Best Project Management Software Tools to Manage Deliverables


project management software

Choosing the perfect project management software is equally tricky for both new and experienced small business owners. With hundreds of options and features available, it can be confusing for you to know where to start.

We have created this comprehensive guide, including 50+ popular project management tools. And the guide also explains key features you should consider when you’re buying project management software for your company.

What is Project Management Software?

From project planning to execution, project management software help you manage all your project management requirements.

A good project management software package can help you carry out multiple key functions, which include but are not limited to:

  • Project planning and task management
  • Collaboration
  • Calendar and contact sharing
  • Bug tracking
  • Time tracking

In a nutshell, you can use project management software for planning, organizing, and managing projects.

project management software

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Project Management Software Tools 

In the fast-paced world of project management, delivering results on time is paramount. Effective software tools can be the backbone of ensuring timely and accurate deliverables. Given the myriad of options available, here’s how we zeroed in on the best project management software tools specifically tailored for managing deliverables:

Task and Milestone Tracking (10/10)

At the heart of deliverables is task completion. We prioritize software that offers detailed task and milestone tracking, allowing teams to monitor progress comprehensively.

Collaboration Features (9/10)

Successful deliverables often require teamwork. We value tools that facilitate smooth collaboration, such as real-time chats, file sharing, and comment threads.

Visual Workflow Management (9/10)

Visual aids like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, or flow diagrams help in visualizing the path to a deliverable. We appreciate software that integrates these functionalities.

Customizability (8/10)

Every project has unique deliverables. Software that allows users to customize workflows, templates, and reports stand out in our evaluation.

Reporting and Analytics (8/10)

Understanding project performance can guide future deliverables. We lean towards tools offering in-depth analytics, status reports, and performance insights.

Integration Capabilities (8/10)

Seamless integration with other tools—be it CRM systems, communication platforms, or file storage solutions—can streamline the deliverable process. We consider the range and efficiency of such integrations.

Ease of Use (7/10)

A tool’s effectiveness is diminished if it’s overly complex. User-friendly interfaces that make the software accessible to all team members are essential.

Scalability (7/10)

As projects grow and deliverables multiply, software should adapt. We favor tools that can scale with the needs of a project or organization.

Real-time Notifications (7/10)

Immediate updates on task status, deadlines, or changes are crucial for timely deliverables. Tools with prompt and customizable notifications earn our nod.

Budgeting and Resource Allocation (6/10)

Ensuring resources are aptly utilized without overshooting budgets is part of effective deliverable management. We value software that aids in these financial aspects.

Security and Data Protection (6/10)

Project details and deliverables can be sensitive. We assess software based on its encryption, data protection standards, and access controls.

Customer Support and Documentation (6/10)

Having a reliable support system and thorough documentation ensures any hiccups in managing deliverables are promptly addressed.

Managing deliverables is a balancing act of timely execution and quality assurance. With our comprehensive evaluation method, we spotlight project management software tools that not only support these objectives but empower teams to consistently meet and exceed project goals.

project management software

52 Best Project Management Tools

Picking the right project management tool won’t be hard after exploring our list of the #52 best project management tools.

The list includes a variety of project management tools well-suited for businesses of all types. Also, the list ropes in online project management tools, project management apps, and software.

Without further ado, let’s dive in:

Trello

Trello is the best project management software if you are looking for a hassle-free project management app.

This project management solution helps you organize different projects using boards. Each board has multiple lists and cards to hold project-related files, and other essential details.

With Trello, you can:

  • Get an overview of projects
  • Assign tasks to your employees
  • Track status of tasks
  • Automate common actions

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Trello Pricing: The Free plan is good for individuals and small teams. For businesses with large teams, Trello has Business Class and Enterprise plans. To use the Business Class plan of this top project management tool for a month, you will have to pay $10. You can try it for 14 days without spending any money.

Asana

Asana helps you manage projects, tasks, and different essential functions. It comes with to-do lists, timeline overview, calendar, and many more features.

Asana helps you:

  • Build plans for your projects
  • Create custom workflows
  • Plan and track campaigns
  • Get real-time progress and insights

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Asana Pricing: Asana has four plans: Basic (free, for up to 15 users), Premium, Business, and Enterprise. Paid plans start at $10.99 per user, per month. You can also try Asana for free for 30 days.

Zoho Projects

Zoho Projects is perhaps the best project management software to manage resources and collaborate with your teams. It can integrate with other Zoho apps and third-party apps for a seamless experience.

