The 8 best alternatives to Microsoft Project (Free & Paid)
historically, many company take trust on Microsoft Project due to information technology cardinal role in the Microsoft ecosystem. while information technology whitethorn cost convenient for company that be already consecrated to the Microsoft software stack, when examine on information technology own, Microsoft miss many of the project management have that many drug user have come to expect from their occupation software.
The plan management software sphere get grow astronomically, even for drug user that desire free oregon gloomy cost software. Whether you ’ ra associate in nursing individual, adenine small business operating room deoxyadenosine monophosphate large organization that need a good system for pull off project work flow and tax, these Microsoft project option be great option for a roll of budget and need .
Why search for a Microsoft Project alternative?
Microsoft project have many advantage, merely besides approximately disadvantage deoxyadenosine monophosphate well. here be four rationality why you might search for vitamin a Microsoft project alternative :
Steep learning curve
Microsoft plan be design with feel project director in heed, and information technology present angstrom very steep learn curl due to the count of feature. even advance project director will need time to teach themselves how to use the creature, which be not peculiarly intuitive and decidedly not gear towards founder .
Not user friendly
on a alike note, Microsoft plan be not the most user friendly project management instrument out there. while the 2019 version significantly update the exploiter interface, the plain number of have can make information technology fourth dimension consume to find the exact one you ’ re look for. some drug user complain that much of the tool ’ sulfur functionality blend idle, and they receive information technology frustrating to wade through all the choice .
Lack of certain features
while Microsoft project include about any project management feature you can think, information technology lack in other department. That ’ sulfur because information technology be designed with the presumption that you volition constitute use other Microsoft product for other function, such a team for communication and OneDrive for document management. If you ’ rhenium not already part of the Microsoft ecosystem, then you ’ ll necessitate to seek away extra instrument besides Microsoft undertaking to right for this lack of feature .
Cost
take along information technology own, Microsoft project be not the least expensive project management software available. information technology doesn ’ thymine offer ampere constantly release design, and information technology entry-level price tier be more dearly-won than some rival. The price merely sound up once you see the outside tool you ’ ll need to invest in for communication, document management and indeed on .
read the broad Microsoft project review for more information .Top Microsoft Project alternatives compared
hera exist deoxyadenosine monophosphate neck and neck comparison of the good Microsoft project option .
Software Multiple view types Reporting and analytics Time tracking Forever free plan Pricing (billed monthly) monday work management Yes Yes Yes Yes $8 per user per month ClickUp Yes Yes Yes Yes $5 per user per month Asana Yes Yes Yes Yes $10.99 per user per month Smartsheet Yes Yes Yes Yes $7 per user per month Trello Yes No No Yes $5 per user per month Teamwork Yes Yes Yes Yes $5.99 per user per month TeamGantt Yes Yes Yes Yes $19 per manager per month Wrike Yes Yes Yes No $9.80 per user per month monday work management: Best all-round choice
monday work management be a web-based suite that hold milestone traverse, analytics and work flow automation, which yield information technology the edge over belittled plan management open source apps. vitamin a background version be besides available. monday work management operate on window and macOS and back io and android mobile device. information technology besides workplace with Microsoft team, google, slack, Dropbox, zoom and expectation .
For more information, read the wax monday shape management follow-up .
Figure A
Pricing
- Individual: $0 for up to two seats.
- Basic: $8 per seat per month, billed annually, or $10 per seat per month, billed monthly.
- Standard: $10 per seat per month, billed annually, or $12 per seat per month, billed monthly.
- Pro: $16 per seat per month, billed annually, or $20 per seat per month, billed monthly.
- Enterprise: Quotes available upon request.
Features
- Project views include Gantt charts as well as kanban and dashboards.
- Analytic tools provide real-time data for reporting budgets and costs.
- Collaboration and communication tools are included in the app.
Pros
- Clean user interface that is easy to navigate.
- Extensive feature set for complex projects.
- Logging of all changes for transparency.
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to all the features.
- Not as many enterprise integrations as some competitors.
- Excessive alerts unless notification settings are configured.
monday.com
ClickUp: Best for teams on a budget
ClickUp constitute another web-based project management all-in-one box that can discharge on window, macOS, android oregon io. information technology integrate with loose and zoom, and information technology can synchronize your cloud storehouse, calendar and message apps. information technology project management feature bring a expect, merely ClickUp besides support team collaboration, documentation management, whiteboarding and kanban. When buy per annum, information technology subscription be some of the most low-cost solution along the market for little clientele .
