Introduction
Struggling with messy spreadsheets and overflowing emails? Project management tools are a team’s savior, rescuing managers and their teams from chaos and boosting efficiency. This article will help you to choose the perfect project management tool for your needs. Get ready for clear tasks, met deadlines, and seamless teamwork!
What are project management tools?
Project management tools are software applications designed to help project managers and teams plan, organize, and monitor their work.
Project management tools, also are the must-have solutions you need in today’s fast-paced world. A project management tool can help you:
- Plan it out: Set goals, break down big tasks into smaller ones, and figure out who needs to do what.
- Stay on track: Track progress in real-time, see if things are running smoothly, and identify bottlenecks or potential issues before they happen.
- Work together: Share information, communicate easily with your team, and collaborate on tasks.
Project management tools are useful for all kinds of projects, from small businesses to large companies. Additionally, they make teamwork easier, keep everyone on the same page, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Top project management tools & software in 2024
There are so many options these days, picking the right one can be a real pain. In the following sections, we will first explore the top 10 project management tools. Then, we’ll look at additional project management tool options for your team in 2024.
We’ll break down their features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you choose the perfect fit for your team’s needs. We’ll even provide a handy guide to make the selection process easy.
Let’s get started!
1. ProofHub
ProofHub is a versatile all-in-one project management and team collaboration tool used by organizations of all sizes. It addresses key pain points managers face, such as juggling multiple apps and disorganized workflows, with its user-friendly interface and robust features.
A key benefit of ProofHub is its flat pricing model with no per-user fees, offering a cost-effective, scalable solution. By consolidating tools for chat, file sharing, task management, time tracking, and scheduling into one platform, ProofHub streamlines processes, enhances organization, and boosts efficiency, making project management significantly easier for managers.
Key features
- Centralized information: No more hunting for information or wondering who to ask! With everything tracked and organized in a central location, everyone knows where to find what they need.
- Streamlined communication: ProofHub integrates built-in chat features, announcements, discussion boards, file sharing, and file proofing, allowing for effortless communication and information sharing within projects & tasks.
- Task management made easy: Create task lists, assign tasks to specific team members, set deadlines, and track progress. It streamlines task delegation and progress tracking, improving overall project efficiency.
- Time tracking: Track time spent on tasks, identify billable hours, and gain insights into project timelines. This helps optimize project schedules and resource allocation for future projects.
- User-friendly interface: ProofHub boasts a clean and intuitive design, making it easy for even non-technical users to learn and use the platform.
- Reporting and analytics: ProofHub improves productivity with detailed real-time insights to both individual team members and project managers.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface with a diverse array of features.
- One centralized place to organize, delegate, and track the progress of your tasks.
- Scalable solution offering flat pricing with no-per-user fees.
- Quick and helpful customer support.
- Complete control over teams and projects with granular admin controls.
- Caters to different time zones easily.
- Multilingual interface for global teams.
Cons
- Not suitable for individual users.
- Invoicing is available with integration only.
Pricing
After a 14-day free trial, ProofHub offers a flat pricing model with two paid plans.
- Essential: $45/month (billed annually) for unlimited users.
- Ultimate control: $89/month (billed annually) for unlimited users.
Customer ratings
- Capterra: 4.6/5
- G2: 4.5/5
2. Monday
Monday.com, formerly known as DaPulse, has emerged as a recognizable project management tool after its 2.0 launch in February 2020.
In addition to work management, the platform now provides two other business process tools including a CRM and a dev management tool.
Key features
- Customizable boards: These serve as the foundation of your workspace, allowing you to tailor them to your specific needs.
- Collaborative environment: A panel attached to each row enables easy communication with your team. However, some users might find the division into tabs a bit confusing.
- Timeline view: Monday.com provides a visual timeline view that allows users to map out project schedules and deadlines with clarity. This feature makes it easy to see the sequence of tasks, their dependencies, and when they’re due.
Pros
- The vibrant design with color-coded labels makes it engaging and visually pleasing.
- Data connectors simplify the integration with other tools.
- Huge focus on customization and collaboration.
- A long list of supported integrations.
Cons
- Customer service can be slow to respond, requiring email scheduling.
- It takes time for new users to adapt to its predefined menu.
- Limited column capacity in table view.
Pricing
With a 14-day free trial and a free plan, Monday.com offers four paid plans.
- Basic – $8/user/month (billed yearly)
- Standard – $10/user/month (billed yearly)
- Pro – $16/user/month (billed yearly)
- Enterprise – Custom
It is advised to thoroughly identify the features offered within each plan and choose the best fit for your needs.
Customer ratings
- Capterra: 4.6/5
- G2: 4.7/5
Take a closer look at Monday.com here.
3. Paymo
Paymo is a project management app that offers great time-tracking functionality along with solid invoicing, expenses, and billing features. However, as we reviewed it further, we found its user interface to be non-intuitive and complicated, which may take some time to get used to. Adding best project management tools could streamline task delegation and progress tracking, improving overall project efficiency.
The mobile app is also slow and doesn’t offer features as extensive as the desktop version. If you’re doing business outside of the US, you may encounter issues with Paymo’s online payment system as it doesn’t integrate with international payment platforms.
Key features
- Time tracking: Track time spent on tasks with desktop and mobile apps
- Invoicing: Create and send professional invoices to clients directly from projects
- Task management: Assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress within projects
- Reporting: Generate reports on project time, costs, and profitability
- Team collaboration: Assign tasks, track progress, and collaborate with team members
Pros
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Seamless team collaboration
- Efficient time tracking and invoicing capabilities
- Customizable dashboards and reporting
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive, especially for the full feature set
- Occasional syncing issues with third-party integrations
- Learning curve for more advanced features
- Limited project management features (resource management and dependency tracking)
Pricing
Paymo offers a free plan and four paid plans:
- Free plan: Includes unlimited users, 5 clients, 10 projects
- Starter: $5.9 per user per month
- Small Office: $10.9 per user per month
- Business: $16.9 per user per month
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating: 4.7/5
- G2 ratings: 4.6/5
Take a closer look at Paymo here.
4. Wrike
Wrike is a versatile project management tool catering to over 20,000 companies worldwide.
With an enterprise-grade suite of features suitable for managing tasks and workflows, Wrike has become the preferred choice across several large-scale industries.
Key features
Wrike stands out by seamlessly blending project management with work management. Here are the top three key features it is well known for:
- Kanban task management: Wrike provides a real-time Kanban board for efficient task management and collaboration. It offers transparency in progress and allows for real-time updates on individual tasks.
- Workflow automation: Wrike offers several functionalities to automate recurring and day-to-day supporting tasks.
- Project risk prediction: Available in Business plans and higher, this feature employs machine learning to identify potential project delays, making it easy for teams handling multiple projects simultaneously.
Pros
- Robust and scalable solution.
- Automation to save time.
- Integrations with other business tools.
Cons
- Steep learning curve.
- Expensive in comparison to other options.
- Reported issues with workflow automation.
Pricing
After your 14-day free trial ends, you can choose from the following paid plans based on your requirements:
- Team: $9.80/user/month (billed annually)
- Business: $24.80/user/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for large teams (billed annually)
- Pinnacle: Custom pricing for teams with complex needs.
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating : 4.3/5
- G2 rating: 4.2 /5
Take a closer look at Wrike here.
5. Asana
Asana is a well-known project management too that helps teams organize, collaborate, and manage tasks effectively.
As a result, it has made its mark in various industries such as Marketing, IT, Healthcare, Real Estate, and other Internet-based businesses.
Key features
Asana stands out with the following set of key features:
- Task management: Asana excels in task management by tracking tasks, subtasks, and all relevant information, including due dates and dependencies.
- Flexibility: Asana offers flexibility in how you structure your work, allowing for customization and adaptability to various project types.