With Zoho Projects, you can:

  • Get quick project-related updates
  • Automate recurring tasks
  • Record and track the hours worked
  • Communicate via group chats

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Zoho Projects Pricing: Zoho Projects has three plans: Free (limited to 3 users and 2 projects), Premium, and Enterprise. The paid plans start at $5 monthly for one user (for up to 50 users).

You can try Zoho Projects for free for 10 days.

project management software

Wrike

Wrike is thought to be the best project management software by many. You can integrate other essential tools to turn it into a full-fledged project control center.

Wrike can help you to:

  • Improve collaboration across departments
  • Manage feedback process
  • Get timely status updates
  • Visualize team progress in real-time

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Wrike Pricing: Wrike has four plans: Free (with limited features), Professional, Business, and Enterprise. The paid plan starts at $9.80 monthly for one user. You can try Wrike for free for 2 weeks.

Teamgantt

Teamgantt is the top project management tool to help you create comprehensive Gantt charts to plan, schedule, and manage different projects.

This project management app can also help you keep your budget and expenses in control.

Teamgantt software package comes with these following features:

  • Schedule tasks for different teams
  • Organize files and conversations
  • Time tracking
  • Manage project workflow easily

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.

Teamgantt Pricing: It has four plans: Free (for individual use), Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise. The Standard plan starts at $24.95 per month for one user. You can try this tool for free for 30 days.

Gantt Charts

Gantt Charts are used to show activities displayed against time. And a good thing about Gantt Charts is you can find several tools to make them.

The subscription plans for Gantt chart software vary from one tool to another.

You can find more information about Gantt Charts here.

Basecamp

Basecamp is one of the best project management software tools to help you and your teams stay organized and work better.

From message boards to to-dos and document management to file storage, it has everything available in one place. So, it is no surprise that Basecamp is loved by thousands of project management teams.

Basecamp has the following key features to manage complex projects:

  • Get assignments’ overview at once
  • Catch up on project-related updates
  • Interact with everyone directly
  • Minimize notifications and distractions

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Basecamp Pricing: Basecamp offers two plans: Personal, which is free but has limited features, and Business. The paid Business plan costs $99 per month. You can also test Basecamp free for 30 days.

Monday.com

Monday.com helps in achieving effective and productive workflow management. It comes with multiple templates to plan and organize all your team’s work.

With monday.com, you can:

  • Collaborate over marketing campaigns
  • Manage your IT operations better
  • Take care of recruitment and onboarding
  • Save time on repetitive processes

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Monday.com Pricing: This cloud-based tool has five plans: Individual (Free), Basic, Standard, Pro, and Enterprise. The basic plan starts at $8 monthly for one user. The company also offers a 14-day free trial.

ProjectManager.com

ProjectManager is an online platform that provides project planning and scheduling features along with team collaboration tools.

ProjectManager.com has the following key features for managing projects:

  • Keep track of tasks and budget
  • Manage to-do lists and team calendar
  • Track workload and costs
  • Create customized reports

Compatible with: Windows and Mac devices

ProjectManager Pricing: ProjectManager offers four plans: Starter (free for up to 3 users), Team, Business, and Enterprise. To access the premium features of ProjectManager, you’ll need to pay at least $14 per month, depending on the selected package. Additionally, you can try it free for 30 days.

Deltek WorkBook

Deltek WorkBook is designed for agencies and in-house teams to help streamline their projects, human resource, and finances. It provides full control and flexibility over the processes.

It can help you:

  • Plan project and allocate resources
  • Budget costs in advance
  • Manage tasks with time tracking
  • Build a transparent relationship with clients

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Deltek WorkBook Pricing: Deltek WorkBook has four packages: Projects, Projects + CRM, Projects + Finance, and Full Suite. You’ve to request a quote from the website to get the price.

ClickUp

ClickUp is a project management tool that combines documents, emails, events, time tracking, resource management, and much more in one platform.

It enables you to:

  • Get an overview of all tasks and sync them with calendar reminders
  • Communicate with connected teams directly
  • Create and manage knowledge base docs

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.

ClickUp Pricing: It has four plans: Free Forever (with limited features), Unlimited, Business, and Enterprise. The unlimited plan starts at $5 monthly for one user. It doesn’t offer a free trial of its premium plans.

Teamwork

Teamwork helps you manage multiple complex projects easily. It comes with time tracking, invoicing, client access, and other important features.

