ContractShield vs Clear Estimates

Short answer

Clear Estimates is web-based estimating software for remodelers, priced around $89 per month per user with the National Estimator pricebook bundled in. ContractShield is an all-in-one PWA priced at 1% per accepted job, with AI quoting in about 25 minutes and mobile job tracking.

ContractShield is built for small contractors and remodelers, Clear Estimates is typically built for larger teams.
ContractShield charges 1% per accepted job at funding, no per-seat fees.
Clear Estimates usually charges per user per month or per year.
ContractShield's AI drafts quotes in under a minute, plus project tracking and milestone billing.
The Work Order Marketplace is a secondary feature, not the lead pitch.

What is Clear Estimates?

Clear Estimates focuses on residential remodeling estimates with a built-in regional pricebook. It does not handle project management, time tracking, or milestone billing. Pricing runs about $89 per user per month, so a 3-person firm pays $267 per month, regardless of job volume.

What is ContractShield?

ContractShield bundles AI quoting, project tracking, time and materials, and milestone billing in one PWA, priced at 1% per accepted job at funding. A 3-person firm running $25,000 per month in accepted jobs pays $250 per month, only when work happens.

How fast is quoting in ContractShield vs Clear Estimates?

Clear Estimates builds a quote in 30 to 90 minutes using its pricebook. ContractShield builds a quote in about 25 minutes using AI plus a regional pricebook, and the same tool then runs the project after the bid is won.

How does pricing compare?

Clear Estimates charges per user per month. ContractShield charges 1% per accepted job, so cost scales with revenue, not headcount.

Feature-by-feature

Feature, ContractShield, Clear Estimates AI quote builder, Yes, ~25 minutes, Pricebook only Project management included, Yes, No Per-seat fees, No, Yes, ~$89 per user/month Milestone billing, Yes, Stripe, No Best fit, Remodelers, small GCs, Remodelers (estimating only) Pricing model, 1% per accepted job, Per user per month

Which one should you pick?

Pick Clear Estimates if you are a larger operation that already commits to per-user pricing and a longer onboarding cycle. Pick ContractShield if you are a small contractor or remodeler who wants AI quoting in about 25 minutes, mobile project tracking on the job site, and per-job pricing that scales with revenue, not headcount.

Frequently asked questions

Does ContractShield replace Clear Estimates?

For small contractors and remodelers, 1 to 25 employees, yes. ContractShield bundles quoting, project tracking, and milestone billing in one PWA. Clear Estimates is a better fit for larger field service operations with custom workflows.

Is ContractShield more expensive than Clear Estimates?

ContractShield charges 1% per accepted job at funding. A small contractor running $25,000 per month in accepted jobs pays $250 per month. Clear Estimates usually charges per user per month, so cost grows with headcount, not revenue.

Can I import my data from Clear Estimates?

Yes. ContractShield supports CSV import for clients, jobs, and pricebook line items. Most small teams migrate in a single afternoon.

Does ContractShield work on a phone?

Yes. ContractShield is a PWA, installable on iOS and Android, with offline support for tasks and photos. The job site is the input device.

Do I have to use the Work Order Marketplace?

No. The Work Order Marketplace is a secondary feature. Most contractors join for the AI quote builder and milestone billing, and only opt in to the marketplace later.

Switch from Clear Estimates in an afternoon

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