When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Finding the best project management software is the key to successfully juggling project milestone deadlines, team collaboration, and project budgets. Around one in three US businesses already use these tools to boost delivery rates of projects completed on time and to budget. Reflecting a global trend of businesses moving towards cloud-based software solutions, these online project management software tools have become ever more essential in 2024.
I completely revised my project management software testing framework at the end of August 2024, and I spent several hours in September re-testing dozens of market-leading project management tools. I evaluated them on factors like ease of use, advanced task management capabilities, collaboration features, their mobile apps, and integrations. The result is this new list of the very best options available for different types of business and use cases.
The Best Project Management Software For Businesses Tested by Our Experts
monday - Best project management software for small creative teams
Hubspot - Best Online Project Management Software for Marketing Teams
Wrike - Best agile project management software for large enterprises
Smartsheet - Best project management software for spreadsheet enthusiasts
Zoho - Best cloud-based project management software for small businesses
Teamwork - Best web-based project management software for client-facing projects
Notion – Best cloud project management tool for building company knowledge hubs and internal "wikis"
GanttPRO - Best online project management software for Gantt chart lovers
The Top 7 Project Management Tools Ranked
- monday – Best project management software for small creative teams
- Hubspot – Best online project management software for marketing teams
- Wrike – Best agile project management software for large enterprises
- Smartsheet – Best project management software for spreadsheet enthusiasts
- Zoho – Best cloud-based project management software for small businesses
- Teamwork – Best web-based project management software for client-facing projects
- Clickup – Best free project management software
- Notion – Best cloud project management software for building company knowledge hubs and wikis
- GanttPRO – Best online project management software for Gantt chart lovers
- Show Full Guide
The Best Online Project Management Software Tested and Reviewed
In this section, you’ll find a detailed review of the best online project management software. This will give you a clear understanding of which tools will genuinely make a difference in your day-to-day work. We’ll touch on a decent free option on this page, too, but you might also want to take a look at our guide to the best free project management software.
We’re focusing on cloud-based, web-based project management solutions in this article. If you’re wondering what this means, put simply: cloud-based project tools are probably what you are already thinking of when you think “project management software” even if you don’t know it. These are the ones you’ll see commonly advertised and recommended.
This is because they’re the more affordable, convenient, and scalable option of project software (as opposed to inflexible, on-site solutions) — perfect for today’s remote and hybrid work environments. Most businesses are already using or moving towards these tools because they just make sense: you get to keep everyone on the same page, no matter where they are, without breaking the bank.
1. monday.com – Best Project Management Software for Small Creative Teams
| Starting Price | $9/user/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version | Free forever plan for up to 2 users |
| Top 3 Features | Customizable workflows, AI assistant, 200+ templates |
| Pre-set Project Templates | 200+ |
| Top Project Views Available | Kanban, Gantt, Calendar, Timeline |
| Business Communication Software Integrations | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom |
Why We Picked monday.com
I picked monday.com for its intuitive, customizable interface. It combines classic project management views with flexible collaboration and customization options for creative teams that need to be able to tailor project boards to a wide range different-looking projects.
monday.com Features
- Highly Customizable Workflows: monday.com offers simple drag-and-drop customization and very easy “if/then” automation setups so your team can customize the project boards and workflows to look and work exactly as they want.
- AI Assistant: Automates tasks to save you time and analyzes data to provider useful insights intro project progress
- Advanced Dependencies: This means monday will automatically adjust project timelines when you flag that a change has occurred, so you don’t have to spend time changing all subsequent milestone timelines.
monday.com Pricing
monday.com offers several pricing plans, making it accessible for teams of all sizes:
| Plan | Free | Basic | Standard | Pro | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $0 | $12/user/month | $14/user/month | $24/user/month | Custom pricing |
| Annually | $0 | $9/user/month | $12/user/month | $19/user/month | Custom pricing |
- Free Plan: Great for solo users or small tasks—includes 3 boards, 200+ templates, and unlimited docs for up to 2 users.
- Basic Plan: A step up for small teams with unlimited viewers, Kanban boards, 5GB storage, and better support.
- Standard Plan: Perfect if you need more control, offering automations, integrations, and visual tools like Gantt charts.
