Beam AI vs Kreo.
One is a service that hands you a finished multi-trade takeoff; the other is cheap, self-serve AI auto-measure that's strong in BIM. Different buyers, different trade-offs.
The real difference
Beam AI (iBeam) is the done-for-you option: upload plans, AI and a QA team interpret specs and notes across many trades and return a completed takeoff on a short turnaround. Kreo is self-serve and budget-friendly — AI auto-measure and element detection in the browser, with genuine BIM strengths (map cost codes once, re-estimate on each model revision), but a more architecture-led 2D scope and the takeoff still in your hands. Beam is hands-off and broad; Kreo is cheap, fast and BIM-friendly but narrower.
Side by side
| Beam AI (iBeam) | Kreo | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Done-for-you AI + QA | Self-serve AI auto-measure |
| Strength | Multi-trade, reads specs | BIM workflows, low cost |
| Scope | Broad multi-trade | Architecture-leaning 2D + BIM |
| Turnaround | ~2-3 days, returned | Real-time, you drive |
| Pricing | Per project | ≈$35/user/mo |
Based on public documentation as of 2026. Beam AI (iBeam) and Kreo are trademarks of their owners; this is an independent comparison.
The third option
Pilars is self-serve like Kreo but multi-trade and spec-reading like Beam — and it adds code-compliance flagging and confidence scoring neither leads with. At $100 per trade with no per-seat fees, it's aimed at commercial subs and GCs who want depth and self-serve control without a per-project wait.
Questions estimators actually ask
Which is cheaper, Beam or Kreo?
Kreo is cheaper to start (around $35/user/month); Beam is priced per project, which can be more for steady volume but includes the done-for-you QA. Pilars is $100 per trade, per plan with no per-seat fees.
Which handles multiple trades better?
Beam — it's built for broad multi-trade and reads specs. Kreo leans architectural/BIM. Pilars also covers all trades and reads specs, self-serve.
Is Kreo good for BIM?
Yes, that's a real Kreo strength — model-based re-estimating on revisions. If you're 2D-plan-based for hard bids, the BIM edge matters less.
Why look at Pilars instead?
It combines self-serve control, multi-trade depth, spec reading and code flagging in one tool, priced per trade.