With Teamwork, you can:

  • View all task lists in one place
  • Automate your workflow
  • Keep track of time spent
  • Optimize your resources better

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Teamwork Pricing: Teamwork has four plans: Free Forever (for individuals), Deliver, Grow, and Enterprise. The paid plans begin at $10 monthly for one user and go upward. You can also try it for free for 30 days.

project management software

FreedCamp

FreedCamp helps manage different task lists and collaborate with involved teams efficiently. It also has additional features to keep clients updated.

FreedCamp has the following features for managing projects:

  • Streamline projects, processes, and task lists
  • Track working hours and raised issues
  • Manage and edit documents easily
  • Back up the data on your systems

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

FreedCamp Pricing: It has four plans: Free (with only the essential features), Minimalist, Business, and Enterprise. Paid packages start at $1.49 per user for a month. And you can try it for free for 14 days.

 

Redbooth

Redbooth is an online tool designed for flexible project management and team communication. Additionally, it is useful for planning and scheduling tasks.

Here are key highlights of Redbooth:

  • Keep an eye on all task lists
  • Delegate responsibilities to concerned employees
  • Conduct video meetings instantly
  • Get customized reports

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Redbooth Pricing: It has four plans: Free (with basic features, limited to 2 users), Pro, Business, and Enterprise. The Pro plan starts at $9 per user, per month. A 14-day free trial is also available.

Notion

Notion acts as an all-in-one-workspace to keep all notes, tasks, and databases as different content blocks. It is a handy tool to plan projects and stay organized.

Notion has the following features to manage projects and tasks:

  • Create and manage campaigns
  • Get a bird’s-eye view of tasks
  • Handle documentation and templates
  • Share information with the concerned members easily

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Notion Pricing: Notion has four plans: Personal (free with limited features), Personal Pro, Team, and Enterprise. The Team and Enterprise plans are meant for companies. And its paid plans start at $8 monthly for one user. And you can use it for free for up to 1000 content blocks.

Scora

Scoro is designed to help professional service businesses. It is a work management software package to handle projects, quotations, billing, and much more.

Scoro helps you:

  • Plan and prioritize your work for better work management
  • Monitor calendar and working hours
  • Track everything (from project status to company sales)
  • Automate budgets and finances

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Scora Pricing: Scoro has four plans: Essential, Work Hub, Sales Hub, and Ultimate. The Essential plan starts at $26 monthly (for 5 users). And you can try it free for 14 days.

Paymo

Paymo allows you to control your team’s workflow, time, and finances, all through a cloud-based platform. It also supports integrations to automate and improve the processes.

With Paymo, you’re able to do the following and more:

  • Organize tasks and other activities
  • Provide feedback in real-time
  • Manage time-offs and holidays
  • Invoice your clients directly.

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.

Paymo Pricing: Paymo has three plans: Free, Small Office, and Business. The paid plans start at $9.95 monthly for one user. You can try Paymo for free for 15 days.

ProofHub

ProofHub is one of the best project management software packages. It can help you plan, organize, and deliver projects while keeping everyone in the loop. You can see all steps of the project in one place.

It can help you:

  • Get an overview of the timeline
  • Assign tasks to concerned employees
  • Bring files and documents in one place
  • Define custom roles and access rights

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

ProofHub Pricing: ProofHub has two plans: Essential and Ultimate Control. The Essential plan starts at $45 for a month. And you can try it for free for 14 days.

nTask

nTask is a powerful online software to simplify project planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. It has Kanban Boards, Gantt Charts, and other tools to help you manage your work.

With nTask, you’ll be able to do the following and more:

  • Track progress with interactive Gantt charts
  • Communicate and collaborate with the involved teams
  • Manage meetings and follow-ups easily
  • Monitor time spent on different tasks

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

nTask Pricing: There are four available plans: Basic (free), Premium, Business, and Enterprise. The paid plans begin at $2.99 per month for a single user and increase from there. Additionally, you can test it for free for 14 days.

Workzone

Workzone is a project management tool to help you deliver projects on time, measure, and improve the results. It has to-do lists, document sharing, automated alerts, and many other features.

Workzone allows you to:

  • See everything in a glance
  • Review documents with ease
  • Keep a watch on the project budget
  • Get detailed reports and team insights

Compatible with: Windows and Mac devices.

Workzone Pricing: Workzone has three plans: Team, Professional, and Enterprise. The Team plan begins at $24 monthly for one user (for a team of 15). A free trial is not available, but you can request a demo from its website.

Citrix Podio

Citrix Podio is one of the best project management software to make your teams work in sync and communicate effectively. It brings all content, conversations, and processes to one platform.

