Top 10 Project Management Software Solutions Compared
By Sheila Morgan | Published: 2025-02-28 | Category: Project Management
About Project Management
Project management software helps teams plan, execute, and monitor projects, facilitating collaboration and resource allocation. These tools provide features for task management, scheduling, reporting, and communication to improve project outcomes.
Scoring Criteria
- → Features
- → Ease of Use
- → Pricing
- → Integrations
- → Support
- → Collaboration
The Best Project Management
#10
Airtable
By Airtable
A hybrid spreadsheet-database platform for building custom applications and managing projects.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Desktop
Best For: Content Calendars, Product Roadmaps, Event Planning, Lightweight CRM, Inventory Tracking
Key Features
- ✓Flexible Views: Visualize data as Grid, Calendar, Kanban, Gallery, Gantt, and Form. (Adaptable data presentation)
- ✓Customizable Fields: Supports various field types like attachments, checkboxes, links to records, formulas. (Structured data capture)
- ✓Automations: Trigger actions within Airtable or external apps based on record changes. (Streamlines repetitive processes)
- ✓Interfaces: Build custom visual interfaces for collaborators to interact with base data. (Tailored user experiences)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited bases
- Up to 5 creators/editors
- 1k records/base
- Grid, Calendar, Kanban, Form, Gallery views
Limitations: Limited records, Limited automation runs, Limited history
Team
$20.00 / Monthly
- 50k records/base
- 20GB attachments/base
- Gantt & Timeline Views
- Interface Designer
- Extended history
Limitations: Per user pricing
Business
$45.00 / Monthly
- 250k records/base
- 100GB attachments/base
- Advanced controls & permissions
- Verified data for interfaces
Limitations: Per user pricing
Pros
- + Powerful database capabilities within a spreadsheet format
- + Highly flexible and customizable
- + Good automation features
- + Interface Designer allows custom app creation
Cons
- - Can be complex to set up advanced workflows
- - Pricing per user can get high
- - More database-focused than traditional PM tools
- - Record limits on lower tiers
Verdict
"An excellent choice for data-centric projects and building custom workflow applications, blending spreadsheet familiarity with database power."
#9
Notion
By Notion Labs, Inc.
A flexible workspace app combining notes, tasks, wikis, and databases with project management capabilities.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Desktop
Best For: Knowledge Management, Task Tracking, Note Taking, Lightweight CRM, Content Planning
Key Features
- ✓Connected Workspace: Integrates documents, databases, and project boards. (All-in-one information hub)
- ✓Customizable Databases: Create powerful databases with various properties and views (Table, Board, List, Calendar, Gallery, Timeline). (Flexible data organization)
- ✓Templates: Extensive library of user-created and official templates for various workflows. (Quick setup for common tasks)
- ✓Collaborative Editing: Real-time collaboration on pages and databases. (Team alignment)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited blocks for individuals
- Limited block trial for teams
- Collaborative workspace
- 7 day page history
Limitations: File upload limits, Limited history, Block limits for team use
Plus
$8.00 / Monthly
- Unlimited blocks for teams
- Unlimited file uploads
- 30 day page history
- Up to 100 guests
Limitations: Per user pricing
Business
$15.00 / Monthly
- SAML SSO
- Private teamspaces
- Bulk PDF export
- 90 day page history
Limitations: Per user pricing
Pros
- + Extremely flexible and customizable
- + Combines notes, docs, and tasks effectively
- + Good free plan for individuals
- + Strong template community
Cons
- - Can feel unstructured for pure project management
- - Steeper learning curve due to flexibility
- - Fewer dedicated PM features (e.g., advanced reporting, resource management) than competitors
- - Offline mode can be limited
Verdict
"A highly versatile tool best suited for teams needing a combined knowledge base and project/task tracker, offering unparalleled flexibility."
