Using project report templates, like a weekly status report template, ensure these reports are created quickly and effectively.

Why Use a Project Report Template?

No matter how thoroughly a project is planned, the unexpected is bound to happen. Project reports document these changes, whether good or bad, and inform future strategies. Without regularly completing project reports, valuable information and insights is missed out on.

Status reports are an example of how reporting directly impacts a project, in both the short-term and long-term. These weekly reports outline many details about a project, and using a weekly status report template can save you from leaving gaps in the information. Project report templates also keep these reports consistent and organized throughout the life of the project. Disorganized, or “messy” project reporting is a major pitfall.

Using a project report template ensures you’re getting the most from the data and presenting it to stakeholders in the right way.

Free Project Report Templates

Regardless of the project report, the document must convey information concisely—but that doesn’t mean the data should suffer. The challenge is providing information most efficiently. A project reporting template strikes a balance between too much detail and oversimplified reports that are useless to stakeholders.

Project reporting templates make reporting easier and the data more straightforward. Each of the following free project report templates is designed for a specific purpose and focuses on different information.

1. Weekly Status Report Template

A weekly project status report does exactly what one would think — it documents specific information during a project. These reports should be created throughout the life of a project to illustrate changes, whether that be successes or failures. A weekly status report is the first step toward understanding if a project is going smoothly.

Our weekly status report template covers all the bases and presents information efficiently. This template includes major details such as an executive summary, project milestones, issues, risks and past and future projections.

This status report template also ensures the information is presented in a way that makes the most logical sense. The executive summary defines the project and discusses goals and projections. It doesn’t make sense to present potential risks and changes to stakeholders before they’re hooked on the executive summary.

2. Project Dashboard Template

A project dashboard is one of the most widely used project management tools. Our dashboard template is a visual tool to view the project’s current status, health, calendar and more. It’s a great complement to our weekly status report template.

A dashboard should include tasks, task lengths, costs and workload, but it shouldn’t necessarily illustrate the minutiae of them. Use this free project dashboard template to keep it simple without needing an oversaturated dashboard. Or if you’re looking for a dashboard for managing multiple projects or tracking the performance of your business operations, you can use our free KPI dashboard template for projects and businesses.

3. Project Progress Report Template

A project progress template helps project managers compare actual progress against the projections and estimates included in the project plan. A progress report is a critical project management tool that works for both tracking and reporting.

4. Risk Register Template

As the project continues, new risks are bound to crop up. There’s no way to foresee every potential risk during the project planning phase, so reporting on new issues as they appear is required. This way, problems are identified before they happen and you gain a better understanding of what to look out for in future projects.

A risk register should include each potential risk and the impact it could have. It should also categorize the risk and describe what steps were taken in order to avoid it.

While many of these risks will never become reality, it’s crucial to document and plan for them. Projects without risk registers walk the tightrope with no safety net. They also don’t inform future projects. Keeping a running list with this risk register template turns risks into references for the future.

5. Executive Project Status Report Template

Sometimes, senior leaders need a quick, clear snapshot of a project’s overall health. Unlike detailed team reports, this template focuses on the information executives care about most: project status, major milestones, key accomplishments, upcoming work, risks or issues, budget or timeline concerns and any decisions or support needed.

Its purpose is to simplify communication and keep leadership aligned without overwhelming them with details. By using a template, project managers can present updates consistently, highlight what truly matters and help executives make fast, informed decisions.

6. Change Log Template

A change log is similar to a risk register. However, in a risk register, these are potential risks. In a change log, these are actual changes that took place. A change log template is where major changes in the project, what actions were taken to resolve them when the matter was resolved and other details will be listed.

Why not add this information to a weekly status report? These are specific, unusual circumstances throughout the life of the project that need to be in one location.

A change log template organizes the information about changes and what steps were taken to address them in one chronological list. Remember, a project report template is supposed to be a point of reference for project managers experiencing changes in future projects. An organized change log shows what responses worked in the past and what didn’t.

7. Project Update Template

Project updates are integral to project reporting. Using a project update template benefits teams and stakeholders because it imposes consistency and clarity on reporting, making updates faster to prepare and easier to read. It ensures essential information isn’t overlooked, helps track progress, flag problems early, and communicate changes transparently.

With a consistent format, stakeholders always know where to find key information like accomplishments, upcoming work, risks and overall project health. This reduces confusion, saves time and ensures nothing critical is overlooked.

8. Project Closure Report Template

At the end of the project, it’s time to wrap up and get stakeholder sign-offs with a project closure template. This report is the final sprint in the marathon of managing a successful project. Without this final push, all the hard work up to this point loses value.

A project closure report includes documentation of everything needed to complete the project, as well as any outstanding items that have not been completed. This report should summarize objectives, criteria for completion, successes, failures and lessons learned. It should also provide information about time spent, budget, scope and schedule.

A project closure report sometimes asks for abstract information. Listing all the major takeaways from a project sounds challenging, but this free project closure template makes it as simple as following a checklist.

9. Post-Mortem Project Report Template

A post-mortem is a medical term that refers to the examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death. In project management, the post-mortem is a report on a project that has just been completed, reviewing what worked and what didn’t.

Download this free port-mortem template for Word and get a project report template that details the good, bad and ugly of a recently delivered project. This allows the project manager, team and stakeholders to honestly assess the project, issues and all, to apply what’s learned to the next project.

This free project report template crucially outlines what the initial expectations were. There’s space to list the project milestones, achievements and obstacles. Stakeholders has a place to give their perspective, too, making this a comprehensive look at past projects to improve future ones.

10. KPI Dashboard Template

Project report templates don’t have to look back at a closed project; they can be very helpful for tracking the progress of a current one. Being able to get a lot of data on the performance, cost, workload and more when managing a project provides information to make more insightful decisions.

Download this KPI dashboard template for Excel to get valuable data that helps deliver projects on time, within budget and meeting quality standards. Project managers can use this project report template to quickly identify trends and respond to challenges or opportunities when they arise.

This project report has charts and graphs that help deliver projects and businesses alike. There are key performance indicators for budget, a yearly pay/loss overview, task status, resource planning, workload analysis and more.

11. Lessons Learned Report Template

When a project is over, it’s not finished. There are documents to sign, teams to release to other projects and more paperwork. But the last and possibly most important item of business is documenting the knowledge obtained from the execution of the project.

This free lessons learned template for Excel is a way to capture that knowledge, both positive and negative. Like the post-mortem, this project report template allows the team to reflect on the project and figure out how the next one can be better managed.

The lessons learned template divides each topic discussed as a win or an issue. From there, the team will describe what happened and its impact on the project. That leads to how it might change future projects and then a list of action items to address the win or issue.

12. Change Impact Report Template

Change is a given when managing a project. That doesn’t mean project managers and business leaders just let it happen. They use this free change impact assessment template for Excel to understand how the change will affect the people, process and projects they’re involved with.

Using this project report template can inform resource allocation and reduce the risk associated with the change. It helps analyze the type and extent of the change, and its impact on different departments in the organization, from employees to project teams, processes, technology and more.

The free project report template has space to describe the current state of the operation or business process. Then there’s a place to define the desired state. Next, the proposed change is explained and a list of questions will be provided to estimate the impact of the change.

13. Highlight Report Template

A highlight report is a brief, high-level summary that gives stakeholders a snapshot of a project’s current status over a defined reporting period. This highlight report template keeps sponsors and stakeholders informed without overwhelming them with detail.

It focuses on what has changed since the last report, what needs attention and whether the project remains on track. Regular highlight reports improve transparency, support timely decision-making and help maintain alignment across teams.

14. After Action Report Template

This structured document is used after a project, event, campaign or any major initiative is completed. It helps teams review what happened, compare outcomes to what was planned and reflect on successes and failures.

Using an after-action report template benefits stakeholders by ensuring that insights and outcomes are consistently documented and shared. Rather than leaving conclusions in people’s heads (or scattered notes), the template forces teams to articulate what worked, what failed and why, which builds organizational memory.

15. Daily Report Template

Before a project manager can solve delays, resource conflicts or missed deadlines, they need visibility into what happened during the workday. A daily report provides that visibility by documenting completed work, active tasks and upcoming activities. It serves as a running record of project execution that helps teams identify trends, monitor productivity and communicate progress between formal status reporting periods.

Using this daily report template, team members can capture completed tasks, track work currently in progress and prepare upcoming assignments for the next reporting period. Dedicated fields for priorities, dates, deliverables, task owners and progress updates create a structured daily record that project managers can use to monitor execution and keep stakeholders informed.