- Pro Plan: Ideal for complex projects with time tracking, advanced automations, and centralized dashboards.
- Enterprise Plan: Built for big teams, it provides top-level security, multi-level permissions, and detailed reporting.
Who monday.com is Best For
monday.com is ideal for small creative teams, such as online marketing, design, or content creation groups, who need a flexible tool that supports collaboration and project tracking in a visually engaging way.
It’s less suited for larger enterprises with extensive custom integration needs — those teams might find Wrike or Smartsheet a better fit.
Pros 
- Highly intuitive and user-friendly drag-and-drop interface
- Offers extensive customizability with over 200 templates
- Free plan available, ideal for very small teams and freelancers
Cons 
- Time tracking is only available from the paid Pro plan
- The mobile app lacks some of the functionality of the desktop version
2. HubSpot – Best Online Project Management Software for Marketing Teams
| Starting Price | $15/user/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version | Free forever plan |
| Top 3 Features | Marketing Campaign Project Templates, Project reporting & customizable dashboards, AI content assistant |
| Pre-set Project Templates | 1,000+ |
| Top Project Views Available | Kanban, calendar, timeline |
| Business Communication Software Integrations | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom |
Why We Picked HubSpot
I chose HubSpot as it’s an all-in-one solution that integrates CRM, marketing, and project management, making it ideal for growth-focused marketing teams.
HubSpot Features
- Marketing Campaign Project Templates: HubSpot offers several pre-built templates designed to accommodate the typical work of marketing teams, such as dedicated marketing campaign project templates.
- Project Reporting & Customizable Dashboards: Creates dashboards and generates reports to help you visualize project progress and team productivity. These can be customized so you can view the data in whatever way makes sense to you.
- AI Content Assistant: Drafts emails and posts, saving time and maintaining content consistency.
HubSpot Pricing
HubSpot offers flexible pricing to suit various business needs:
| Plan | Free Tools | Sales Hub Starter | Sales Hub Professional | Sales Hub Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $0 | $20/user/month | $100/user/month | $150/user/month |
| Annually | $0 | $15/user/month | $90/user/month | $150/user/month |
- Free Plan: Ideal for startups or small teams, offering core CRM features, basic email marketing, and up to 5 users.
- Starter Plan: Adds more robust features like multiple currencies and 500 calling minutes, perfect for small businesses needing to streamline their sales processes.
- Professional Plan: Includes advanced sales analytics, forecasting, and up to 300 workflows, making it great for medium-sized businesses looking to scale.
- Enterprise Plan: Offers top-tier features like predictive analytics, deal splits, and custom objects, tailored for large teams needing comprehensive CRM capabilities.
Who HubSpot is Best For
I’d recommend HubSpot to marketing teams and small businesses that want an all-in-one platform to manage their customer relationships and marketing campaigns and projects. It may not be ideal for those on a tight budget or businesses seeking simpler, less comprehensive solutions — ClickUp or Zoho might be better fits for this.
Pros
- Native HubSpot CRM integration
- 1,000+ pre-set templates for campaigns
- Detailed and customizable project progress reports tracking
Cons
- Limited pipeline customization on lower plans
- Occasional system slowdowns with heavy use
3. Wrike – Best Agile Project Management Software for Large Enterprises
| Starting Price | $9.80/user/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version | Free forever plan |
| Top 3 Features | AI-driven risk analysis, Gantt charts, unlimited integrations |
| Pre-set Project Templates | 400+ |
| Top Project Views Available | Kanban, Gantt, timeline, calendar |
| Business Communication Software Integrations | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom |
Why We Picked Wrike
I chose Wrike for its robust agile project management tools, extensive customization, and AI-driven insights, which make it ideal for large enterprises managing complex projects.
Wrike Features
- AI-Driven Risk Analysis: Wrike’s AI detects risks early, helping teams prevent issues and keep projects on track.
- Multiple Project Views: Offers Gantt, Kanban, and more, catering to team preferences for tracking progress.
- Automated Workflows: Extensive automation options streamline approvals and updates, reducing manual tasks and boosting efficiency.
