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Construction & Architecture · head to head

Buildxact vs ArchiCAD

B

Buildxact

Construction & Architecture

Estimating and construction management for builders, remodelers and material dealers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Construction & Architecture

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Buildxact has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Buildxact the free Go tier includes only 5 complimentary credits before requiring a paid plan starting at $199 per month, as of August 2026; ArchiCAD available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Buildxact and ArchiCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where Buildxact and ArchiCAD differ
AttributeBuildxactArchiCAD
Starting priceFree$177/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWindows, macOS
FoundedUnknown1982

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Construction & Architecture).

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 Buildxact

Nothing recorded that ArchiCAD does not also cover.

Only in ArchiCAD

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

What people use each for

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

Buildxact

No use cases recorded yet. See the Buildxact review.

ArchiCAD

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

Where each one falls short

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

Buildxact

  • The free Go tier includes only 5 complimentary credits before requiring a paid plan starting at $199 per month, as of August 2026
  • Advanced estimating tools like the Blu Estimate Generator and Takeoff Assistant cost an extra $99 per month each on top of the base plan, as of August 2026

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Buildxact

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Buildxact review.

ArchiCAD

$177/month

No published plan breakdown. See the ArchiCAD review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Buildxact if

  • You want to start without paying.
Buildxact review

Choose ArchiCAD if

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

Questions people ask

Is Buildxact or ArchiCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. Buildxact starts at Free and ArchiCAD at $177/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Buildxact or ArchiCAD?
Buildxact has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Buildxact and $177/month for ArchiCAD.
Does Buildxact or ArchiCAD run on more platforms?
Buildxact runs on Web. ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS.
Can I use Buildxact for free?
Yes. Buildxact has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month.
What can Buildxact do that ArchiCAD cannot?
ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Documentation, Rendering.
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