Interested in Gantt charts? Want to know how they work?
They’re one of the most versatile charts in project management because they give you a fast, but comprehensive view of where every project stands.
Easy, right?
A lot of project management software programs aren’t including Gantt charts these days, and they’re really missing out. But before we dive into the options, let’s answer an essential question:
What is a Gantt Chart?
A Gantt Chart visually represents information in a comprehensive way. A Gantt chart may sound foreign but it includes information your business works with every day. It visually summarizes:
- Tasks
- Activity overlaps
- Timelines
- Budgets
Imagine compiling all of this effortlessly and with little work. That’s what the best Gantt chart software does on your behalf. Can you afford to waste time by not using it?
Gantt charts have been around since the late 1800’s in paper format and were named after Henry Gantt. Advances in technology mean you don’t have to redraw these charts by hand anymore.
Software—such as the ones reviewed below—represents your project’s detail on a bar chart. The software helps you keep track of a project. You can insert changes in activities to see how they influence the overall plan.
Let’s look at a few of the best Gantt chart software available so you can see which one is best for your team.
1. Workzone
Workzone has been a significant player in the project management world since 2002 and integrates intuitive Gantt Chart software into all of its project views. Known in the market as the “just right” solution for most teams, Workzone is less complicated than big tools like MS Project, but more powerful than the lightweight, free tools.
Pros: Tasks and timelines dynamically change when a user makes changes within the Gantt Chart, making it easy to see the effects of changes across an entire project.
Workzone Gantt Chart benefits:
- Quickly see the status of your projects with color-coded Gantt chart status alerts
- Easily flip back and forth between the Gantt Chart and a structured list view of projects in one click when necessary
- The Gantt Chart will show what projects are on track and who’s responsible for upcoming or late tasks
- Expanded dashboard reporting views also gives you a great look into the number of tasks assigned to each person
- Workload reports, project dashboard, and calendar views complement the Gantt Chart’s effectiveness
Cons: Some users have complained that the search function could be improved.
Review: “I love the ability to see everything you have going on, no matter the department, and the ability to filter by task and project. I think this is largely dependent on how well your Workzone instance is set up and maintained by your department or company, but when it is done right, productivity and/or accountability can skyrocket.” – Source: G2
2. Easy Projects
If you’re new to this type of project management, Easy Projects offers the perfect solution. The company can do the implementation as well as training. Easy Projects offers many workplace solutions.
Pros: The Gantt Chart software allows you to drag and drop items onto the timeline. See which employees are available to take on more work and who is maxed out using resource views. Joining HR aspects and project management makes life easier for everyone.
Cons: New users can find navigation and project set-up difficult. The search function isn’t great, and it can be difficult to search for past projects if you have a lot of history. The guest license (which clients would typically use) isn’t as user-friendly or well designed.
Pricing: Try it free for 14 days, then $24/user/month for Teams. Enterprise packages quoted separately.
3. Team Gantt
TeamGantt is used by many enterprise companies that appreciate this company’s in-depth knowledge and focus on the functions of a Gantt chart.
Pros: TeamGantt gives you an overall view of your projects that encompasses everything important, including activities, timelines, and team members’ workload and schedules. The software also allows for files to be kept in one place and communication between team members to happen via the software.
Cons: This tool is solely focused on Gantt charts. If you’re looking for software that also offers other reporting options and viewing formats, this software won’t meet your needs. Many mid-size project management options offer Gantt chart capabilities within their tools, as well as individual task lists and projects, dashboards, and more.
Pricing: Free for three or fewer people and one project. $7.90 – $622.50/ month depending on the number of users and whether you need time tracking and hourly estimating. Teams over 50 quoted separately.
4. Ganttpro
GanttPro is one of the best Gantt chart software products on the market. Why? Because it makes Gantt charts look easy.
Pros: It boasts simple drag and drop features. Yet, despite its simplicity, it can help you manage many complicated projects at one time. Some exceptional features include the ability to split tasks and subtasks, organize and schedule tasks, manage dependencies between tasks, and manage available resources by simply viewing information on the online platform.
Cons: Like other software specifically designed for Gantt charts, it excels in the one area but lacks other features, views, and reports. Some users also report difficulty undoing errors and poor performance speeds.
Pricing: $15/user/month for 1-4 users; $8.90/user/month for 5-14 users. Teams of 15+ quoted separately.