16. Impact Report Template

Completing a project on time and within budget doesn’t necessarily mean it delivered the expected results. An impact report evaluates whether a project achieved its intended outcomes by measuring actual results against the goals established during planning. Organizations use impact reports to demonstrate value, justify investments and determine whether an initiative produced meaningful benefits for stakeholders, customers or the business.

Rather than focusing on project activities, this impact report template focuses on project results. Users can document objectives, audience reach, performance metrics, financial outcomes and schedule performance before analyzing lessons learned. The template also includes a Gantt chart for timeline review, helping teams understand not only what was achieved but also the factors that influenced project outcomes.

17. Issue Report Template

Not every project problem requires executive attention, but some issues become serious enough to threaten scope, schedule, budget or quality objectives. An issue report provides a detailed assessment of those problems, giving stakeholders the information needed to evaluate impacts and determine an appropriate response. These reports are commonly used when project teams need decisions, approvals or support to resolve a significant issue.

When an issue needs formal escalation, this issue report template provides a framework for documenting the situation and its potential consequences. Teams can record issue details, affected project areas, severity ratings, estimated impacts, mitigation plans and ownership assignments. By consolidating that information into a single report, stakeholders can evaluate risks and make informed decisions more quickly.

18. Incident Report Template

Unexpected events such as accidents, equipment failures, security breaches or workplace injuries often require immediate documentation. An incident report creates an official record of what occurred, when it happened, who was involved and what consequences resulted from the event. Project teams use these reports to support investigations, satisfy compliance requirements and establish an accurate account of incidents that affect project operations.

Once an incident occurs, this incident report template guides users through documenting the relevant facts in a consistent format. Sections for event details, affected personnel, damages, witness statements and corrective actions help create a complete record for management teams, safety officers, insurers or regulators responsible for reviewing the incident and determining next steps.

The Value of a Perfect Report

All too often, projects are managed without reflecting on the successes and failures of past projects. The best projects are informed by past reports and create reports with the future in mind. Using project reporting templates means each report created is part of a larger reference for the future.

Whether reporting on agile projects, programs, products, or managing any other type of project, there is a template that will benefit your reporting and results. This can mean simplifying your workflow and improving deliverables.

Take Project Reporting Further with ProjectManager

Using project templates is an excellent first step in the project reporting process, but templates can only take you so far.

Fortunately, you can take project reports even further by using them in combination with project management software. Online project management software such as ProjectManager can create and share automated reports with the most up-to-date data. Take a free trial of ProjectManager and see just how much we can improve your project reporting experience.

Related Content

• Project Management Templates for Google Sheets
• 6 Project Report Examples (Free Download)
• Essential Report Templates for Excel
• Project Status Reports: The Ultimate Guide
• Project Performance Reporting: Key Performance Reports
• Understanding the Exception Report in Project Management
• 10 Plantillas de informes de proyecto gratuitas para Excel y Word

ProjectManager is a cloud-based software that allows you to manage projects and create reports from anywhere. Import your project in minutes and create reports with ease. The ProjectManager dashboard shows an easy-to-navigate overview of your project, and our reporting tools give you the power to report on the information with the click of a button. See for yourself by taking this 30-day free trial today.

The post 18 Free Project Report Templates for Excel & Word appeared first on ProjectManager.

Whether you need to plan a project, track progress, run a status report or balance a budget, you’ll find a project management template for Excel in this list that suits your needs.

Using Excel for Project Management

Microsoft Excel does a lot of things well: mathematics, analysis and organization. But, it’s not intuitive for project management due to its blank spreadsheet format. So, without using pre-built project management templates or spreadsheets, it’s hard to execute project management on Excel, especially as a team.

Think of all the things you have to process along the way to a successful project—scheduling, resource planning, defining tasks and milestones, etc. The days of Post-It notes and notebooks filled with scraps of paper are long gone. Thankfully, today project managers can use Microsoft Excel templates for project management—or better yet, project management software.

Best 54 Project Management Templates for Excel

Visit our project management templates page and you’ll find Excel and Word templates for creating all the project documents you need to manage your project. But, if you just need free Excel project management templates and spreadsheets, then look no further. Here are 38 essential project management Excel templates you can download and use right now. Transform your bland Excel spreadsheets into expertly-designed project management templates, and take your project management Excel processes to the next level.

1. Gantt Chart Template for Excel

A Gantt chart is a visual tool that helps you see at a glance the scheduling of tasks and their dependencies over the project timeline. That makes it an ideal project planner template for Excel.

While it’s true that a Gantt chart template can be overly complex in Excel spreadsheets, especially when you need more advanced scheduling features like task dependencies and resource allocation, they remain a vital part of any project manager’s toolkit. That’s why we recommend using online Gantt chart software to help plan tasks and projects collaboratively with your team.

Online Gantt chart tools integrate into project management & planning software, so they update in real time. This allows for easy drag-and-drop changes and can be color-coded to customize as you need. ProjectManager is project management software that does this and more. Try it for yourself today!

But to quickly make a Gantt chart from your task lists, download this free Gantt chart Excel template, also known as a project timeline template, for an easy way to create a project schedule. Simply add tasks and deadlines to this Excel spreadsheet and visualize how long your project will take.

2. Project Plan Template for Excel

A project plan brings structure and clarity to any initiative by defining what needs to be done, who will do it and when the work must be completed. It connects goals with actionable steps so progress can be tracked against the project schedule, project budget and project scope. By centralizing information about tasks, responsibilities, risks and resources, teams stay aligned from day one. A well-built project management plan reduces surprises, keeps decision-makers informed and helps ensure successful delivery of final outcomes.

This project plan Excel template organizes every major project planning element into one easy-to-navigate file. It includes fields for goals and success criteria, stakeholder information, task breakdowns, timelines and resource requirements, allowing entire teams to work from the same source of truth. Budget and risk sections help monitor constraints as the project advances. With a layout built for both planning and reporting, this template supports seamless coordination from project kickoff through completion.

3. Project Execution Plan Template for Excel

Turning a project’s vision into reality requires a practical roadmap that guides daily execution. A project execution plan brings structure by linking work packages to timelines, resources and performance expectations. It ensures everyone understands what needs to happen, in what order and who is accountable for each step. With clear visibility into progress, managers can respond quickly to risks or delays, keeping the initiative aligned with scope, schedule and budget targets from start to finish.

This project execution plan Excel template organizes the execution phase into a structured, trackable format. It includes fields for team roles, task priorities, estimated durations and completion percentages to ensure accountability at every step. Cost and resource columns make it easy to compare budgeted versus actual usage, helping prevent cost overruns and bottlenecks. With live status updates and timeline visibility, this template supports proactive management and ensures execution stays aligned with the overall project plan.

4. Project Charter Template for Excel

A project charter is the official document that authorizes a project to begin during the project initiation phase and defines its purpose, scope and leadership. It clarifies why the initiative exists, what success looks like and who has decision-making authority. By aligning sponsors, managers and stakeholders from the start, the project charter document reduces ambiguity and prevents miscommunication later in delivery. It also serves as a reference point for scope control, ensuring the project remains focused on its intended objectives.

This project charter Excel template captures all essential charter components in a structured layout, including roles and authority levels, project justification, high-level requirements, goals and success criteria. It also offers sections for milestone scheduling, budget summaries and major risks so leaders have full context before approving work to proceed. With stakeholder contacts and resource expectations documented early, this template streamlines kickoff and sets a strong foundation for execution and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.

5. Project Tracker Template for Excel

Tracking the project is crucial to ensure that it remains on schedule. That means also keeping tabs on the work at a task level.

This project tracker & task list template can help as a task to-do list, and it includes columns for the planned and actual duration of the project to determine what’s working and what needs more attention.

Once you integrate your project and task tracking template into a project management software system, you can then produce Gantt charts to get a clear visual on the project timeline, as well as get that data delivered to your dashboard to note project progress in real time. And, of course, you can import your Excel and Microsoft Project files seamlessly into ProjectManager. Our software can transform your static Excel files into stunning, dynamic project management tools.

6. Project Management Dashboard Template for Excel

The project dashboard is what keeps you in the driver’s seat as you travel through the lifecycle of the project. It allows you to monitor the project, tracking the task status, budget and more in one place.

From this free project management dashboard for Excel, you create graphs and charts that give you a visual and easily digestible look at your task and workload management, as well as cost. It’s a sure way to stay on top of a project generally and know where you have to drill down into specifics.