Citrix Podio can help you:

  • Automate recurring workflows
  • Schedule meetings using a shared calendar
  • Upload and attach files with content
  • Search all content and conversations

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Citrix Pricing: Citrix offers four plans: Free (for up to 5 users), Basic, Plus, and Premium. The Basic plan begins at $7.20 per month for a single user. A product demo can be requested from its website.

project management software

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is an intuitive and simple project management tool to set up and get started with your projects. It is flexible and integrates well with the Microsoft ecosystem.

With Microsoft Project, you can:

  • View all active projects at once
  • Generate interactive reports
  • Manage and optimize resources
  • Share files and chat with your team

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, and Linux devices.

Microsoft Project Pricing: It comes with three plans, starting with $10 monthly for one user. You can also try it for free for 30 days. Check its website for further details.

Kintone

Kintone shared platform helps you with creating low-code apps to automate workflows and processes. You can have apps to manage all tasks across the organization.

Key highlights of Kintone apps include but are not limited to:

  • Create and manage databases
  • Prioritize tasks across projects
  • Set up custom reminders
  • Communicate with the team easily

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Kintone Pricing: Kintone has two packages for businesses: Professional and Enterprise. These plans start at $24 monthly for one user. A 30-day free trial is also available.

Jira

Jira management tool is designed for software teams to plan, build and release software easily. It provides transparency and real-time updates to project workflows.

With Jira, you can:

  • Distribute tasks across the team members
  • Be updated with recent changes
  • Develop and deploy software with agility
  • Automate your development workflow

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.

Jira Pricing: Jira comes with four plans: Free (for up to 10 users), Standard, Premium, and Enterprise. The Standard plan starts at $7 monthly for one user. A 7-day free trial is also available.

Smartsheet

Smartsheet platform helps you manage projects, automate workflows and organize all processes to build solutions.

It can help you:

  • Automate repetitive tasks
  • Sync data across systems
  • Distribute assets efficiently
  • Manage and review in real-time

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Smartsheet Pricing: It has two plans for businesses: Business and Enterprise. You can visit the website to request subscription costs. A 30-day free trial is also available.

Nutcache

Nutcache is a management software to track your projects & tasks from start to finish. It can help you visually organize your processes.

Nutcase enables you to:

  • Manage documents and other resources
  • Record and track working hours
  • Invoice projects and get paid easily
  • Track budgets to control expenses

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Nutcache Pricing: It has three plans for businesses: Free (with limited features), Pro, and Enterprise. The Pro plan starts at $6 monthly for one user. You can also try this tool for free.

Hive

Hive helps your team work together with collaborative note-taking, task tracking, and interactive meetings. It comes with powerful proofing and annotation tools.

With Hive, you’ll be able to do the following and more:

  • Assign tasks from a central dashboard
  • Get an overview of available resources
  • Improve performance through analytics
  • Collect and manage regular feedback
  • Flexible project views

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Hive Pricing: Hive comes with a base package (with all the essential features) starting at $12 monthly for one user. You can try it for free for 14 days.

Workfront

Workfront is an online work management platform by Adobe. It has tools to manage documents, plan workflows, expedite approvals, and much more.

Workfront helps you:

  • Plan, execute, and review campaigns
  • Prioritize tasks for better efficiency
  • Get real-time team and project insights
  • Create transparent client experience

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Workfront Pricing: Workfront has four packages: Team, Pro, Business, and Enterprise. You can request customized costs of different plans through its website.

Kissflow Project

Kissflow Project helps you manage your projects and improve team efficiency. You can visualize and filter the flow of your work with this tool:

With Kissflow Project, you can:

  • Organize tasks for easy access
  • Get accurate information on projects
  • Communicate and share files
  • Stay ahead of deadlines with alerts

Compatible with: Windows and Mac devices

Kissflow Project Pricing: It has four plans: Free (accessible to 3 users to manage 1 project), Starter, Professional, and Enterprise. The paid plans start at $35 for a month. And you can try Kissflow free for 14 days.

project management software

Clarizen

Clarizen helps you simplify the entire work lifecycle and accomplish your goals. It has different work styles and hybrid methodologies to suit individual project needs.

With Clarizen, you’re able to:

  • Set up a manageable project workflow
  • Connect and engage your workforce
  • Keep all discussions and files together
  • Minimize delays and improve outcomes

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Clarizen Pricing: There are two available plans: the Enterprise Edition and the Unlimited Edition. Customized pricing can be requested via its website.