Wrike Pricing
Wrike’s pricing is designed to scale with your business:
| Plan | Free | Team | Business | Enterprise | Pinnacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $0 | $9.80/user/month | $24.80/user/month | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
- Free Plan: Aimed at smaller teams needing basic task management, offering limited features and up to 5 users. It’s a good entry point but lacks advanced tools like time tracking and automations.
- Team Plan: A step up with features like Gantt charts, custom fields, and 50 automations per month, making it ideal for growing teams needing more flexibility and insights.
- Business Plan: Designed for larger teams, this plan includes advanced features like time tracking, branded workspaces, and 200 automations, along with AI tools for content creation and risk prediction.
- Enterprise Plan: Tailored for organizations needing top-tier security and flexibility, offering advanced permissions, 10GB storage per user, and 1,000 automations per month.
- Pinnacle Plan: The highest-tier plan for complex enterprise needs, including unlimited users, advanced BI and reporting, and secure, restricted spaces for sensitive projects.
Who Wrike is Best For
Wrike is ideal for large enterprises and teams that manage complex, agile projects and require robust tools for risk management and advanced analytics. It’s less suited for smaller teams or those new to project management tools — monday or HubSpot might be simpler alternatives.
Pros
- AI suggests actions from past data
- Custom workflows for complex enterprise needs
- Real-time updates with live activity streams
Cons
- Limited automations on lower-tier plans, making it less suitable for small businesses
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
4. Smartsheet – Best Project Management Software for Spreadsheet Enthusiasts
| Starting Price | $7/user/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version | 30-day free trial |
| Top 3 Features | Customizable workflows, Automation tools, in-app document management |
| Pre-set Project Templates | 100+ |
| Top Project Views Available | Gantt, calendar, grid, card |
| Business Communication Software Integrations | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom |
Why We Picked Smartsheet
I picked Smartsheet for its blend of spreadsheet familiarity and advanced project management features like automations and custom dashboards.
Smartsheet Features
- Customizable Workflows: Drag-and-drop functionality creates tailored workflows, simplifying complex project management.
- Document Management: You can automate the creation of documents based on platform data as well as the distribution of these documents to certain stakeholders within Smartsheet, reducing manual work.
- Multi Views: Offers Gantt, grid, and card views, allowing you to visualize data and track progress and deadlines effectively.
Smartsheet Pricing
Smartsheet offer a variety of plans for differing needs:
| Plan | Pro | Business | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $11/user/month | $22/user/month | Custom pricing |
| Annually | $8/user/month | $17/user/month | Custom pricing |
- Free Trial: Offers basic project management with limited features, ideal for personal or solo use but lacks the depth needed for larger teams.
- Pro Plan: A solid choice for small teams, providing unlimited access to sheets, reports, dashboards, and 250 automations each month. It balances cost with functionality, offering a good starting point for growing teams.
- Business Plan: Suitable for larger teams needing more advanced features like unlimited automations, increased storage, and additional customization options.
- Enterprise Plan: Tailored for big organizations, this plan includes enterprise-grade security, enhanced analytics, and advanced admin controls, making it a robust solution for complex project management needs.
Who Smartsheet is Best For
Smartsheet is ideal for spreadsheet enthusiasts and project managers who want robust automation and customization without sacrificing the familiar layout of a spreadsheet. It may not be the best fit for teams seeking a more visually dynamic tool like monday.
Pros
- Seamlessly brings together Excel-like functionality with project management
- Automates document creation and e-signatures within sheets
- Customizable views tailored to detailed data tracking needs
Cons
- Limited to 500 lines when copying between sheets
- Certain integrations and features require third-party add-ons
5. Zoho – Best Cloud-Based Project Management Software for Small Businesses
| Starting Price | $14/user/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version | Free forever plan (up to 3 users) |
| Top 3 Features | Customizable workflows, Gantt charts, Timesheet integration |
| Pre-set Project Templates | 50 |
| Top Project Views Available | Kanban, calendar, Gantt, timeline |
| Business Communication Software Integrations | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom |
Why We Picked Zoho
I picked Zoho for its budget-friendly pricing, extensive features, and seamless integrations, making it ideal for small businesses needing robust project management at an affordable price.