You can add more power to your PM dashboards when you use online project management software. That way, when team members are updating task statuses, the dashboards populate with real-time data.

7. Project Network Diagram Template for Excel

A project network diagram visualizes the sequence of work and how tasks depend on one another to move forward. By mapping the flow from start to finish, teams can identify the critical path—the series of activities that directly determines the project’s duration. This helps project managers anticipate delays, allocate resources strategically and improve scheduling accuracy. With clear dependencies and timing shown, a network diagram enhances planning, communication and on-time delivery of project goals.

This project network diagram Excel template lays out each task along with its duration, predecessors and dependency type, making workflow relationships easy to understand. It visually connects activities to show how progress flows step-by-step, helping users pinpoint time-sensitive tasks that require close monitoring. Whether used during initial planning or ongoing tracking, this template supports better coordination and provides a reliable foundation for critical path analysis and schedule optimization.

8. Project Status Report Template for Excel

The need for a project status report is obvious. If you don’t have good intel on what’s happening in the project, then you’re managing blindly. You have no idea if you’re on track or if resources are being blocked.

With this free Excel project status report template, you have a tool to greatly improve your project communications, both with stakeholders when you’re delivering a presentation and also with team members.

It’s up to you to decide on the frequency of the reports. But with a project status report template, a lot of the busy work that can pull you away from a project is already done, giving you greater access to the information you need.

9. Project Budget Template for Excel

A project budget is a financial plan that estimates the costs required to complete a project within its approved scope and timeframe. It includes expenses for labor, materials, equipment, services, and other necessary resources. By allocating funds to each task or phase, the budget helps teams monitor spending, control cost variances, and maintain financial accountability. Throughout execution, it serves as a reference point to evaluate performance and ensure the project remains financially viable.

With this free Excel project budget template, you can literally see when you’re in the red because it’s color-coded. And this document, more than just one that’s crucial to the start of a project, is also a way to track that budget across the lifecycle of the project.

This template has room to cover all your costs, from easy ones to collect — such as labor and materials — to ones that change or carry over from project to project. Budgets are estimates, but with this free template, those numbers will be more accurate.

10. Critical Path Template for Excel

The critical path method helps with planning and scheduling projects. It can determine the duration of the project more accurately, allocate and optimize resources efficiently and even identify risks. But calculating the critical path is complicated and pulls project managers away from more important work. Download this free critical path template for Excel and avoid the pitfalls of manually doing critical path analysis.

Use this free Excel template during the planning phase to discover the sequence of tasks that must be completed on time in order to successfully deliver a project: figure out the earliest start, earliest finish, latest start and latest finish for each task. Users can also determine slack, which is how long a task can be delayed before it negatively impacts the project schedule.

11. PERT Chart Template for Excel

PERT charts are tools to plan and schedule project tasks. PERT stands for program evaluation review technique and the PERT chart is a visual representation of the project’s timeline, which shows the relationships between various tasks. Download this free PERT chart template for Excel to visualize a project’s timeline and the relationship between various tasks. This will give project managers valuable insight into analyzing the time required to complete each task.

This free project management template for Excel works by relying on a weighted average of three factors: the most pessimistic, optimistic and likely estimates for a project’s duration. Use the PERT Chart template to do the work instead of having to calculate the complex formula.

12. Work Breakdown Structure Template for Excel

A project is made up of deliverables and those deliverables are created by tasks. The work breakdown structure (WBS) is a way to visualize the project deliverables, the tasks, and the subtasks, that are necessary to make them.

ProjectManager has a free WBS template that structures the process of breaking down the large project into smaller and smaller tasks, in a hierarchical visual that allows you to see the entire scope of the project work.

This is a key element of project planning, but it’s also critical to estimating project costs and setting up a realistic schedule. Better still, because our WBS free template is an Excel spreadsheet, it can then be uploaded into the ProjectManager software to initiate a project, assign tasks to team members and monitor and track progress once the project is executed.

13. Project Calendar Template for Excel

Another must-have project management Excel template is a project calendar. The calendar grid is familiar to most everyone, which makes it a valuable communication tool. It also provides a high-level overview of the project and its progress for stakeholders.

Download this free project calendar template for Excel to improve task management, but also foster team collaboration and communicate changes in workflow. It can also be used to show team availability, holidays, PTO and more.

This free template is easy to use and already divided into the 12 months of the year. It’s fully customizable to adjust for shorter or longer projects and can schedule both human and nonhuman resources.

14. Project Estimate Template for Excel

This free project estimate template for Excel will help you forecast a more accurate budget and realistic schedule. Before you can plan a project, you need to identify all the costs that will be associated with it. This free project management spreadsheet allows you to do a more detailed collection of what you’ll need to spend on your labor, materials and project resources.

From a job description to estimate details, this project template is a great way not only to figure out your budget but collect the various vendors and contractors you’ll be employing to help you execute the project. Create as many project phases as you require. Each is subtotaled and those subtotals are then tallied automatically for a final sum. Change is impossible to avoid when managing a project, or work plan, but the more accurate your estimate, the more likely you’ll deliver on time and within budget.

15. Action Plan Template for Excel

A project is initiated to complete the realization of a goal. But achieving that objective requires a strategy and the steps to implement that strategy successfully. In short, projects require an action plan.

Projects are pragmatic and the action plan is a framework to collect your thoughts about executing the project plan effectively and efficiently. With our free action plan template, you can fill in the blanks to ensure that you’ve covered all bases and make your project start on the right foot. It’s a great companion template to an overall project plan and project charter.

From prioritizing tasks to assigning and noting the status, timeline and resources, we have you covered. And, again, the action plan can be uploaded seamlessly into ProjectManager, so you can then use all our great features to visualize workflow with kanban boards and monitor progress with our real-time dashboard.

16. Project Update Template for Excel

Project updates give stakeholders regular visibility into progress, achievements and upcoming work. These check-ins help ensure alignment by summarizing what has been completed, what challenges have emerged and what actions are next in line. With timely updates, leaders can make confident decisions, reallocate resources when needed and keep teams focused on shared priorities. Documenting updates also creates a trackable history of performance, which strengthens accountability and supports continuous project improvement.

This project update template for Excel structures updates into clear categories such as accomplishments, completed work, upcoming tasks and key deliverables. RAG indicators highlight whether items are on track, at risk or behind schedule, making progress easy to understand at a glance. Budget, scope and quality summaries provide a snapshot of overall project health, while a risk and change log helps track issues that may affect outcomes. It’s a straightforward tool for delivering consistent and actionable status reporting.

17. Project Plan Template for Word

A project plan template has everything you need to map out your project once it’s been approved. It has space for you to define your project goals, activities and tasks as well as all the resources you’ll need to execute the work. You can begin to schedule your activities, tasks and the duration of each across a project timeline. There’s even a place to identify task dependencies.

Project plans are tailored around your project and no two are the same. That’s why this project management template has a place to add appendices.  Here is where you can attach a scope, cost and schedule management plan or a work breakdown structure (WBS) as well as your business case, feasibility study and project charter. The more detailed your project plan, the more you position yourself and your team for success when the project is executed.

18. Project Risk Template for Excel

Risk is a part of managing a project. The job involves being able to anticipate what risks are likely to occur and then formulating a response to get the project back on track. That’s where this free Excel risk-tracking template comes in.

First, it allows you to list all the possible risks you believe may happen throughout the project. Next, you can define how it’ll impact the project. You determine the level of the risk and assign it to an owner so that someone is responsible for keeping an eye on it.

Now you have a plan in place to resolve that risk quickly, and a document that can be shared so the risk is never given a chance to blindside a project.

19. Project Timesheet Template for Excel

Team members need to have a way to track their work through the tasks they are assigned, and a simple timesheet can provide an easy way to keep them on schedule as well as give them the needed information to know where they are in their tasks.

The free Excel timesheet can calculate cost per hour and includes vacation and overtime columns, to accurately note the time spent on and off the project. But project timesheets are useful for several different purposes, so this is a handy tool.

When you manage timesheets with online project management software, then the rubber hits the road. You’ll be able to filter columns and customize reports, easily sharing them in an email, PDF or Excel and CSV file. Plus your team can submit timesheets based on actual tasks in the system, and you’ll get alerted by email when they do.

20. RACI Matrix Template for Excel

Using a RACI matrix template is an essential tool for organizing projects. Projects can be confusing, and if people aren’t sure of their roles, problems are going to occur. The RACI template for Excel is a free tool to identify and define the various roles and responsibilities of everyone involved with the project.