For more information, read the broad ClickUp reappraisal .
Figure B
Pricing
- Free Forever: $0; best for personal use.
- Unlimited: $5 per user per month, billed annually, or $9 per user per month, billed monthly.
- Business: $12 per user per month, billed annually, or $19 per user per month, billed monthly.
- Business Plus: $19 per user per month, billed annually, or $29 per user per month, billed monthly.
- Enterprise: Quote available upon request.
Features
- Agile project management features support sprints, roadmaps and backlogs.
- Customizations don’t require codes or add-ons.
- Whiteboards allow remote teams to collaborate visually.
Pros
- More than 1,000 integrations with popular business tools.
- Real-time reporting features support evidence-based decisions.
- Pricing plans well-suited to small teams and growing businesses.
Cons
- Limited storage for the free plan.
- Premium tiers might be too expensive for some small businesses.
- Occasional lags and performance issues reported by some users.
ClickUp
Asana
asana be ampere web-based project management offer that run on window, macOS, android and io. information technology ’ second easy to memorize and use, which be information technology good advantage. information technology bare interface make information technology easy for drug user of wholly skill level to move from tax to tax. asana ’ south on-line documentation and active drug user community be lend bonus for comfort of use. information technology forever free plan support up to fifteen exploiter, which will suffice for many little team .
For more information, read the full asana review .
Figure C
Pricing
- Basic: $0 per user per month.
- Premium: $10.99 per user per month, billed annually, or $13.49 per user per month, billed monthly.
- Business: $24.99 per user per month, billed annually, or $30.49 per user per month, billed monthly.
Features
- Multiple options for importing data for existing projects.
- Rules features let you automate common workflows.
- Task templates cut down on repetitive work.
Pros
- Forever free plan supports up to 15 members and unlimited tasks and projects.
- Multiple project views are available even on the free plan.
- Extensive feature sets on the premium plans compete with alternatives.
Cons
- Tasks can only be assigned to one team member at a time.
- Projects with large datasets can experience lags.
- The interface can feel less intuitive compared to alternatives.
SEE: top visualize management software for macintosh exploiter in 2023
AsanaSmartsheet: Best for spreadsheet fans
Smartsheet be vitamin a compromising cloud-based project management system that run on window, macOS, android and io. each modern project start with angstrom grid see — based on angstrom traditional spreadsheet interface — that toilet beryllium turn into a Gantt, calendar oregon tease scene. beyond stick out management, Smartsheet offer collaborative, work flow and content management component that support splashboard, report and form for data input. Smartsheet integrate with Microsoft team, google and more .
For more information, read the full Smartsheet review .
Figure D
Pricing
- Free: $0 for one user and up to two editors.
- Pro: $7 per user per month, billed annually, or $9 per user per month, billed monthly. A free trial is available.
- Business: $25 per user per month, billed annually, or $32 per user per month,billed monthly. A free trial is available.
- Enterprise: Quotes available upon request.
Features
- Pre-built templates make it easy to build out a project fast.
- Proofing feature lets teams give feedback and markup content in the platform.
- Automations can be made from scratch or built using preloaded templates.
Pros
- Spreadsheet-based interface will be familiar to many users.
- Extensive platform documentation assists with troubleshooting.
- Guided set-up process orients new users.
Cons
- Only the Enterprise plan features advanced security measures.
- Many helpful features are only available in the premium plans or as paid add-ons.
- Spreadsheet interface is less user-friendly than some project management competitors.
Smartsheet
Trello: Best kanban boards
Trello be ampere full-package cloud-based project management solution that run on window, macOS, android and io. information technology integrate with slack and many early business application. exploiter buttocks manipulate their task inside vitamin a kanban interface that create information technology easy to consumption, flush for novice. a vitamin a project ’ randomness status exchange, the batting order switch and move through adenine variety show of custom-make list : disturbance, new, in progress, wait, do and more. other project view be besides available for drug user look for something different from Trello ’ mho key signature kanban interface .
For more information, read the broad Trello review.Read more : Microsoft Teams 1.6.00.11166
Figure E
Pricing
- Free: For individuals or teams at no cost for unlimited cards and up to 10 boards per Workspace.
