AV system integrators depend on powerful software tools to streamline everything from system design to proposals, documentation, and project management. D-Tools has long been a go-to platform in the industry, offering robust functionality but often at a premium price. As the AV landscape evolves, integrators are exploring new software platforms that not only meet their workflow needs but also offer flexible and affordable pricing.
Subscription-based models have become the industry standard, allowing AV professionals to choose plans based on their team size, project volume, and feature requirements. Whether you are a small integrator just getting started or a growing business in need of advanced collaboration and automation tools, choosing the right platform often comes down to pricing.
In this blog, we break down the subscription pricing comparison of top D-Tools alternatives, including cloud-based platforms and budget-friendly tools. At the top of this list is XTEN-AV, a powerful and scalable solution that is changing the way AV professionals work. If you are searching for D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators, this guide will help you find a platform that fits your budget and your business goals.
1. XTEN-AV – Scalable Pricing for All Business Sizes
XTEN-AV offers one of the most flexible pricing structures in the AV software market. Its plans are designed to support solo AV professionals, small integration teams, and large enterprises with advanced design and documentation needs.
XTEN-AV Subscription Plans:
Free Plan
Access to X-DRAW, X-Pro, and X-Doc with limited projects
Basic proposal and schematic design tools
Ideal for individuals or firms evaluating the platform
Pro Plan – Starting at $99 per user per month
Unlimited projects
Full access to AI-powered design tools
Manufacturer library integration
Cloud-based team collaboration
Enterprise Plan – Custom pricing
Role-based access and team management
Advanced analytics and reporting
API access and custom integrations
Dedicated onboarding and support
XTEN-AV stands out among D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators because it combines modern design automation, real-time collaboration, and accurate documentation—all within a competitive and scalable pricing model.
2. Jetbuilt – Focused on Proposals and Project Management
Jetbuilt is known for its ease of use and its focus on AV sales and project workflows. It does not offer the depth of schematic design as XTEN-AV, but it is a solid choice for teams focused on quoting, project budgeting, and sales.
Jetbuilt Subscription Plans:
Lite Plan – Starting at $29 per user per month
Basic quoting and proposal creation
Project budgeting and export options
Standard Plan – Around $69 per user per month
Collaboration tools
Team dashboard
Equipment database access
Enterprise Plan – Custom pricing
CRM integration
Custom branding
Reporting and analytics
Jetbuilt is competitively priced and ideal for small to mid-sized firms looking for a quoting solution without extensive design capabilities.
3. System Surveyor – Site Planning and Collaboration
System Surveyor offers cloud-based planning tools that are ideal for field technicians and sales engineers who conduct on-site AV assessments. While not a full design suite, it supports system mapping, product selection, and team collaboration.
System Surveyor Subscription Plans:
Basic Plan – Free for 1 user with limited surveys
Mobile app and basic floor plan tools
Single project collaboration
Professional Plan – Starting at $49 per user per month
Unlimited surveys
Cloud sync and multi-user collaboration
Enterprise Plan – Custom pricing
API access
Advanced reporting and custom branding
Admin tools for large teams
This is a good supporting tool when used alongside platforms like XTEN-AV or Jetbuilt, especially during the early planning stages.
4. Stardraw Design 7 – License-Based With Optional Upgrades
Stardraw is a desktop software solution that provides schematic design, rack layout, and AV documentation features. Unlike subscription-only platforms, Stardraw uses a one-time license fee with optional annual support.
Stardraw Pricing:
Base License – Around $1,000 one-time fee per user
Schematic tools
Panel and rack layouts
Manufacturer symbol libraries
Annual Upgrade Plan – Approx. $300 per year
Access to software updates and new features
Library updates and customer support
Stardraw is not cloud-based and lacks collaboration tools. However, for teams focused purely on offline documentation and design, it remains a one-time cost solution worth considering.
5. Visio With AV Templates – Add-On to Microsoft 365
Microsoft Visio is not purpose-built for AV but is still used in the industry for quick diagrams and layout drawings. It is available as part of Microsoft 365 or as a standalone subscription.
Visio Pricing (Online Version):
Visio Plan 1 – $5 per user per month
Basic diagramming in the browser
Works with Microsoft 365 apps
Visio Plan 2 – $15 per user per month
Desktop and online apps
Advanced features and templates
Visio can be customized with AV symbols and templates, but it requires manual setup and does not include automated documentation or AV product libraries.
6. AViCAD – One-Time Fee With Optional Maintenance
AViCAD is a 2D CAD platform that includes MEP and AV symbols. It follows a traditional pricing model with a one-time license and optional upgrades.
AViCAD Pricing:
License Fee – Starts at $799 one-time
Includes base CAD engine and AV tools
Lifetime access to purchased version
Annual Maintenance – Optional for updates and support
AViCAD is ideal for designers comfortable with CAD but looking for a lower-cost alternative to AutoCAD. It lacks real-time collaboration and cloud features.
Conclusion
Choosing the right software platform is about more than just features—it is also about finding the right pricing model for your team and workflow. Whether you are a solo AV designer or managing a growing integration firm, today’s software market offers a variety of tools to match your budget and business goals.
Among all D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators, XTEN-AV offers the most scalable and modern pricing structure. Its free tier gives users a chance to explore intelligent design tools, while paid plans provide enterprise-grade functionality for growing teams. Jetbuilt and System Surveyor offer great options for quoting and planning, while tools like AViCAD and Stardraw are better suited for drawing-focused workflows.
Ultimately, the best subscription plan is one that saves you time, improves accuracy, and empowers your team to deliver outstanding AV solutions. Explore these options, test the free trials, and choose the one that sets your business up for long-term success.
Read more: https://enkling.com/read-blog/18969