This project management Excel template is broken up by project phase on the left and across the top all the various project positions are listed. Then in the corresponding box beneath the title is filled in with R, A, C or I to explain their relation to that specific point in the project. RACI stands for responsible, accountable, consulted and informed. Defining these roles with this Excel spreadsheet leads to smoother operations.

21. Issue Tracker Template for Excel

Issues are when something is happening right now in your project. So, what do you do when this happens? You track those issues and resolve them with the help of this free issue tracker template.

The first thing, of course, is identifying those issues as they occur. This is the document in which you can collect that information. The issue tracking template serves you by making sure every step of the way, from identifying to resolving the issue, is documented.

Of course, you’ll want to share the issue tracker template, and you can with this free Excel template, but only as a static document. With project management software, that information is easy to collect and share, as well as edit in real time.

22. Project Resource Plan Template for Excel

Resources are anything you need for a project. Our free resource plan template for Excel is the first step to managing your team and resources. You can use it to identify, list and organize all your project resources as well as figure out how much of each you’ll need and what that’ll cost. You can use this project Excel template to integrate with your schedule and budget to track costs as you execute the project.

While you’ll want to start your resource plan during the planning phase of your project, it should be a living document that’s regularly updated as things change over the life cycle of the project. Once the project has been completed, you can save the template and use it when you’re planning resources for future projects that are similar. Using this free project management template for Excel keeps everyone informed, which leads to a smoother project.

23. Change Log Template for Excel

Try our free change log template for Excel and create a successful change management process. Change is going to happen in every project, whether due to requests from stakeholders or external forces, such as weather or supply chain issues. Being prepared for change and how to respond to it is going to make or break your project.

This project management Excel spreadsheet allows you to number changes that you identify in the project to track them more easily. There’s a place to capture when the change was first discovered, who owns it and who is tasked with dealing with that change. There’s even space to note its status and set the priority so you know which changes should be dealt with first. Having a change log means you can manage change and not allow change to negatively impact your project.

24. Multiple Project Tracking Template for Excel

If you’re managing a program or a portfolio of projects, then you need our free multiple-project tracking template for Excel. When you download this free project management Excel template, you have the tool you need to monitor the progress of many projects at once.

This free template provides a high-level overview of your projects, including all relevant information, all in one place. You can track tasks, dependencies, schedules and costs, which allows you to make more informed decisions when allocating resources across all your projects and helps you identify issues quickly.

Whether you’re a program manager, portfolio manager or work for a PMO, our free multiple project tracking template is going to make your job easier. It will serve you throughout the life cycle of all the projects you’re managing for resource management, communicating with stakeholders and more.

25. Project Timeline Template for Excel

Use this free project timeline template for Excel to outline the sequence of tasks in a project. This visual tool captures the entirety of the project, from start to finish, all in one place. Users can even color-code the timeline to differentiate project phases.

This essential project management Excel template is perfect when planning a project. On the left side of the template is a spreadsheet to list all project tasks and their duration. This information then automatically populates the timeline to the right.

A project timeline template is both a spreadsheet and a bar chart, with the tasks shown as bars, their length representing the duration of that task. Project managers can use this free template to visualize the project for the project team.

26. Kanban Board Template for Excel

Kanban boards come from the Toyota factory floor, developed by Taiichi Ohno, an industrial engineer and businessman, as a planning system to manage and control work and inventory. Since being introduced as physical boards with columns representing phases in production and tasks that are displayed as cards that move across the board, they’ve evolved into digital tools.

When you download our free kanban board template for Excel, you’ll get five columns and multiple cards, all of which are fully customizable so you can make adjustments to reflect the production cycle of your project. We’ve set up the kanban board to have five columns: backlog, to-do, doing, in review and done.

Cards are color-coded to show the priority level, from high (red) to medium (green) and low (blue). On each card is the name and description of the task, who it’s assigned to and what the due date is. Again, you can add as much or as little information to the card as you like. Of course, you can also use a project management template in ProjectManager and get access to dashboards, reports, resource management features and much more.

27. Project Handover Template for Excel

When a project reaches completion, the next team must be set up for success. A project handover ensures that critical information, responsibilities and supporting documentation are fully transferred so operations can continue without disruption. By confirming that deliverables meet expectations and unresolved items are clearly documented, organizations avoid service gaps and unnecessary rework. This transition reinforces accountability and preserves the value created throughout the project lifecycle as ownership moves into ongoing operation.

This project handover Excel template provides a structured checklist for transferring all critical project information to the receiving team. It includes details about objectives, completed work, progress still underway, key personnel, and outstanding deliverables requiring follow-up. Budget summaries and timeline status help clarify remaining risks before closure. With dedicated sections for team responsibilities and communication contacts, this tool creates a transparent, documented transition that supports continuity long after the project is handed over.

28. Project Documentation Template for Excel

Strong project documentation keeps everyone aligned by clearly defining goals, scope, responsibilities and progress at every phase. Artifacts such as the project charter, business case and management plan reduce ambiguity by capturing what was decided and why. Throughout execution, reports and logs maintain transparency and support informed decision-making. When a project wraps up, closing documents preserve lessons learned and confirm that outcomes match expectations. Together, these records enable consistency, accountability and smoother delivery across all initiatives.

This Excel template centralizes every key document in a single place, organized by project phase for easy navigation. It includes fields for document owners, status, creation dates and update history so teams always know which version is current. Links to storage locations ensure files are quick to access, while status tracking highlights what still needs approval. By using this template, project managers maintain complete visibility into required documentation and streamline compliance with organizational standards.

29. Production Schedule Template for Excel

To balance supply and demand when producing any commodity, you have to have a production schedule. It tracks the production of your product over a specific period. No manufacturer is going to make anything without one. Download our free production schedule template for Excel.

Use our free production schedule as part of your larger supply chain management to manage resources, help your sales team and get your goods to customers on time without negatively impacting quality. Our template helps you to make more accurate production plans and manage your inventory.

You can manage both your workers and your materials, workstations and processes, as well as track your targets, manage deliveries and more. Our free template is a must-have document when you’re in production planning.

30. Punch List Template for Excel

A punch list captures the work that still needs to be done on a construction site. The job isn’t complete until that punch list is completed. The punch list is also a great way to capture tasks that fall outside the contract and track their progress. These are only some reasons why you need to download our free punch list template for Excel.

Our free punch list template lists all the items on the punch list, including a description and who has been assigned to do that work. There’s also space to add a date for when it was first identified and when it was approved. You can also add the estimated duration for doing the work.

This is a special template, too, in that you can use it as an Excel document or open up the template in ProjectManager. If you use our software, then you’ll have access to kanban boards to visualize workflow, a real-time dashboard for a high-level view of your progress and performance as well as Gantt charts, timesheets, workload charts and much more.

31. To-Do List Template for Excel

A to-do list gets things done. Whether it’s the grocery list you stick on the door of your refrigerator or a task list for a project, being able to collect and prioritize work ensures that you don’t forget anything important and tackle the most important tasks first. Plus, it’s a lot of fun crossing off tasks once you’ve done them.

This free project management Excel template can list as many tasks as you have, each with a start date, due date and even a column that shows the percentage complete of each task. There’s also a column to note the process, for example, to indicate if the task is done. Finally, a column is set aside for notes to capture anything you need to add.

The to-do list template is a simple tool that can be used to make more complex tasks manageable. It helps motivate you to do the work because it’s no longer overwhelming, but doable. It’s a rudimentary plan, and everyone knows planning is everything.

32. Weekly Work Schedule Template for Excel

If you need help handling your human resources, get our free weekly work schedule spreadsheet for Excel. You can use it to manage your team’s weekly work and the project’s workflow. Note the days your team can work and collect the rate of pay and hours they work on their tasks. This flexible employee work schedule can apply to the regular nine-to-five work week or a more hybrid model.

Use this project management template for Excel to get info on your team members and their work schedule. You can add their name, tasks assigned to them and the project on which they’re working. There’s space to list all the days they’ll be working. This Excel template is a great place to capture data, but it’s a static document. If you want to update it, you have to do that manually. It can take time and pull you away from managing the project and your team’s work.

33. Change Request Form Template for Word

One thing that’s constant in any project is change. Those changes, however, must be managed. That’s where the change request form comes in.

Our free change request form template gives you the structure to identify, track and resolve those changes when they arise in a project. The free template has space to note what the change is, give a team member ownership to lead the task of resolving it and then get it signed off on.