Zoho Features
- Customizable Workflows: Drag-and-drop interface for tailored workflows, automating tasks to save time.
- Gantt Charts: Visualize project timelines and dependencies, keeping the team on track.
- Timesheet Integration: Log billable hours easily, with direct invoicing through Zoho Invoice for efficient time tracking and billing.
Zoho Pricing
Zoho has the lowest starting price of any provider on this list as well as a generous free plan and almost unbelievably affordable enterprise options.
| Plan | Free | Premium | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $0 | $5/user/month | $10/user/month |
| Annually | $0 | $4/user/month | $9/user/month |
- Free Plan: Zoho’s free plan supports up to 3 users and 2 projects, including essential project management features, such as Gantt charts and customizable workflows. It’s ideal for individual professionals, startups or small teams just getting started.
- Premium Plan: This is where you’ll gain access to AI insights in the form of Zoho’s Zia Assistant. It allows for unlimited projects and time tracking, making it a highly affordable option for small businesses
- Enterprise: Even more AI functionality thanks to Zia Search and Zia Translation, plus extra security with two-factor authentication, read-only users, and custom roles and access options. A reasonably well-rounded solution for larger companies at a stunningly low price.
Who Zoho is Best For
Zoho is great for small businesses needing an affordable, scalable project management tool with strong customization and automation.
I wouldn’t say it’s the best choice for advanced agile project management. It offers basic support for agile methodologies, but you have Jira and monday.com at the more advanced end of the scale.
Pros
- Budget-friendly plans ideal for small businesses
- Gantt charts simplify complex project tracking
- Timesheet integration automates invoicing processes
Cons
- AI features only in higher-tier plans
- Customer support known for slow response times
6. Teamwork – Best Web-Based Project Management Software for Client-Facing Projects
| Starting Price | $5.99/user/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version | Free forever plan |
| Top 3 Features | Resource management, Time tracker, Retainer management |
| Pre-set Project Templates | 50 |
| Top Project Views Available | List, table, board, Gantt |
| Business Communication Software Integrations | Slack, Microsoft Teams, HubSpot, OneDrive |
Why We Picked Teamwork
I picked Teamwork for its strong client collaboration and profitability tracking features, making it ideal for agencies managing client-facing projects.
Teamwork Features
- Resource Management: Optimize team capacity with real-time insights into how resources are being deployed, preventing burnout and ensuring projects stay on track.
- Time Tracker: Log billable hours easily, even on the free plan, helping with budget management and streamlined billing.
- Retainer Management: Track scopes, adjust budgets, and manage unspent hours to maintain profitability and client transparency.
Teamwork Pricing
Teamwork provides various plans for all budgets:
| Plan | Free | Deliver | Grow | Scale | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $0 | $13.99/user/month | $14/user/month | $24/user/month | Custom pricing |
| Annually | $0 | $9/user/month | $12/user/month | $19/user/month | Custom pricing |
- Free Forever Plan: Offers basic project management features, ideal for freelancers or small teams needing to manage limited tasks.
- Deliver Plan: Offers robust project management with automations, project status reports, and team management features. Ideal for small teams needing a comprehensive setup.
- Grow Plan: Adds workload and capacity management, advanced budgeting, and powerful reporting tools. Perfect for teams handling complex client projects.
- Scale Plan: Adds unlimited retainer management, custom reports, and a resource scheduler, making it ideal for larger teams focused on maximizing productivity and profitability.
- Enterprise Plan: Provides all Scale features, plus premium consulting, advanced security with SSO, and dedicated infrastructure, tailored for enterprises with complex needs.
Who Teamwork is Best For
Teamwork is ideal for small to medium-sized client-facing businesses, marketing agencies, and freelancers who need robust collaboration and time-tracking features. However, those needing extensive integrations or advanced video conferencing may find other tools like ClickUp better suited to their needs.