- Automated workflows: You can build workflows with limited pre-set rules, create work-request forms, custom templates, and advanced integrations
Pros
- Intuitive setup and navigation
- Flexible work structure customization
- Analytics for effective reporting
Cons
- The user interface can create confusion for some team members.
- Some essential features are limited to paid plans only.
- Lack of advanced time tracking.
Pricing plans
Asana is well known for its free plan with basic features and 15-user limit. It offers the following three options to choose from.
- Premium – $13.49/user/month (billed monthly)
- Business – $30.49/user/month (billed monthly)
- Enterprise – Custom pricing
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating : 4.5/5
- G2 rating: 4.3/5
Take a closer look at Asana here.
6. ClickUp
ClickUp is a versatile project management tool that has gained popularity for its robust customization options, extensive feature set, and integrations.
It is a centralized hub for all business needs, offering everything from task management to document storage and team collaboration.
While ClickUp is a good option, there are many other project management tools available, so be sure to explore a project management tools list to find the one that best suits your needs.
Key features
- Relationships: ClickUp’s “Relationships” feature simplifies navigation within your workspace by connecting related tasks and documents.
- Goals: The “Goals” feature can be used for various objectives. Whether you’re tracking project progress or building professional development habits, ClickUp’s Goals feature can help with your needs.
- Time tracking: ClickUp’s time tracking feature enhances accountability and workflow evaluation. You can calculate actual time spent versus estimated time easily for better time management.
Pros
- Comprehensive project management capabilities.
- Extensive customization options.
- Real-time collaboration and document sharing.
Cons
- Onboarding complexity.
- Reported frequent downtime and bugs.
- Clunky interface.
Pricing
Apart from a free plan, suitable for personal use, ClickUp offers three different paid plans to choose from:
- Unlimited- $7 per user/month (billed yearly)
- Business – $12 per user/month (billed yearly)
- Enterprise – Custom pricing
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating : 4.6/5
- G2 rating: 4.7/5
Take a closer look at ClickUp here.
7. Hive
Hive is a relative newcomer in the landscape of project management tools, but one that holds great promise. What sets Hive apart is its democratic approach to shaping its product roadmap.
All the new features are decided by voting on its forum page, giving a sense of ownership to the users.
Key features
- Hive mind: Hive mind is an AI-based feature with text generation capabilities; therefore, it can help with drafting project plans and email replies.
- Time tracking: This feature helps with tracking time spent on individual tasks and better estimation of resources.
- Project analytics: Hive’s analytical tools help project owners stay informed about project progress, with comprehensive overview of overdue tasks and project status.
Pros
- Project layout options.
- In-built chat for team communication.
- Project workflows and templates.
Cons
- The mobile version is sluggish in response.
- Initial learning curve.
- Per user fee, making it costly for small teams.
Pricing
Hive offers three straightforward plans.
- Solo: $0 (for up to two members only)
- Teams: $3/user/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing based on requirements.
While it’s important to mention that some essential features like proofing and timesheets are only available as add-ons, it’s worth noting that they will cost an extra $5 per user per month.
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating: 4.5/5
- G2 rating: 4.6/5
Take a closer look at Hive here.
8. Jira
Jira is a well-established project management tool from Atlassian, particularly popular with Agile development teams. It offers a comprehensive suite of features to manage projects from start to finish, especially for Agile teams.
However, its complexity and pricing may not be ideal for smaller teams or those with simpler project needs. For teams seeking simpler or more cost-effective project management tools, there are alternatives available in the market.
Key features
- Agile workflows: Supports various Agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban
- Issue tracking: Create, assign, and track issues (bugs, tasks)
- Project management: Plan, prioritize, and manage projects with roadmaps, sprints, and backlog management
- Reporting & dashboards: Generate reports and customize dashboards Integrations: Integrates with various third-party tools (e.g., GitHub, Slack).
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and boards.
- Powerful reporting and dashboards.
- Extensive features cater well to Agile methodologies.
- Extensive online resources and support available.
Cons
- Can have a steeper learning curve compared to simpler project management tools.
- Can be expensive for smaller teams, with complex pricing tiers.
- May be more feature-rich than needed for basic project management.
Pricing
- Free Plan: This plan offers basic features for up to 10 users
- Standard Plan: Starts at 8.15per user per month
- Premium Plan: Starts at $16 per user per month
- Enterprise: Contact sales
Customer ratings
- Capterra: 4.5/5
- g2 : 4.3/5
Take a closer look at Jira here.
Feeling frustrated with Jira? See our full list of 23 Jira alternatives and find the perfect match for your Agile workflow.
9. Teamwork.com
If you do a lot of client work, then Teamwork is a suitable project management tool for you. It offers a wide range of features that compete with the best in the market, from workload management to real-time project status tracking.
Key features
Teamwork excels in providing essential project management features. Three standout features include:
1. Customizable projects: Every account and project gets its unique URL, with the option to add logos. Furthermore, you can customize which features appear in each project, tailoring them to specific needs.
2. Teamwork desk: By integrating Teamwork Desk, an add-on ticketing app, with Teamwork, you can achieve seamless collaboration and efficient management of client requests.
3. Collaboration: By grouping team members into teams for efficient communication, workload distribution, and task assignment, you can give flexibility to decide who’s best suited for each task. This, in turn, enhances productivity.
Pros
- Easy setup and user-friendly interface.
- Huge feature set without overwhelming complexity.
- Customizable project and user account options.
Cons
- Learning curve for time-tracking functionality.
- Occasional issues with copying tasks between templates.
Pricing
Apart from a forever free plan with a five users limit, users can choose from the following options based on their requirements:
- Starter: $5.99/user/month (billed annually)
- Deliver: $9.99/user/month (billed annually)
- Grow: $19.99/user/month (billed annually)
- Scale: Custom pricing.
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating: 4.5/5
- G2 rating: 4.4/5
Take a closer look at Teamwork.com here.
10. Liquid Planner
LiquidPlanner is a dynamic project management tool that stands out for its innovative approach to task estimation and scheduling.
It claims to be the first SaaS-based project management solution to embrace uncertainty by allowing users to express task estimates using ranges.
With a probabilistic scheduling engine, it offers to create more accurate project schedules, making it a noteworthy player in the project management tools arena.
Key features
Probabilistic scheduling: LiquidPlanner introduces a groundbreaking approach to scheduling with its probabilistic engine. It provides realistic task timelines based on best-case and worst-case scenarios, ensuring more accurate planning and forecasting.
Resource management: The tool excels in balancing workloads and availability, thereby ensuring that team members are assigned tasks in alignment with their schedules, including planned time off. As a result, it promotes efficiency and helps maintain a healthy work-life balance for the team.
Custom fields: With LiquidPlanner, users can easily create and use custom data fields to track, categorize, and report on unique plan attributes. These customized data fields can be filtered and used to generate personalized views for detailed data analysis.
Pros
- Innovative probabilistic scheduling.
- Adaptable for both project and ad-hoc work.
- Resource management and Excel integration.
Cons
- Steep learning curve.
- Lack of search bar.
- Navigation challenges with the interface.
Pricing
Although LiquidPlanner offers a 14-day free trial, it does not offer any free version. You can choose from the following paid plans:
- Essentials: $15/user/month (billed annually)
- Professional: $25/user/month (billed annually)
- Ultimate: $35/user/month (billed annually)
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating: 4.3/5
- G2 rating: 4.2/5
Take a closer look at Liquidplanner here.
11. Basecamp
Basecamp is a go-to choice for small teams collaborating with external clients, and it’s easy to see why.
This project management tool offers a clean, minimalistic, and clutter-free user interface, which sets it apart from the competition.
Rather than overwhelming users with countless options, it focuses on providing just what you need.
Key features
- Intuitive file management: With an intuitive user interface, Basecamp facilitates managing files and collaborating with team members, ensuring things run smoothly, especially within remote teams.
