If you are considering EQUE2, or currently using it and looking for an alternative, you are likely trying to find a better way to manage construction costs.
Many businesses start looking for alternatives when they need:
- Faster implementation
- Simpler workflows for site teams
- Better real-time visibility of costs
In this guide, we compare the best EQUE2 alternatives and help you decide which solution fits your business.
Quick Summary: Best EQUE2 Alternatives
- LiveCosts – Best for SMB contractors needing real-time job costing
- Procore – Enterprise construction management platform for large-scale projects
- Access Coins – Enterprise-level construction ERP
- Planyard – Cost control with a QS-focused approach
- ProcurePro – Procurement and subcontractor management
Before looking at the alternatives in detail, it is worth understanding where EQUE2 fits and why many contractors start looking for other options.
Why Look for an Alternative to EQUE2?
EQUE2 is a capable system, but it is not built for every type of contractor.
Common reasons businesses switch include:
- Complex setup and implementation
- Heavy systems not suited to SMBs
- Limited real-time visibility from site teams
- Low adoption due to usability challenges
For many contractors, especially those growing or managing multiple projects, simplicity and speed become more important than depth alone.
LiveCosts
LiveCosts is built specifically for construction SMBs that need real-time control over project costs without adding complexity.
Key Strengths:
- Real-time job costing across time tracking, materials, and purchase orders
- Simple mobile-friendly input for site teams
- Fast setup, typically within hours
- Integration with Xero, Sage and QuickBooks
- Human support from construction experts
- No long-term contracts
Limitations:
- Not designed as a full ERP system
- Focused on cost control rather than all-in-one management
Best for: Contractors who want clear, real-time cost visibility without complex systems.
Procore
Procore is a widely used construction management platform designed for large-scale projects and enterprise teams.
Key Strengths:
- Comprehensive project management features
- Strong collaboration tools across teams
- Widely adopted across large contractors
Limitations:
- Expensive compared to SMB-focused tools
- Can be complex to implement and manage
- Less focused on detailed real-time cost control
Best for: Large construction companies managing complex projects.
Access Coins
Access Coins is an enterprise-level ERP system offering deep financial and operational control.
Key Strengths:
- Full ERP functionality
- Advanced reporting
- Built for complex organisations
Limitations:
- Expensive and resource-heavy
- Long implementation
- Overkill for SMBs
Best for: Large construction firms.
Planyard
Planyard is a construction cost control platform focused on budgeting and financial tracking.
Key Strengths:
- Purpose-built for construction
- Strong budgeting features
- Clear reporting
Limitations:
- More QS-focused workflows
- Less real-time site input
- More structured processes required
Best for: QS-led teams focused on cost management.
Procure Pro
ProcurePro focuses on procurement and subcontractor management.
Key Strengths:
- Strong procurement workflows
- Subcontractor management
- Modern interface
Limitations:
- Not a full job costing system
- Limited financial visibility
Best for: Teams improving procurement processes.
Comparison Table
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time job costing | ✓ Strong real-time visibility | ⚠ Available but complex | ⚠ Available but complex | ✓ Strong cost tracking | ✕ Limited |
| Ease of use | ✓ Simple and practical | ✕ Complex | ✕ Complex | ⚠ Moderate | ✓ User-friendly |
| Implementation time | ✓ Fast (hours) | ✕ Slow | ✕ Slow | ⚠ Moderate | ⚠ Moderate |
| Best for SMBs | ✓ Yes | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Procurement tools | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Strong focus |
| System complexity | ✓ Low | ✕ High | ✕ High | ⚠ Medium | ⚠ Medium |
| Best fit | ✓ SMB contractors needing real-time cost control | ⚠ Large-scale projects | ⚠ Large enterprises | ⚠ QS-led teams | ⚠ Procurement teams |
Why LiveCosts is a Strong Alternative to EQUE2
For many contractors, the challenge is not a lack of data. It is a lack of usable, real-time visibility.
- Capture costs as they happen
- Make it easy for site teams to contribute
- Provide instant clarity on budgets
LiveCosts simplifies cost management while still delivering control.
Who Should Choose Each Option
- Access Coins: Large organisations with complex requirements
- Procore: Large organisations with complex requirements
- Planyard: QS-led structured teams
- ProcurePro: Procurement-focused businesses
- LiveCosts: SMB contractors needing real-time cost control
Final Verdict
If you want simplicity, speed, and real-time visibility, LiveCosts is the most practical option.
Book a demo and take control of your project costs.