#8
Basecamp
By Basecamp
A project management and team communication tool known for its simplicity and flat-rate pricing.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Desktop
Best For: Client Projects, Team Collaboration, Remote Work, Internal Communication
Key Features
- ✓To-Do Lists: Simple task management with assignees and due dates. (Clear task tracking)
- ✓Message Board: Centralized discussion forum for project topics. (Keeps conversations organized)
- ✓Campfire Chat: Real-time group chat for quick discussions. (Informal team communication)
- ✓Schedule: Shared calendar for project milestones and events. (Tracks important dates)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- 3 projects
- 20 users
- 1 GB storage
Limitations: Limited projects and users
Pro Unlimited
$299.00 / Monthly
- Unlimited projects
- Unlimited users
- 5 TB storage
- Priority support
- Advanced client access
Limitations: Flat rate might be high for small teams
Pros
- + Very simple and easy to use interface
- + Excellent for team communication and collaboration
- + Flat-rate pricing is predictable for large teams
- + Focuses on core project elements
Cons
- - Lacks advanced PM features (Gantt, time tracking)
- - Limited customization options
- - Fewer integrations than competitors
- - Flat rate can be expensive for small teams needing Pro features
Verdict
"A great choice for teams prioritizing straightforward communication and project organization over complex features, especially valuable for larger teams due to flat pricing."
#7
Trello
By Atlassian
A simple, visual, and intuitive project management tool based on the Kanban board methodology.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Desktop
Best For: Simple Task Management, Personal Productivity, Small Team Projects, Content Calendars, Onboarding
Key Features
- ✓Kanban Boards: Core feature using cards, lists, and boards to organize tasks visually. (Drag-and-drop simplicity)
- ✓Butler Automation: Built-in automation for rules, buttons, and scheduled commands. (Reduces repetitive actions)
- ✓Power-Ups: Integrations and add-ons to extend Trello's functionality. (Calendar, Custom Fields, Voting, etc.)
- ✓Templates: Pre-built board templates for various use cases. (Quick start for common projects)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited cards
- Up to 10 boards per Workspace
- Unlimited storage (10MB/file)
- Butler automation
Limitations: Limited Power-Ups per board, Basic automation quotas
Standard
$5.00 / Monthly
- Unlimited boards
- Advanced checklists
- Custom Fields
- 1000 Butler commands/month
Limitations: Per user pricing
Premium
$10.00 / Monthly
- Dashboard, Timeline, Calendar views
- Admin and security features
- Unlimited Butler commands
Limitations: Per user pricing
Pros
- + Extremely easy to learn and use
- + Highly visual Kanban interface
- + Good free plan
- + Effective automation with Butler
Cons
- - Less suitable for highly complex projects
- - Reporting features are limited
- - Can become cluttered without structure
- - Lacks native Gantt charts (requires Power-Up/Premium)
Verdict
"An outstandingly simple and visual tool, perfect for individuals, small teams, and straightforward project tracking."
#6
Jira Software
By Atlassian
The industry standard for software development teams using Agile methodologies.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Desktop
Best For: Agile Software Development, Bug Tracking, Scrum Management, Kanban Workflows, DevOps
Key Features
- ✓Scrum & Kanban Boards: Purpose-built boards for Agile methodologies. (Supports sprints, backlogs, etc.)
- ✓Customizable Workflows: Map workflows to development processes. (Tracks issues through stages)
- ✓Developer Tool Integrations: Deep integration with Bitbucket, GitHub, Jenkins, etc. (Connects code to issues)
- ✓Advanced Reporting: Burndown charts, velocity charts, sprint reports, and more. (Agile-specific metrics)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Up to 10 users
- Scrum & Kanban boards
- Backlog
- Basic reporting
Limitations: 2 GB storage, Limited permissions, Community support
Standard
$7.75 / Monthly
- Up to 35,000 users
- Advanced permissions
- Audit logs
- 250 GB storage
Limitations: Per user pricing
Premium
$15.25 / Monthly
- Advanced roadmaps
- Project archiving
- Unlimited storage
- 99.9% uptime SLA
Limitations: Per user pricing
Pros
- + Industry standard for Agile development
- + Powerful bug and issue tracking
- + Extensive customization options
- + Deep integration with developer tools
Cons
- - Can be complex and overwhelming for non-technical teams
- - Interface can feel dated
- - Setup requires significant configuration
Verdict
"The go-to choice for software development teams practicing Agile, offering unparalleled features for issue tracking and workflow management."