- Campfire: Campfire, a group chat feature provided by Basecamp, facilitates organized conversations on specific topics or sharing project-related files. It enhances collaboration and communication among team members.
- Hill charts: Hill charts, provided by Basecamp, are a visual progress tracking tool. They depict uphill as the planning phase of a project, while downhill represents the execution phase
Pros
- Easy to use straightforward interface.
- Collaborative features with access controls.
- Budget-friendly choice for solopreneurs and small teams.
Cons
- Lacks advanced project management functionalities, like Gantt charts and time tracking.
- UI becomes crowded over time.
- Not suitable for large and complex projects.
Pricing
With a 30-day free trial, Basecamp offers two pricing options:
- Basecamp: $15/user/month (billed annually)
- Basecamp Pro Unlimited: $299/month (billed annually
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating : 4.3/5
- G2 rating: 4.1/5
Take a closer look at Basecamp here.
12. Smartsheet
If you’ve ever worked with other traditional project management tools, then you’ll find Smartsheet’s approach a little unique. However, it might initially seem like a sophisticated version of Excel, but it’s much more than that.
Smartsheet is a dynamic, powerful, and highly customizable project management and work collaboration tool known for its robust features.
Key features
- Process management dashboards: Smartsheet allows you to construct dashboards by producing reports and converting them into widgets.
- Customizability: Smartsheet’s high level of customization enables you to tailor it to your unique needs while providing excellent data visualization tools such as Kanban boards and Gantt charts.
- Template Gallery: Smartsheet offers a gallery of templates that can help you get started quickly with your projects.
Pros
- The familiar spreadsheet-like layout feels comfortable for users.
- Allows extensive customization with various views (Gantt chart, calendar, card view).
- Offers real-time collaboration, in-app chat, and document sharing.
- Suitable for both small teams and large enterprises with complex tasks.
Cons
- Most of the collaboration features needs higher plans subscription.
- Mastering advanced features and automation requires a steeper learning curve.
- Interface seems cluttered or cumbersome with complex projects.
- Be aware that a few users have reported encountering loss of data in their account.
Pricing
Smartsheet offers a 30 day free trial and free plan. For advanced features, users have to upgrade to one of the following plans.
- Pro: $7/user/month (billed annually)
- Business: $25/user/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing.
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating : 4.5/5
- G2 rating: 4.4/5
Take a closer look at Smartsheet here.
13. Notion
Notion is a fantastic project management tool that content creators, solopreneurs, and small teams juggling multiple projects would find beneficial. It offers various project views like timeline, board, and calendar, allowing you to plan your projects efficiently. Likewise, you can start in the board view and easily add a timeline view to visualize task relationships.
However, it’s important to note that Notion may lack some advanced project management features, and managing multiple projects can become tedious (especially for large teams).
Key features
- Kanban boards: Create Kanban boards for visual task management, with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Customizable templates: It provides various customizable templates for project planning, task lists, calendars, and more.
- Collaboration tools: Notion supports real-time collaboration, comments, and mentions.
- Document and file management: Store and organize project-related documents, files, and media directly within Notion.
- Flexibility and customization: Enable teams to adapt project workflows, dashboards, and reports to their specific needs.
Pros
- Great note-taking capabilities.
- Extensive customization available.
- Provides asynchronous collaboration.
- Builds relational databases.
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to vast features and customization options.
- Limited mobile app usability – cumbersome interface and slow response time.
- Lacks advanced table functions for complex data analysis.
- Complex template creation process, time-consuming for intricate systems.
Pricing
- Free: Ideal for individuals, offering basic features at no cost.
- Plus: Priced at $8/month (billed annually) or $10/month (billed monthly).
- Business: Priced at $15/user/month (billed annually) or $18/user/month (billed monthly).
- Enterprise: Contact Notion’s sales team.
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating : 4.7/5
- G2 rating: 4.7/5
Take a closer look at Notion here.
14. TeamGantt
Don’t let the name fool you, it’s more than just Gantt timeline charts. With this tool, you get access to all the common task management functions in one place, like shared team calendars, team collaboration, reports, and time sheets.
TeamGantt is perfect for small to mid-sized teams who want to hit the ground running with a dependable project management app. However, it’s worth noting that the app doesn’t come with invoicing and billing tools, nor rich reports.
Key features
- Task prioritization and scheduler: Offers various task management tools for project management with priority settings and dependencies.
- Time tracking: Time tracking features for billing or team management purposes.
- Documentation and file storage: You can store project files within tasks using attachments and access it centrally.
- Collaboration tools: Task-specific comment sections and attachment capabilities.
- Team dashboards: The main dashboard in Zoho Projects provides a comprehensive overview of task progress.
Pros
- Customizable task prioritization and dependencies
- Mobile app for on-the-go project management
- User-friendly interface for ease of use
- Multiple views for task visualization and planning
Cons
- Learning curve for new users
- Limited third-party integrations
- Interface design could be more modern
- Pricing may not suit all budgets
- Customer support response times vary
Pricing
- Pro: $49.16 per manager, per month, billed annually
Customer ratings
- G2: 4.3/5
- Capterra: 4.4 / 5
Take a closer look at TeamGantt here.
15. Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects is one of the best project management software that can help you streamline your upcoming work and tasks with a click. It offers all the core tools needed for managing projects, including Gantt charts, basic resource management tools, and timesheets, all at a reasonable price.
Zoho Projects, one of the tools for project management, is relatively straightforward to use, although it may take some time to master all its features. Despite this, we found Zoho Projects to be well-suited for small teams operating on a tight budget.
Features
- Task prioritization and scheduler: Offers various task management tools with priority settings and dependencies
- Time tracking: Time tracking features for billing or team management purposes
- Documentation and file storage: You can store project files within tasks using attachments and access it centrally
- Collaboration tools: Task-specific comment sections and attachment capabilities.
- Team dashboards: The main dashboard in Zoho Projects provides a comprehensive overview of task progress
Pros
- Customizable task prioritization and dependencies
- Mobile app for on-the-go project management
- User-friendly interface for ease of use
- Multiple views for task visualization and planning
Cons
- Learning curve for new users
- Limited third-party integrations
- Interface design could be more modern
- Pricing may not suit all budgets
- Customer support response times vary
Pricing
- Free: Up to 3 users
- Premium: ₹280/user/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: ₹630/user/month (billed annually)
Customer ratings
- G2: 4.3/5
- Capterra: 4.4 / 5
Take a closer look at ZohoProjects here.
16. Scoro
Scoro is known as one of the most comprehensive business management software for professional and creative services. One of the features that stood out to me was the ability to create and send sales quotes and bills right from within the app. It’s a huge time-saver and keeps everything organized.
Apart from that, the reporting functionalities provide a clear overview of project status, unscheduled time, and projects by accounts. For those who wish to bring structure to your work, Scoro is the right PM tool for you.
Key features
- Task management: Organize and track tasks efficiently
- Team collaboration: Shared calendars, task assignment, and communication tools
- Organization ease: Efficiently manages contacts, documents, and other resources
- Billing & invoicing: Create and send invoices, manage project budgets and track expenses
- Sales & CRM: Optimize sales pipeline with lead tracking, custom sales processes
Pros
- Efficient task management with robust features
- Strong project management for planning, execution, and monitoring
- Seamless team collaboration
- Organized workspace
Cons
- Learning curve for full functionality
- Expensive for small businesses or basic needs
- Limited customization for reports and templates
Pricing
- Essential Plan: $26 per user/month, billed annually.
- Standard Plan: $37 per user/month, billed annually.
- Pro Plan: $63 per user/month, billed annually.
- Ultimate Plan: Custom pricing for enterprise needs
Customer ratings
- G2: 4.6/5
- Capterra: 4.6/ 5
Take a closer look at Scoro here.
17. Podio
Podio is a platform that gives you the freedom to customize your business operations to suit your needs. However, the interface can be confusing, requiring a lot of clicking and leaving you feeling lost.
