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ArchiCAD vs e-Builder

ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Software

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
e-Builder logo

e-Builder

Software

Construction project management and accounting software

From
$400/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: ArchiCAD available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support; e-Builder product was rebranded to Trimble Unity Construct and no pricing figures are published on the current product page, only a compare plans link
  • They diverge on capability: ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, e-Builder covers Project management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchiCAD and e-Builder actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchiCAD and e-Builder differ
AttributeArchiCADe-Builder
Starting price$177/month$400/month
PlatformsWindows, macOSWeb, Ios, Android
Founded19822002

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in ArchiCAD

  • BIM modeling
  • Design tools
  • Documentation
  • Rendering
  • Energy analysis
  • IFC support
  • Teamwork collaboration
  • Library parts

Only in e-Builder

  • Project management
  • Document control
  • Accounting
  • RFI management
  • Collaboration
  • QuickBooks
  • Sage
  • Microsoft 365

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

ArchiCAD

  • Architectural design with BIM capabilitiesnot e-Builder
  • Real-time team collaboration via BIMcloudnot e-Builder
  • Automated documentation generation from design changesnot e-Builder
  • Mixed Windows and macOS team environmentsnot e-Builder

e-Builder

  • Project managementnot ArchiCAD
  • Document controlnot ArchiCAD
  • Financial managementnot ArchiCAD
  • Collaborationnot ArchiCAD

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

ArchiCAD

  • Available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support
  • Subscription-only licensing model with no perpetual licence option
  • Studio tier does not include MEP Designer - requires Collaborate tier at $208/month

e-Builder

  • Product was rebranded to Trimble Unity Construct and no pricing figures are published on the current product page, only a compare plans link

Pricing, plan by plan

ArchiCAD

$177/month

No published plan breakdown. See the ArchiCAD review.

e-Builder

$400/month
  • Professional$400/month
    • Project management
    • Document control
    • Accounting
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Advanced reporting
    • Custom workflows
    • API access

Which should you pick?

Choose ArchiCAD if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS.
  • You also want design tools.
ArchiCAD review

Choose e-Builder if

  • You need project management.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want document control.
e-Builder review

Questions people ask

Is ArchiCAD or e-Builder better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and e-Builder at $400/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchiCAD or e-Builder?
ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and e-Builder at $400/month.
Does ArchiCAD or e-Builder run on more platforms?
ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS. e-Builder runs on Web, Ios, Android.
What is ArchiCAD best used for?
ArchiCAD is most often used for architectural design with bim capabilities, real-time team collaboration via bimcloud, automated documentation generation from design changes, mixed windows and macos team environments. Of those, architectural design with bim capabilities and real-time team collaboration via bimcloud are not what e-Builder is typically brought in for.
What can ArchiCAD do that e-Builder cannot?
ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Documentation, Rendering. e-Builder covers Project management, Document control, Accounting, RFI management.
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