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Joist alternative for contractors on iPhone

Joist and Sumocat both help contractors quote jobs, take deposits and invoice the work. They differ on the free plan, offline use and how card payments are priced.

Coming soon to the App Store

PRO marks a Sumocat Pro feature. Everything else is free.

Sumocat and Joist, side by side

PriceSumocatFree, with optional Sumocat Pro and Pro Plus subscriptionsJoistFrom $10 a month or $100 a year (checked Nov 3, 2026). Their free plan is no longer available
Document limitsSumocatNo caps on invoices, estimates or clientsJoistUp to 5 documents a month on Basics, unlimited from Pro
PlatformsSumocatiPhone (iOS 18 or later). Clients open documents in any browserJoistiPhone, iPad, Android and web
Account to startSumocatNo. Sign in later for free cloud backup and syncJoistYes, you sign up to start
Works offlineSumocatYes. Everything is saved on your phone firstJoistNo. Their help center says Joist needs an internet connection
EstimatesSumocatDeposits and milestones are free. Clients accept online with ProJoistClients review and sign online. Deposits and milestone payments on all plans
Card paymentsSumocatYour own Stripe account. Stripe’s usual fees, Sumocat takes no cutPROJoistStripe and PayPal. Cards 3.49% + $0.49, bank transfer 1% up to $15, Tap to Pay 2.79% + $0.49
Payment remindersSumocatOn the due date, then 3, 7 and 14 days afterPROJoistAutomatic reminders for upcoming or late payments
Recurring invoicesSumocatAny schedule, sent automatically or saved as draftsPROJoistNot stated on their site
ExpensesSumocatFree, with receipt scanning on your phone. Photo backup with ProJoistExpense tracking with a receipt scanner, from the Pro plan
ReportsSumocatFree overview. Six detailed reports with CSV and PDF export in ProJoistBusiness and sales reports on Elite and Run
AISumocatConnect Claude or ChatGPT to read, draft and sendPROJoistCreate estimates and invoices with AI on all plans. An AI Receptionist add on from $49 a month

Who each one suits

Sumocat

Sumocat suits you if you quote and invoice from an iPhone, want a free plan with no document limits, and often work where there is no signal.

Joist

Joist suits you if you also work on Android or the web, want Tap to Pay for in person card payments, or want an AI Receptionist add on.

Checked on November 3, 2026

Everything about Joist on this page comes from its own website and App Store listing on that date. Prices and plans change, so check their site for the latest.

Questions

Something else? Write to support@sumocat.app.

Is there a free app like Joist?

Sumocat is free to download, and its free plan has no limit on invoices, estimates or clients. Estimates with deposits and milestones are free; online acceptance is part of Sumocat Pro.

Does Sumocat work without internet?

Yes. Sumocat saves everything on your phone first, so you can quote and invoice in a basement or on a rural job. It syncs when you are back online.

Do clients pay me through Sumocat?

With Sumocat Pro, clients pay from the invoice link through your own Stripe account. Stripe charges its usual fees and Sumocat adds no fee of its own.

Add it up. Send the invoice.

Sumocat is free on iPhone, with no account needed to start.

Coming soon to the App Store
  • No caps on invoices or clients
  • Works offline
  • Free cloud sync