When used in conjunction with ProjectManager, the change request form is more dynamic. It can act as a collaborative platform in which team members can communicate and attach relevant documents, even hand-offs and sign-offs. Keeping everything under one roof is something you’ll not want to change.

Related: How to Run MS Project on your Mac Step by Step!

34. Project Prioritization Matrix Template for Excel

Project prioritization is a way to objectively determine which projects are the best fit for meeting strategic goals when managing a project. It can also be used to prioritize tasks in a project to figure out what’s critical and what can wait. Download this free project prioritization matrix template for Excel to separate what’s critical and what’s not, as well as what must be done immediately and what can wait. This allows project managers to decide if work should be done now, scheduled for later, delegated or deleted.

Use this free project management Excel template for a variety of work, from prioritizing projects and managing time to getting consensus. It’s valuable for anyone who has to make a project decision, whether a project management office (PMO), project manager or team member.

35. Gap Analysis Template for Excel

If you’re looking to improve your business and stay innovative, then you need this gap analysis template for Excel. It’s one of the tools you can use to get a strategic analysis of where you are now and how to get to where you want to be in the future. This project management spreadsheet will help you devise an action plan to move you from your current state of affairs to wherever you plan to take your organization in the future, whether that’s an increase in market share or getting a product to market quickly.

This free Excel template has everything you need to start meeting your goals, from general information and the current state of your business to the future state you’re aiming to achieve, what the gap percentage is and the actions necessary to close that gap. You can identify who in the organization can lead the initiative and even track the status. You have to start somewhere and a gap analysis is where it all comes together.

36. Stakeholder Analysis Template for Excel

Stakeholders are invested in the project and project managers have to keep them updated and manage their expectations. That’s where this free stakeholder analysis template for Excel comes in. It helps you identify and manage all the stakeholders in your project. This free template is a cornerstone of any thorough stakeholder management plan.

The stakeholder analysis template gets you started with a project overview, which is followed by a list of all the stakeholders involved with the project. There’s a dropdown menu to note if that particular stakeholder is of high, medium or low influence. That means, how much power they have to impact the project. That information is crucial to how to manage them. Then you identify each stakeholder in the spreadsheet as they relate to the project. Note the frequency you need to communicate with each stakeholder and more to manage them and keep the project moving forward.

37. Cost Benefit Analysis Template for Excel

Crunch the numbers to learn if your project is worth pursuing with our free cost-benefit analysis template for Excel. You can see if the project can be delivered within a specific time frame and reasonable cost. This Microsoft Excel template allows you to compare what you expect to spend against the benefits or opportunities the project might provide. From a cost perspective, you can see if the project is viable.

Whether a personal or professional project, our free cost-benefit analysis template is a powerful and flexible tool. It can be used over and over again, collecting the project information, quantitative costs (indirect, intangible and opportunity) and quantitative benefits (direct benefits, indirect benefits, intangible benefits and competitive benefits). Adding up the three cost sections and the four benefits sections of the template provides a total cost to compare against total benefits. It’s an essential analysis to undertake before committing to any project.

38. Project Budget Dashboard Template for Excel

A project budget dashboard template provides a clear overview of a project’s financial status, helping project managers track expenses, compare actual costs to the budget and make informed financial decisions. It consolidates key financial metrics, such as total budget, expenditures, remaining funds and cost variances and displays them in graphs and charts.

Download the free project budget dashboard template for Excel to keep the project within their budget. This project management Excel template makes it easier to identify potential overspending or cost-saving opportunities. By using a project budget dashboard, teams can enhance transparency, improve financial control and ensure the project stays on track financially.

39. Project Task Tracker Dashboard Template for Excel

Use this project management Excel template as a tool used to monitor and manage project tasks efficiently. A project task tracker dashboard provides a visual representation of task progress, deadlines, priorities and team responsibilities in a centralized format.

By using this free task tracker dashboard for Excel, project managers and teams can quickly identify bottlenecks, track overall project progress and ensure that tasks are completed on schedule. This enhances productivity, improves accountability, and helps maintain project timelines.

40. Stakeholder Map Template for Excel

Download this free stakeholder map template for Excel. This project management Excel template is a visual tool used to identify, categorize and analyze stakeholders based on their level of influence and interest in a project. It helps project managers understand stakeholder relationships, prioritize engagement strategies, and ensure effective communication.

The template has a matrix that can be used to place stakeholders into categories by level of influence and level of interest. The four quadrants define if the stakeholder must be kept satisfied, managed closely, monitored or kept informed. Using this stakeholder map, project managers and project teams can proactively manage stakeholder expectations, address concerns and enhance project success.

41. Project Risk Matrix Template for Excel

This project management Excel template is used to identify, assess and prioritize potential risks in a project based on their likelihood and impact. It helps project managers visualize risks in a structured format, enabling proactive risk management and mitigation planning.

Use this free project risk matrix template for Excel to determine if the risk is low to very high by placing it on the matrix, which measures the severity and likelihood of the risk occurring. These two axes are broken down from insignificant to severe for severity and rare to almost certain for likelihood. By using a risk matrix, teams can prioritize critical risks, develop mitigation strategies and improve project resilience.

42. RAID Log Template for Excel

RAID stands for risks, assumptions, issues and dependencies. A RAID log template is used to track and manage these key project elements. Using this project management Excel template helps project managers and project teams to identify potential challengers, monitor ongoing issues and proactively address critical factors to better deliver a successful project.

Our free RAID log template for Excel improves decision-making, helps with project transparency and gives project teams more control over project risks and uncertainties. It is typically used when planning for a project but can be useful in the execution phase as well. At the end of the project, this template should be archived and used when researching future projects.

43. Stakeholder Register Template for Excel

A stakeholder register template is a structured document used in project management to identify, document and track stakeholders involved in a project. Download this free stakeholder register template for Excel and use it as a central reference for managing stakeholder expectations, communication and engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

This project management Excel template lists all the stakeholders involved in the project, whether internal or external. Their role is then identified and each stakeholder is defined in terms of their power and influence on the project. There’s also a column to measure their interest and expectations. Finally, contact information is collected and the preferred form and frequency of communication.

44. Lessons Learned Template for Excel

A lessons learned template is a project management Excel template used to capture insights, experiences and key takeaways from a completed project or project phase. It helps teams identify what worked well, what went wrong and how future projects can benefit from these insights.

Use this free lessons learned template for Excel to determine whether the aspect of the project being examined was a win or issue. There’s space to describe it, the impact, how to change it for future projects and then a column to collect the action items by which that change can be implemented.

45. Project Decision Matrix Template for Excel

Use this free project decision matrix template for Excel to evaluate and prioritize different project options or solutions based on predefined criteria. It helps project teams make objective, data-driven decisions by scoring each option against key factors, such as cost, quality, value to customer, safety and more, allowing them to compare the relative merits of each choice.

By using this project management Excel template, teams can make more informed, transparent and objective decisions, minimizing bias and aligning with project goals. This template can be used whenever there’s a problem of multiple choices to choose from to make a reasoned decision.

46. Communication Matrix Template

A communication matrix is a project management document used to define how project information is shared among stakeholders. It is commonly used in construction, IT and operational projects to establish communication responsibilities, reporting schedules and information delivery methods.

Built to keep communication organized throughout a project, this template combines communication items with ownership details, recipients, communication channels, delivery timing and reporting priorities. Teams can use it to map recurring updates, coordinate stakeholder interactions and establish communication guidelines that create consistency across project activities.

47. Roles and Responsibilities Template

Keeping projects organized becomes difficult when team members are unsure who owns specific work. This template provides a structured table to assign roles, document contact details and connect responsibilities to day-to-day activities and deliverables. Teams can use it to define reporting relationships, clarify accountability and establish clear expectations so project work moves forward without duplicated effort or ownership gaps.

48. Project Canvas Template

A project canvas is a project management framework used to summarize key project elements on a single page. It is commonly used during project planning to define objectives, scope, stakeholders, deliverables and resources before detailed execution begins.

Designed to give teams a high-level view of a project, this template organizes critical planning information into structured sections that can be completed during kickoff meetings or planning sessions. Teams can document goals, identify project boundaries, outline milestones and capture risks so everyone starts with a shared understanding of the work ahead.

49. RASCI Matrix Template

A RASCI matrix is a project management responsibility chart used to assign roles and define involvement in project tasks. It is commonly used in construction, IT and operational projects to clarify ownership, support responsibilities and decision-making authority.