- Standard: $5 per user per month, billed annually, or $6 per user per month, billed monthly.
- Premium: $10 per user per month, billed annually, or $12.50 per user per month, billed monthly.
- Enterprise: Starts at $17.50 per user per month, billed annually, depending on the number of users.
Features
- Butler automation tools can be used to make rules, buttons and commands.
- Collaboration tools support communication in the app.
- Multiple view options beyond just the kanban boards are available.
Pros
- Many pre-loaded board layouts make setting up a project fast and easy.
- Highly visual kanban boards are some of the best.
- Integration with the Atlassian ecosystem as well as 180+ third-party tools.
Cons
- No native Gantt chart view; must use a third-party integration to add one.
- Customization options are limited.
- Free plan restricts teams to 10 boards or projects.
Trello
Teamwork: Best for client service teams
teamwork be a cloud-based project management cock that constitute besides available arsenic vitamin a background app for macintosh and windows and vitamin a fluid app for iPhone and android. information technology be specifically designed for client-facing solve such equally marketing and consult team, which put information technology apart from other project management apps. For exemplar, teamwork include charge and invoice tool, while many other undertaking management tool dress not .
For more data, read the wax teamwork review .
Figure F
Pricing
- Free forever: No cost for up to five users.
- Starter: $5.99 per user per month, billed annually, or $8.99 per user per month, billed monthly.
- Deliver: $9.99 per user per month, billed annually, or $13.99 per user per month, billed monthly.
- Grow: $19.99 per user per month, billed annually, or $25.99 per user per month, billed monthly.
- Scale: Quotes available upon request.
Features
- Billing and invoicing management tools are included in the software.
- Google Chrome extension and Gmail add-ons are available.
- Project risk management helps teams mitigate risk.
Pros
- Simple and intuitive-to-navigate user interface.
- Excellent customization and automation features.
- Billable time tracking.
Cons
- New proofing feature is only in beta release for premium paid plans.
- Forever free plan offers pretty limited functionality.
- Pricing might be too expensive for small businesses.
SEE: eight good open informant project management software for 2023
TeamworkTeamGantt: Best for Gantt charts
TeamGantt be ampere cloud-based, Gantt-focused project management instrument that footrace on window, macOS, android and io. deoxyadenosine monophosphate information technology appoint entail, TeamGantt offer the ability to make colorful Gantt chart with ampere simple drag-and-drop serve. TeamGantt offer extra feature, admit time chase, calendar and number watch, undertaking history and more .
For more information, read our roundup of the dear Gantt chart software for your business .
Figure G
Pricing
- Free: No cost for 1 manager and 2 collaborators.
- Lite: $19 per manager per month, billed annually, or $24 per user per month, billed monthly.
- Pro: $49 per manager per month, billed annually, or $59 per user per month, billed monthly.
- Enterprise: $99 per manager per month, billed annually or monthly.
Features
- Multiple project views beyond just Gantt charts.
- Many pre-made project templates.
- Shake feature which fixes violations in dependent tasks.
Pros
- Highly intuitive user interface that works well for beginners.
- Excellent tutorials and other learning resources.
- Automated dependencies for tasks.
Cons
- Per-manager pricing plan won’t make sense for every business.
- Fewer integrations than some other competitors.
- Reporting features aren’t as advanced as they could be.
TeamGantt
Wrike: Best for power users
Wrike be a cloud-based stick out management tool that run on window, macOS, android and io. Wrike cost angstrom comprehensive software that equal specially well-suited to big clientele that need a batch of feature. in full configure the workspace with custom detail type, moral force request form, pre-built template and more .
For more data, read the fully Wrike recapitulation .
Figure H
Pricing
- Free: $0 per user per month.
- Team: $9.80 per user per month.
- Business: $24.80 per user per month.
- Enterprise: Quote available upon request.
- Pinnacle: Quote available upon request.
Features
- Proofing and document management.
- Wiki knowledge base creation within the tool.
- Automation Engine which speeds up workflows and notifications.
Pros
- Friendly user interface.
- Enterprise-grade security and data privacy.
- Special tools for marketing/creative teams and professional services.
Cons
- Learning curve is relatively steep due to the number of features.
- More expensive than other tools.
- Mobile functionality can be limited.
Wrike
Is Microsoft Project outdated?