Pros
- Exceptional client collaboration tools enhance project communication
- Built-in time tracking on all plans, including the free tier
- Robust retainer management for tracking profitability and adjusting project scopes
Cons
- Limited custom views and dashboards compared to some competitors
- Lacks built-in video conferencing, requiring third-party tools for meetings
7. Clickup – Best Free Project Management Software Plans
| Starting Price | $7/user/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version | Free forever plan |
| Top 3 Features | Automations, whiteboards, advanced time tracking |
| Pre-set Project Templates | 1,000+ |
| Top Project Views Available | List, Kanban, calendar, Gantt, timeline, burndown charts |
| Business Communication Software Integrations | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom |
Why We Picked ClickUp
I chose ClickUp for its feature-rich free plan, extensive customization, and affordability, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes seeking robust project management at low or no cost.
ClickUp Features
- Automations: ClickUp offers 50+ pre-built automations, even on the free plan, to streamline tasks like assignments and status updates, reducing manual effort.
- Whiteboards: Collaborative whiteboards allow task creation, mind mapping, and visualizing workflows, enhancing team collaboration and project management.
- Time Tracking: Built-in time tracking logs billable and non-billable hours, providing insights for better budget management.
ClickUp Pricing
ClickUp is known for offering one of the richest, most generous free project management software plans out there. However, it also offers highly affordable paid plans which are, of course, much more generous and won’t break the bank.
| Plan | Free | Unlimited | Business | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $0 | $10/user/month | $19/user/month | Custom pricing |
| Annually | $0 | $7/user/month | $12/user/month | Custom pricing |
- Free Forever Plan: Ideal for individuals or small teams, offering unlimited tasks, automations, and 15+ project views, making it one of the most generous free plans available.
- Unlimited Plan: Best for small teams, providing unlimited storage, integrations, dashboards, and access to advanced features like Gantt charts and custom fields.
- Business Plan: Suitable for mid-sized teams, offering all 17 views, private documents, user groups, and a dedicated time-tracking dashboard. This plan provides extensive customization and collaboration features.
- Enterprise Plan: Tailored for large organizations, this plan includes advanced security features, custom permissions, HIPAA compliance, and dedicated support to meet enterprise-level needs.
Who ClickUp is Best For
ClickUp is perfect for teams needing a versatile free project management solution with powerful customization and automation features. However, if you prioritize simplicity and a lower learning curve, alternatives like Zoho may be better suited to your needs.
If you’re interested in how ClickUp compares to our top-spot project management software monday.com, take a look at my dedicated guide to ClickUp vs monday.com.
Pros
- Most feature-rich free plan with unlimited tasks and automations
- Extensive customization options with 15+ project views and flexible workflows
- Affordable scalability makes it ideal for growing teams
Cons
- Slower load times with complex or high-volume tasks
- Lacks robust offline capabilities for on-the-go work
8. Notion – Best Cloud Project Management Software for Building Company Knowledge Hubs and Internal “Wikis”
| Starting Price | $8/user/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version | Free forever plan |
| Top 3 Features | Collaborative workspace, wikis for company knowledge, AI-powered assistance |
| Pre-set Project Templates | 10,000+ |
| Top Project Views Available | Kanban, calendar, gantt, timeline |
| Business Communication Software Integrations | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom |
Why We Picked Notion
The thing that stood out to me about Notion was how it allows teams to easily create highly tailored, personalized workspaces that match their goals and working styles. You can build personalized performance dashboards, tailored workflows, and even centralized team information hubs and internal “wikis” including team documents, meeting notes, task lists, and policy documents.
Notion Features
- Customizable Workspaces: Build tailored workspaces using blocks for simple to complex databases, enhancing team productivity and organization.
- Wikis for Knowledge: Create internal wikis for storing company policies and shared knowledge, ensuring easy access and consistency.
- AI Assistance: Use AI for summarizing notes, finding action items, and drafting content, streamlining routine tasks.
Notion Pricing
Notion offers a free plan as well as two rather affordable pricing tiers and custom enterprise pricing, which should let you scale the cost to meet your exact needs as a larger business.
| Plan | Free | Plus | Business | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $0 | $11.50/user/month | $17/user/month | Custom pricing |
| Annually | $0 | $9.50/user/month | $14/user/month | Custom pricing |
- Free Plan: Offers core features like basic page analytics and collaboration tools, perfect for individual entrepreneurs needing a powerful yet free management tool.