Airtable

Airtable helps you create customized solutions to manage all the tasks. It is similar to a spreadsheet, but with the power of a database tool.

The best part of using Airtable is you have toggle navigation to look at multiple formats like a spreadsheet, Kanban board, or calendar.

You can use it to:

  • Distribute resources across teams
  • Manage budgets and expenses
  • Automate information sharing
  • Keep track of all the data

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Airtable Pricing: Airtable has four plans: Free (with limited features), Plus, Pro and Enterprise. They’re available starting at $10 monthly for one user. It also offers a free trial for 14 days.

GanttPRO

GanttPRO is an online project management tool based on Gantt charts. It helps in smooth team collaboration while keeping clients in the loop.

With GanttPRO, you’ll be able to do the following and more:

  • Plan project workflow and budget
  • Distribute tasks to the involved teams
  • Track progress on a visual timeline
  • Manage day-offs and vacations

Compatible with: Windows and Mac devices.

GanttPRO Pricing: GanttPRO has two plans for businesses: Team and Enterprise. Its Team plan starts at $8.90 monthly for one user. It also offers a free trial for 14 days.

Chanty

Chanty simplifies team communication and task management, allowing you to stay connected with all team members while keeping track of progress.

You can use Chanty to:

  • Stay updated via text, voice, or video
  • Create and manage tasks smartly
  • Get all tasks, files, and links together
  • Automate workflow with integrations

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.

Chany Pricing: Chanty’s Business plan starts at $3 per user, per month. It also has a free plan, with limited features, for teams with up to 10 users.

Timely

Timely is easy-to-use project management software tool. Its key highlights include:

  • Project tracking
  • Time tracking
  • Team tracking

Compatible with: This project management app is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Timely Pricing: Timley has three plans – Starter, Premium, and Unlimited. If billed annually, the Starter package of this project management software will cost you $8 monthly.

Yodiz

Yodiz is an Agile Scrum tool to maximize team efficiency and wrap up projects faster. From project planning to customer support, it brings many functions together.

Yodiz can help you to:

  • Define customer journeys
  • Screenshot and annotate project issues
  • Engage with the team in real-time
  • Get actionable smart analytics

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Yodiz Pricing: It has four plans: Starter (free, for up to 3 users), Issue Tracker, Agile Tool, and Self Hosted. Its paid plan starts at $3 monthly for one user. You can also try it for free for 30 days.

Todoist

Todoist enables you to organize tasks easily. It has reminders, task filters, and many other features to help you manage the workload.

Todoist comes handy when you have to:

  • Delegate tasks to your team
  • Handle repetitive tasks
  • Keep an eye on all important tasks
  • Share files and discuss details

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and wearable devices.

Todoist Pricing: Todoist has three pans – Free, Pro, and Business. The business plan starts at $5 monthly for one user. You can also try it free for 30 days.

project management software

Forecast

Forecast helps you manage all your projects, resources, and finances in one easy-to-use platform. It provides full data visibility to teams and transparency to clients.

With Forecast, you can:

  • Plan projects with the help of AI
  • Reduce time spent on repeat tasks
  • Allocate resources efficiently
  • Manage working hours and time-offs

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Forecast Pricing: Forecast has three plans: Lite, Pro, and Plus. The Lite plan starts at €27 monthly for one user. You can try it free for 14 days.

Confluence

Confluence is a hassle-free collaboration software package for teams working on critical projects. It is equipped with tools and templates to get started easily and work securely.

Confluence helps you to:

  • Edit and provide feedback in real-time
  • Create and manage knowledge base
  • Get personalized project status feed
  • Build a culture of open teamwork

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Confluence Pricing: It comes with four plans: Free (for up to 10 users), Standard, Premium, and Enterprise. The Standard plan starts at $5 monthly for one user. You can try it free for seven days.

Accelo

Accelo helps service businesses with project planning, execution, and delivery. It handles everything, from time tracking and reporting to billing.

With Accelo, you can:

  • Build and nurture client relationships
  • Assign tasks to the team
  • Automate recurring processes
  • Manage contracts and retainers effortlessly

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Accelo Pricing: Accelo has four regular plans: Projects, Sales, Retainers, and Service, each available at $39 per month and with a free 14-day trial.

It also offers an all-in-one ServOps plan that will cost you $79 per month.

Mavenlink

Mavenlink is a professional services automation tool that brings together project management, resource management, and team collaboration on one platform.