Rather than relying on assumptions about who handles specific work, this template organizes project phases and tasks against team roles using responsibility assignments. Teams can identify task owners, document supporting contributors and define approval relationships, making it easier to coordinate work and reduce confusion across project activities.

50. Milestone Chart Template

A milestone chart is a project management tool used to display key project events and target dates on a timeline. It is commonly used in construction, manufacturing and IT projects to track major deliverables and monitor progress against planned milestones.

Created to provide a high-level schedule view, this template combines a milestone table with a visual timeline that plots key project events against calendar dates. Teams can record milestone names, assign priorities, monitor completion percentages and quickly identify whether important deliverables are progressing according to plan.

51. Project Presentation Template

A project presentation is used to communicate project goals, plans and key information to stakeholders. It is commonly used during project kickoff meetings, executive reviews and planning sessions to align expectations and support decision-making.

Instead of presenting disconnected project details across separate documents, this template organizes information into a structured slide sequence that guides audiences through major project elements. Teams can summarize project objectives, explain responsibilities, outline scope boundaries, present timelines and communicate budget or risk information in a format designed for stakeholder discussions.

52. Executive Project Status Report Template

An executive project status report is a project management document used to summarize project performance for senior stakeholders. It is commonly used in portfolio management and executive reviews to communicate progress, risks, budget conditions and decisions requiring leadership attention.

Created for high-level reporting, this template organizes project information into sections that convert day-to-day activities into executive insights. Teams can summarize progress, communicate project health, highlight accomplishments, identify critical issues and present financial updates so leadership can quickly understand project conditions and determine where action may be needed.

53. Project Request Form Template

A project request is a document used to formally propose a new project for evaluation and approval. It is commonly used by organizations to collect project details, justify initiatives and support project portfolio decision-making.

Before teams commit resources or funding, decision-makers need a consistent way to evaluate opportunities. This template organizes project information into structured sections covering objectives, business justification, scope boundaries, timeline estimates, resource requirements, budget projections and stakeholder details, allowing reviewers to compare proposals and prioritize initiatives more effectively.

54. Project Requirements Template

Project requirements are documented needs and conditions used to define what a project must deliver and how it must perform. It is commonly used during project planning to establish expectations for deliverables, technical capabilities, user needs and operational constraints.

Because projects often involve competing expectations from customers, stakeholders and technical teams, this template organizes requirements into structured categories that make information easier to review and manage. Teams can capture business goals, stakeholder expectations, functional needs, technical specifications and compliance considerations to create a shared foundation for planning and execution.

Go Beyond Excel Project Management Templates & Spreadsheets With ProjectManager

Project management software can take you way further than Excel templates for project management ever could. ProjectManager, award-winning project management software, is a comprehensive platform that lets you plan, track and report on your projects online. Because it’s an online tool, you get live visibility into your project team and their tasks.

Plan your projects from start to finish with our Gantt chart feature. This feature allows you to map your project tasks in phases and assign them to team members. You can even create dependencies and set milestones. Plus, you can import Excel files and Microsoft Project files into the Gantt chart, bringing your static templates to life. In addition, ProjectManager integrates with over 1,000 third-party apps such as Google Drive, Slack and Microsoft Office 365 so you can share your project with everybody on your team.

Team members (and managers) can choose to manage their own tasks in either the task list or kanban view. The kanban view is a favorite for visual workers involved in many projects. The customizable columns on a kanban board allow a user to easily see their progress, or sort their tasks by project or department. Of course, every view, whether it’s the Gantt, list or board, allows you to collaborate with other team members and get more work done than you ever thought possible. You’ll wonder why you ever used project management Excel processes.

Related Excel Project Management Content

While Excel is not a project management software, it can still help manage various aspects of your projects. That’s why we’ve created dozens of blogs, templates and guides to help you use Excel for project management.

• Essential Excel Report Templates
• Free Manufacturing Excel Templates
• Free Excel Construction Templates
• Free Word & Excel Templates for Business
• Excel Spreadsheet Templates for Tracking Tasks, Costs and Time
• How to Create a Project Timeline in Excel (Free Template Included)
• How to Make a Gantt Chart In Excel Step-By-Step (Template Included)
• 10 Plantillas de Proyectos Gratuitas para Excel y Word
• 12 Modèles de gestion de projet pour Excel (Gratuit)
• 11 Modelos de gestão de projetos para Excel (gratuitos)
• 10 Projektmanagement Vorlagen für Excel und Word

Get all the features of these Excel project management templates and more when you use ProjectManager. All of these tools are available in our award-winning project management software to help you plan, track and report on your project in real time. See what it can do for you by taking a free 30-day trial run.

The post 54 Project Management Excel Templates and Spreadsheets for Free appeared first on ProjectManager.

That challenge is one reason integrated project delivery has gained attention across the construction industry. Instead of pushing work from one phase to another with limited collaboration, the approach brings major stakeholders together earlier so planning, design and execution decisions happen as a connected effort.

What Is Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)?

Integrated project delivery is a construction project delivery method used to align owners, designers and contractors through shared collaboration and project goals. It is commonly used in construction projects to improve coordination, reduce design conflicts and support faster decision-making across the project lifecycle.

Unlike traditional delivery methods that separate responsibilities into stages, IPD encourages early involvement from key participants and often uses shared risks and rewards. Teams work together from project planning through project completion to improve cost control, scheduling and overall project outcomes.

ProjectManager is award-winning construction project management software that gives construction companies tools to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and within scope. It allows project managers to create detailed construction schedules, estimate costs, allocate resources, set budgets, track progress and compare estimated versus actual project outcomes using real-time dashboards and reports to quickly identify delays or cost overruns. Get started with ProjectManager for free today.

When to Use the Integrated Project Delivery Method?

Large and technically demanding construction projects usually benefit the most from the integrated project delivery method. Projects with specialized systems, strict scheduling requirements and many disciplines working simultaneously often require stronger collaboration. Early coordination becomes especially valuable when design changes, trade conflicts or construction delays could create major cost and schedule impacts.

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities with specialized medical equipment, mechanical systems and strict operational requirements
• Airports requiring coordination between infrastructure systems, utilities, security systems and phased construction activities
• Data centers with complex electrical systems, cooling requirements and highly sensitive operational environments
• Large mixed-use developments combining residential, retail, office and public-use spaces into one project
• Advanced manufacturing facilities involving specialized equipment installation and extensive coordination among multiple trades

Who Participates In the Integrated Project Delivery Method?

Success within integrated project delivery depends on involving key stakeholders early and keeping them engaged throughout planning, design and construction activities. Each participant contributes expertise that influences project decisions, budget performance and schedule execution.

• Project owner: Establishes project objectives, funding requirements and business goals while helping guide major decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
• Architect: Develops building designs and collaborates with contractors and engineers early to reduce constructability issues and design conflicts.
• General contractor: Provides construction expertise during planning stages and helps evaluate schedules, logistics, labor needs and costs.
• Engineers: Design structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems while coordinating technical requirements across multiple disciplines.
• Trade contractors: Offer specialized expertise in systems installation and provide practical feedback that improves construction planning and execution.
• Project managers: Coordinate communication, track progress, manage project timelines and help keep teams aligned with project goals.

Integrated Project Delivery Construction Process

Unlike traditional construction delivery methods that separate work into isolated phases, integrated project delivery emphasizes collaboration from the beginning of the project lifecycle. Key stakeholders participate earlier, share information and coordinate decisions continuously. The process below outlines the major stages commonly associated with integrated project delivery and how teams work together to improve planning, reduce conflicts and support project performance.

1. Project Definition and Owner Requirements

Projects begin by establishing the owner’s objectives, operational needs and project expectations before major design work starts. Teams define requirements involving budget targets, building performance, quality standards, schedule constraints and long-term goals. Rather than creating isolated requirements that become fixed later, this stage creates a foundation that guides decisions across design and construction activities while helping all participants understand what project success should look like.

2. Early Team Formation and Stakeholder Alignment

One major difference in integrated project delivery is the involvement of key participants during the early planning stages. Owners, architects, engineers, contractors and specialized trade partners collaborate before design decisions become difficult or costly to change.

Bringing teams together early improves communication and creates alignment around project goals, reducing the likelihood of conflicting priorities, duplicated work and coordination issues during later project phases.