- Plus Plan: Removes free plan limitations, adds up to 100 collaborators, and provides custom automation—ideal for small teams needing more flexibility and storage.
- Business Plan: Adds private team spaces and secure single sign-in, perfect for businesses needing enhanced privacy and collaboration features.
- Enterprise Plan: Includes advanced analytics, domain management, and a customer success manager, making it a fit for large organizations with complex needs.
Who Notion is Best For
Notion is perfect for small businesses, freelancers, and individuals who value flexibility and customization in managing their projects and documents. It’s not ideal for teams needing advanced workflow management or deep integration with time-tracking tools — ClickUp might be better suited for those needs.
Pros
- Massive template library with over 10,000 templates to jump-start any project
- Highly customizable databases to build exactly what you need from scratch
- Integrated AI assistance which speeds up routine tasks and document creation
Cons
- Lacks native time-tracking and advanced reporting tools
- Performance can lag with large, complex databases
9. GanttPRO – Best Online Project Management Software for Gantt Chart Lovers
| Starting Price | $7.99/user/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version | 14-day trial |
| Top 3 Features | Interactive Gantt charts, team collaboration, time tracking |
| Pre-set Project Templates | 20+ |
| Top Project Views Available | Gantt, board, list, dashboard, portfolio, workload |
| Business Communication Software Integrations | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, OneDrive |
Why We Picked GanttPro
I picked GanttPRO for its intuitive Gantt chart interface and powerful planning features, making it an affordable choice for small and medium teams reliant on visual scheduling.
GanttPro Features
- Gantt Charts: Easily manage tasks and timelines with drag-and-drop functionality, keeping schedules flexible and accurate.
- Team Collaboration: Real-time updates, comments, and @mentions streamline communication, reducing reliance on external tools.
- Time Tracking: Track time spent on tasks for better billing and performance insights, with manual and automated options.
GanttPro Pricing
GanttPRO offers flexible pricing to fit varying business requirements, including scalable custom options for larger enterprise businesses:
| Plan | Basic | PRO | Business | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $9.99/user/month | $15.99/user/month | $24.99/user/month | Custom pricing |
| Annually | $7.99/user/month | $12.99/user/month | $19.99/user/month | Custom pricing |
- Basic: Ideal for small teams needing essential project management features, including basic Gantt charts and unlimited virtual resources. However, it lacks advanced views like dashboards and workload management.
- PRO: Best for medium-sized teams, offering advanced planning tools like custom templates and bulk changes. However, it only includes limited integrations.
- Business: Designed for larger teams, this plan includes all six project views, budget tracking, and enhanced security features. It offers the most comprehensive set of tools for managing complex projects.
- Enterprise: Tailored for large enterprises with extensive project management needs, this plan offers full-featured capabilities, priority support, and custom onboarding.
Who GanttPro is Best For
GanttPRO is perfect for project managers and teams who prioritize Gantt chart-based planning and need an intuitive tool without steep learning curves. It’s less suited for those requiring extensive third-party app integrations or a completely free option; those should look to HubSpot.
Pros
- Exceptional Gantt chart functionality with drag-and-drop ease
- Built-in time tracking aids in precise project management
- Affordable entry-level pricing for small teams
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations beyond basic tools
- No free plan, only a 14-day trial available
A Project Management Software Comparison – Top Tools in 2024
This table offers a quick, at-a-glance comparison of top project management tools, making it easy to see key features, pricing, and integrations side by side. Unlike detailed reviews, this format helps you quickly identify which software aligns with your needs, streamlining your decision-making process.
