Honest comparison · 2026
Fieldwire is a plan management tool built for large GC teams. Manifold is a field-first platform built for lean crews who need 3D scanning, photo documentation, and project management — without enterprise complexity or pricing.
Key difference
Manifold
Manifold combines 3D scanning, photo documentation, project management, and automated reports in a single mobile app. It's designed for crews who need to move fast on site — minimal training, immediate value, and pricing that works for teams of any size.
Field-first, any team sizeFieldwire
Fieldwire is a construction task and plan management platform designed for large general contractors managing complex multi-trade projects. It is strong on drawings, task assignment, and RFIs. It does not offer 3D scanning or the kind of photo-first field documentation that Manifold provides.
Enterprise plan managementNo credit card. No seat minimums. Built for crews who just want to get the job done.
Fieldwire pricing information is based on publicly available data as of March 2026. Verify current pricing at fieldwire.com.
feature comparison
| Feature | Manifold | Fieldwire |
|---|---|---|
| 3D scanning & floor plans | ✓ Built-in, Photo+Scan plan | ✗ Not available |
| GPS photo documentation | ✓ All plans | ~ Photo capture available |
| Plan management & drawings | ~ Basic floor plan attachment | ✓ Core strength |
| Checklists & inspections | ✓ All plans | ✓ Available |
| Branded report generation | ✓ PDF reports, all plans | ~ Limited on lower tiers |
| No seat minimum | ✓ Start with 1 user | ✗ Enterprise tier required |
| Entry price | ✓ From $16/user/mo | ~ Higher per-user cost |
| Offline capability | ✓ Works offline, auto-sync | ~ Limited offline mode |
why teams switch
Manifold includes 3D scanning. Fieldwire doesn’t.
If 3D scanning and auto-generated floor plans are part of your workflow, Fieldwire isn’t built for that. Manifold’s Photo+Scan plan gives you LiDAR scanning, floor plan generation, and remote measurements from your phone — all for $24/user/month.
No enterprise pricing or complex setup
Fieldwire is built for large GC organizations with full enterprise tiers. Manifold gives lean field crews everything they need — scanning, photos, checklists, reports — from $16/user/month with no sales process required.
GPS photo timeline beats a camera roll
Manifold automatically tags every photo with GPS and sorts it to the right project. Fieldwire supports photo capture, but Manifold’s photo-first documentation is deeper: annotations, bulk uploads, before/after docs, and branded PDF reports.
Works on any phone, offline, with no training
Manifold is designed for field crews, not project managers at desks. It works offline, syncs automatically when signal returns, and requires zero technical training. Your crew can start using it the day you sign up.
frequently asked
Does Fieldwire have 3D scanning?
No. Fieldwire is focused on plan management, task tracking, and RFIs. It does not offer LiDAR-based 3D scanning or automatic floor plan generation. If 3D scanning is part of your workflow, Manifold’s Photo+Scan plan is purpose-built for that.
Is Manifold cheaper than Fieldwire?
For most field teams, yes. Manifold starts at $16/user/month with no seat minimums. Fieldwire’s per-user pricing is higher and full-feature access typically requires their upper tiers. Check fieldwire.com for current pricing.
Who is Fieldwire best for vs. who is Manifold best for?
Fieldwire is best for large general contractors who need robust plan management, drawing coordination, and RFI workflows across complex multi-trade projects. Manifold is best for lean field teams — subcontractors, small-to-mid GCs, specialty trades — who need 3D scanning, photo documentation, checklists, and reports without enterprise complexity.
Can Manifold work offline on job sites?
Yes. Manifold is built for the field and works in low-signal and no-signal environments. Photos and data sync automatically when signal is restored. This is one of the key advantages over tools designed primarily for office or desk use.