Comparison · 2026
Steel Genie vs SteelFlo
How Steel Genie and SteelFlo compare on detection breadth, integrations, pricing, and field results for steel estimators in 2026.
01 · In short
Steel Genie
Steel Genie is ALLPLAN's AI takeoff product. It launched in April 2026 after starting life inside Masters Metals, a fabricator near Hilton Head. The software reads framing off a drawing set and calculates connections under AISC LRFD and ASD. It also builds an estimating-level 3D model. The pitch is straightforward: a fabricator already running the Nemetschek stack gets its estimating tool from the same vendor.
SteelFlo
SteelFlo is the price-sensitive entrant. It pitches a five-minute target time and caps monthly takeoffs, with beta pricing framed as 'lock in current rates before prices increase'. The tool supports six standards out of the box (AISC, EN, BS/IS, AS/NZS, GB, SSMA) and reads finish callouts. It is going after small shops before the larger products notice them.
02 · Head-to-head score
Editorial scoring, 0 to 100, based on public claims, product surface area, field reports, and 2026 positioning. It is not a benchmark.
Steel Genie SteelFlo
03 · Spec comparison
| Attribute | Steel Genie | SteelFlo |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | ALLPLAN (Nemetschek) | SteelFlo (steelfloai.com) |
| Status | Generally available · Launched April 2026 | Beta · Public beta in 2026 |
| Pricing | $9,950 per license (perpetual, single seat as marketed) | Free trial; Pro $399/mo (5 takeoffs), Business $599/mo (10), Enterprise $1,499/mo (30) |
| Detects | Beams, Columns, Joists, Studs, Braces, Brace frames, Seismic brace frames | Beams, Columns, Connections |
| Elevations | Not in public scope | Not in public scope |
| Integrations | Tekla PowerFab, Excel, Marked-up PDFs, IFC | CSV / Excel export |
| Named results | Master Steel · 67% increase in estimating throughput |
Not published |
04 · What each does well
Steel Genie
- Backed by ALLPLAN/Nemetschek distribution and the existing SDS2 channel.
- Connection-aware: applies AISC LRFD and ASD methods during takeoff.
- Estimating-grade 3D model alongside the BOM in under three minutes.
- A strong launch case study at Master Steel (67% throughput, 54% more steel year over year).
SteelFlo
- Lowest entry pricing in the category, starting at $399/mo.
- Multi-standard support (AISC, EN, BS/IS, AS/NZS, GB, SSMA) out of the box.
- Coating and finish detection from labels and page-level notes.
- Patent-pending positioning and aggressive search marketing, including bids on competitors' brand terms.
05 · Limitations
Steel Genie
- Detection is reported as plan-focused. Elevations are a known gap in field tests.
- One launch case study so far. Outside Master Steel, results are not yet third-party verified.
- Vendor gravity: pricing and roadmap follow Nemetschek priorities, not the shop's.
- Newer to market than Lift, with less production telemetry to date.
SteelFlo
- Per-month takeoff caps. Enterprise tops out at 30 takeoffs a month before overage logic.
- Detailed customer base not yet visible, with one named reference on the homepage.
- Integrations limited to CSV and Excel today, with no native Tekla or Strumis pipe.
- The beta-pricing rhetoric implies a price reset is coming.
The take
This is premium-vendor versus budget-challenger. Steel Genie carries ALLPLAN's distribution, a $9,950 price, connection calculations, and a documented case study. SteelFlo undercuts it sharply, from $399/mo, with transparent tiers and six structural standards. It also caps monthly takeoffs and exports only to CSV. If you want vendor weight, connection-aware output, and a 3D model, take Steel Genie. If you want the lowest entry price and clear pricing, and can live with the caps, take SteelFlo.