| Providers | monday.com | HubSpot | Wrike | Smartsheet | Zoho | Teamwork | ClickUp | Notion | GanttPRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $9/user/month | $15/user/month | $9.80/user/month | $7/user/month | $14/user/month | $5.99/user/month | $7/user/month | $8/user/month | $7.99/user/month |
| Free Version | Free forever plan for up to 2 users | Free forever plan | Free forever plan | 30-day free trial | Free forever plan (up to 3 users) | Free forever plan | Free forever plan | Free forever plan | 14-day trial |
| Top 3 Features | Customizable workflows, AI assistant, 200+ templates | Email scheduling, customizable dashboards, AI content assistant | AI-driven risk analysis, Gantt charts, unlimited integrations | Customizable workflows, automation tools, in-app document management | Customizable workflows, Gantt charts, timesheet integration | Client collaboration, resource management, retainer management | Automations, whiteboards, advanced time tracking | Collaborative workspace, wikis for company knowledge, AI-powered assistance | Interactive Gantt charts, team collaboration, time tracking |
| Pre-set project templates | 200+ | 1,000+ | 400+ | 100+ | 50 | 50 | 1,000+ | 10,000+ | 20+ |
| Top project views available | Kanban, Gantt, Calendar, Timeline | Kanban, calendar, timeline | Kanban, Gantt, timeline, calendar | Gantt, calendar, grid, card | Kanban, calendar, Gantt, timeline | List, table, board, Gantt | List, Kanban, calendar, Gantt, timeline, burndown charts | Kanban, calendar, Gantt, timeline | Gantt, board, list, dashboard, portfolio, workload |
| Business communication software integration | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom | Slack, Microsoft Teams, HubSpot, OneDrive | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom | Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, OneDrive |
How We Review And Test Project Management Software
We base our recommendations on first-hand testing. All the project management software products we feature, have been tested based on the following criteria.
For more detailed information, feel free to visit our dedicated page on how we review project management software.
- Features: We ensure the provider offers the basic functionality we’d expect, like task management and scheduling, resource management, built-in communication and collaboration capabilities, and reporting.
- Integrations: We check what platforms the software supports for integration, looking for common business tools like CRM software, email marketing platforms, and document management tools.
- Collaboration Capabilities: We assess and test the extent of collaboration on offer, including built-in chat, comment threads, mind mapping, and whiteboard capabilities.
- Pricing and Scalability: We evaluate the value for money on offer based on the functionality, and we factor in the ease and price of scaling.
- Customization: We check whether the platform offers things like custom fields, customizable dashboards, reports, and templates to check how easily the platform can be tailored to different businesses.
- Security: During testing, we note what security measures are in place, including authentication protocols, access controls, data encryption, data backups, and compliance with regulations like GDPR.
- Ease of Use: We assess how easy the platform is to navigate (across mobile and desktop), and we look for things like easy drag-and-drop functionality.
- Reputation: To add to our own analysis of the tools we review, we also factor in feedback from other users to ensure we offer our readers a complete overview.
- Support and Training: Some of the best project management tools do have learning curves. As such, we assess the level and quality of support on offer, including any online documentation.
What Is Project Management Software?
Project management software is like your team’s digital command center — it helps you plan, organize, and track every part of your projects, all in one place. Imagine having a tool that keeps everyone on the same page, with clear tasks, deadlines, and easy ways to communicate, whether you’re in the office or working remotely.
It’s not just about ticking boxes on a to-do list; it’s about making sure nothing falls through the cracks, saving you time, reducing stress, and keeping your projects on track and within budget. Simply put, it’s the tool that helps turn your plans into action, smoothly and efficiently.
Project Management Software Pricing: How Much does it Cost?
| Plan Type | Typical Pricing | Typical Capabilities | Who It’s Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic task management, limited users (usually 1-3), restricted storage, basic views | Ideal for individuals or very small teams testing the waters or managing simple projects with minimal needs |
| Basic tier | $5 – $15 per user/month | Enhanced task management, basic integrations (e.g., Google Drive), project templates, slightly more storage | Great for small teams who need more structure than free plans offer, but don’t require advanced features |
| Mid tier | $15 – $30 per user/month | Advanced reporting, more integrations (e.g., Slack), customizable dashboards, increased storage | Suitable for growing teams that need more control, reporting, and collaboration tools to manage multiple projects |
| Advanced / Enterprise tiers | $30+ per user/month | Resource management, advanced security features, API access, premium support, large team capabilities | Best for larger organizations needing robust, scalable solutions with premium features and advanced security |
Most project management software offers a range of pricing plans, allowing you to pick the one that best fits your needs and budget. Free plans are a great starting point, especially if you’re new to project management tools or running a small operation, but functionality will be limited. As your team expands or your projects get more complex, a basic or mid-tier plan, which offers more features and flexibility, is worth the extra cost.