#5
Smartsheet
By Smartsheet Inc.
A spreadsheet-like project management tool with powerful automation and reporting features.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Project Planning, Resource Management, Process Automation, Portfolio Management, IT Operations
Key Features
- ✓Grid, Card, Gantt, Calendar Views: Multiple ways to visualize and manage project data. (Familiar spreadsheet interface)
- ✓Automation Workflows: Automate actions like alerts, approvals, and updates based on sheet changes. (Reduces manual work)
- ✓Reporting & Dashboards: Consolidate data from multiple sheets into real-time dashboards. (High-level project overview)
- ✓Resource Management: Tools for tracking team allocation and availability (paid plans). (Optimizes resource utilization)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- 1 user, 2 editors
- 2 sheets
- Grid, Card, Calendar views
- 500MB storage
Limitations: Very limited users and sheets, No Gantt view, Limited automations
Pro
$7.00 / Monthly
- Up to 10 users (paid)
- Unlimited sheets
- Unlimited viewers
- Forms
- 250 automations/month
Limitations: Per user pricing, Minimum 1 user, max 10 licensed users
Business
$25.00 / Monthly
- Unlimited users (paid)
- Unlimited automations
- Dashboards & reports
- Activity log
- Proofing
Limitations: Per user pricing, Minimum 3 users
Pros
- + Familiar spreadsheet interface
- + Powerful automation capabilities
- + Strong reporting and dashboard features
- + Scalable for complex projects
Cons
- - Can be expensive, especially the Business tier minimum
- - Interface feels less modern than some competitors
- - Steeper learning curve for advanced features
Verdict
"Ideal for organizations comfortable with spreadsheets needing robust automation, reporting, and scalability for complex projects."
#4
Wrike
By Wrike, Inc. (Citrix)
A robust project management tool tailored for marketing teams, agencies, and enterprise use.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Desktop
Best For: Marketing Campaign Management, Creative Teams, Enterprise Project Management, Professional Services
Key Features
- ✓Custom Workflows & Statuses: Tailor workflows to match specific team processes. (Improves process adherence)
- ✓Dynamic Request Forms: Standardize project intake and task requests. (Ensures clarity and consistency)
- ✓Proofing & Approvals: Tools for reviewing and approving creative assets directly within tasks. (Streamlines feedback cycles)
- ✓Advanced Reporting: Create custom reports and dashboards for performance analysis. (Data-driven decision making)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Task management
- Board view
- File sharing
- Basic integrations
Limitations: Up to 5 users, Limited features, 2 GB storage
Team
$9.80 / Monthly
- Gantt charts
- Shareable dashboards
- 5 GB storage/user
- Up to 15 users
Limitations: Per user pricing
Business
$24.80 / Monthly
- Custom fields & workflows
- Request forms
- Time tracking
- Proofing
Limitations: Per user pricing
Pros
- + Strong features for marketing and creative teams
- + Highly customizable workflows
- + Good reporting capabilities
- + Enterprise-grade security
Cons
- - Higher price point compared to some competitors
- - Interface can be less intuitive initially
- - Free plan is quite limited
Verdict
"A powerful solution particularly well-suited for marketing, creative, and enterprise teams needing robust workflows and reporting."