It lacks a strong focus on any specific task. Creating your own environment can be a chore, especially without user-friendly tutorials. After using Podio, you will explore more streamlined project management solutions that offer a better user experience.
Key features
- Flexible workspaces: Create your own apps to organize projects, clients, and sales
- Task management: Assign tasks, set deadlines, track progress
- Team collaboration: Share files, documents, and collaborate in real-time
- Communication tools: Built-in chat, email integration, and notifications
- Automation: Automate workflows to save time on repetitive tasks (might require a higher plan)
Pros
- Tailor Podio to fit your specific needs and workflows.
- Easy to learn and use, even for non-technical teams.
- Fosters teamwork and communication within projects.
- Grows with your business as your needs evolve.
Cons
- Reporting features could be more robust for advanced analytics.
- Powerful automations require upgrading from basic plans.
- Complex customizations might require developer assistance.
Pricing
- Free: Up to 5 people
- Plus: $11.20/month, billed annually.
- Premium: $19.20/month, billed annually.
- Custom Plans: Available for larger organizations.
Customer Ratings
- G2: 4.2/5
- Capterra: 4.0/ 5
Take a closer look at Podio here.
18. Todoist
Todoist is a great organization app to convert your to-do lists into tasks. It provides you with a user-friendly interface to manage your projects and tasks. This tool helps you stay organized, improve productivity, and bring clarity to the mind.
However, for more complex project management needs, you might want to consider project management tools that offer features like project reporting, time tracking, and custom permissions.
Key features
- Simple Interface: Easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
- Task Management: Create, schedule, and prioritize tasks with due dates and reminders.
- Project Organization: Break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps using subtasks and projects.
- Collaboration: Share tasks and projects with team members (Premium plan).
- Labels & Filters: Categorize and prioritize tasks for better organization.
- Productivity Insights: Track progress and identify areas for improvement (Premium plan).
Pros
- Simple and intuitive interface makes it easy to get started.
- Great for organizing and prioritizing tasks.
- Works seamlessly across various devices (desktop, mobile, web).
- Generous free tier with core features.
Cons
- Advanced features like reminders and labels require a premium subscription.
- Subtask functionality could be more robust for complex projects.
- No built-in time tracking capabilities.
Pricing
- Free: Get started for free.
- Pro: $5/month, billed monthly
- Business: $8/month, billed monthly
Customer Ratings
- G2 Rating: 4.4 / 5
- Capterra Rating: 4.6 / 5
Take a closer look at Todoist here.
19. Workzone
Workzone is built by a highly dedicated team to help individuals and organizations gain better control and visibility in work management. It gives them a central place to manage and share work, so everyone stays on the same page.
The “To-Do Lists,” which are personalized for each user and sent via email, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
Key features
- Project management: Plan, track, and manage projects with ease
- Collaboration tools: Foster teamwork with real-time communication features.
- Reporting & analytics: Gain insights into project performance using reports
- Time Tracking: Track team member hours and monitor project progress
- Customization options: Customizable workflows, templates, and dashboards
Pros
- Manage everything in one place.
- Everyone stays informed.
- See progress and resource allocation.
- Simplify project management.
Cons
- Learning curve for full features.
- Expensive for small businesses/basic needs.
- Limited report customization.
- Integration issues
Customer Ratings
- G2 Rating: 4.2 /5
- Capterra Rating: 4.6 / 5
Pricing
- Team Plan: $24/user/month
- Professional Plan: $34/user/month
- Enterprise Plan: Contact sales for pricing
Take a closer look at Workzone here.
20. nTask
nTask is a user-friendly project management tool with impressive organizational capabilities. Its time-tracking feature for multiple projects is also commendable. And, in case of any issues, nTask’s support team is always there to assist you.
However, if you are looking for customization options, nTask may not be the best fit for you as it doesn’t offer much flexibility in workflows and dashboard layouts.
Key features
- Task management: Create, assign, and manage tasks with deadlines, priorities, and dependencies
- Team collaboration: Share projects, tasks, files, and discussions with your team
- Time tracking: Track team member hours and monitor project progress with built-in time tracking
- Communication tools: Foster teamwork with comments, mentions, and chat functionality
- Reporting & analytics: Gain insights into project performance using reports and dashboards
Pros
- Simple and intuitive interface for easy task management.
- Generous free tier with core features for individual use or small teams.
- Streamlines communication and keeps teams on the same page.
- Built-in time tracking helps monitor project progress and efficiency.
Cons
- Advanced features like reporting and automation require paid plans.
- May not integrate seamlessly with all third-party tools.
- Compared to some competitors, customization options might be limited.
Customer ratings
- G2 Rating: 4.4/5
- Capterra Rating: 4.2 /5
Pricing
- Premium Plan: $3/month billed annually.
- Business Plan: $8/month billed annually.
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing
Take a closer look at nTask here.
21. Redbooth
Redbooth is a project management platform that offers a single workspace for organizing work, communicating in real-time, and keeping projects on track. The program is well thought-out, allowing you to turn conversations into tasks immediately.
One potential downside is the lack of flexibility in the template system, which can be frustrating when trying to add a template task to an established list.
Key features
- Task Management: Create, assign, and manage tasks with deadlines, priorities, and dependencies.
- Team Collaboration: Foster teamwork with shared workspaces, file sharing, discussion boards, and real-time chat.
- Project Visibility: Track project progress, resource allocation, and team communication in one central location.
- Gantt Charts & Kanban Boards: Visualize project timelines and workflows for better planning and monitoring.
Pros
- Simple interface for smooth project management.
- Streamlines communication and keeps teams aligned.
- All project info in one place for better visibility.
- Clear project overviews with Gantt charts and Kanban boards.
Cons
- The free plan offers basic functionality, and advanced features require paid subscriptions.
- Time tracking is not available in all pricing tiers
- Lacks complex scheduling features
Customer ratings
- G2 Rating: 4.4/5
- Capterra Rating: 4.4/5
Pricing
- Pro: $12/user/month, billed monthly.
- Business: $18.75/user/month, billed monthly.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing.
Take a closer look at Redbooth here.
22. Celoxis
Celoxis is a project management tool that offers a lot of value for its price. It’s a strong contender among other online project management tools, particularly for medium and large organizations that require not just team collaboration, but also insights into how the business is running and when to take on new projects.
One thing to note about Celoxis is that it runs directly in the web browser, without any desktop or mobile apps. While you can access it from a mobile browser, this may not be as convenient as having a dedicated mobile app.
If you are comfortable with the Microsoft Project scheduling paradigm, then Celoxis is one of the best alternatives to Microsoft Project within the world of project management tools. Celoxis is one of the best alternatives to Microsoft Project.
Key features
- Complex Projects: Handle large and complicated projects with plans, schedules, resources, and visuals.
- Portfolio View: Manage projects, align them with goals, and gain portfolio insights.
- Teamwork Hub: Shared spaces, files, chats keep teams informed for tasks, progress, and alignment.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Track progress, resources, and project health for informed choices.
- Customization: Tailor workflows, dashboards, reports, and integrate with other tools.
Pros
- Advanced scheduling & resource allocation for intricate projects.
- Prioritize, track, and gain insights across projects.
- Streamlines collaboration and keeps everyone informed.
- Informed choices based on project analytics.
Cons
- Extensive features can be overwhelming for new users.
- Pricing may be high for smaller businesses or those needing basic functionalities.
Customer ratings
- G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Capterra Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Pricing
- Manager: $25 per month (billed annually)
- Team Member: $15 per month (billed annually)
Take a closer look at Celoxis here.
23. Proworkflow
ProWorkflow may not be as well known as some other project management tools, but I would recommend considering it if it fits your organization’s needs. One area where ProWorkflow falls short is its limited project board options.
