PayOnce vs Joist: which estimate app is cheaper? (2026)
Short answer: Joist costs $13/mo as a subscription — about $468 over three years. PayOnce is a one-time $39 (free to start), with no monthly fee ever. For a solo or side-gig tradesperson who just needs to send professional quotes, PayOnce is dramatically cheaper over time.
Start quoting free →3-year cost: Joist vs PayOnce
| Joist | PayOnce | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $13/mo (subscription) | $39 once |
| Cost over 3 years | ~$468 | $39 |
| Branded PDF + logo | Paid tier | Included |
| Login required | Yes | No |
| Works offline at the job site | Limited | Yes |
| Locks your data if you stop paying | Yes | Never |
Who should pick which
Pick Joist if you're scaling a crew and want scheduling, dispatching, and full CRM features and don't mind paying every month.
Pick PayOnce if you're a one-person or side-gig operation and you mainly need to create and send clean, professional estimates fast — without renting a subscription to do it.
FAQ
Is PayOnce really cheaper than Joist?
Yes. Joist is $13/mo on an ongoing subscription (~$468 over three years). PayOnce is a single $39 payment with no recurring fee.
Can PayOnce do everything Joist does?
No — and that's the point. PayOnce does one thing well: fast, professional job quotes. It skips the scheduling/dispatch/CRM features (and the monthly bill) that solo operators rarely use.
Does PayOnce require a subscription?
No. It's free to use, with an optional one-time $39 unlock for your logo and unlimited branded PDFs. No monthly fee, ever.
Do I need an account or internet?
No login, and it works offline — build a quote with no signal and send the PDF from your phone.