#3
ClickUp
By ClickUp
An all-in-one productivity platform aiming to replace multiple apps with extensive customization.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Desktop
Best For: Agile Development, Remote Work, Task Management, Process Management, Marketing
Key Features
- ✓Customizable Views: Offers over 15 views including List, Board, Calendar, Gantt, Mind Map, and Table. (Highly flexible data visualization)
- ✓Task Management: Features checklists, subtasks, custom statuses, priorities, and dependencies. (Granular task control)
- ✓Docs & Whiteboards: Integrated document creation and collaborative whiteboarding tools. (Consolidates work in one place)
- ✓Automations: Build custom automations to streamline workflows. (Reduces manual effort)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free Forever
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited tasks
- 100MB storage
- Collaborative Docs
- Real-time chat
Limitations: Limited uses of advanced views, Limited automations
Unlimited
$7.00 / Monthly
- Unlimited storage
- Unlimited integrations
- Unlimited Gantt charts
- Custom Fields
Limitations: Per user pricing
Business
$12.00 / Monthly
- Advanced automations
- Advanced time tracking
- Mind Maps
- Goal Folders
Limitations: Per user pricing
Pros
- + Extremely feature-rich
- + Highly customizable
- + Generous free plan
- + Competitive pricing
Cons
- - Can have a steep learning curve
- - Interface can feel overwhelming at times
- - Mobile app performance can vary
Verdict
"A powerhouse platform offering immense flexibility and features at a competitive price, best for teams willing to invest time in setup."
#2
Asana
By Asana, Inc.
A popular project management tool focused on task management, workflow automation, and team collaboration.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Task Management, Marketing Teams, Cross-functional Projects, Goal Tracking
Key Features
- ✓Project Views: Offers List, Board, Timeline, and Calendar views for managing tasks. (Multiple perspectives on work)
- ✓Workflow Builder: Visual tool to design and automate team processes. (Streamlines repetitive tasks)
- ✓Goals: Set, track, and manage company objectives. (Connects work to strategic goals)
- ✓Reporting: Dashboards and reporting tools to monitor project progress. (Real-time insights)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited tasks & projects
- Up to 15 users
- List, Board, Calendar views
Limitations: Limited reporting, No Timeline view, No custom fields
Premium
$10.99 / Monthly
- Timeline view
- Workflow Builder
- Unlimited dashboards
- Custom fields
Limitations: Per user pricing
Business
$24.99 / Monthly
- Portfolios
- Goals
- Advanced reporting
- Approvals
Limitations: Per user pricing
Pros
- + Strong task management features
- + Good collaboration tools
- + Powerful automation capabilities
- + Clean user interface
Cons
- - Can become cluttered with many tasks
- - Some users find the number of features overwhelming
- - Pricing per user adds up
Verdict
"A robust platform ideal for teams focused on task execution, workflow automation, and clear project tracking."
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#1
monday.com
By monday.com Ltd.
A highly visual and flexible Work OS platform suitable for diverse project types and team workflows.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Desktop
Best For: Project Portfolio Management, Marketing Campaigns, Agile Development, Sales CRM, Task Management
Key Features
- ✓Customizable Workflows: Build and automate workflows tailored to specific team needs. (Drag-and-drop interface)
- ✓Multiple Views: Visualize work data using Kanban, Gantt, Calendar, Timeline, and Chart views. (Over 15 view types)
- ✓Integrations: Connects with a wide range of third-party applications. (Slack, Zoom, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.)
- ✓Automations: Automate repetitive tasks and notifications. (Pre-built recipes and custom automation builder)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Up to 2 seats
- Unlimited boards
- Basic reporting
Limitations: Limited automations, Limited integrations
Basic
$9.00 / Monthly
- Unlimited free viewers
- 5 GB storage
- Prioritized customer support
Limitations: Per user pricing, Limited dashboards
Standard
$12.00 / Monthly
- Timeline & Gantt views
- 250 automations/month
- Guest access
Limitations: Per user pricing
Pros
- + Highly customizable interface
- + Extensive automation capabilities
- + Strong visualization options
- + Wide range of integrations
Cons
- - Can be expensive for larger teams
- - Some advanced features require higher tiers
- - Initial setup can be complex
Verdict
"Excellent choice for teams needing a highly visual, flexible, and integration-rich platform for various workflows."
Final Thoughts
The project management software landscape offers diverse solutions, from highly flexible Work OS platforms like monday.com and ClickUp to specialized tools like Jira for software teams and simple visual organizers like Trello. Selection depends heavily on team size, complexity of projects, required features (like specific views or automation depth), technical expertise, and budget. Evaluating free trials or plans is crucial to finding the best fit.