The best Joist alternative with no subscription (2026)
If you want a Joist alternative that doesn't charge a monthly subscription, PayOnce is built for exactly that: a one-time $39 (free to start) estimate app for solo tradespeople. Same core job — professional, branded quotes you text or email from your phone — without the recurring bill.
Start quoting free →Why people leave Joist
- The monthly fee adds up — you're paying every month just to send quotes.
- Core features (like your logo on the PDF) sit behind a paid tier.
- Stop paying and you can lose access to your own saved quotes.
What PayOnce does differently
- One-time price. $39 once, no subscription, no per-quote fee.
- No login, works offline. Quote from a basement with no signal; your data stays on your device.
- Send from your phone. Text or email the PDF in one tap; mark it approved when they say yes.
FAQ
What's the best Joist alternative for a solo contractor?
PayOnce — a pay-once estimate app with no subscription, built for one-person and side-gig trades.
Is there a free Joist alternative?
PayOnce is free to use; the optional one-time $39 unlock adds your logo and unlimited branded PDFs.
Will I lose my quotes if I switch?
No. PayOnce stores quotes on your own device, so nothing is held hostage behind a subscription.