5. Celoxis
Celoxis offers products for various enterprise functions. This diversity doesn’t mean the products aren’t dynamic. The Gantt charts that form part of Celoxis’ project management software are easy to use, which makes you work faster.
Pros: Celoxis’ charts are known to be the fastest in the industry, no matter the size of your business. Up to 10,000 tasks can be supported at one time. You can even link tasks from different projects. Using the charts isn’t arduous because programmed keyboard shortcuts help you make quick additions or changes.
Cons: Celoxis is designed to be an all-in-one enterprise solution, which means that it has a pretty steep learning curve. Some users find Celoxis’ interface unintuitive and complex. Additional training and onboarding time for team members may be required, and it’s likely overkill for smaller teams and projects.
Pricing: $25/user/month for the SaaS solution, while the on-premise solution costs a one-time fee of $450/user.
6. ProjectLibre
ProjectLibre is unique because it offers free, open-source software. The company’s goal is to make project management more accessible and easier for everyone.
Pros: The various awards ProjectLibre has received are proof that free software can incorporate some of the best Gantt chart features available. Thanks to its user-friendliness and versatility, it can work for small and large businesses. It’s also compatible with different software and documents such as Microsoft Project, Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
Cons: Interface is a bit awkward and doesn’t have great UX, so users may struggle with adoption. There are none of the extras that most paid solutions have, such as dashboards and collaboration tools.
Pricing: The desktop version is free. A cloud version is currently in the Beta stage and will have a monthly subscription fee (prices not yet announced.)
7. Project Insight
Project Insight offers you comprehensive software to help your team function better together. Part of the software’s features is Intelligent Scheduling, which includes the Gantt charts feature.
Pros: You can customize Gantt charts to show you exactly what you need to manage. Any set of columns can be requested, so you only have to view the information you find relevant. The software is easy to use, so you can quickly edit charts when needed. Project Insight software also allows you to track how busy each department is so you can allocate tasks to people who have the capacity to handle them.
Cons: Many users complain about the reports functionality is too limited, as well as difficulty exporting data to modify reports manually. Project Insight doesn’t have the level of customization that many other tools offer.
Pricing: Free – $35/user/month. Enterprise packages quoted separately.
8. Hansoft
Hansoft is a product designed by Perforce as an Agile planning tool, project portfolio management solution, and product backlog management software for enterprise teams.
Pros: Many companies love the software for two main reasons: The backlog feature where you can refine your tasks, and that you can view both long and short term planning. The software is great for larger teams and complex projects, especially those using an Agile framework. If you work in software development, the bug tracking feature is excellent.
Cons: This software is designed for enterprise teams. It can have a steep learning curve for new users and seem overly cumbersome for small, simple projects.
Pricing: Not published on the website; a contact form must be submitted for free trial and pricing info.
9. Rational Plan
Rational Plan has three focus areas. The company’s software helps users manage portfolios, manage resources, and manage team collaboration. You can either have the software installed on-site or become part of the Rational Plan cloud-based system.
Pros: Gantt charts are a key component of how Rational Plan helps its clients manage projects. With this software, multiple projects can be managed at once. The company emphasizes helping small and middle-sized companies and offers training and support to teams.
Cons: It’s not as powerful as some of the other tools on the list. If you’re looking for a full project management solution, Rational Plan isn’t ideal. The user interface could also be improved.
Pricing: Cloud: Free – $19/user/month. On-premise: Single Project – $87; Multi Project – $149; Project Server – pricing available on request.
10. Tom’s Planner
Tom’s Planner’s creators pride themselves in offering user-friendly, customizable Gantt chart software.
Pros: Instead of struggling with difficult input processes, users can add information directly on the charts. Tasks can also be linked to manage dependencies. Each team member can filter the Gantt charts to view exactly what he or she requires. You can also search for items such as resources or people and export Gantt charts as images.
Cons: The tool is great for Gantt charts but lacking for other project management functions. Many users rely on other project software for managing their projects and solely use Tom’s Planner for Gantt charts. It can also be difficult to filter for periods of time, meaning longer projects can become cluttered and difficult to read.
Pricing: $9.95/month – $19.95/month.
11. Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project has been used for ages in project management and may be one of the most well-known solutions on the market. It’s popular with Project Management Professionals and large organizations that have formal Project Management Offices.
Pros: MS Project likely has all of the project management functions you need, including Gantt charts. Plus, it’s now available as a simple cloud-based Office 365 subscription that allows users to access the software via desktop or mobile apps and collaborate in real-time. It includes time and resource tracking as well as reporting functionalities with built-in customizable templates.
Cons: For new users, getting up and running with the software can take quite a bit of time. All the bells and whistles may be useful for highly complex projects; however, for smaller teams and projects, it might make adoption too tricky.
Pricing: $12.80 – $70.40/user/month for cloud-based solutions; $769 – $1,719 for on-premise solutions; project servers quoted individually.
For a complete list of Microsoft Project alternatives, click here.
12. Wrike
Wrike is an end-to-end project management system based on the concept of folders and nested folders.
Pros: The Gantt charts that are part of Wrike are easy to use, so anyone with access can make adjustments. This means charts should always be up to date. Plus, you can use the Workload View to see responsibilities and progress. They also offer boards, cards, and timelines so your team members can work however they want.
Cons: Wrike is super customizable, which means it can be hard for people to learn. It was originally designed as a document sharing solution that later transitioned to project management, so it’s also stuck with a hard-to-navigate folder-based system.
Pricing: Free – $36.40 per user per month. Enterprise plan quoted.
See more Wrike alternatives here.
13. Merlin Project
Merlin Project is ProjectWizards’ project management software package designed specifically for Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
Pros: The software is known to be user-friendly while still customizable. It offers beautiful Gantt charts that can be used on or offline. If you make changes while offline, the software keeps track of them and updates the charts when you’re connected again. Plus, you can either type in your project’s phases or drag-and-draw them directly on Gantt charts.
Cons: This software is specifically for Mac, so your team may struggle if they’re only used to Windows operating systems. If you have clients or stakeholders who use Windows, you’re limited to issuing pdf versions only.
Pricing: For iPad & iPhone: $6.99/month/user or $69.99/year/user. For Mac: $149/year/user.
14. SmartDraw
SmartDraw offers software to draw various diagrams and plans that businesses need.
Pros: The software allows you to change your perspective and view timelines and active projects in a Gantt-like format. Experienced users report that they love the freedom of picking a layout type that fits their functioning.
Cons: Their focus is on charts, not project management. You won’t get the best Gantt chart software on the market, and it lacks other project management features. Unless your team also produces a lot of flowcharts, floor plans, organizational charts, and diagrams, another option is likely a better fit.
Pricing: A one-time purchase of $297 per user for 1–4 users; $595/year for 5–9 users; $995/year for 10+ users; $2,995/year for a site license
15. Smartsheet
Smartsheet is designed to help you keep track of projects through an application similar to spreadsheets. The focus is to give you one online platform where all your information can be kept.
Pros: There are Gantt charts that can track your projects’ development, and you can add planned & real expenses. If your company works with partners, it’s not necessary that they purchase the software. You can invite collaborators to view and edit certain sheets or participate in communication. Their access will be limited, but it can make joint ventures function smoothly.
Cons: If your team isn’t already adept with spreadsheets, then they will likely struggle with Smartsheet. Plus, once you start adding multiple projects, the number of sheets may quickly overwhelm you.
Pricing: $14–25/user/month; Enterprise plan quoted
Looking for more Smartsheet alternatives? Check out our comprehensive list here.
16. Omniplan
OmniPlan is a project management and planning software developed by The Omni Group. The Omni Group is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and focuses on developing software for Apple products such as the Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
Pros: The Omniplan software offers all the project management functions you need, including Gantt charts. Some users call it “Microsoft Project for a Mac.” The software also seamlessly integrates with any other Omni products your team may already be using.
Cons: It’s only available on Apple devices, so it can make collaboration difficult if many of your team members or clients have PCs. As with Microsoft Project, this software is a powerful, complex solution, so it can be difficult for new users to learn and adopt.
Pricing: Mac $199.99 – $399.99; iOS $99.99 – $199.99
17. PROJECT in a box
PROJECT in a box offers a wide range of Project Management products and services. The software was designed by Prosis Solutions Limited, a company of professional project managers based in the UK.
Pros: There is a community version of the software that is free to use if you only need a tool for one person. If you just want a simple tool for one of your team members to create Gantt charts, this may be all you need. It also allows for unlimited tasks, summaries, and calculating the percentage of work done.
Cons: The free version is based on the PRINCE2 methodology of project management, so if you use some other framework (like Agile,) you will need to upgrade to a paid version. The free version also isn’t useful if multiple people need to access the software.
Pricing: Free for the Community version; £99 – £5000 for the various upgrade options, plus additional fees for training and support.
18. Redbooth
Redbooth is a great stepping stone between basic task management tools that lack Gantt charts (like Asana) and some of the more powerful solutions listed here.
Pros: Redbooth has the same clean simplicity and intuitive design of many simpler project management solutions, but it also offers Gantt charts, productivity reports, assignable subtasks, and more.
Cons: Some people feel Redbooth is too free-wheeling for formal project management. Users have reported issues with a lack of governance and built-in security relating to how new projects and tasks are set up, as well as who can add and change information. So, if a lot of people will be working in your software, errors could be a significant concern.
Pricing: $0-$15/user/month
19. Monday
Monday, which was formerly known as DaPulse went through major changes to improve the productivity of their project management software. They provide exclusive information and how their software provides guidance to use Gantt charts in your projects. This visual platform allows for teams to plan,organize, and track all of your team’s work in one place. Monday wants the start of each week to be better with their software.
Pros: The organization and clear layout that Monday provides gives employees ownership of certain tasks while overviewing them in an efficient way. Monday offers information on everything you need to know about Gantt charts and software available to access.
Cons: The first level price plan is limited. Once you go to standard or pro to access a wealth of functionalities, it proves that you are offered very little with the first plan available for a high price.
Pricing: Starting at $39/month for 5 users
Check out these other Monday alternatives, click here.
20. Asana
Asana features an alternative to the Gantt chart which is called “Timeline” which is a tab that appears in the app. The tab should show visuals and allow for interaction with the project’s schedule and important data, which could include due dates for tasks.
Pros: Asana allows for better communication when completing tasks and projects. The software communication feature allows for more efficient teamwork and a clear path to their team’s goals.
Cons: Asana has a lack of customization within the project management software. This creates less details within each project that is being worked on, which can result in minor mistakes in the final product.
Pricing: Free – $24.99/user/month; Enterprise quoted privately
For a list of Asana alternatives, check out this article.
21. Workfront
Workfront integrates its software with various tools, applications, and data in order to complete projects with flexibility.
Pros: The communication feature within Workfront makes it easy to distribute responsibilities for tasks and communicate priorities in order for projects to be balanced within your team. This allows for a seamless completion of projects.
Cons: Workfront lacks accessibility within their project management software. In order to get access to the project, you must have everything assigned to you appropriately.
Pricing: Not public, request pricing
Need more enterprise-level solutions like Workfront? Check out our comprehensive list here.
22. Mavenlink
Mavenlink is unique in comparison to other project management software because of their more professional layout. The software prioritizes their financial feature which sets them apart from alternative software.
Pros: The financial capabilities that Mavenlink features in their software stand out. Specifically, the estimation and management of project resources using the profit margin modeler allows for allocation prior to completion of projects.
Cons: Mavenlink does provide different levels of memberships, but the downside is that the most important and advanced features are only available in the enterprise plan.
Pricing: $19 – $39/user/month with Premier and Enterprise packages privately quoted
Check out more Mavenlink alternatives here.
23. Instagantt
Instagantt is an impressive newcomer to the online Gantt chart software community. Depending on your point of view, Instagantt advertises itself as an add-on to Asana. While not having to use Asana, you’ll know that Instagantt has plans to stay as a Gantt chart-only software.
Pros: Instagantt is as nicely laid out as other online Gantt chart software on the market with bright colors and lightweight design. Offers Kanban board project management and the Team level even has workload management, a feature not seen as often in Gantt chart-only software.
Cons: Like other direct competitors on this list, Instagantt doesn’t bill itself as anything but Gantt chart software (could be a pro in your opinion!). You might feel limited in its capabilities as a general project management software.
Pricing: From $5/user/month for Team package
Conclusion
Picking from the best Gantt chart software is worth it because of the time, effort, and money you can save.
Let the software do some of the work so you can focus on other important factors.
If you’re stuck with an old-fashioned Gantt chart software solution, or not yet using Gantt charts, these options can steer you in the right direction.
Does your team need a powerful Gantt chart software that the whole team can use? Workzone may be just the ticket…
Additionally, make certain to look at this total rundown project management software or this list of other specific alternatives for your team.