It enables you to:

  • Manage timelines and budgets
  • Delegate tasks efficiently
  • Respond to changes in real-time
  • Improve client engagements

Compatible with: Windows and Mac devices.

Mavenlink Pricing: You have to request customized cost or schedule a demo through its website.

Nifty

Nifty enables you to centralize your work operations and keep the tasks and their dependencies in sync. It has tools for communication, scheduling, meeting, and many more functions.

You can use Nifty to:

  • Manage feedback and deadlines
  • Streamline time and resources
  • Store and edit documents together
  • Have real-time discussions

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Nifty Pricing: Nifty offers four packages: Starter, Pro, Business, and Enterprise. The Starter plan starts at $39 monthly. You can try this tool for free for up to 14 days.

Liquid Planner

LiquidPlanner comes with predictive tools to plan projects, schedule tasks, create estimates and do many more things. It is a software package that predicts when work will be done.

With LiquidPlanner, you can:

  • Organize and manage tasks
  • Understand how everyone spends time
  • Optimize and distribute the workload
  • Make informed decisions with insights

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Liquid Planner Pricing: LiquidPlanner comes with four plans: Free (limited to 10 users and 3 projects), Essentials, Professional and Ultimate. The Essential plan starts at $15 monthly for one user. You can try this tool for free for 14 days.

Project.co

Project.co is a handy tool for creative teams to keep projects on the envisioned track. It can help you manage all projects in one place while improving teamwork.

Project.co helps you to:

  • Keep track of every communication
  • Manage files, tasks, and other project assets
  • Track time and payments
  • Bring clients in sync

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Project.co Pricing: It comes with one ‘Everything Unlimited” plan, which is priced at $10 monthly for one user. After signing up, you can try this tool for free for 14 days.

Hitask

Hitask comes with an easy-to-use project management dashboard to organize your tasks and manage teams. It supports multi-platform operations to manage work on the go.

With Hitask, you can:

  • Share tasks with multiple team members
  • Track time spent on tasks
  • Drag and drop files on demand
  • Exchange messages and track issues

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Hitask Pricing: Hitask offers three plans: Team Free (free, for up to 5 users), Team Business, and Enterprise. Its paid plan starts at $5 per user, per month. The company offers a free trial.

project management software

Toggl Plan

Toggl Plan helps you plan projects and manage teams with ease. It comes with features like drag-and-drop scheduling, file sharing, reporting, and more.

It enables you to:

  • Divide projects into milestones
  • Add files, notes, and checklists to tasks
  • Share plans and timeline with the team
  • Comment and provide feedback

Compatible with: Windows and Mac devices.

Toggl Plan Pricing: Toggl Plan comes with two packages for businesses: Team and Business. Its subscription cost starts at $8 monthly for one user. You can try this tool for free for 14 days.

ActiveCollab

ActiveCollab brings together project management, time tracking, and invoicing under one hood. It helps you organize the entire workflow from start to finish.

With ActiveCollab, you can:

  • Manage meetings and projects together
  • Monitor important projects easily
  • Search for information quickly
  • Invite and collaborate with clients

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

ActiveCollab Pricing: It has three plans: Free (with limited features), Plus, and Pro. The Pro plan starts at $6.25 monthly for one user. You can try this tool for free for 14 days.

Cascade

Cascade assists you in planning strategies and fostering teamwork. It ensures that daily tasks are aligned with the key goals that drive your growth.

It enables you to:

  • Put objectives, projects, and KPIs together
  • Build accountability and transparency
  • Visualize the activity of the entire organization
  • Translate strategy into execution

Compatible with: Windows and Mac devices.

Cascade Pricing: It has two paid plans: Teams and Enterprise. Its paid plan starts at $58 per user for a month. Cascade doesn’t have a free plan. But it offers a free trial to explore the benefits.

Agilean

Agilan is a workflow management tool with the sole purpose to make your team more agile. It is a combination of Objectives & Key Results (OKR) and agile software.

With Agilean, you’re able to:

  • Create and assign tasks to the team
  • Get clear visibility of project progress
  • Pause unwanted ongoing work
  • Find detailed analytics

Compatible with: Windows and Mac devices.

Agilean Pricing: Agilean’s paid plan starts at $5 per user, per month with all features bundled in one package. It also offers a 30-day free trial.

Epicflow

Epicflow provides you with all the necessary tools to manage projects and achieve your company’s objectives faster. It has a Gantt chart, predictive what-if analysis, and many more features.