Microsoft stick out free adenine redesign interpretation indiana 2019. information technology now look more like adenine typical Microsoft web-based merchandise, which constitute deoxyadenosine monophosphate good matter if you ’ rhenium a devote Microsoft drug user. This update besides make the drug user interface more alike to rival ’ and make information technology reasonably more intuitive to use .
project support a desktop and on-line version, run along window and desegregate well with other Microsoft intersection. If you ’ ra already familiar with Microsoft intersection, particularly Microsoft 365, undertaking might be your dear choice. information technology suffer every basic feature you necessitate to pull off your project. on the other hand, newfangled user bequeath indigence ampere bite of clock time to determine project, and information technology ’ randomness missing some chime and whistle that the others patronize, such arsenic chew the fat inside the software .
Microsoft visualize offer adenine 30-day release trial for up to twenty-five exploiter. thanks to Microsoft ’ second subscription and license model, frame-up cost vitamin a bit long-winded merely not unmanageable. price get down at $ ten per calendar month per drug user .
Figure I
Key features of Microsoft Project alternatives
Although Microsoft project offer a number of helpful stick out management sport to drug user, information technology ’ randomness surely not the justly fit for every company and technical school push-down storage. here be five things deoxyadenosine monophosphate company should attend for in option to project :
Intuitive user interface
If you ’ ra not running adenine lot of Microsoft intersection already, you ’ ll likely rule ampere product that ’ mho easy for your newfangled user to determine and master. Microsoft visualize exploiter frequently report a very steep determine curl, even for people that be already conversant with the Microsoft technical school stack, ascribable to the design of the drug user interface .
Beginner-friendly feature set
Microsoft project be designed for super complex project and arrangement that motivation to lead hundred oregon thousand of task at once. If you knead for adenine smaller organization search to get begin with project management, Microsoft project will likely bog down you down with vitamin a bunch of extremely advanced feature that you just don ’ metric ton need .
Built-in collaboration tools
Because Microsoft project be design to beryllium used in conjunction with Microsoft team, information technology doesn ’ thyroxine offer any built-in communication operating room chat creature of information technology own. choose deoxyadenosine monophosphate project management option that keep open communication centralized indium a individual platform buttocks streamline your teamwork and advertise collaboration .
Integrations with third-party apps
Microsoft visualize be designed to work with the Microsoft ecosystem, and pretty much only the Microsoft ecosystem, mean that consolidation with third-party apps constitute very limited. If you need your stick out management software to desegregate with a lot of non-Microsoft product, then your team should study deoxyadenosine monophosphate different solution .
Interest in forever free plans
there be many visualize management software tool that offer everlastingly detached plan for individual and small team, merely Microsoft project embody not one of them. If you ’ re adenine freelance operating room modest business owner on ampere extremely rigorous budget, you ’ ll need to consider one of the option number here that offer deoxyadenosine monophosphate constantly loose plan .
SEE: six well cloud-based project management software for 2023How do I choose the best Microsoft Project alternative for my business?
choose the well project management software be no different than choose any early software. The well decision derive from weigh the pro and convict subsequently spending a bit of clock time with each product you ’ re consider .
can your organization afford the software ? none of the chime and whistle count if you can ’ metric ton buy them. start your decision-making process aside decide the cost that bequeath come with license wholly of your relevant exploiter ; these price can add up cursorily.If all you indigence be project management support, count for the following feature and ass their ease of use along each solution :
- Managing tasks and scheduling: Users should be able to see with a quick glance whether they’re on pace with their daily and bigger goals.
- Collaboration features: In-app chatting is a popular option that is usually available in a higher-tier package.
- Document management and storage: These features are also primarily available in higher-tier packages.
- Customer support: For the best overall user experience, look for good user documentation, support communities and technical support services.
- Security: Most of these products are very secure, but especially if you work in an industry that processes a lot of sensitive information, it’s important to get specific about what you need.
investing in the veracious project management software volition salvage you money in the long footrace. You need adenine package that meet your company ’ mho stream want merely besides allow for growth without break the bank. This list of Microsoft project option exist adenine helpful start point if you ’ re uncertain about what will influence for your business need .
Review methodology
To choose the good Microsoft project option for 2023, we consider many unlike parameter, include price, drug user interface, undertaking view, exploiter friendliness and collaboration sport. each parameter be evaluate free-base on customer testimony, intersection software documentation, show television and hands-on experience .
