country. I live in Mexico so would love to have a Spanish version.

Office Manager

The software is unreliable. It has costed our company several hours of lost productivity.

In general, I have had excellent experience with Means.

Project Estimator/Manager

Also, I have yet to meet any one that truly uses RSMeans as it is essentially a dead tool.

Incredibly deep library of assemblies. Easy to create and save new estimates.

Managing Director 

But with the rapidly hanging construction environment it is also helpful to have up-to-date cost information at my disposal. I rely on RSMeans data online for this information.

Owner

It is clunky and does not work. It's just not UI friendly.

Project Mgr

After speaking with a very unpleasant gentlemen, named Kireee,  that responded to me by saying "oh my god, reeeally", I discovered he didn't know how to do anything more than sign on to the program.

Program Manager

Sometimes difficult to find the correct line item and you have to refer back to the book to find exactly what you are looking for.

Senior Estimator

Units for different types of work and areas of the country need to be looked at carefully. I have found some "bad" out of the box costs.

Graduate Researcher

No easy access to the software API. Difficult to integrate into software.

Admin assis, Inspector, Diver

With the web introductions and walk-throughs it makes it easy for my engineers to look up what they need, fast and efficiently.

Civil Engineer

Serves as an easy way to research costs online and build quick parametric estimates.

VP - Architectural

Ease of use of square foot cost estimates, especially substitution of systems.

RSMeans Data Online screenshot: RSMeans Data Online
enhanced search functionality allows users to search for specific numbers within the database

RSMeans Data Online screenshot: RSMeans Data Online users can generate square foot models for larger projects

RSMeans Data Online screenshot: RSMeans Data Online
the basic estimator tool allows users to generate proposals based on industry data

RSMeans Data Online screenshot: RSMeans Data Online
real time reports provide insight into industry price trends

Freelancers

Large Enterprises

Mid Size Business

Public Administrations

Small Business

The RoomSketcher App is a powerful and easy-to-use floor plan and home design software that you download on your computer or tablet. The app is packed with loads of great features to meet your floor plan and home design needs.


AutoCAD is a design and drafting platform which supports automated design tasks and offers features such as 2D drafting, drawing and annotation, 3D modeling and visualization, and more.

SmartDraw makes professional drawings and diagrams accessible to everyone. With leading floor-planning tools, data integrations, and an intuitive interface, SmartDraw delivers enterprise power without complexity.

ArcSite simplifies mobile drawing, takeoffs, and estimates—helping you work faster, win more jobs, and stay organized on the go.


2D Drawing

2D/3D Designing

Access Controls/Permissions

Accounting

Accounting Integration

Activity Dashboard

Activity Tracking

Alerts/Notifications

Annotations

Architectural Symbol Library

Automatic Backup

Automatic Formatting

Bid Management

Bill of Materials

Billing & Invoicing

Bills of Material

BIM Modeling

CAD Tools

Change Management

Civil

Collaboration Tools

Commercial/Industrial

Compliance Management

Component Library

Configurable Workflow

Content Library

Customizable Branding

Customizable Fields

Customizable Forms

Customizable Reports

Customizable Templates

Cut & Fill Estimates

Data Collection

Data Import/Export

Design Management

Design Templates

Diagramming

Document Generation

Document Management

Document Storage

Document Templates

Drafting

Drag & Drop

Electrical

Electronic Payments

Electronic Signature

Estimating

File Management

For Architects

For General Contractors

For Residential

Forms Creation & Design

Forms Management

Functions/Calculations

Graphical Data Presentation

Historical Reporting

Image Editing

Inspection Checklists 

Inspection Management

Invoice Management

Issue Management

Job Costing

Labeling

Labor Rates

Landscape Design

Mechanical

Mobile Access

Mobile App

Mobile Signature Capture

Multi-Device Support

Multiple File Format Support

Offline Access

Payment Processing

Project Estimating

Project Planning/Scheduling

Project Templates

Proposal Management

QuickBooks Integration

Real-Time Data

Real-Time Updates

Rendering

Reporting & Statistics

Reusable Designs

Search/Filter

ArcSite

Android

Windows

iPad

iPhone

Manager

Also the ability to display exact measurements and dimensions. Super helpful when needing something on the spot when talking with clients or coming up with a project scope.

The ability to draw simple floor plans was great. It was easy to do, and for the most part, had the shapes I needed.

Technology Integration Specialist

ArcSite is working seamlessly on our iPads and the company was great to provide training immediately after our purchase.

Consulting Engineer

It also tends to lag pretty badly when drawings become complex. It is also very difficult to draw an accurate ellipse, which is something I really need to be able to do.

consultant

Software is great, easy to use and perfect for onsite drawing of floor plans, etc.

Owner/ Managing Director

I would highly recommend to any contractor that needs to make there own simple designs that want them to look better than graph paper sketches.

Operations Manager

Being able to draw this in real time helps me when i am talking with customers regarding projects and what we can accomplish.

Vice President

ArcSite handles PDF mobile cad drawings possible in an elegant manner. The tool makes possible creation, editing, redlining of CAD quality drawings and integrates photos in an exceptional manner.

PRESIDENT 

My only complaint  is that you cant used on the PC to Draw when I'm in the office.

Sales manager 

I like how intuitive it is and simple to use and understand. I never got any formal training on how to learn the software since it was so easy to use.

This has definitely saved money and increased efficiency for us.

Quick and easy to master, great customer support.

Owner/Designer

It intuitively feels like designing from a blank sheet of paper but with features that allow you to quickly change and revise on the fly.

Inability to write DWG files directly into ArcSite.

Structural Engineer

I have found that the blocks must be scaled constantly and do not populate at the scale they were drawn in.

Planner

While I would recommend ArcSite for someone in construction to try, I don't know if it is the best tool for planners and I'm not sure if I would renew my subscription.

Exec Director

Primarily, I use it to map monuments in need of restoration or cleaning, as well as for landscaping issues and concerns. It is easy to upload the maps I need as base templates.

RSMeans Data Online vs ArcSite Comparison (2026)

RSMeans Data Online

ArcSite

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives