28 Microsoft Project Alternatives for Project Management in 2024 [Our Top 5 Picks] 

Since it was created in 1984, Microsoft Project has been popular for professional project managers. It has many tools for planning, scheduling, and tracking projects. However, it can be hard to learn, expensive, and too complicated for some teams, especially those with smaller projects or less technical skills. 

In this article, we’ll look at different Microsoft Project alternatives to help you find the best one for your team. We did careful research, analyzed features in detail, tested the tools ourselves, and collected feedback from user forums and communities.

Workzone

Workzone is a solid project management tool perfect for teams with 10 or more members and many projects that need good organization. Workzone works well for marketing and operations teams. It is a complete tool that combines easy navigation with powerful features.

Pros:

1. Lots of Features: Workzone has many useful tools like task dependencies, project templates, advanced reports, resource management, and time tracking.
2. Unlimited Support: Workzone offers unlimited help, including free training and coaching, which is better than what many other tools provide.
3. High Visibility: With detailed task views, Workzone gives a clear overview of projects and tasks, so you don’t need to switch between different parts of the tool.
4. New Interface: In February 2024, Workzone updated its look, fixing the old, outdated design.

Cons:

1. No Video Mark-up Tool: Workzone has an image mark-up tool and can upload videos, but it can’t mark up videos.
2. No Free Version: Unlike some other tools, Workzone doesn’t offer a free version, which can be a problem for small teams or startups with tight budgets.

Features

Workzone has many useful features for managing projects well:

• Task Dependencies: Workzone lets you set tasks in a sequence. The dates for tasks update automatically when the schedule changes, keeping everything organized and avoiding conflicts.

• Project Request Forms: Workzone was the first to offer customizable forms for project requests. These forms make it easy to start new projects and prevent last-minute requests. They capture important information, send it to the right people, and have a central dashboard for managing communications.  

• Task Visibility: One of Workzone’s best features is task visibility. It shows all tasks in one view, so you don’t need to switch between tabs or screens. This is different from Microsoft Project, where users need to click into individual tasks or use different views, which can slow things down.

• Time Tracking: Workzone has built-in time tracking for all users to help teams track time spent on tasks right in the platform. Users can see total hours by task, user, and project, and create detailed reports.

• Site and Workspace Branding: Workzone allows a lot of customization for site and workspace branding. Teams can change the look to match their brand.

• Customer Support: Workzone provides free unlimited support, including onboarding and training, for every customer. This is more comprehensive than most competitors, including Microsoft Project.  

• Project Templates: Workzone offers reusable project templates that save time and ensure consistency. These templates can be customized with tasks, timelines, and resources, making it quick and easy to set up projects

• Resource Management: Workzone gives tools to see team’s workload and available resources. This helps in efficiently assigning tasks and making sure projects are well-resourced for on-time delivery.

• In-depth Reporting: Workzone provides detailed reports to help teams assess performance and manage client interactions. Both Microsoft Project and Workzone offer detailed reporting features.

Task Display Views

Workzone offers easy-to-see task views that make project management simpler by keeping all important information in one place.

• Overview Tab: This tab gives a summary of the project or task and includes a comments section for discussions or notes.
• Files Tab: This tab keeps all project files in one place, whether attached to the project, a task, or loaded directly into the project folder. 
• Requests Tab: If enabled, this tab shows all project requests linked to the project and allows adding new project requests.
• Time Tab: If enabled, this tab provides a detailed report of hours worked on the project.
• Expenses Tab: If enabled, this tab gives an expense report for the project.
• Activity Tab: This tab shows the full project history, ensuring transparency and accountability.

This organized setup makes all project-related information easy to find, improving task visibility and reducing the need to switch between tabs or modules. While Workzone offers a variety of task views in one place, Microsoft Project provides fewer options with its Grid View, Board View, and Gantt View. This can make it less versatile for teams needing multiple ways to view and manage tasks.

Team Collaboration 

Workzone excels at helping teams work together effectively through various features:

• File Attachments: Files can be easily attached to tasks and projects, streamlining the sharing of documents, images, and other resources, which improves collaboration and centralizes file management.
• Image Markup: Users can provide precise feedback on visual materials by commenting directly on images.
• Comments and Notes: Team members can leave notes and comments on tasks, making communication about specific projects or tasks clear and easy.
• Version History: Workzone keeps a record of all changes, allowing teams to see what’s been altered over time and revert to previous versions if necessary.
• Notifications: Alerts for task updates, comments, and project changes are sent to keep everyone informed without needing constant check-ins.
• Reporting Features: Detailed reports on project progress, resource usage, and other important metrics help teams remain transparent and make informed decisions quickly.

Similarly, Microsoft Project includes collaboration features such as automated notifications for updates and changes. A downside is that while Microsoft Project integrates with Teams, its collaboration on detailed document proofing and centralized file management may not be as seamless as Workzone, potentially making real-time collaboration less efficient.  

Integrations

Workzone integrates with over 1,000 popular tools, enhancing its capabilities and ensuring smooth workflows across various platforms. These integrations cover areas such as accounting, file sharing, communication, marketing, CRM, and time tracking. Examples include Google Drive, Slack, Hubspot, Zoho Books, MS Teams, Salesforce, Github, Harvest, Toggl, and many more.

Price

Workzone offers three-tiered pricing models to accommodate different team sizes and project needs:

• Team: $24/user/per month. This plan is perfect for small teams and includes essential features to get started.
• Professional: $34/user/per month. This plan is ideal for growing teams that require more advanced capabilities.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing. This plan is tailored for large organizations needing extensive customization and support.

Each plan includes a robust set of features such as:

• Advanced reporting
• Unlimited workspaces
• Time tracking
• Project templates
• Unlimited project and task management
• Task dependencies
• Unlimited training sessions
• Resource management
• Unlimited success-based coaching

Onboarding Process

Using Workzone’s onboarding process is like having a dedicated coach helping your team transition to new software. Here’s how it works:

1. Workzone begins by learning about your team’s specific requirements and the project management challenges you face.
2. Based on this understanding, they create a tailored plan, which covers everything from the initial setup to integrating the software with your existing workflows.
3. The software is then customized to fit your team’s unique processes.
4. Workzone provides unlimited training sessions led by experienced experts to ensure that all team members become proficient with the new system.

Microsoft Project’s significant drawback is that it does not offer personalized onboarding sessions for new clients, making the transition less seamless compared to Workzone’s detailed guidance.

Customer Support 

Workzone distinguishes itself with outstanding customer support, providing unlimited assistance to all customers—a feature rarely seen among competitors. It offers immediate live chat, direct telephone support, and rapid email responses, typically within 20 minutes. They also conduct regular group training sessions and interactive webinars, ensuring users become proficient with the software. This extensive support is included with all subscription plans, ensuring exceptional onboarding and continuous help throughout the customer journey.

On the other hand, Microsoft Project offers support through its website, which includes comprehensive resources and a dedicated support community. However, a significant drawback is the lack of personalized support, such as immediate live chat or direct phone support included with all subscription plans. This can make it harder for smaller teams or new users to get timely assistance.

Customer Reviews

Workzone is highly praised for its user-friendliness, robust functionality, and excellent customer support.  On Software Advice, it has an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 200+ reviews, with users commending its intuitive interface and comprehensive features.   

On G2, Workzone has a rating of 4.2 out of 50+ reviews, reflecting its strong reputation among users. Users appreciate its extensive features and ease of use, consistently highlighting the exceptional customer support.

Companies Using the Tool

Many well-known organizations across different industries trust Workzone, showcasing its versatility and reliability as a project management tool. Some of the companies using Workzone include:

• AutoZone
• Purdue University
• WWF (World Wildlife Fund)
• Dannon
• Boston University
• Ramsey MediaWorks

Asana

Asana is a strong project management tool that helps teams get more done. It’s easy to use and has lots of features to help manage tasks and projects, making it great for teams who want to work better together.

Pros:

• Free Version Available: Asana has a free plan with basic project management tools, which is great for small teams or startups with limited money. They can try the platform without having to pay.
• Smart Tools with AI: Asana uses artificial intelligence (AI) to make work easier. It has smart status updates, goals, and reports that help automate tasks and give useful insights, so teams can focus on important work.
• Easy to Use: Asana’s design is simple and easy to navigate, so even people who aren’t very tech-savvy can use it easily. This helps teams get used to the platform quickly.

Cons:

• No Built-in Time Tracking: Asana doesn’t have a feature to track time spent on tasks. Teams that need this have to use other tools, which can make things more complicated and costly.
• Can Get Cluttered with Big Projects: When projects get big and have lots of tasks and comments, Asana can get messy and hard to manage.
• Missing Some Project Management Tools: While Asana is good for managing tasks, it doesn’t have some important project management features like budget planning, detailed reports, and invoicing. Teams might need to use other tools for a full solution.

Interested in more Asana Alternatives? – Check out this list of 26 Asana Alternatives & Competitors

Features

Asana is a powerful project management tool that helps teams work better and get more done. Here are some key features:

• Workflows and Automation: Asana lets users create custom workflows and automate tasks without needing to code. It has tools like rules, forms, templates, and bundles for full automation.
• Goals Reporting: Teams can set, track, and manage their goals, making sure they match the company’s objectives. It includes real-time reporting, custom dashboards, and progress tracking.
• Reporting and Analytics: Asana offers advanced reports with custom dashboards and progress tracking. It can also connect with other tools like Power BI and Tableau.
• Resource Management: Asana helps teams plan timelines, manage workloads, and use resources efficiently. It includes tools for managing workloads, tracking time, and reporting.  
• Asana Intelligence (AI): Asana uses AI to make work management smarter. It has features like smart status updates, smart answers, smart goals, smart reporting, and smart workflows.  
• Agile Management: Asana helps teams manage Agile projects and Scrum sprints with tools like Kanban boards, timelines, custom fields, and task dependencies.

Task Display Views

Asana offers different ways to see and manage tasks to fit various project needs. The main task display views in Asana are:

• List View
• Board View
• Timeline View 
• Calendar View
• Files View
• Dashboard View
• Workload View
• Gantt view
• Portfolio View

While Asana covers most project management needs with these views, Microsoft Project also offers key views such as Grid View, Board View, and Gantt View. However, Asana provides a broader range of display options, making it easier for teams to visualize and manage tasks in different ways.

Team Collaboration 

Asana is great at helping teams work together with features that improve communication, document management, and task coordination:

• File Attachments: Users can attach files to tasks, ensuring all important documents are easy to find and within the context of the task.
• Integrations with Communication Tools: Asana works with popular communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, allowing teams to keep their communication smooth and within their usual workflows.
• Real-Time Updates: Asana provides real-time updates, so team members are always aware of the latest changes and developments.
• Commenting on Tasks: Asana lets users comment directly on tasks, making it easy to communicate clearly about specific tasks.

While Asana offers strong tools for team collaboration, Microsoft Project also supports team collaboration through features like co-authoring and integration with Microsoft Teams. However, Asana’s straightforward interface and comprehensive collaboration tools make it an excellent choice for teams looking for efficient communication and task management.

Integrations

Asana connects with over 100 other tools, making it very versatile and useful. Some important integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Dropbox, Harvest, GitHub, Unito, and Tableau. These connections let users link Asana with the tools they already use, making their work smoother and helping them get more done.

Price

Asana has different pricing plans to fit various needs:

• Personal: Free, with basic features for individual users.
• Starter: $10.99 per user per month, with more advanced features for small teams.
• Advanced: $24.99 per user per month, with even more features for bigger teams or more complicated projects.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing, where you need to contact sales for tailored solutions.
• Enterprise+: Custom pricing, where you also need to contact sales for the most complete enterprise solutions.

Onboarding Process

Asana has several tools to help users get started:

• Help Center / Knowledge Base: Asana provides a detailed help center and knowledge base with articles, guides, and tutorials to learn about its features.
• Live User Webinars: Users can join live webinars to get tips and insights on using Asana effectively.
• Recorded User Webinars: Asana also offers recorded webinars, so users can watch training sessions whenever they want.

However, Asana, as well as Microsoft Project, does not provide individual live training sessions, which might be a drawback for teams needing personalized, hands-on help during the setup phase.

Customer Support 

Asana offers great customer support to help users with their questions and problems:

• Support Tickets: Asana has a support ticket system where users can send in their issues and get help from the support team.
• Live Chat: Users can get real-time help through Asana’s live chat feature.
• Success and Support: Asana provides onboarding, special training, consultations, help with integrations, and troubleshooting to make sure users get the best out of the platform.

Customer Reviews

On SoftwareAdvice, Asana has a 4.5-star rating from 12,000 reviews. Users praise its user-friendly interface and design, as well as its ability to track milestones and navigate project activities. However, some users are frustrated that conflicting requirements are only visible in the Timeline view.

On G2, Asana holds a 4.3-star rating from 9,000 reviews. Users commend its project management capabilities and tools for organizing and overseeing projects. While efficient in creating, assigning, and tracking tasks, some users find Asana lacks certain features and can be difficult to navigate.

Companies Using the Tool

Asana is trusted by many leading companies across different industries. Some notable clients include:

• Amazon
• Google
• Spotify
• Danone
• McKesson
• Salesforce
• Genentech
• Uber
• Time Inc
• Comcast NBC Universal
• Sophos

These organizations use Asana’s project management tools to streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and manage projects more efficiently.

Monday

Monday is a flexible project management and collaboration platform that helps streamline workflows, improve team productivity, and manage projects effectively. It offers a comprehensive solution for the needs of modern businesses.

Pros:

• Effective Team Collaboration: The platform improves team collaboration with customizable workflows, real-time updates, and centralized communication.
• Extensive Project Templates: With over 200 pre-made project templates, Monday offers a variety of options for different industries, helping teams start their projects quickly and easily.
• Feature-Rich Platform: Monday provides many features for managing projects and tasks, optimizing resources, and collaborating as a team.  

Cons:

• Limited Customer Support: Some users are unhappy with customer support, mentioning slow response times and unhelpful resources.
• Limitations in Free Plan: The Free Plan limits access to important features like automations and integrations, reducing the platform’s ability to manage workflows seamlessly.
• Lack of Integrated Chat and Onboarding: The platform doesn’t have an integrated chat feature. Also, the lack of a structured onboarding process, including live client training, can make it difficult for new users to navigate the platform effectively.

Features

Monday offers various features to support project management, business operations, and team collaboration:

• Automations: Monday lets users create no-code automation rules to handle repetitive tasks like notifications, task assignments, and status updates.
• Project Time Tracking: This feature helps teams keep track of work hours, manage project budgets, and log hours worked on specific tasks to ensure accurate client billing.
• Client Projects: Users can efficiently manage client projects and requests, keeping track of communications, deadlines, and deliverables to handle feedback, approvals, and updates.
• Resource Management: This tool helps view team availability, prevent overbooking, and optimize resource usage by tracking time, workload, and budgets.
• Sprint Management: Monday supports Agile practices by helping teams set sprint dates, assign points, manage workloads, and automate workflows.
• AI: Monday includes artificial intelligence features like AI Automations and various apps that use AI. However, AI capabilities are limited, and users need admin approval to use Monday AI.

Interested in learning more about Monday? Check out this list of 25 Monday Alternatives & Competitors

Task Display Views

Monday provides various task display views to meet different project management needs, allowing users to see and manage their tasks in multiple ways. Some of the main task display views are:

• Calendar View
• Kanban View
• Timeline View
• Cards View
• Gantt View
• Files View
• Workload View
• Forms View
• Chart View

Compared to Microsoft Project, Monday offers unique views such as Chart, Forms and Cards. Microsoft Project provides limited task displays views. 

Team Collaboration 

Monday improves team collaboration with several key features:

• Live Annotations: Team members can work together directly on files, making feedback quicker and more efficient.
• Workdocs: Allows real-time document collaboration with version history, AI help, and customizable styles.
• Notifications: Keeps team members updated on changes and deadlines.
• Communication Tools: Users can add notes, reminders, and check-ins directly to tasks, keeping communication organized and in one place.

Integrations

Monday connects with over 200 different tools. Some important integrations include popular platforms like Slack, GitHub, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Zapier, Dropbox, and Trello.

However, users on the Free Plan have a big limitation. They can’t use automations or integrations, which means they can’t fully take advantage of the platform’s features for smoother workflow management.

Price

Monday offers different pricing plans for its two main products: CRM and Work Management. It’s important to know that all Monday CRM plans need at least three users.

CRM (annual subscription)

• Individual – Free
• Basic – $12/user/month
• Standard – $17/user/month
• Pro – $28/user/month
• Enterprise – Custom

Work Management plan (annual subscription)

• Individual – Free
• Basic – $9/User/Month
• Standard – $12/User/Month
• Pro – $19/User/Month
• Enterprise – Custom

Individual and Basic plans for both CRM and Work Management offer limited features and functionalities.

Onboarding Process

Monday does not have a structured onboarding process, like live training with clients, which can be a drawback for users who want personal help during the initial setup.

Although, Monday has a detailed knowledge base with articles, tutorials, and guides on different features. Users can also access a library of video tutorials and pre-made templates to help them get started.

Customer Support 

Monday offers different customer support options to help users with their questions and problems:

• Community Forum: Monday has a forum where users can talk to each other, share tips, and get advice on using the platform.
• 24/7 Support: Users can get help any time through live chat, email, or call requests.
• Self-Serve Knowledge Base: There is a detailed knowledge base with articles, tutorials, and guides to help users learn about the platform on their own.

With these support options, Monday gives users the resources and help they need to use the platform effectively. Whether through self-serve tools or personalized support, users can get help whenever they need it.

Customer Reviews

On SoftwareAdvice, Monday has a 4.6-star rating from over 4,000 reviews. Users like its user-friendly interface, email synchronization, and team organization features. Many appreciate the customization options. However, some users face issues like duplicate logins, navigation challenges, and concerns about monthly charges.

On G2, Monday has a 4.7-star rating. Users praise its collaboration features, ease of use, and high level of customization. However, some report missing features for complete event management, difficulties with board management, and a steep learning curve. 

Companies Using the Tool

Monday.com has an impressive list of clients, including:

• FARFETCH
• Uber
• Coca-Cola
• Zippo
• Rockstar Games
• Moneytree
• Canva

These well-known organizations use Monday.com to improve collaboration, streamline workflows, and manage projects more efficiently.

Wrike

Wrike is a powerful project management and collaboration tool designed to improve workflows, boost team productivity, and enhance project visibility. It offers a wide range of features to handle project and task management, resource allocation, sprint planning, and more.

Pros:

• Strong Collaboration Capabilities: Wrike helps teams work together with features like task comments, @mentions, collaborative proofing, and internal and guest approvals.
• Extensive Feature Range: Wrike has many features such as project management, resource management, sprint planning, and risk management.
• Wide Integration Support: Wrike works with over 400 tools.

Cons:

• Lack of Live Onboarding: Wrike does not offer live training sessions for new users, which can be a drawback for those who prefer hands-on help during setup.
• Advanced Features Limited to Business+ Users: Many advanced features like time tracking, custom workflows, and resource management are only available to Business plan users and higher.
• No Inbuilt Direct Messaging: Wrike does not have a built-in direct messaging feature, which can make real-time communication harder and require third-party messaging apps.

Open to seeing more Wrike Alternatives? Check out our list of 23 Best Wrike Alternatives & Competitors 

Features

Wrike delivers an extensive array of features aimed at supporting various facets of project and task management, work management, capacity planning, sprint planning, and more. These tools are crafted to boost team productivity, streamline workflows, and enhance overall project visibility:

• Sprint Planning and Management: Supports Agile methods with tools to set sprint timelines, assign points, manage workloads, and automate workflows.
• Project Management: Allows teams to plan, execute, and monitor projects effectively, featuring task dependencies, Gantt charts, and real-time collaboration tools.
• Custom Request Forms: Simplifies collecting and managing requests from team members or external stakeholders with customizable forms that automate task creation.
• Product Roadmap: Helps teams plan and visualize product development over time, track progress, set milestones, and adjust timelines as needed.
• Resource Management: Optimizes resource allocation with tools for time tracking, resource forecasting, and utilization reports to prevent overbooking and ensure efficiency.
• Project Risk Management: Assists in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks throughout the project lifecycle with risk tracking, reporting, and real-time alerts.
• Project Tracking and Reporting: Enables teams to monitor project progress, generate detailed reports, and share insights with stakeholders through customizable dashboards, real-time analytics, and automated report generation.

Wrike provides particularly advanced tools for capacity planning and project risk management, making it a strong option for teams with complex project needs.

Task Display Views

Wrike offers many different ways to view and manage tasks, helping users meet various project management needs. Key task display views include:

• Calendar View
• Board View
• Table View
• Chart View
• Workload View
• Activity View
• File View
• Custom Views
• Gantt View (available for Business plans and above)

Team Collaboration 

Wrike has many features designed to improve team collaboration and make teamwork more efficient:

• Task Comments: Users can comment on tasks to give updates, ask questions, and share information.
• @Mentions: Users can notify others by mentioning them in comments, drawing attention to specific tasks or projects.
• Collaborative Proofing and Approval: Teams can work together on documents and files, giving feedback and approvals directly on the platform.
• Internal and Guest Approvals: Allows creating approval chains for projects, sending secure links to external approvers for quicker sign-off.
• Dynamic Request Forms: Customizable forms make it easier to start new tasks and projects.

While Microsoft Project has strong collaboration features, Wrike stands out with its dynamic request forms and advanced proofing capabilities, making it a great choice for teams with complex collaboration needs.

Integrations

Wrike connects with over 400 different tools, making workflows more efficient. Important integrations include:

• Slack and Microsoft Teams: For communication.
• Adobe Creative Cloud: For managing creative projects.
• Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox: For file storage and sharing.
• Zoom: For video conferencing.
• GitHub: For managing development tasks.
• Miro: For visual collaboration.
• SharePoint: For document management.
• Hubspot: For sales and marketing teams.

Price

Wrike offers different pricing plans to fit various team sizes and project management needs:

• Free Plan – Free
• Wrike Team – $9.80/User/Month
• Wrike Business – $24.80/User/Month
• Wrike Enterprise – Custom
• Wrike Pinnacle – Custom

Onboarding Process

Wrike doesn’t provide live training sessions for new users, which might be a drawback for some. However, it makes up for this with plenty of onboarding resources. Interactive tutorials and a detailed knowledge base with articles and FAQs help users learn the platform. Additionally, video tutorials and regular webinars offer visual and ongoing learning opportunities, covering everything from basic to advanced features and best practices.

Customer Support 

Wrike offers various customer support options to help users with their questions and issues:

• Help Center: An extensive resource with a detailed knowledge base, training videos, interactive tutorials, and the latest release notes.
• Email Support and Live Chat: Users can contact Wrike’s support team for personalized assistance.
• Paid Support Packages: For Business plans and above, Wrike offers premium assistance tailored to specific needs.

However, a notable drawback of Wrike’s support system is the lack of live onboarding training sessions.

Customer Reviews

Wrike has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 2,000+ reviews on SofwareAdvice. Users appreciate its extensive integrations, robust nested task lists, and useful task board views on non-free plans. Some find Wrike user-unfriendly. The initial setup can be challenging. Also, full project planning and collaboration require an additional Resource Allocation add-on, which costs extra.

On G2, Wrike has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 3,000+ reviews. Users highlight its strong project management capabilities, team collaboration features, task management tools, and task tracking functionalities. However, users report navigation difficulties, a steep learning curve, issues with notifications, and a clunky interface for quick edits and sub-tasks. The price is steep, and the navigation can be complex for beginners.  

Companies Using the Tool

Wrike is used by many well-known companies from different industries, showing how versatile and effective it is as a project management and collaboration tool. Some of the notable companies using Wrike include:

• Sony Pictures Television
• Nickelodeon
• Walmart Canada
• inDrive

These organizations use Wrike because it meets the diverse needs of various sectors.

Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a work management and automation platform that helps teams improve workflows, collaborate better, and keep track of projects. It has many features for planning, tracking, reporting, and managing resources.

Pros:

• Customizable Forms and Templates: Smartsheet offers forms for data collection and a variety of pre-built templates, making it easy to set up and ensure consistency in projects.
• Extensive Project Management Features: It provides powerful tools like Gantt charts, grid views, and card views to help users plan, monitor, and manage projects effectively.
• Strong Training Resources and Community Support: The platform offers lots of training materials and has a lively community forum to help users learn quickly.

Cons:

• Restricted Functionality on Free Plan: The free plan doesn’t include key features like portfolio management, resource management, and workload tracking.
• Limited Support for Free and Basic Plans: Only premium users get live chat support and 24/7 global ticketing, leaving free and lower-tier users with fewer support options.
• No Integrated Live Chat: Smartsheet lacks built-in live chat and relies on integrations with tools like Slack for real-time communication, which can be limiting.

Features

Smartsheet offers many features that make managing projects and tasks easier:

• Project Management: Smartsheet provides tools like Gantt charts, card views, and grid views to help teams plan, track, and manage projects.  
• Forms: Customizable forms make data collection and intake processes simple. These forms can be embedded in websites or shared via email to gather information and create tasks or projects.
• Reporting: The platform includes strong reporting tools that give real-time insights into project status and performance. Users can create detailed reports to share with team members and external stakeholders.
• Resource Management: Smartsheet helps teams allocate resources effectively and track their use. This includes resource views, allocation tracking, and capacity planning to avoid overbooking. Note that this feature is only available to premium users.
• Formulas and Functions: Smartsheet allows users to create cell formulas, column formulas, and cross-sheet formulas to automate calculations and data processing. This feature helps with data management and analytics.
• Templates: The platform offers various pre-built templates for different project needs, such as timelines, task lists, and budget tracking. These templates help users set up and customize projects quickly and consistently.
• Portfolio Management: Smartsheet’s portfolio management tools let users oversee multiple projects at a high level, tracking project statuses, budgets, resources, and risks. However, this feature is only available to premium users.

Smartsheet offers a spreadsheet-like interface, which can be advantageous for users familiar with Excel or Google Sheets. Smartsheet excels in its ease of use, automation capabilities, and extensive template options.

Task Display Views

Smartsheet offers several task display views to help teams see and manage their work efficiently:

• Card View
• Grid View
• Calendar View
• Gantt View

These views provide flexibility in how tasks are visualized and managed, making it easier for teams to stay organized and track their progress effectively.

Team Collaboration 

Smartsheet offers various tools to help teams work together efficiently and effectively:

• File Sharing: Multiple team members can share and work on presentations, images, and PDFs at the same time. This supports real-time content creation and editing, keeping everyone on the same page.
• Proofing: Teams can review and approve documents and images directly within Smartsheet, making the feedback process smooth and ensuring clear communication about changes.
• Notifications: The Notification Center lets users quickly respond to update requests, approval requests, and other notifications. Users can set up notification rules and automations to stay updated on project changes.
• Lack of Built-In Live Chat: One drawback is that Smartsheet doesn’t have a built-in live chat feature. While it integrates with tools like Slack for real-time communication, relying on external tools can be limiting.

Integrations

Smartsheet offers a wide range of integrations to boost its functionality and make workflows more efficient:

• Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace: Essential for managing documents and emails.
• Slack and Microsoft Teams: For communication.
• Tableau and Power BI: For enhanced data visualization.
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Useful for creative teams.
• Zapier: Connects Smartsheet to thousands of other applications.

Price

Smartsheet offers different pricing plans to meet the needs of various users and organizations, each with its own set of features and limitations:

• Free – Free
• Pro – $7/User/Month
• Business – $25/User/Month
• Enterprise – Price on Request

Curious about more Smarthseet Alterantives? Check out our list of the 21 Best Smartsheet Alternatives and Competitors

Onboarding Process

Smartsheet does not offer live training sessions for individual onboarding, which might be a drawback for users who prefer personalized help. However, Smartsheet provides many resources to help new users get started:

• SmartStart: A weekly webinar for beginners that covers the basics of work management, collaboration, and task visualization in different formats.
• Self-Help Tools: Smartsheet offers a detailed knowledge base, instructional video tutorials, and community forums.

Although the lack of personalized live training can be a limitation, the webinars and extensive self-service resources provide significant support for most new users.

Customer Support 

Smartsheet offers several customer support options, but there are limitations, especially for users on lower-tier plans:

• Help Center and Knowledge Base: Available to all users with articles, tutorials, and guides on using the platform.
• Community Forum: Allows users to connect, share tips, and get advice from other Smartsheet users.
• Email Support and 24/7 Global Ticketing: Offers direct support, but 24/7 ticketing is not available for Free plan users.
• Live Chat Support: Only accessible to premium users. Lower-tier plan users must rely on the bot or self-service options.

These limitations can be frustrating for users who need real-time assistance or help outside of business hours.

Customer Reviews

Smartsheet has a rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on 3,000 reviews on SoftwareAdvice. Users appreciate its intuitive design, robust training resources, community support. Some users find duplicating sheets inconvenient and note a steep learning curve for advanced features like conditional formatting. Additionally, the Gantt chart feature is often criticized as being difficult to use, with many users preferring to export data to another program for better presentation.

On G2, Smartsheet holds a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 15,000 reviews. Users frequently praise its strong project management tools, effective team collaboration features, user-friendly interface, automation capabilities, and ease of sharing information. However, they also report issues with the platform’s general functionality, a steep learning curve, missing features, and some limitations compared to Excel.

Companies Using the Tool

Smartsheet is used by many well-known companies in different industries, such as Johnson & Johnson, Zoom, McLaren Racing, Getty Images, Toshiba, HP, and Universal Creative. These organizations use Smartsheet to enhance their project management and teamwork, showing how adaptable and efficient the platform is for various business needs.

ClickUp

ClickUp is a flexible project management tool known for its many features, customization options, and wide range of integrations. It is designed to meet different team needs and boost productivity.

Pros:

• Real-Time Document Collaboration: ClickUp allows teams to create, share, and edit documents together in real-time.  
• Over 100 Pre-Built Automation Options: ClickUp offers many automation options to help users streamline repetitive tasks and workflows, saving time and increasing efficiency.
• Extensive Customization Options: Teams can customize their workflows with features like custom statuses, priorities, and task dependencies to fit their specific needs.

Cons:

• Steep Learning Curve: The many customization options and features can be overwhelming for new users, requiring a lot of time to learn and use effectively.
• Limited Advanced Features for Lower-Tier Plans: Some advanced features like team reporting, time tracking, and file proofing are only available in the Business and Enterprise plans, which can be a drawback for smaller teams or those on a tight budget.
• Technical Bugs and Performance Issues: Users have reported occasional technical bugs and performance problems, which can disrupt workflows and reduce productivity, making the platform less reliable at times.

Features

ClickUp is a project management tool packed with features to meet different team needs and boost productivity:

• Task Management: Offers custom statuses, priorities, task dependencies, recurring tasks, and task templates.  
• AI Integration: Uses AI for instant answers, automated task management, and content creation.  
• Project Time Tracking: Lets users track time, set estimates, add notes, and view time reports. However, this feature is only available for Business plan users.
• Sprints: Supports Agile project management with tools for sprint planning, tracking, and reporting, including setting dates, assigning points, managing workloads, and automating workflows.
• Goals: Allows setting, tracking, and managing goals with detailed progress tracking, target setting, milestones, and real-time updates.  
• Automations: Provides over 100 pre-built automation options to streamline tasks and workflows through triggers and actions.
• Custom Fields: Lets users add unique data fields like text, numbers, dates, and dropdowns to tasks for tailored tracking and reporting.
• Limitations: Lacks built-in project request forms, though templates are available. Advanced features like team reporting, time tracking, and project management are only for Business or Enterprise users.

ClickUp offers a highly customizable suite of features that enhance task and project management. However, some limitations, such as the lack of built-in project request forms and advanced features like team reporting, time tracking, and project management capabilities, are only available for Business or Enterprise users, which can be a significant drawback for smaller teams or those on lower-tier plans.

Task Display Views

ClickUp offers a variety of task display views to meet different project management needs. The main task display views in ClickUp include:

• List View
• Calendar View
• Gantt View
• Timeline View
• Workload View
• Activity View
• Docs View
• Whiteboard View
• Forms View

Team Collaboration 

ClickUp excels in helping teams work together with features that improve communication, document management, and task coordination:

• Real-Time Communication: Integrates chat, comments, and mentions directly within tasks, allowing for instant communication and quick issue resolution.
• Collaborative Document Editing: Teams can create and edit documents together in real-time. This feature supports rich text formatting, real-time editing, and linking documents to tasks, making it easier to manage project-related documents collaboratively.
• Notifications: Ensures team members are informed about updates and deadlines with customizable notifications. Users can get alerts for task updates, comments, project changes, and approaching deadlines, keeping everyone engaged without constant check-ins.
• File Proofing: Allows users to annotate images, videos, and PDFs directly within the platform. However, this feature is only available in the Business and Enterprise Plans.

These collaboration tools provide flexibility and control, helping teams work efficiently. However, the availability of advanced features like image markup and file proofing only in higher-tier plans can be a limitation for some teams.

Integrations

ClickUp integrates with over 1,000 tools, enhancing its functionality and streamlining workflows. Key integrations include:

• Communication Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams
• File-Sharing Services: Google Drive, Dropbox
• Time-Tracking Tools: Toggl, Harvest
• Development Tools: GitHub, GitLab
• Calendar Integrations: Google Calendar, Outlook
• CRM Systems: HubSpot, Salesforce

Interested in learning about more Clickup Alternatives? Check out this list of the 21 Best ClickUp Alternatives For Project Management

Price

ClickUp offers a range of pricing plans to fit different team sizes and needs:

• Free: $0/user/month, best for personal use and small teams.
• Unlimited: $10/user/month, suitable for small teams with more advanced needs.
• Business: $19/user/month, ideal for mid-sized teams with advanced collaboration requirements.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing, designed for large teams needing extensive features and support.

Onboarding Process

ClickUp provides several tools to make the onboarding process easier:

• Checklists and Templates: Offers checklists and templates for creating standardized onboarding procedures, such as setting up accounts, managing permissions, completing training modules, and handling paperwork.
• Training and Support: Provides extensive training resources like tutorials, webinars, and documentation to help users get the most out of the platform.
• A notable drawback is the lack of a dedicated onboarding process with live training sessions, which can be crucial for teams needing hands-on guidance.

Customer Support 

ClickUp provides comprehensive customer support through ClickUp University, which offers courses to help guests, members, and admins build foundational knowledge. 

Live chat support is available 24/7 for Unlimited and Business plans, while Free plan users only get chatbot support. Live training sessions are available, but as a paid service.

The need to pay for live training and the limited live chat support for Free plan users are notable drawbacks.

Customer Reviews

On Software Advice, ClickUp has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 4,000 reviews. Users praise its ease of use, value for money, and functionality. They highlight its extensive features and capabilities for project management. However, some users find the many options overwhelming and slightly confusing to navigate. Additionally, the platform can be buggy, affecting the user experience. 

On G2, ClickUp has a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,500 reviews. Users appreciate its robust features, customization options, and integration capabilities. Drawbacks include occasional performance issues and a steep learning curve. An important con is that it is not very intuitive, with many features being confusing.

Companies Using the Tool

ClickUp is used by many well-known companies in different industries. Some prominent organizations using ClickUp include:

• IBM
• Netflix
• T-Mobile
• Spotify
• Logitech
• Booking.com
• Fortinet
• Tibco

More Microsoft Project Alternatives

Proofhub

ProofHub embodies simplicity while preserving its core features without any compromise, that’s what makes it such a good Microsoft Project alternative. Its simple design makes it easy for teams to collaborate on visual projects like brainstorming on mood boards or reviewing designs together. This platform helps teams work efficiently and creatively. 

Features: Task management, task views, time tracking, team collaboration, proofing, custom roles, templates, reports.

Pros: 

• Simple and streamlined setup process
• Affordable fixed-rate pricing ideal for midsize teams
• A great combination of advanced features and user-friendly interface
• Excellent resources for collaborative discussions on visual content

Cons: 

• Higher cost than some alternatives
• No free version, limiting access for small teams
• Few integrations with other apps
• Some areas of the interface could be improved

Pricing:

$45-$150/month

Customer Reviews: 

Customers rate ProofHub 4.6 out of 5 for its simple interface that helps manage projects and teams efficiently. Users like how it integrates with Google Drive and OneDrive and its tools for organizing tasks, tracking time, and managing billable hours. However, it may be too simple for large organizations and complex projects, lacking advanced features for detailed workflows. Users also mention issues with too many notifications and basic training.

ProofHub is a strong tool for project management, especially with its robust features and proofing capabilities, despite its higher cost and lack of a free version.

Scoro

Scoro streamlines service businesses’ workflows with a unified platform that manages all aspects of their operations. With project management, time tracking, collaboration, invoicing, and reporting in one solution, the Scoro app eliminates the need for tool switching, enhancing project control and productivity.  

Features: Reporting, project management, integrations, time management, cross-team collaboration, resource management, budgeting.

Pros:

• Scoro CRM integrates seamlessly with their project management module
• Effortlessly manages client work
• Tracks time spent on projects
• Generates accurate invoices through the scoro billing software

Cons: 

• All-in-one approach may compromise the depth of individual project management or CRM features.
• Overlap of functionalities can hinder effective tracking and reporting.

Pricing:

• Essential – $26/Month/User
• Standard – $37/Month/User
• Pro – $63/Month/User
• Ultimate – Contact Sales

Customer Reviews:

Customers rate Scoro 4.6 out of 5, for its user-friendly interface and outstanding customer support. Users appreciate its extensive features. Some users note challenges such as limited task visibility and difficulties with Gantt charts and task dependencies. Additionally, the absence of an in-app chat feature necessitates external communication tools.  

Scoro stands out as a robust solution for businesses needing integrated project management and CRM functionalities, featuring time tracking, billing, quoting, and invoicing capabilities.  

Bitrix24

With its user-friendly interface and robust tools, Bitrix24 allows for easy communication, task assignment, progress tracking, and sales automation. It’s like combining the power of Salesforce with the simplicity of a project to-do list in one powerful platform.  

Features: Collaboration tools, real-time messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, time tracking.

Pros:

• Access 35 seamlessly integrated tools for streamlined business operations.
• Effortlessly log and manage client interactions.
• Capture and securely store valuable lead data.

Cons:

• Each Bitrix24 tier imposes restrictions on storage, email sending, invoicing, and project numbers, complicating decision-making for teams.
• Scaling beyond basic features may require upgrades, akin to other free-to-paid models, particularly for larger teams.

Pricing:

• Basic – $49/month
• Standard – $99/month
• Professional – $199/month
• Enterprise – $399/month

Customer Reivews:

Bitrix24, rated 4.2 out of 5, is lauded for its extensive features like project management, CRM, and real-time collaboration tools. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface, secure file-sharing, and effective CRM and phone system features. However, concerns include reported issues with technical support responsiveness and helpfulness, challenges with tool placement affecting user experience, difficulties with large file uploads, and missing desired features.

Bitrix24 offers a comprehensive suite for collaboration and project management needs, though teams should weigh its fixed limitations and potential upgrade paths. Despite these considerations, its integrated approach makes it appealing for teams seeking unified solutions.

Planview

Planview offers robust features tailored for engineers, focusing on optimizing lean project management practices.

Features: Portfolio, stream management, agile planning, product management

Pros: 

• Emphasizes optimization and waste elimination, particularly beneficial for engineers.
• Highly praised for its intuitive visualization boards based on the Kanban methodology.
• Easily scales to accommodate larger teams and complex project structures.
• Integrates well with various other tools and platforms.
• Offers customizable workflows to fit specific team needs.

Cons: 

• Requires careful consideration of team workflows and habits before adopting its Kanban-like approach.
• May necessitate adjustments to fit seamlessly into existing workflows rather than completely changing them.

Pricing: Contact sales.

Customer reviews: 

Planview has a 4 star rating and it is favored for its robust project planning and collaboration tools.Users appreciate its versatility in handling projects of varying complexity and its customization options for portfolio management. However, usability concerns include the need for a more intuitive user interface. Additionally, customers report that for HR departments, the software supports efficient employee data management and time tracking but requires additional effort for detailed task management.  

Planview PPM Pro stands out as a powerful project management tool, particularly for engineers and teams needing advanced project and portfolio management capabilities, making it a strong Microsoft Project alternative for optimizing workflows and productivity.

For more on choosing project management software, check out this free guide.

Planio

Made in Berlin, Germany, Planio has a worldwide presence with its heavy focus on issue tracking, time-tracking, version control, and team chat.

Features: Issue tracking, agile management, time tracking, version control, team chat.

Pros:

• Efficiently tracks issues and maintains clean versions.
• Includes team chat and content wikis.
• Provides ample storage for project needs.

Cons:

• May not be suitable for teams that do not focus on bug tracking or issue tracking in their project management.

Pricing: 

• Silver: 19 €/month, basic plan with fewer projects and users.
• Gold: 39 €/month, 7 active projects, 10 active users, 20 GB storage 
• Diamond: 75 €/month, 15 active projects, 20 active users, 40 GB storage 
• Platinum: 149 €/month, 40 active projects, 45 active users, 80 GB storage 

Customer Reviews:

Planio holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5. Users appreciate the flexibility in choosing plans, the clean and easy-to-use interface, and responsive customer support. The support desk is particularly praised for understanding and effectively resolving issues. However, some users find the platform too complex for simple issue tracking, with a steep learning curve for understanding project relationships and tracker functionalities. The user interface, while clean, is not very visually appealing, and the wiki feature can be challenging to navigate.

Planio is an excellent choice for teams needing robust issue tracking and version control, making it a strong alternative to Microsoft Project for those specific needs. However, it may be less suitable for teams seeking simpler project management solutions.

Zenkit

Zenkit is another Microsoft Project alternative that can be best described as an all-in-one collaboration suite with project management, CRM, bug tracking, and invoicing.

Features: Automation, CRM, bug tracking, reports, resource management, custom fields. 

Pros:

• Ideal for software development with strong visualization tools.
• Offers member-level swimlanes for Kanban boards.
• Provides time estimates for tasks or sprints.
• Fun and engaging Martian mascot.

Cons:

• Less useful for non-agile teams.
• Not suitable for users unfamiliar with agile methodologies.

Pricing: 

• Free
• Plus: €8 per month/user
• Business: €21 per month/user
• Enterprise: Contact sales

Customer Reviews:

Zenkit holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5. Users appreciate the free version’s extensive features, excellent customer support, and intuitive interface. The ability to switch between different formats like Kanban and List views is highly valued. However, some users find the app’s usability challenging, particularly with reminders. Documentation is sometimes lacking, making the initial learning curve steeper. Onboarding new team members can also be time-consuming.

Zenkit is an excellent choice for teams in software development looking for a comprehensive collaboration suite. Its strong visualization tools and agile-focused features make it a valuable MS Project alternative for agile teams. However, non-agile teams may need to consider other options better suited to their workflow.

FunctionFox

FunctionFox is a Canadian-based company that combines time tracking with project management, making it a notable Microsoft Project alternative due to its robust time-tracking features.

Features: Time tracking, timesheets, project tracking, client management, stopwatch feature, reporting.

Pros:

• Excellent for client billing and time tracking.
• Includes timesheets, project tracking, and client management capabilities.
• Stopwatch feature helps track billable and non-billable hours.
• Ideal for service-oriented teams needing precise time-tracking tools.

Cons:

• Less suitable for teams whose project management doesn’t focus on timesheets and time-tracking.

Pricing: 

• Classic: $10/user per month (3 user minimum)
• Premier: $15/user per month (3 user minimum)
• In-House: Contact sales

Customer Reviews: 

FunctionFox holds a rating of 4.5 out of 5. Users praise its ease of use, intuitive interface, and excellent customer service. The tool is noted for improving organizational skills with to-do lists and progress reports. However, some users find the learning curve high and the backend organization setup challenging. The dashboard is also noted to be less intuitive in some areas.

FunctionFox is an excellent MS Project alternative for teams that need robust time-tracking and client billing features. Its focus on service-oriented project management makes it a valuable tool for ensuring accurate billing and efficient time management. Teams that do not rely heavily on timesheets might find other tools more suitable for their needs.

LiquidPlanner

LiquidPlanner dubs itself as smarter project management software for fast-moving teams. The software makes the list of Microsoft Project alternatives because of its strong scheduling power.

Features: Real-time collaboration, task management, time tracking, resource management, predictive scheduling.

Pros:

• Predictive Scheduling: Automatically adjusts timelines and resource allocation as new tasks are added or priorities change, providing accurate project completion forecasts.
• Comprehensive Tools: Includes built-in time tracking and resource management, allowing real-time monitoring of time and resources.
• Placeholders for Unidentified Team Members: Allows creation of placeholders for tasks, ensuring all necessary tasks are accounted for even if specific resources are not yet identified.

Cons:

• Lack of a Generic Help Search Bar: Makes it difficult to quickly locate specific tools or functions.
• No Milestones in the New Version: The absence of milestones, which were available in LP Classic, is a drawback.
• Limited Group Work Functionality: Only allows one person or resource to be assigned to a single task, which is not ideal for teams relying heavily on collaborative group work.

Pricing: 

• Essential – $15/user/month
• Professional – $28/user/month
• Ultimate- $42/user/month

Customer Reviews:

With a rating of 4.3 out of 5, LiquidPlanner is praised for its dynamic project management capabilities. Effective customer support and immediate insights into project status and impacts of changes are highly valued. However, some users find the interface outdated and confusing, with limited features and no integration with services like GitHub for goal tracking. The software requires users to adopt a specific project management approach, which can be challenging if not strictly followed.

While LiquidPlanner requires some time to master, its advanced features such as predictive scheduling, real-time collaboration, and robust resource management make it a valuable tool for large organizations managing multiple projects. Despite challenges like the lack of a generic help search bar and limited group work functionality, its automation capabilities and comprehensive tools provide significant benefits for dynamic and complex project environments.

Kantata

Kantata is an excellent choice for teams requiring a project management tool with detailed security permissions. It stands out for its high level of customization and advanced project features.

Features: Resource management, team collaboration, task management, project accounting, integrations.

Pros:

• Provides detailed security permissioning, making it suitable for projects with stringent security requirements.
• Highly customizable with a range of advanced project features to tailor the platform to specific needs.

Cons:

• The complexity of Kantata, combined with limited training and support, presents a substantial initial challenge.
• The steep learning curve persists, potentially affecting long-term efficiency.
• Other project management tools may be more time-efficient if advanced security features are not required.

Pricing:

Not public – contact sales.

Customer Reviews:

Customers rate Kantata 4.2 out of 5. Kantata is praised for its professional and robust project management capabilities, particularly in financial management. Users appreciate its reliable performance, extensive reporting functions, and user-friendly interface. Significant advantages include its integration with Salesforce and customizable API. However, some users note difficulties such as the inability to adjust invoices to specific needs, the complexity of certain features, issues with the M Bridge integration platform, and insufficient training during implementation.

Kantata is ideal for teams needing detailed security permissions in a project management tool. It offers advanced project features, robust resource and task tracking, and comprehensive finance-tracking capabilities.  

OmniPlan

OmniPlan is part of the Omni suite of software and stands out as one of the few Microsoft Project competitors that is exclusively for Mac users.

Features: Task dependencies, multi-project dashboards, network diagrams, resource management. 

Pros:

• Ideal for Mac users needing integration with Microsoft Project.
• Easily sorts tasks by dependencies and dates.
• Offers multi-project dashboards for better project management.

Cons:

• Not available for non-Mac users, limiting its accessibility.
• Users needing a multi-platform solution might need to consider SaaS options designed for various operating systems.

Pricing: 

• Subscription: $19.99 USD per month
• v4 Standard License: $199.99 USD (one-off payment)
• v4 Pro License: $399.99 USD (one-off payment)

Customer Reviews: 

OmniPlan has a rating of 4.3 out of 5. Users appreciate its value as a native project planning tool, especially for Mac-centric teams. The ease of sharing and exporting plans is highly praised. However, some users have criticized the UI and UX, finding them outdated. Additionally, the system can lag when managing extensive project data, and the drag-and-drop functionality for tasks can be problematic.

OmniPlan is a strong Microsoft Project alternative for Mac users, offering robust features like integration with MS Project and efficient task sorting. Its design and functionality balance make it easy to use, but its exclusivity to Mac and some usability issues may be a limitation for broader team adoption.

TeamGantt

TeamGantt is an easy-to-use project management tool centered around Gantt chart-based planning. Its intuitive interface and simple learning curve make it popular for those who need to see project status at a glance.  

Features: Drag & drop, workloads, team collaboration, portfolio, reports. 

Pros:

• Perfect for teams that excel with Gantt charts.
• The interface is designed to organize tasks on timelines easily.
• Gantt charts in TeamGantt are flexible, dynamic, and make project management straightforward.

Cons:

• Gantt charts alone may not cover all project management needs.
• TeamGantt does not support importing projects from Excel or MS Project, limiting its flexibility.

Pricing: 

• Free
• Pro – $49/month
• Unlimited Everything – contact sales.

Customer Reviews:

Rated 4.6 out of 5, TeamGantt is praised for its user-friendliness, affordability, and excellent visualization of project workloads. The cloud-based platform makes sharing and collaboration easy. Key advantages include resource management and integrated one-to-one chat support. However, some users note issues with task dependencies, lack of bulk task import functionality, and the absence of a desktop app for Apple computers.

TeamGantt’s intuitive design and robust features make it an excellent choice for teams that rely on Gantt chart visualization for project management.

Workfront

Workfront is a Utah-based project management company that serves enterprise level customers combining complex project management with document collaboration, issue tracking, and portfolio management.

Features: Workflow automation, goal tracking, team collaboration, resource management, budgeting, proofing, agile work management, reports.

Pros:

• Comprehensive feature set comparable to Microsoft Project.
• Robust platform suitable for mid-sized companies to large corporations.
• Integrates project management with issue tracking, document collaboration, and portfolio management.

Cons:

• More suited for enterprise-level use, potentially too complex and pricey for small businesses and teams.
• Steep learning curve requiring significant onboarding time.
• Uninspiring user interface.

Pricing:

Not public, request pricing

Customer Reviews:

Customers rate Workfront 4.4 out of 5. Users appreciate its adaptability, robust project and resource management capabilities, accessibility across devices, and responsive support staff. However, extensive customization can lead to a long implementation process, and some find the user experience confusing, especially with document and task management. Other noted issues include lost functionality due to updates and challenges with timeline maintenance.

Workfront is well-suited for large organizations that require a comprehensive project management tool with advanced features. Despite its complexity and higher cost, it offers significant advantages for managing complex projects. However, smaller teams may find it more challenging to use effectively and may prefer a simpler solution.

Looking for other Enterprise-level software solutions? Check out our list of software here.

Zoho Projects

Zoho, an India-based company, is known for its marketing automation and CRM capabilities, but it also includes project management. It makes the list of Microsoft Project alternatives because teams can make use of a decent set of features for a good price.

Features: Collaboration tools, task management, project planning, document management, reporting, integrations.

Pros: 

• Seamlessly integrates with the Zoho suite of products.
• Allows unlimited users on any plan at no additional cost, making it highly scalable.

Cons: 

• Can be less user-friendly compared to simpler, more focused project management tools.
• Lacks some advanced features, which may be necessary for more complex project management needs.

Pricing: 

• Standard – $14/user/month
• Professional – $23/user/month
• Enterprise – $40/user/month
• Ultimate – $52/user/month

Customer Reviews:

Zoho CRM is rated 4.3 out of 5. Users appreciate its ease of use, innovative UI/UX, and good mobile application. It offers a robust free tier and templates for various industries, making setup easy. However, customer support is often criticized for being unresponsive and glitchy, with issues such as email invitations going to spam and inconsistent answers from representatives.

Zoho Projects is a versatile and user-friendly tool designed to streamline project management. Its robust set of features, including task management and collaboration tools, make it highly effective for businesses of all sizes.  

Targetprocess

Based in Buffalo, NY, Targetprocess offers agile project management software to Scrum, Kanban, SAFe and other agile processes.

Features: Visual project tracking, agile project management, customizable dashboards, Scrum and Kanban support.

Pros:

• One of the most comprehensive free plans available, making it attractive for budget-conscious teams.
• Card layout and visualization features help manage tasks effectively within timelines and milestones.
• User-friendly interface streamlines project management and reduces the learning curve for new users.
• Exceptional customer support provides timely assistance and guidance.

Cons:

• May lack advanced capabilities compared to other project management tools, limiting its suitability for complex project management needs.
• Some users find the interface overly complex, requiring additional training and support.
• The visual presentation may not be as sleek or modern as other project management tools, potentially impacting user experience.

Pricing: 

Not public – contact sales.

Customer Reviews:

Rated 4.5 out of 5, Targetprocess is praised for its portfolio dashboards, Kanban, backlog management, and excellent reporting and visualization capabilities. The consistent software updates enhance performance. However, the initial setup can be time-consuming due to the lack of drafts or templates. Users also note the absence of tools for evaluating time effectiveness, leaving comments on tasks, and attaching documents to cards.

Targetprocess offers a robust solution for agile project management, especially for teams seeking extensive free plan options, effective task visualization, and responsive customer support. 

Teamwork 

Teamwork is a comprehensive project management tool headquartered in Ireland. It offers a full suite of productivity tools such as a sales CRM, chat, help desk software, and project management software.  

Features: Templates, resource management, task views, reporting, time tracking.

Pros:

• Ideal for teams preferring a Kanban-based project management tool, enhancing visual task management.
• Offers robust privacy and permission settings for secure project management.
• Provides real-time status updates, improving communication and efficiency.
• Includes invoice tracking, adding to its comprehensive project management capabilities.
• Full suite of productivity tools, including sales CRM, chat, and help desk software, integrated with project management features.

Cons:

• Lacks many advanced features and integrations.
• Users cannot bulk move tasks, requiring individual adjustments that can be time-consuming.
• Filters need to be reapplied each time, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.

Pricing: 

• Free
• Deliver Plan – $11/user/month.
• Grow Plan – $19.99/user/month.
• Scale Plan – Contact Sales

Customer Reviews:

Customers rate Teamwork 4.5 out of 5, Users praise its user-friendly interface and strong project management capabilities, effective task tracking, robust reporting features, and continuous improvements. However, some encounter difficulties with the inability to import project files and find the setup process lengthy. Managing multiple projects can also be challenging due to a lack of advanced features.

Teamwork provides a robust suite of productivity tools and comprehensive project management features, making it a strong choice for many organizations.  

Podio

Podio is a project management tool based in Raleigh, NC, recently acquired by Citrix. It’s built around the concept of transparency and its “open-plan online office.”

Features: Real-time collaboration, file sharing, task management, customizable workflows, integrations.

Pros:

• Intuitive social tools like built-in sharing and peer recognition enhance team collaboration.
• Mobile-forward design is excellent for teams on the go, allowing them to stay organized on both desktop and mobile apps.

Cons:

• Many first-time users struggle with onboarding, making full-scale adoption challenging.
• Lacks budget management and customizable template features 
• Missing essential project management features, such as an all-projects dashboard or portfolio view, limiting comprehensive project oversight.

Pricing: 

• Free
• Plus – $11.20/month
• Premium – $19.20/month

Customer Reviews:

Podio is rated 4.3 out of 5. Users value its customization for managing databases and workflows, and its numerous integrations. However, some find it difficult to integrate with other platforms and feel its customization options are limited. Additionally, it lacks features like attachment markup and time-lapse tracking.

Podio is great for small teams needing an all-in-one platform with social features. However, larger organizations with complex projects might need a tool with more advanced portfolio management.

Jira

Jira is Australian software developer Atlassian’s flagship product, best known as the leader in devOps, and can support Scrum, Lean or Kanban. The software makes the list of Microsoft Project alternatives because it is the leader in devOps and tech teams would move from Microsoft Project to JIRA.

Features: Sprints & backlog, project boards, project management, customizable workflows, dependency management, goal tracking, integrations.

Pros:

• Extensive customization options.
• Over 1,000 add-ons available.
• Robust reporting capabilities.
• Effective issue-tracking functionality.

Cons: 

• Can be challenging for new users.
• Limited in-app collaboration features.
• Not ideal for non-technical teams.
• Slow query load times.

Pricing:

• Free
• Standard – $7.16/Month/User
• Premium – $12.48Month/User
• Enterprise – Contact Sales

Customer Reviews:

Customers rate Jira 4.4 out of 5. Users appreciate its intuitive and comprehensive interface, making it ideal for distributing work across teams and tracking progress and issues. The robust functionality supports tasks, new features, bugs, and other requirements. However, some users find the configuration and initial setup confusing, with character limits on certain features and insufficient specificity.

Jira is a strong choice for technical teams and DevOps projects due to its powerful features and customization options. However, its complexity and slower performance with large datasets may be challenging for new users and non-technical teams.

Basecamp

Basecamp is a well-known project management tool based in Chicago, IL, USA. It simplifies project management by cutting out many features that can frustrate users, making it easy to understand and use.

Features: File sharing, document management, real-time messaging, templates, reporting.

Pros:

• Dedicated Documents and Files Section: Each project has its own section for documents and files, making it easy to locate older files without sifting through unrelated materials.
• Customizable Notifications and Settings: Users can turn notifications on or off, tailor settings, and create a personalized schedule that fits their workflow.
• Campfires for Enhanced Collaboration: This feature promotes team communication by allowing messages to the entire team or private pings to specific individuals. 

Cons:

• Limited Project Overview: Only allows viewing one project at a time.
• Cluttered Topic List: The topic list can become cluttered, making it hard to find important discussions and leading to confusion and inefficiency.
• Lack of Standout Features: Lacks a unique feature that sets it apart from other similar apps.

Pricing: 

• Personal: $15/user/month
• Business: $299/month

Customer Reviews:

Basecamp is rated 4.3 out of 5. Users praise its user-friendliness, especially for distributed teams, and commend its strong performance and accessibility. It excels in task allocation and communication via threads. However, some users find the interface unattractive and unintuitive. The inability to view tasks for multiple team members simultaneously and limited software integrations can be hindrances for complex projects. Additionally, it lacks video conferencing capabilities and comprehensive resource management features.

Basecamp’s user-friendly design, dedicated document section, and customizable notifications make it a solid choice for simple project management. However, its limitations in project overview, topic organization, and lack of unique features might lead some teams to seek more comprehensive tools.

Redmine

Redmine is an open-source project management tool built and maintained by community volunteers. It is a favorite among developers for its flexibility and extensive customization options.

Features: Bug and issue tracking, project management, extensions and plug-ins, wiki setup for documents and notes.

Pros:

• Developer-Friendly: Requires knowledge of Ruby on Rails, making it ideal for developers.
• Extensive Extensions and Plug-Ins: A wide range of extensions and plug-ins available, allowing for extensive customization and functionality.

Cons:

• Focused on Development: Primarily used for tracking bugs, issues, and ship dates in software development, rather than general task management.
• Wiki Setup: Each project includes a wiki for storing documents and notes, which may not be suitable for all users.

Pricing: Free

Customer Reviews:

Rated 4.1 out of 5, Redmine is appreciated for its flexibility and customization capabilities. Users like the extensive documentation and intuitive interface. However, some find the navigation confusing and the default UI lacking. It is noted that while Redmine can be extensively customized with themes and additional features, its basic setup might seem underpowered compared to more feature-rich tools like Jira or Service Now.

Redmine is a powerful and flexible tool for developers, offering extensive customization through extensions and plug-ins. While it excels in tracking bugs and issues in software development, its focus and technical requirements may not make it the best choice for general task management or non-technical users.

Gantt Pro

GanttPRO is a project management tool that simplifies the entire project lifecycle with its innovative use of Gantt charts. It enhances team engagement, tracks progress in real-time, and promotes seamless collaboration on a centralized platform.

Features: Real-time Gantt charts, team collaboration tools, task assignments, comments, notifications, work breakdown structure.

Pros:

• Responsive Gantt Charts: Ideal for managing complex projects with real-time adjustments.
• Excellent Team Integration Tools: Facilitates effective collaboration through task assignments, comments, and notifications.
• Good Work Breakdown Structure: Helps organize and prioritize tasks for complex projects.

Cons:

• Costly for Smaller Firms: The pricing may be too high for smaller firms or organizations that only need select features.
• Delayed Updates: Users have reported longer-than-expected update times, causing inconvenience and delays.
• Steep Learning Curve: The extensive feature set can be challenging for new users to navigate effectively.

Pricing:

• Basic: $7.99/month/user
• Pro: $12.99/month/user
• Business: $19.99/month/user
• Enterprise: Contact sales

Customer Reviews:

GanttPRO is rated 4.8 out of 5. Users appreciate its ease of use, integration options, and robust feature set, making it a top choice for project managers and teams. The ability to integrate projects into one space and track them in real time is highly valued. However, the lack of mobile apps, limited options for brand customization, and confusion in managing items with many dependencies are noted drawbacks.

GanttPRO’s responsive Gantt charts and robust collaboration tools make it a strong choice for managing complex projects. Despite its high cost, delayed updates, and steep learning curve, it remains a top choice for project managers looking for comprehensive project management solutions.

ProjectManager.com

ProjectManager.com is a highly acclaimed project and work management software that brings about a paradigm shift in how businesses handle projects. With its extensive range of tools, this platform empowers organizations to efficiently manage every aspect of their projects, starting from planning and all the way through tracking.

Features: Workflow automation, team collaboration, resource management, integrations, task views, reports, portfolios,

Pros:

• Efficient Progress Management: Excels in managing and reporting progress, tracking time, and facilitating team collaboration.
• Suitable for IT Teams: Effective for IT teams using the Kanban method.
• User-Friendly: Supports both Agile and Waterfall methodologies, making it versatile and easy to use.

Cons:

• Lacks Subtasks: Cannot use subtasks, which is a significant limitation.
• Limited for Complex Projects: Kanban style is not ideal for long or complex projects, and reporting features lack filtering options.
• Limited Customization: Customization for alerts and reports is restricted

Pricing: 

• Team – $13/user/month
• Business – $25/user/month
• Enterprise – Contact Sales

Customer Reviews: 

ProjectManager.com is rated 4.1 out of 5 and it is praised for its customizable dashboard and robust functionality. Users appreciate its effectiveness in tracking progress and facilitating communication. However, issues with no-refunds policy, subpar customer service, bugs, and time-consuming data entry are noted.

ProjectManager.com offers versatile tools for managing projects with Agile and Waterfall methodologies. While it provides comprehensive features, its limitations in customization and handling complex projects may be a drawback for some users.

Trello

Trello has garnered widespread acclaim for its intuitive interface, effortless collaboration, versatile customization, and seamless mobile integration. It streamlines project management, enabling users to work together, monitor progress, and personalize their tasks. Thanks to its mobile application, Trello allows for on-the-fly management.

Features: Ready to use templates, automation, integrations, boards, drag-and-drop interface, power-ups. 

Pros:

• User-Friendly Interface: Accessible features, even at the free level.
• Kanban-Style System: Drag-and-drop task management and easy sharing of task lists.
• External Collaboration: Allows including clients and external members, enhancing teamwork.

Cons:

• Complex Project Management: Becomes harder to manage as projects grow in complexity or team size increases.
• Budget Tracking: Lacks features to track budgets and monitor expenses.

Pricing:

• Free
• Standard – $5/User/Month
• Premium – $10/User/Month
• Enterprise – $17.50/User/Month

Customer Reviews:

Rated 4.5/5 on SoftwareAdvice, Trello is well-liked for its adaptable project planning and task management, especially helpful for small remote teams. Users value the simple setup process and customizable boards that boost productivity and teamwork. The easy-to-use interface and excellent collaboration tools receive frequent praise. However, some users mention that the free version has become more restricted, and even the paid versions have limitations with advanced automation.

Trello is excellent for managing small, straightforward projects with its user-friendly Kanban-style boards and drag-and-drop interface.  

Research Methodology 

In preparing this article on Microsoft Project alternatives, a careful and thorough research process was used to ensure the information is accurate and relevant. Our selection process for the top 5 alternatives to Microsoft Project included the following steps:

• Manual Research: We started by compiling a list of potential alternatives through web searches and industry reports. We focused on popular project management tools based on their market presence and user ratings.
• Feature Analysis: Each identified alternative was analyzed for its key features. We reviewed official documentation, product pages, and feature comparison charts to gather detailed information about functionalities.
• Hands-on Testing: We personally tested each tool to evaluate usability, interface design, and overall user experience. This involved using trial versions or free tiers of the software to manage sample projects.
• Forum and Community Insights: To gather unbiased opinions, we explored various user forums, community boards, and review sites like Reddit, Quora, G2, and Software Advice. Feedback from real users provided valuable insights into common issues, strengths, and performance in real-world scenarios.
• Criteria-based Comparison: We established criteria for comparison, including feature set, pricing, customer support, and integration capabilities. Each alternative was evaluated against these criteria to assess its strengths and weaknesses relative to Microsoft Project.

How to Choose the Right Project Management Tool for Your Needs

Selecting the right project management tool can significantly impact your team’s efficiency and success. Here are some practical tips to help you choose the best tool for your needs:

• Assess Your Team’s Needs:
  • Identify Key Features: Determine what features are essential for your team. Do you need task management, time tracking, budget tracking, resource management, or collaboration tools?
  • Consider Team Size: Some tools are better suited for small teams, while others are designed to handle the complexity of larger organizations.
  • Evaluate Technical Skills: Choose a tool that matches your team’s technical proficiency. An overly complex tool might hinder productivity rather than enhance it.
• Set a Budget:
  • Free vs. Paid Plans: Many project management tools offer free versions with limited features. Decide if a free plan will suffice or if the advanced features of a paid plan are necessary.
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis: Compare the pricing of different tools and weigh the costs against the benefits they offer. Ensure the tool provides good value for the money.
• Check Integration Capabilities:
  • Existing Tools: Ensure the new project management tool can integrate seamlessly with the software and tools your team already uses, like email, calendars, CRM, or accounting software.
  • API Availability: If you need custom integrations, check if the tool offers an API and how easy it is to use.
• Evaluate User Experience:
  • Ease of Use: Look for tools with intuitive interfaces and easy-to-navigate dashboards. A user-friendly tool reduces the learning curve and increases adoption rates.
  • Mobile Access: If your team works remotely or on the go, consider tools that offer robust mobile applications.
• Test Customer Support:
  • Support Channels: Ensure the tool provides adequate support through various channels such as chat, email, phone, or forums.
  • Response Time: Check user reviews to see how responsive and helpful the customer support team is.
• Read Reviews and Get Feedback:
  • User Reviews: Read reviews on websites like G2, Capterra, or Software Advice to understand the experiences of other users.
  • Peer Feedback: Ask colleagues or industry peers for recommendations and insights based on their experiences.
• Utilize Free Trials:
  • Hands-On Testing: Take advantage of free trials or demo versions to test the tool in a real-world scenario. Pay attention to how well it fits your workflow and addresses your needs.
  • Pilot Projects: Run a small pilot project to see how the tool performs before committing to a full rollout.
• Scalability and Future-Proofing:
  • Growth Potential: Choose a tool that can scale with your team as your projects and business grow.
  • Feature Updates: Check if the tool is regularly updated with new features and improvements to keep up with industry standards.

Why Choose Workzone:

Workzone stands out for its extensive project management capabilities and unique benefits:

• Broad Range of Features: Workzone offers a wide array of functionalities, including task management, document collaboration, Gantt charts, and customizable dashboards, effectively meeting diverse project management needs.
• User-Friendly Design: The intuitive interface and user-centric design of Workzone make it easy to adopt and navigate, enhancing productivity and collaboration among team members.
• Scalability: Workzone is designed to grow with your business, making it suitable for teams of all sizes and various project complexities.
• Dedicated Support: With robust training resources and dedicated support, Workzone ensures users can fully utilize the platform’s features for successful implementation.

Workzone’s comprehensive features, easy-to-use interface, scalability, and dedicated support make it a top choice for teams seeking a powerful project management solution. Consider exploring Workzone to streamline your project workflows, boost collaboration, and achieve project success.

Conclusion

If you are looking to move to one of the Microsoft Project alternatives (or any other project management alternatives), remember to consider not only the features but how the project management software can help you succeed. Be sure to, look into this detailed and specific list of project management software.

You don’t need another tool that complicates things; you need a partner that will collaborate with your team and ensure a smooth start. The goal is to avoid the complexity of Microsoft Project and choose an option that simplifies your workflow and reduces chaos, making project management easier and more efficient.

Explore these alternatives to Microsoft Project to find the right fit for your specific requirements:

• Asana Alternatives
• Clickup Alterantives
• Monday Alternatives
• Wrike Alternatives
• Smartsheet Alternatives

Also, be sure to check out this complete list of project management software or this list of other specific alternatives.