This can be disappointing, especially for those who rely on Gantt charts, which are a standard display option in many project management tools. Unfortunately, ProWorkflow does not offer this feature, which directly affects its versatility.
Key Features
- Project Management: Plan, track, and collaborate on projects with tasks, timelines, and visuals
- Task Management: Assign tasks, track progress, and collaborate with your team
- Time Tracking & Reporting: Track time for efficiency and gain project insights.
- Invoicing & Quotes: Create invoices, send quotes, and manage finances. Integrates with accounting systems
- Mobile App: Manage projects, track time, and communicate on the go (iOS & Android)
Pros
- Easy to learn and use for project management
- Adapts to various workflows with customizable features
- Helps manage time efficiently and gain project insights
- Streamlines financial aspects of projects
Cons
- Offers less automation
- Might not be the best fit for managing very complex projects
Customer ratings
- G2 rating: 4.1 / 5 stars
- Capterra rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
Pricing
- Professional Plan: Costs $20 per user, per month (billed monthly).
- Advanced Plan: Costs $30 per user, per month (billed monthly).
Take a closer look at ProWorkflow here.
24. Kantata
Kantata is an exceptional all-in-one tool that seamlessly combines resource and project management tools with financials, planning, and forecasting features but comes with a high price tag. It’s easy to assign tasks to team members, create project plans, timelines, and Gantt charts, and track completion rates and resource utilization with Kantata. With additional features like issue tracking, file storage, invoicing, and time tracking tools, it truly is a full-service tool that can manage teams in one place.
However, its lack of transparency with pricing is a significant concern, and the sign-up process is not user-friendly. The access application process requires approval, which can be a time-consuming process. Also, there is no communication feature.
Key features
- Project Management: Create, manage projects with tasks, timelines, dependencies, resource allocation, and budgeting functionalities.
- Team Collaboration: Foster teamwork with shared workspaces, file sharing, discussions, and real-time communication tools.
- Resource Management: Effectively manage team members’ workload, availability, and skills for optimal resource allocation.
- Time Tracking & Reporting: Track project time, generate reports for better project insights and track billable hours for accurate client invoicing.
- Financials & Budgeting: Manage project budgets, track expenses, and generate invoices for streamlined financial management.
Pros
- Suits complex projects with features like resource allocation and budgeting.
- Streamlines teamwork and communication for efficient project execution.
- Ensures optimal resource allocation based on team workload and skills.
- Provides tools for project budgeting, expense tracking, and invoicing.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to its extensive features.
- Pricing structure might be complex and expensive for smaller teams.
- Fewer integrations.
Customer ratings
- G2 Rating: 4.2 / 5
- Capterra Rating: 4.2 / 5
Pricing
- Contact Kantata sales team.
Take a closer look at Kantata here.
Read more: Mavenlink Alternatives and Competitors: Top 7 Tools You Should Try
25. Planview AdaptiveWork
Aftering checking out Planview AdaptiveWork (formerly known as Clarizen), I can tell you that it’s a pretty robust project management tool. It’s perfect for companies handling multiple complex projects and it’s got some great features that include project tracking to risk management features.
But, there are a few downsides to keep in mind. For starters, it’s got a steep learning curve, so it might not be the easiest tool to get up and running. Also, the integration library is somewhat limited compared to other software, and it does require a hefty upfront investment.
Key features
- Project Management: Plan, schedule, track, and visualize projects with tasks, dependencies, resources, timelines, and boards.
- Portfolio Management: Prioritize projects, track portfolio performance, and gain insights for strategic decisions.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Foster teamwork with shared workspaces, communication, and task/progress tracking tools.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Generate reports and dashboards to track progress, resource utilization, and project health, enabling informed choices.
- Customization: Tailor workflows, dashboards, and reports to your specific needs, and integrate with other business tools.
Pros
- Handles complex projects and portfolios.
- Prioritize and track projects, gain portfolio insights.
- Keeps everyone informed and collaborating.
- Makes informed choices based on project analytics.
Cons
- Extensive features can be overwhelming for new users.
- May be costly for small businesses or basic needs.
Customer Ratings
- G2 Rating: 4.1 / 5
- Capterra Rating: 4.2 / 5
Pricing
- Contact Planview AdaptiveWork
Take a closer look at Planview AdaptiveWork here.
26. GanttPRO
GanttPRO is a Gantt chart software with project management capabilities designed to streamline project planning, scheduling, and tracking. With its easy-to-use interface and a range of valuable features, GanttPRO has earned a justified place in this list.
Key features
- Workload management: GanttPRO ensures that all resources are optimally engaged and balanced, promoting efficient project execution.
- Collaboration: The tool offers features such as comments, attachments, and notifications to keep everyone in the loop and enhance communication.
- Diverse views: GanttPRO offers both Gantt chart and board views, providing users with flexibility in project visualization and management. The availability of project templates further simplifies your journey, catering to a variety of project needs.
Pros
- Versatile resources for non-personnel assets.
- Public URL generation for filtered project views, ideal for client collaboration.
- Comprehensive task tracking capabilities with rich task details and customization options.
Cons
- Limited customization options in the Kanban board view.
- Cost could be too high for small and medium organizations.
- Users have reported that GanttPRO’s updates can take longer than usual.
Pricing
GanttPRO offers a fully-featured free trial for 14 days. After that, users can select from the following paid plans based on their requirements.
- Basic: $7.99/user/month (billed annually)
- Pro: $12.99/user/month (billed annually)
- Business: $19.99/user/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing.
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating : 4.8/5
- G2 rating: 4.8/5
Take a closer look at GanttPRO here.
27. Easy Project
Easy Project is a solid choice for larger organizations juggling multiple projects, with special features exclusive to Enterprise customers. Despite its not-so-pretty interface, it boasts a plethora of features for efficient project management, including task management with integrated time tracking and billing.
However, we were let down by the unresponsive customer support, despite their sales team contacting us multiple times.
Key features
- Project Management: Tasks, timelines, dependencies, resources, budgets, multiple views (Gantt, Kanban, etc.).
- Collaboration Tools: File sharing, discussions, workspaces, communication.
- Time Tracking & Reporting: Track time, generate reports, bill clients (if applicable).
Pros
- Adapts to various project management styles.
- Free version available for basic needs.
- Choose between Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and other views for best fit.
- Streamlines teamwork and communication.
Cons
- Overwhelming for new users due to the range of features.
- Free version has restricted features.
- More complex than necessary for very basic project management needs.
Customer rating
- G2 Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
- Capterra Rating: 5 / 5 stars
Pricing
- Essential: $5.90per user/month
- Business: $11.90per user/month
- Platform: $23.90 per user/month
Take a closer look at Easy Project here.
28. Quire
Quire is a web-based task management and collaboration tool that aims to enhance productivity in various projects, such as app development or film production. However, you might find it inconvenient if you prefer working outside a browser since it lacks a dedicated Windows or Mac app. The priority levels offered by Quire (High, Medium, Low) can be very basic.
The absence of built-in reminders can result in cluttered task lists and missed deadlines, requiring you to rely on external tools or your own memory. Keep in mind that while Quire is suitable for small and medium-sized teams, it may not meet the needs of larger organizations.
Features
- Intuitive UI for effortless task creation and organization.
- Ultimate workflow control for streamlined processes
- Tailored solution for small teams
- Swift idea capture through text, camera, and Siri integration.
- Easy-to-use software with powerful task management features.
Pros
- Easy to use and intuitive interface
- Real-time collaboration capabilities
- Flexible project views
- Helps to break down large projects into smaller tasks
- Helps to manage deadlines
Cons
- Lacks advanced project portfolio management tools
- No mobile app (but responsive web design)
- Lacks offline search
- May not be the best fit for large enterprises with complex project needs
Pricing
Quire offers a free plan and three paid plans:
- Professional Plan: Costs $7 per member per month
- Premium Plan: Costs $13.95 per member per month
- Enterprise Plan: Costs $19.95 per member per month
Customer ratings
- Capterra: 4.7/5
- G2 : 4.6/5
Take a closer look at Quire here.