Epicflow allows you to:

  • Monitor progress of all projects
  • Analyze team performance
  • Allocate resources efficiently
  • Prioritize tasks and assign them

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Epicflow Pricing: You have to request a demo from its website to get the subscription details.

Backlog

Backlog helps software developers organize, discuss, and track the overall progress all in one place. It also has essential tools to manage code versions.

With Backlog, you can:

  • Manage tasks with a task hierarchy
  • Keep related project files together
  • Communicate with multiple teams easily
  • Secure workspace with IP restrictions

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Backlog Pricing: It has five plans: Free (for up to 10 users), Starter, Standard, Premium, and Enterprise. The Starter plan starts at $35 per month. It comes with a 30-day free trial.

Flowlu

Flowlu is a project management software package with all the essential tools to run your company. It can help you handle projects, finances, customer relationships, and many more essential things.

It helps you to:

  • Automate repetitive workflows and tasks
  • Track time spent across projects
  • Generate automated invoices and estimates
  • Improve sales and lead onboarding

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Flowlu Pricing: Flowlu offers five plans: Free (for 2 users), Team, Business, Professional, and Enterprise. The paid plans begin at $29 per month, and a 14-day free trial is available.

FunctionFox

FunctionFox is a simple online timesheet coupled with project management tools. It can help you keep all your projects on track, on time, and on budget.

With FunctionFox, you can:

  • Estimate project budgets
  • Streamline internal communication
  • Get real-time progress updates
  • Track time and project expenses

Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

FunctionFox Pricing: FunctionFox has three plans: Classic, Premier, and In-house. Its subscription starts at $5 per user, per month. It doesn’t have a free plan, but you can sign up for a 14-day free trial.

project management software

What Makes Good Project Management Software?

Not all great project management software packages are created equal. The right software can make the difference between a project’s success and failure.  So, it is imperative that you should know the best project management features to pick the best tool that suits your needs.

Here are the key features that your project management tool must have:

FeatureDescription
Ease of UseThe tool should be intuitive and require minimal training. Look for templates and helpful tutorials.
Time TrackingAllows for tracking time spent on tasks and aids in client invoicing.
Kanban BoardA visualization tool to organize and manage tasks effectively.
Task ManagementEssential for organizing, tracking, and managing tasks within the project.
Team CollaborationFacilitates communication and coordination among team members from various departments.
Resource ManagementPlan and allocate both human and material resources efficiently.
Project Plan Creation & ManagementEssential for outlining the project's direction and tracking its progress.
Budget TrackingMonitor budget utilization and ensure the project stays within financial bounds.
File SharingEnables secure and easy sharing of project-related documents among team members.

project management software

Easy to Use

A good project management software should be intuitive and user-friendly. The last thing any team needs is to grapple with a steep learning curve. Features such as a project plan template can simplify the process.

It should offer straightforward functionalities, with a clear and clean user interface. Features like drag-and-drop, simple task creation, and easy-to-understand dashboards can make a tool much more accessible.

The presence of onboarding resources, like video tutorials or customer support, can further ease the transition for your team. Tools like Trello and Asana, for example, are renowned for their simplicity and ease of adoption.

Time Tracking

Understanding where your team’s time is going can be crucial in optimizing productivity and ensuring timely project delivery. A good project management software should allow members to log the time they spend on tasks.

This not only aids in billing and invoicing but also helps in evaluating the efficiency of the team and refining processes. With tools like Mavenlink and Wrike, teams can precisely track their time, leading to more informed decision-making.

Kanban Board

Visual representation can significantly enhance the way teams handle tasks. Kanban boards provide a clear picture of task status, helping prioritize tasks and ensure smooth workflow. With columns typically representing stages of a process, moving tasks becomes a breeze.

Tools like ProofHub, Trello, and Zoho Projects make it easy to implement and maintain these boards, helping teams stay organized.

Task Management

Being able to efficiently assign, monitor, and manage tasks is the crux of any project management software. The software should allow for easy categorization, prioritization, and status updates of tasks.

Features such as recurring tasks, dependencies, and sub-tasks can elevate a tool’s utility. Both Asana and Basecamp shine in this regard, offering comprehensive task management solutions.

Team Collaboration

Projects often involve diverse teams and cross-functional collaboration. Therefore, your chosen software should promote easy communication and collaboration. Features like chat, comment sections, and notification settings can ensure everyone is on the same page.

Tools like Asana, nTask, and Chanty facilitate smooth team interaction, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned.