For large businesses or those with specific needs, Advanced or Enterprise plans provide comprehensive tools and customizations that can make managing big projects a breeze. Remember, the key is to choose a plan that offers the right balance of features and cost for your team’s current and future needs.
Benefits of Project Management Software and Tools
Using project management software can truly change the way your team works, making everything run more smoothly and efficiently. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Enhanced Collaboration: These tools bring your team together on a single platform, making it easier for everyone to stay in the loop, share documents, and communicate in real time. This eliminates confusion and ensures that everyone knows what’s happening, no matter where they are.
- Better Planning and Organization: Good project management software helps you map out every detail of your project, from timelines to resource allocation. This means fewer surprises and a clearer path to getting things done on time and within budget.
- Efficient Resource Management: With these tools, you can easily see who’s working on what, prevent overload, and make sure resources are used effectively. This helps keep your team balanced and productive.
- Proactive Risk Management: By identifying potential risks early, project management software allows you to plan ahead and minimize issues before they become major problems.
- Informed Decision-Making: With access to real-time data and analytics, you can make better decisions based on what’s actually happening in your project, rather than just guessing.
In short, project management software isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a critical tool that can help your team work smarter, not harder.
Cloud Based vs Hosted Project Management Software Programs
When it comes to project management software, you’ll often hear about cloud-based and hosted options. The difference is simple: cloud-based software runs on the internet, meaning you can access it from anywhere without needing special hardware or IT setups. Hosted solutions, on the other hand, are installed on your own servers, requiring more maintenance and upfront costs and meaning no location flexibility.
Cloud-based tools are the modern choice — they’re easier to set up, more affordable, more flexible, more easily scalable, automatically updated, and perfect for remote or hybrid teams. That’s why every tool on our list is cloud-based: they’re simply the most convenient and flexible option for today’s businesses.
Project Management Trends and Statistics for 2024
As we step into 2024, project management continues to evolve with the changing work landscape. Here are the four main project management statistics and trends that you should be aware of:
- Successful teams apply project management practices. Organizations that consistently apply project management practices achieve a 92% success rate in meeting their project objectives.
- Ongoing shift towards remote and hybrid work. With more teams operating virtually, the need for robust online project management tools is greater than ever to keep everyone connected and on track.
- The rise of mixed project management approaches. This means blending traditional methodologies like Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall to create custom strategies that fit unique project needs. This flexibility allows teams to adapt quickly and handle changes more effectively. Learn more about Agile vs Scrum and Agile vs Waterfall.
- AI and automation. Tools that can automate repetitive tasks, analyze data, and predict project outcomes are not just fancy extras — they’re becoming essential for teams looking to work smarter, not harder. Embracing these trends can help teams stay ahead and navigate the complexities of modern project management with ease.
How to Choose the Best Cloud-Based Project Management Software
Choosing the right cloud-based project management software can feel overwhelming with so many options out there, but focusing on what matters most to your team can make the decision much easier. Here are some key factors to consider when picking the perfect tool for your needs:
- Ease of Use: Look for software with an intuitive interface that won’t require a steep learning curve. The easier it is to navigate, the quicker your team can get up and running.
- Key Features: Identify the essential features your team needs, like task management, time tracking, or Gantt charts, and make sure the software offers them. You don’t want to pay for extras you won’t use.
- Integrations: Check that the software integrates smoothly with the other tools your team already relies on, like your email, calendar, or communication apps. This will help streamline workflows and reduce the need to switch between platforms.
- Scalability: Consider whether the software can grow with your business. Choose a platform that offers plans with room to scale, so you don’t have to switch tools as your team expands.
- Cost vs. Value: Lastly, balance the software’s cost with the value it offers. Sometimes paying a bit more for the right features and support can save money in the long run by boosting productivity and efficiency.
FAQs
What is the best project management software?
Most popular project management software?
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References
Project Management Statistics (Truelist)
Summary of the HIPAA Security Rule (HHS.gov)
Components of a Digital Command Center (LinkedIn)
Agile vs. Waterfall vs. Kanban vs. Scrum (Lucidchart)