29. Height
Height is a comprehensive project management tool designed to streamline team collaboration and accelerate product development for startups.
It is new in the market so you might have not heard about it. With Height, teams can create task lists to ensure everyone is synchronized, while the integrated chat feature keeps work-related conversations organized in a single location.
The reason we positioned it in the Project Management category, Height is specifically tailored to meet the needs of startups aiming to build products more efficiently. Though, it lacks automation functionality.
Key features
- Fast task creation: Quickly add and prioritize tasks with minimal steps.
- Collaborative environment: Real-time updates and task discussions
- Customizable workflows: Adapt Height to your team’s specific needs AI-powered suggestions: Height leverages large language models (LLMs) to offer suggestions and automate repetitive tasks (still in beta)
- Minimalist interface: Have a clean and clutter-free interface
Pros
- User-friendly interface with a focus on speed
- Strong collaboration features
- High level of customization
- Integration of AI features to streamline project management (still under development).
Cons
- Limited integrations with third-party applications
- Pricing structure might not be suitable for all team sizes
- Some users report a steeper learning curve
- Automation capabilities are still under development
Pricing
Height offers a free plan. Paid plans include:
- Team: $6.99per member/month
- Business: $11.99 per member/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Customer ratings
- Capterra: No review
- G2 : 5/5 (Only 1 review)
Take a closer look at Height here.
30. Teamdeck
Teamdeck is a software tool designed to help teams with resource scheduling and time tracking. If you manage resources, whether regular, part-time, direct-hire, freelancers, or remote workers, Teamdeck is the tool you need. With resource scheduling, time tracking, and leave management all integrated into one software, it’s perfect for businesses that work on a time-billing basis.
Key features
- Resource scheduling: Visually see who is available for projects and assign tasks accordingly
- Time tracking: Team members to easily track the time they spend on different tasks
- Availability management: Team members can indicate their availability within the tool
- Leave management: Request and track leave within the platform
- Custom reporting: Generate reports to analyze project progress and resource allocation
Pros
- Provides real-time reporting
- Resource management capabilities
- Budget tracking and time management tools
- Customizable dashboards and reports
Cons
- Free version has limited features
- Can be expensive for larger businesses
- There might be a short learning curve
Pricing
Teamdeck offers a 30-day free trial and two paid plans:
- Basic Resource: $0.9 per month
- Team Member: $3.60 per month
Customer ratings
- Capterra: 4.3/5
- G2:4.6/5
Take a closer look at Teamdeck here.
31. Freedcamp
Freedcamp is a project management software that helps businesses and teams of all sizes collaborate and stay organized. It offers a free plan with unlimited users, projects, and storage, making it a good option for small teams or those on a budget. You will have to invest in paid plans to get access to features, such as time tracking, Gantt charts, and reports.
Key features
- Task management: Create tasks, assign them to team members, and track progress
- Team collaboration: Communicate through comments, discussions, and file sharing
- Project scheduling: Set deadlines and track project progress with Gantt charts (available in paid plans)
- Time tracking: Track time spent on tasks (available in paid plans)
- File sharing: Share files with team members
Pros
- Easy to use and understand
- Good for collaboration
- Ease of adding clients on tasks
- Free plan for unlimited user ( but with limited features)
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Lacks native integrations with other business tools
- Weak security features on the lower tiers
- Important PM features like Gantt chart and time tracking are available in paid plans
Pricing
- Free: For basic project management.
- Pro: This plan costs $1.49 per user per month (billed annually)
- Business: This plan costs $7.49 per user per month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: This plan costs $16.99 per user per month (billed annually)
Customer ratings
- Capterra: 4.6/5
- G2 : 4.5/5
Take a closer look at Freedcamp here.
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32. Project Insight
Project Insight is a web-based project and portfolio management software that allows users to access and edit project information anywhere with a supported browser, tablet, or mobile device. It helps teams plan, execute, and track complex projects with ease.
It offers a wide range of PM tools and functionalities designed to streamline project workflows, enhance collaboration, and provide valuable insights for informed decision-making.
Key features
- Intelligent scheduling: Project Insight uses AI to help you schedule tasks and resources effectively.
- Resource management: Track team member availability and workload to avoid overallocation.
- Customizable dashboards: Create dashboards to visualize project progress and key metrics.
- Resource management: Efficiently allocate and monitor team members’ workloads and availability
- Project planning: Utilize Gantt charts, PERT diagrams, and calendars to create and manage project schedules
Pros
- Powerful features for managing complex projects
- Customizable dashboards for easy project tracking
- Robust project planning and scheduling capabilities
- Customizable dashboards and reporting options
- Scalable for enterprises with multiple projects and teams
Cons
- Can have a bit of a learning curve for new users
- Some users find the interface to be not very intuitive
- Manual data entry required for tasks like invoicing
- Pricing may be on the higher end for smaller organizations
Pricing
- Free– For individuals and small teams
- Pro: $9 per user per month
- Business: $19 per user per month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating : 4.4/5
- G2 rating: 3.6/5
Take a closer look at ProjectInsight here.
33. ProjectManager.com
If you need a collaborative project management app that’s quick to set up, then you might want to consider ProjectManager.com. While it may not be the most powerful service available, it does offer a decent range of functionality, particularly suitable for mid-sized organizations.
It provides good customization and filtering options for views, includes budgeting and resource management tools, and seamlessly integrates with various popular tools to streamline your workflow. However, note that lower tiers come with restrictions, and you may need to upgrade to access more advanced features.
Key features
- Task management: Create and assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress
- Collaboration: Rreal-time updates, comments, and file sharing
- Reporting: Generate insightful reports and dashboards to monitor project performance
- Time tracking: Track time spent on tasks and generate timesheets for invoicing or payroll
- Security: User permissions, role-based access, and audit trails
Pros
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Seamless integration with popular tools (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, Outlook)
- Customizable dashboards and reporting
- Robust customer support and training resources
Cons
- Limited free plan with limited features
- Steep learning curve for more advanced functionalities
- Pricing can be on the higher end for smaller teams or budgets
Pricing
- Free– For individuals and small teams
- Pro: $9 per user per month
- Business: $19 per user per month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating: 4.1/5
- G2 rating: 4.4/5
Take a closer look at ProjectManager.com here.
34. MeisterTask
MeisterTask is a visually appealing project management tool designed to assist users in planning, organizing, and executing straightforward projects. It offers intuitive Kanban boards and Gantt charts that are both easy to grasp and enjoyable to use.
However, MeisterTask’s pricing is relatively high compared to other platforms that provide more comprehensive features and functionalities at a lower cost.
Key features
- Agenda: Dashboard and agenda that provide different ways to look at tasks
- Basic automation: Ability to create automation to assign tasks, update status, and set recurring tasks
- Calendars and Gantt charts: Users can visualize project timelines and deadlines
- Task management: Ability to create new MeisterTask tasks directly from MeisterNote
- Integrations: Integrates with popular tools like Slack and Dropbox
Pros
- Offers a modern, intuitive user interface
- Customizable automation
- Seamless multi-platform synchronization
- Unlimited projects and team members in its freemium version
Cons
- Relatively higher pricing compared to some competitors
- Limited feature set of more enterprise-focused project management solutions
- Limited customization options for advanced users
Pricing
MeisterTask offers the following pricing plans:
- Basic: Free
- Pro: $8.25 per user per month (billed annually)
- Business: $20.75 per user per month (billed annually)
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating : 4.3/5
- G2 rating: 4.7/5
Take a closer look at MeisterTask here.
35. Redmine
Redmine is a popular free and open-source project management app known for its focus on issue and bug tracking. It’s highly customizable, making it a great choice for development teams who can handle installation and maintenance. With features like time estimates, task dependencies, Gantt charts, and project wikis, Redmine offers useful functionalities.