Resource Management

Efficient allocation and monitoring of resources, both human and material, can significantly impact project outcomes. Your software should allow for capacity planning, resource allocation, and tracking. This ensures that no resource is overburdened or underutilized.

Mavenlink, Monday.com, and Forecast are known for their resource management capabilities.

Creation and Management of Project Plans

Project plans lay the foundation for execution. Good project management software should support the creation, modification, and tracking of these plans. The ability to set milestones, create timelines, and adjust as per real-time developments is crucial.

Asana and nTask offer robust features in this domain, helping managers stay on top of project trajectories.

Budget Tracking

Financial prudence can make or break a project. Therefore, your project management tool should offer budget tracking capabilities. This enables managers to monitor expenses, forecast costs, and ensure that the project remains within financial bounds.

With tools like Wrike and ProjectManager.com, budgeting becomes more structured and transparent.

File Sharing

The ability to share and access files seamlessly can significantly streamline workflows. Your software should offer secure file storage and sharing capabilities. This ensures that team members can collaborate on documents, designs, or any other project-related file with ease.

Tools like Smartsheet and Trello, with their efficient file sharing mechanisms, enhance collaborative efforts.

project management software

The Importance of Project Management Software

Project management tools are integral in the modern business landscape. Here a look at why these tools are so advantageous:

  • Better Planning and Scheduling: Proper planning lays the foundation for any successful project. With project management tools, teams can set realistic timelines, allocate resources wisely, and set clear milestones. This ensures that every phase of the project is well-organized and that the team knows the path ahead, reducing the chances of costly overruns.
  • Improved Collaboration: In the age of remote work and distributed teams, collaboration becomes paramount. Project management tools bridge the geographical gap, allowing teams from different parts of the world to work in tandem. Features like chat, comment sections, and real-time updates ensure everyone remains in sync.
  • Efficient Task Delegation: Knowing who is doing what is crucial for smooth project execution. With project management software, leaders can assign tasks to team members with clarity. It also allows managers to monitor progress and ensure that no one is overwhelmed with too many tasks.
  • Easy File Sharing: Gone are the days of long email chains with attachments. Modern project management tools offer centralized storage solutions. This means team members can upload, share, and collaborate on documents or other project-related files seamlessly, ensuring that everyone has access to the latest versions.
  • Enhanced Communication Among Stakeholders: Stakeholders, whether they’re team members, clients, or executives, need to be kept in the loop. Project management tools streamline communications, allowing for regular updates, feedback loops, and ensuring that all parties are well-informed about project status and developments.
  • Improved Productivity: One of the most tangible benefits of using a project management tool is the uptick in productivity. With tasks clearly defined, resources properly allocated, and timelines set, team members can focus on their work without unnecessary disruptions. The structured approach minimizes downtime and enhances overall efficiency.

An essential aspect to consider is that a comprehensive project management software solution enables efficient resource management.

This means not just allocating human resources efficiently but also ensuring that equipment, budget, and other critical resources are utilized optimally. This holistic approach ensures that projects run smoothly from inception to completion.

What is the best project management software?

The best project management software includes but are not limited to Zoho Projects, Trello, Basecamp, and Asana. If you want a project management tool that costs you a reasonable price and has a simple user interface, you should take Zoho Projects for a spin.

What software do project managers use?

Project managers use Asana, Trello, Basecamp, and other software project management software that fulfill their requirements. As there is no one-fits-all kind of project management tool, you will come across a variety of project management apps used by project managers.

What is the easiest project management software?

The easiest project management software package, in our opinion, is Trello. You can manage various projects with Trello using visual task boards. However, you may find any other project management app easiest. So, it is imperative that you should try several project management solutions before you buy one.

What is the best free project management software?

The best project management software package, in our opinion, is from Asana. It is an easy-to-use tool that allows your teams to know what to do, how to do it, and why it matters. For rich project management features and reporting tools, you can opt for Asana Premium.

Does Google have project management software?

No, Google doesn’t have project management software. However, you can use Google Sheet to create project plans and Gantt chart timelines.

What are the 5 stages of project management?

The five stages of project management include:

  • Initiating
  • Planning
  • Executing
  • Controlling
  • Closing

(Source: PMI)

Image: Depositphotos


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Leland McFarland Leland McFarland is the Chief Technology Officer at Small Business Trends. He is responsible for all technical aspects of the Small Business Trends network of websites. Leland is responsible for programming, design and maintenance of the sites, as well as server administration. He has performed work for Small Business Trends since 2010.