3. Risk and Reward Structure Development

Traditional construction agreements often separate responsibilities and distribute risk independently among participants. Integrated project delivery commonly uses shared agreements that align incentives across stakeholders. Project teams establish structures that determine how risks, costs and rewards are allocated throughout the project. Linking outcomes to collective performance encourages collaboration and supports decisions that benefit overall project objectives rather than individual organizational interests.

4. Integrated Design Development

During this phase, design activities move beyond isolated architectural planning and become a collaborative effort involving multiple disciplines. Architects, engineers, contractors and trade specialists contribute technical input while designs are still evolving. Early collaboration helps identify potential challenges before they affect construction activities. As designs mature, teams refine building systems, evaluate alternatives and improve coordination between project requirements and construction realities.

5. Constructability and Systems Coordination

As project details become more defined, teams analyze how designs will function during actual construction. Reviews focus on identifying conflicts between structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems before work begins on-site. Contractors and trade partners contribute practical field expertise that may reveal installation challenges or sequencing issues. Addressing these concerns early reduces rework, prevents delays and supports more efficient construction activities.

6. Collaborative Budgeting and Schedule Planning

Cost planning and scheduling activities are developed through shared participation rather than being created independently by one party. Teams review project milestones, labor requirements, material needs and construction sequencing while evaluating their impact on budget performance. Early coordination allows stakeholders to identify potential cost pressures and schedule risks. This approach supports more realistic project plans and improves visibility across major project activities.

7. Coordinated Construction Execution

Once construction begins, project participants continue working through coordinated communication and ongoing collaboration. Teams monitor progress, address field conditions and resolve issues while maintaining alignment with project objectives. Information sharing remains active throughout execution instead of relying on isolated handoffs between phases. Maintaining collaboration during construction helps improve decision-making and reduces disruptions that could affect cost or schedule performance.

8. Performance Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

Project performance is monitored throughout construction and after major milestones are completed. Teams evaluate schedule performance, cost results, quality outcomes and operational objectives to determine whether project goals are being achieved. Reviewing project data and team performance also creates opportunities to identify process improvements. Lessons learned during one stage can influence future decisions and support stronger outcomes across the remaining project lifecycle.

Integrated Project Delivery Example

A regional healthcare organization plans to build a new six-story medical facility that includes emergency treatment areas, surgical suites, imaging departments and outpatient services. Because healthcare buildings contain complex systems and strict operational requirements, the owner selects integrated project delivery instead of a traditional construction delivery approach. The goal is to improve coordination and reduce costly changes during construction.

Before design work progresses significantly, the project owner, architects, engineers, general contractor and major trade contractors become involved in planning discussions. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing specialists participate early because the building will require sophisticated systems that support medical equipment, ventilation requirements and backup power infrastructure. Rather than waiting for designs to be completed, these participants contribute practical expertise while concepts are still developing.

As design activities move forward, project participants work together to review floor layouts, building systems and construction sequencing. During coordination meetings, engineers identify space limitations involving mechanical equipment placement within ceiling areas. Trade contractors discover that portions of the original design could create installation conflicts between electrical conduits and HVAC systems.

Because those issues are identified early, design adjustments occur before construction begins. The project team modifies layouts, revises equipment locations and updates scheduling activities without creating expensive field changes later in the project. Teams also continuously review project costs and schedule performance as designs evolve, allowing potential issues to be addressed before they affect major milestones.

Construction begins with participants maintaining regular communication rather than transferring responsibilities from one phase to another. Project managers, contractors and trade teams continue coordinating activities and resolving problems as conditions change on-site.

By the end of the project, the healthcare organization receives a completed facility with fewer design conflicts, improved schedule predictability and stronger alignment between project requirements and construction outcomes.

Integrated Project Delivery Pros

Construction projects often experience problems when design, planning and construction teams operate independently. Integrated project delivery creates stronger collaboration by involving key participants earlier and keeping them aligned throughout the project lifecycle. Early coordination can reduce communication gaps, improve decision-making and help teams identify issues before they become expensive field problems that affect budgets, schedules and overall project performance.

• Early involvement from contractors and trade partners helps identify design conflicts before construction activities begin.
• Shared communication among project participants improves coordination between architectural, structural and building system decisions.
• Greater visibility into project information helps teams detect schedule risks and budget issues earlier.
• Collaborative planning reduces the likelihood of costly rework caused by late-stage design changes.
• Shared project goals encourage decisions that prioritize overall project performance instead of individual interests.
• Continuous coordination between disciplines can improve construction sequencing and reduce delays between activities.
• Early constructability reviews help prevent installation problems that commonly appear during field execution.

Integrated Project Delivery Cons

Not every construction project requires the level of collaboration and coordination associated with integrated project delivery. Smaller projects or projects with simple requirements may not justify additional planning efforts or multi-party agreements. Organizations unfamiliar with collaborative delivery methods can also experience challenges when adapting to shared responsibilities, communication expectations and decision-making processes across multiple stakeholders.

• Developing shared agreements and risk structures can create additional legal and administrative complexity.
• Early involvement of multiple participants may increase planning costs before construction work begins.
• Organizations accustomed to traditional delivery methods may struggle with collaborative decision-making processes.
• Large groups of stakeholders can sometimes slow project decisions when consensus becomes difficult to achieve.
• Sharing risks and rewards may create uncertainty for participants unfamiliar with integrated contract structures.
• Smaller construction projects may not receive enough value to justify the added coordination effort.
• Strong communication requirements can become difficult when participants have conflicting priorities or limited availability.

Free Construction Project Management Templates

We’ve created dozens of free construction project management templates for Excel, Word and Google Sheets.

Project Execution Plan Template

Download this free project execution plan template for Excel to define project objectives, establish workflows, assign responsibilities and document procedures that keep construction teams aligned throughout planning and execution activities.

RASCI Matrix Template

Download this free RASCI matrix template for Excel to clarify roles, assign responsibilities and improve communication among owners, contractors, engineers and other construction stakeholders involved in projects.

Risk Management Plan Template

Download this free risk management plan template for Excel to identify construction risks, document response strategies and monitor potential issues that could affect project costs, schedules or performance.

ProjectManager Is an Award-Winning Construction Project Management Software

ProjectManager is award-winning construction project management software built to support projects from preconstruction through closeout. It includes a robust set of features such as Gantt charts, timesheets, workload management charts and real-time dashboards and reports. The platform also offers unlimited cloud-based document storage and AI-driven project insights that help teams manage construction documents and track project activities.

For construction firms using ERP systems, ProjectManager also offers a native integration with Acumatica that connects project operations with financial data. Teams can synchronize project costs, budgets, resources, task information and timesheets between both platforms through a bi-directional connection. This allows project teams to manage schedules and execution activities in ProjectManager while finance teams continue working within Acumatica, reducing manual data entry and providing real-time visibility into project performance and financial impact across the portfolio. Watch the video below to learn more!

ProjectManager is online construction project management software that empowers teams to plan, manage and track their projects in real time. We connect architects and engineers in the office with your work crew on the job site so they can share files and comments to foster better collaboration. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post Integrated Project Delivery In Construction: Pros & Cons appeared first on ProjectManager.

Procore is a construction management software platform used to plan, coordinate and monitor construction projects. It is commonly used by general contractors, subcontractors, owners and construction managers to manage drawings, schedules, RFIs, submittals, budgets and field collaboration across commercial and residential projects.

Unlike general-purpose project management tools, Procore is built specifically for construction workflows. The platform combines document management, cost tracking, scheduling, quality and safety tools, communication features and mobile field reporting into a centralized cloud-based system that connects office and jobsite teams in real time.

ProjectManager is award-winning construction project management software that gives construction companies tools to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and within scope. It allows project managers to create detailed construction schedules, estimate costs, allocate resources, set budgets, track progress and compare estimated versus actual project outcomes using real-time dashboards and reports to quickly identify delays or cost overruns. Get started with ProjectManager for free today.

Is Procore Project Management Software?

Procore can be considered a project management software, but it’s primarily a construction management platform. The software offers tools for construction scheduling, budget tracking, document management, progress monitoring and team collaboration, but its strongest functionality is centered around construction-specific features such as RFIs, submittals, punch lists, inspections, drawing management and field coordination, rather than traditional project planning, scheduling and tracking tools.

As a result, Procore is designed more for managing construction workflows than for serving as a complete all-purpose project management system. Because of that, many companies still rely on additional software to handle broader project management activities such as advanced resource capacity planning, workload management, portfolio planning and long-term project forecasting. It’s common for contractors to use Procore alongside tools like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project when they need more control over project timelines, dependencies, resource allocation and project controls.