However, it’s important to note that self-installation and maintenance are required, and support is limited to the online community. It’s primarily suitable for software developers, so consider your specific needs before choosing Redmine.
Key features
- Issue tracking: Manage bugs, tasks, and feature requests in a centralized location
- News and forums: Facilitate communication and information sharing within teams
- Time tracking (plugin required): Track time spent on tasks (additional setup needed)
- Flexible roles and permissions: Control user access and permissions for different project functions
Pros
- No licensing fees, allowing for complete customization and self-hosting
- Relatively simple to install and configure
- Large and helpful online community for support and troubleshooting
- Adapts to various project management methodologies
Cons
- Requires technical expertise for installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance
- Official support is limited, relying more on community forums for issues
- The user interface is frustrating, required effort from your end
- Built-in time tracking features lacks advanced reporting capabilities
Pricing
There is no set-up fee, Redmine requires technical knowledge to set up, maintain, and potentially utilize many of its plugins. Starts from $25.00.
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating : 4.3/5
- G2 rating: 4.1/5
Take a closer look at Redmine here.
36. Nutcache
NutCache offers comprehensive project management tools that help you keep your projects organized using collaborative boards. Each task can be assigned to individuals with due dates, allowing for efficient prioritization. What’s cool is that you can invite anyone, be it clients, teammates, bosses, or investors, to join in and collaborate.
The flexible interface supports various project management methods like Scrum, Agile, or Kanban, making it versatile for different workflows. Ultimately, communication among team members is seamless within the platform. However, some users find NutCache pricey for their needs. They suggest free alternatives for time tracking and mention that the interface could use more visual appeal.
Key features
- Time Tracking: Track project time with desktop and mobile apps, timesheets, and reports
- Project scheduling: Plan and visualize projects through Gantt charts, calendars, and timeline views
- Invoicing: Create and send professional invoices to clients directly from projects
- Expense tracking: Track project-related expenses and receipts
- Reporting: Generate reports on project time, costs, and profitability
Pros
- Comprehensive set of project management features
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Flexible customization options
- Robust time tracking and invoicing capabilities
- Seamless third-party integrations
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Limited mobile app functionality
- Some users may find the learning curve slightly steeper than other project management tools
- Certain advanced features may be overkill for smaller teams
- The free plan has significant limitations, making paid plans necessary for most use cases
Pricing
Nutcache offers three paid plans, all billed annually:
- Pro: $15 per user per month
- Premium: $35 per user per month
- Enterprise: (Custom pricing), this plan is designed for larger businesses
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating: 4.4/5
- G2 ratings: 4.1/5
Take a closer look at Nutcache here.
37. Avaza
Avaza is a productive solution that helps you to collaborate on projects. It allows you to schedule resources, track time, manage expenses, and more to make your business efficient. Also, it helps you get more done faster with quick file-sharing, activity feeds, and more.
You get to see a bird’s eye view of who’s working on what and manage work assignments and make smarter scheduling decisions. It is a competent tool but requires a decent learning curve to get a knack of all the features. Your team will require some time to get used to it.
Key features
- Time tracking: Track your time on tasks and projects, allowing you seamlessly bill clients through its invoicing integration.
- Expense management: Track business expenses, record expenses, categorize them, and generate reports.
- Invoicing and quoting: Create and send professional-looking quotes and invoices to your clients.
- Reporting: Track project progress, team performance, and project profitability
- Resource scheduling: Schedule resources effectively by allowing you to see who is working on what and when
Pros
- User-friendly and easy to use
- Helps to keep track of expenses from anywhere
- Helps to reduce errors caused by copying data between systems
- Provides a quick project overview
Cons
- Some features are not equally good
- Notifications can be difficult to control
- Getting invoices can be trial and error
- Invoices add the same tasks and hours in a new format instead of replacing the old format
Pricing
- Startup: $11.95/month
- Basic: $23.95/month
- Business: $47.95/month
Customer ratings
- Capterra: 4.7/5
- G2: 4.6/5
Take a closer look at Avaza here.
38. Confluence
Confluence by Atlassian is a great tool to get everyone on the same page. It helps you bring knowledge management, project collaboration, and company-wide collaboration into one place. With the help of this tool, you can create a collaborative and remote-friendly team workspace as well.
It is among the best project management tools in the market for knowledge management, but some of its project management features and designs are slightly behind the times.
Features
- Document collaboration: Provides a shared workspace where team members can edit and discuss documents together in real-time.
- Knowledge management: Create a knowledge base specific to a project
- Customizable templates: Provides a variety of pre-built templates for common project management tasks
- Permissions and access control: Confluence’s flexible permission system allows project managers to control access and visibility
- Integrations: Seamless integration with other Atlassian tools (Jira) and other apps (additional cost might apply)
Pros
- Excellent for document collaboration and knowledge sharing
- Robust search and organization capabilities
- Quick onboarding of dev teams with Confluence Quickstart
- Confluence offers various third-party add-ons and widgets
Cons
- The steep learning curve for new users
- Limited project management-specific features compared to dedicated project management tools
- Gets pricier with every advanced functionality
- Confluence can slow down with large amounts of content and plugins
Pricing
Confluence offers free, standard, and premium plans.
- Free plan: Allows up to 10 users
- Standard plan: Starts at $6.05 per user per month
- Premium plan: Starts at $11.55 per user per month
- Enterprise: Contact sales
- Data Center: Starts at $28,000 per year for 500 users
In addition to above, Confluence’s advanced features like plugins, SSO, and 2FA require additional monthly fees, leading to potentially high, unpredictable costs.
Customer ratings
- Capterra rating: 4.5/5
- G2 ratings: 4.1/5
Take a closer look at Confluence here.
Feeling bogged down by Confluence’s learning curve? Explore modern, intuitive Confluence alternatives for a smoother team experience.
39. Airtable
Airtable is a spreadsheet-like database application that allows users to create different project workspaces. It enables them to track events within those spaces, collaborate with others, and assign tasks. Its blend of structure and flexibility makes it an appealing choice for project managers, particularly those who need to organize complex workflows, track progress, and collaborate effectively with their teams using PM tools.
However, it’s important to note that Airtable’s revised pricing model has put constraints on its free tier. As a result, it has become notably pricier for users. With a per-user pricing model, costs can also escalate rapidly with team growth.
Key features
- Variety of views: Airtable offers various project views including grid, calendar, form, kanban, gallery, list, Gantt charts, and timeline views
- Task management: You can set due dates, assign tasks to team members, and prioritize tasks
- Basic collaboration: Airtable allows basic collaboration features like commenting on records and mentioning team members
- Customization: Airtable allows for high customization to fit the specific needs of your project
Pros
- Easy to use and intuitive design
- Extensive library of pre-built templates
- Third party integrations with different apps
- Highly flexible and adaptable to a variety of project types
Cons
- Can be difficult to learn all the features
- Mobile app is not as user-friendly
- Gantt charts and timeline views require paid plans
- Limited scalability for larger teams
Pricing
Airtable offers the following pricing plans:
- Free: Suitable for those who has just started using Airtable
- Team:Priced at $20 per user per month
- Business: Priced at $45 per user per month
Customer ratings
- Capterra: 4.7/5
- G2: 4.6/5
Take a closer look at Airtabe here.
If you’re looking for an Airtable alternative, then this article lists 14 different options to consider.
40. ActiveCollab
ActiveCollab is a project management solution designed to give users control over their work and keep them focused, even when working remotely. It offers a variety of features to help teams organize tasks, track time, collaborate effectively, and manage resources.
But be mindful of pricing. Core features like invoicing, advanced time tracking, and workload management require a separate paid add-on called”Get Paid Bundle.” It can be an unpleasant surprise for you.
Key features
- Task dependencies: Visualize how tasks relate to each other
- Time tracking: Track time spent on tasks and gain insights into project timelines
- Project templates: Get started quickly with pre-built project templates
- Profitability tracking: Track profitability in real-time as tasks progress
- Client management: Manage client interactions and keep them in loop (on higher tiers)
Pros
- Advanced tools for client and resource management
- Robust time tracking and reporting functionalities
- Some advanced features may require additional paid add-ons
- Well-suited for remote teams due to its asynchronous and synchronous collaboration features
Cons
- Many advanced features are limited to the most expensive plan
- The user interface can feel outdated compared to some competitors
- Lacks a project dashboard summary except on the most expensive plan
- May have a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with PM tools
Pricing
- Plus Plan: $3.17 per member per month, up to 3 members
- Pro Plan: $8 per member per month
- Get Paid Bundle: $11.75 per member per month
Customer ratings
- Capterra– 4.5/5
- G2: 4.2/5
Take a closer look at ActiveCollab here.
41. Comindware
Comindware (CMW) Tracker is a comprehensive project management tool that offers a single digital environment connecting employees, processes, and knowledge.
It includes intelligent task routing, notifications, and searchable group discussions for better project management. Users find CMW Tracker’s tracking and reporting tools to be comprehensive and user-friendly. However, Comindware Tracker does not offer on-premises versions that support all operating systems.
Key features
- Low-Code Workflow Management: Build and customize workflows with minimal coding.
- Flexible Business Process Modeling: Design and model business processes with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Adaptive Runtime/Execution: Modify workflows on-the-fly.
- Powerful Web Forms Designer: Create custom web forms to capture data.
- Ready-to-Use Departmental Solutions: Pre-built solutions for various departments.
- Document & Data Management: Manage documents and data associated with workflows.
- Advanced Analytics & Reporting: Generate reports and gain insights.
- Deployment Options: Cloud-based, on-premises, or hybrid deployment.
- Mobile Accessibility: Access workflows and tasks via mobile browser.
Pros
- Low-code functionality makes building workflows accessible.
- Customizable workflows, forms, and deployments.
- Pre-Built solutions save time.
- Analytics & reporting provides insights.
Cons
- Could be expensive for bigger teams and plans may be limited for some businesses.
- Learning Curve
Customer rating
- G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Capterra Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Pricing
- Basic price starts from $24.99 user/month
Take a closer look at Comindware here.
How to choose the right project management tool?
When seeking best project management software, consider these essential steps:
- Identify your specific needs and constraints, such as budget, team size, and integration needs. Create a list of criteria, including budget, scalability, permissions, and more.
- Next, compile a shortlist of software options by reviewing credible sources and user reviews.
- Test each software with a free trial, focusing on core features and user-friendliness.
- Collaborate with a small team to assess how the software functions in a real work environment.
- Gather feedback from your team through interviews, surveys, or live demos, considering both technical features and user experience.
- Calculate the software’s cost against potential time savings and benefits, aiming for positive ROI.
- Finally, select the software that aligns with your needs and test it with a short-term contract. If it doesn’t meet expectations, you can easily transition to another tool.
- This comprehensive approach ensures that you choose the best project management software, helping your team work more productively and efficiently.
What are the key considerations when choosing a project management tool?
Choosing the right project management tool is crucial for business success. Here are key factors to consider:
Team size
The size of your team is important because small and large teams have different dynamics and needs. It’s beneficial to choose a tool that can grow alongside your team, adapting to include more features and accommodate additional team members as your projects expand.
Know your project needs
Understanding your project’s size, scope, and team is crucial. Whether you’re collaborating with remote teams or working in-house, and whether you require features like collaboration, automation, or customization, knowing your specific needs is the initial step.
Key features
Once you’ve figured out what your team needs, focus on essential features such as task management, collaboration tools, resource allocation functionalities, integrations and time tracking capabilities when creating your checklist.
User-friendly interface
By choosing user-friendly project management tools with an intuitive interface and easy learning curve, your team can quickly adapt, saving time and money.
Integration capabilities
Ensure the tool works well with what you already use, but be mindful of costs and security risks. Some project management tools offer in-house integrations, eliminating the need for third-party add-ons.
User feedback and reviews
Learn from others’ experiences by reading user reviews. Moreover, their insights can help you make an informed decision about a project management tool.
Trial periods and demos
Take advantage of trial periods and live demos offered by many project management tools. Furthermore, hands-on experience will help you see if the tool aligns with your workflow and meets your specific requirements.
Pricing and ROI
Finally, consider the financial aspect.Apart from the initial cost, you should also consider additional charges per user, hidden features, upgrade expenses, and possible extra fees. In addition, look for discounts and explore different licensing options to ensure the software can scale alongside your organization’s expansion.
With this straightforward approach, finding the right project management tool becomes effortless. You won’t feel overwhelmed by the multitude of options available.
Also read: How to Choose A Project Management Software: A Complete Guide
What are the top features to look for in a great project management tool?
Here is the list of absolute essential features for effective project management.
- Task management: The tool must allow you to create, assign, and monitor tasks, thereby keeping your project on the path to success.
- Collaboration & Communication: Your tool must provide seamless collaboration features such as shared document and real-time chat among team members, regardless of their location.
- Project planning: Look for a tool with project planning features such as Gantt charts or Kanban boards to align your project goals with a clear timeline.
- Resource allocation: Consider a tool that enables precise resource allocation. This ensures optimal utilization of your team’s skills and time.
- Time tracking: Ensure your project management tool includes time-tracking and timesheets that allow you to monitor hours spent on tasks and projects accurately.
- Reporting and analytics: Opt for a tool with rich reporting and analytics capabilities that provide insights into resources, project progress, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
- Integrations: Look for a project management tool that easily integrates with the software you already use, streamlining your project’s ecosystem.
- Mobile access: Make sure your tool has a mobile app, so that you can easily manage your projects from anywhere.
- Customizable request forms: Ensure your software allows you to collect project requests efficiently, so you can start on the right foot with all the necessary information.
- Automation: Save time and cut manual work by opting for an automated tool. Automate repetitive tasks, reminders, and notifications for a smoother project flow.
- Proofing: Proofing feature will streamline the review process and ensure that feedback is efficiently incorporated.
Why are project management tools important for your business?
A study by pwc shows that 77% of all the successful projects use project management tools in some capacity.
In a fast-paced world where yesterday’s strategies become tomorrow’s roadblocks, standing still is akin to moving backwards. Therefore, the evident rise of project management tools speaks volumes about them being nothing short of indispensable. Here are the few reasons:
- Boost Efficiency & Productivity: Break down projects, track progress, and then automate tasks. Consequently, this frees up time for high-value work and leads to faster project completion.
- Improve Communication & Collaboration: Central platform for sharing information, updates, and documents.
- Enhanced Visibility & Control: A clear overview helps us understand project progress, resources, deadlines, and risks.
- Reduced Risk & Improved Success Rates: Identify roadblocks, manage risks proactively. Ensure projects stay on track and are completed successfully.
- Optimize Resource Management: Through assigning the right people to the right tasks at the right time, we can prevent overallocation and boost team utilization.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Reports and analytics provide valuable insights into project performance, thus enabling teams to improve future projects and optimize business strategy.
- Scalable & Adaptable: As businesses grow and projects become more complex, it becomes increasingly important to manage multiple projects effectively and to scale operations accordingly.
- Improved Client Satisfaction: By fostering streamlined workflows and enhancing communication, consequently leading to timely project completion and improved client satisfaction.
Also read: Top 8 Benefits of a Project Management Software For Managers
Conclusion
Ditch the spreadsheets and emails! Project management tools offer a clear path to project success. This guide empowers you to find the perfect fit for your needs. Remember, the right project management tool can transform your project from chaos to smooth sailing. Ready to find your match? Explore ProofHub – it might be your project’s hero!
Additional reading