Procore Project Management Features

Beyond its construction-specific tools such as RFIs, submittals, punch lists, inspections and drawing management, Procore also includes several features that support project planning, coordination and project tracking activities. The sections below take a closer look at the project management capabilities Procore offers and how construction teams use them to manage schedules, costs, communication and day-to-day execution.

• Project scheduling: Procore allows teams to manage project schedules, track milestones and monitor task progress through integrations with scheduling tools like Microsoft Project and Primavera P6, along with built-in schedule viewing and updating features.
• Budget management: Users can create budgets, monitor committed costs, track actual expenses and compare financial performance against the original project budget throughout the project lifecycle.
• Document management: Centralized document storage helps teams organize contracts, drawings, specifications, reports and other project files while maintaining version control and field accessibility.
• Team collaboration: Built-in communication tools allow office and field teams to share updates, assign responsibilities, track conversations and coordinate project activities in real time.
• Progress tracking: Construction teams can monitor daily activities, production progress, open issues and project performance through logs, reports and field updates.
• Workflow automation: Approval workflows, notifications and project status tracking features help standardize repetitive project processes and reduce delays caused by manual coordination.
• Reporting and dashboards: Procore provides dashboards and customizable reports that give stakeholders visibility into schedule performance, project costs, outstanding items and overall project status.
• Resource coordination: Workforce planning and labor tracking tools help project teams coordinate crews, subcontractors and field activities across active construction projects.

Pros of Procore for Project Management

Despite leaning heavily toward construction operations, Procore still provides several capabilities that help teams plan work, coordinate stakeholders and monitor project performance. Below are some of the strongest advantages Procore offers from a project management perspective.

• Centralized project information: Procore keeps schedules, budgets, documents, reports and communication records in one platform, making it easier for teams to access current project data without switching between multiple systems.
• Strong team collaboration tools: Real-time communication features help office staff, field teams, subcontractors and stakeholders stay aligned on project updates, responsibilities and ongoing issues.
• Real-time project visibility: Dashboards and reporting tools give project managers quick insight into project costs, schedule progress, open items and field activity as work moves forward.
• Mobile accessibility: Procore’s mobile app allows project teams to review project information, submit updates and track progress directly from the jobsite, improving coordination between field and office teams.
• Integration with scheduling and financial tools: The platform connects with software like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project and accounting systems, allowing teams to extend Procore’s project management functionality through integrations.

Cons of Procore for Project Management

Although Procore performs well for construction coordination and field management, its project management capabilities are more limited compared to dedicated project management software platforms. The following drawbacks become more noticeable on large, complex or portfolio-level projects.

• Limited advanced scheduling functionality: Procore does not offer the same level of scheduling depth found in dedicated planning tools such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project, especially for dependency management, critical path analysis and schedule optimization.
• Weak portfolio management capabilities: Organizations managing multiple projects may find Procore lacking in portfolio planning, cross-project prioritization, strategic roadmap management and enterprise-wide workload balancing.
• Limited resource management tools: Resource allocation, workforce capacity planning and long-term workload forecasting are not as advanced as what specialized project management platforms provide.
• Heavy focus on construction workflows: Many areas of the platform are built around RFIs, submittals, drawings and field coordination, which can make the software feel less effective for broader project management needs outside construction operations.
• Dependence on integrations for deeper project controls: Teams frequently need external scheduling, reporting or financial tools to handle advanced project controls and detailed planning requirements.
• Less flexible for non-construction projects: The platform is highly specialized for construction environments, making it difficult to adapt for IT, product development, manufacturing or other industries that require different project workflows.
• Complex implementation for enterprise teams: Larger organizations often face longer onboarding periods, process standardization challenges and additional configuration work before Procore fully supports their project management processes.

ProjectManager Is the Best Procore Alternative for Construction Project Management

Although Procore performs well for construction-specific processes like RFIs, submittals, inspections and drawing management, its project planning and scheduling functionality is more limited than what dedicated project management software such as ProjectManager.

Related: 10 Best Procore Alternatives of 2025 (Free + Paid)

ProjectManager offers a more comprehensive construction project management solution with advanced Gantt charts, critical path tracking, workload management, resource scheduling, portfolio roadmaps, real-time dashboards, kanban boards, timesheets and automated reports in a single platform. Compared to Procore’s enterprise-oriented pricing structure, ProjectManager is easier to deploy and more affordable for contractors that need powerful project planning, tracking and resource management tools without excessive complexity.

In addition to traditional construction scheduling capabilities, ProjectManager includes AI-powered project insights, workflow automation and live performance tracking that help teams identify delays, manage risks and improve decision-making. The platform also supports an open API and more than 1,000 integrations with tools like Acumatica, QuickBooks, Microsoft Project, Slack and Google Workspace, allowing construction companies to connect operational and project data across their existing systems.

Watch the video below to learn more!

ProjectManager is online construction project management software that empowers teams to plan, manage and track their projects in real time. We connect architects and engineers in the office with your work crew on the job site so they can share files and comments to foster better collaboration. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post Procore for Project Management: Features, Pros and Cons appeared first on ProjectManager.

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration and communication platform used to organize conversations, meetings, file sharing and team collaboration in one workspace. It is commonly used in IT, construction, marketing and remote work environments to help teams communicate faster and coordinate daily work activities.

Built as part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, the platform combines chat channels, video conferencing, document collaboration and app integrations so employees can work together without constantly switching between tools. Many organizations also connect the platform with Microsoft Planner, OneDrive, SharePoint and third-party applications to centralize operational communication.

Is Microsoft Teams a Project Management Software?

Microsoft Teams is not a true project management software platform. While the platform helps project teams communicate, share files and collaborate in real time, it lacks core project management features such as Gantt charts, resource management, workload balancing, cost tracking and advanced project scheduling. Most organizations use it as a collaboration hub that supports project execution rather than a complete system for planning and controlling projects.

If you need a project management tool that integrates with Microsoft Teams, try ProjectManager. ProjectManager is award-winning project management software that gives teams across industries the tools they need to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and within scope. It allows project managers to create detailed project schedules, estimate costs, allocate resources, set budgets, track progress and compare estimated versus actual project outcomes using real-time dashboards and reports to identify delays or cost overruns quickly. Get started with ProjectManager for free today.

Can You Use Microsoft Teams for Project Management?

Even though MS Teams is not a project management software, that limitation does not make the software useless for project work. Even without advanced project planning and tracking capabilities, many organizations still rely on Microsoft Teams to improve coordination, centralize communication and reduce the operational friction that slows projects down.

• Team communication: Project managers can create dedicated channels for departments, workstreams, clients or project phases to keep discussions organized and searchable.
• Project meetings: Built-in video conferencing makes it easier to run status meetings, stakeholder reviews, sprint planning sessions and virtual workshops.
• Document collaboration: Team members can edit spreadsheets, reports, contracts and project documentation simultaneously without downloading files or emailing multiple versions.
• Task coordination: Integrations with Microsoft Planner and Microsoft To Do allow teams to assign basic tasks, monitor progress and manage simple work queues.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Engineering, procurement, finance and operations teams can communicate inside a shared workspace instead of relying on fragmented email chains.
• Remote project management: Distributed teams can use chat, calls, screen sharing and notifications to maintain visibility across ongoing projects and operational activities.
• File storage and access: Connections with SharePoint and OneDrive keep project files centralized and accessible from multiple devices.
• Workflow notifications: Managers often integrate the platform with tools like Power BI, Jira, Trello or project management software to receive automated alerts and project updates.

Pros of Using Microsoft Teams for Project Management

For organizations already using Microsoft 365, the platform can improve day-to-day project coordination without requiring a major software rollout. Communication becomes more centralized, meetings are easier to manage and project conversations remain connected to files, tasks and team discussions.

• Centralized communication: Project discussions, meetings, shared files and team updates remain in one workspace instead of being scattered across email threads and messaging apps.
• Strong Microsoft 365 integration: Native connections with SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Microsoft Planner and Power BI simplify collaboration across existing business tools.
• Improved remote collaboration: Video conferencing, screen sharing and persistent chat channels help distributed project teams stay aligned across locations and time zones.
• Real-time document editing: Multiple users can review and update spreadsheets, reports, schedules and project documentation simultaneously.
• Faster information sharing: Notifications, mentions and channel-based communication reduce delays when teams need approvals, status updates or quick operational decisions.

Cons of Using Microsoft Teams for Project Management

Despite its collaboration strengths, the platform was not designed to replace dedicated project management software. As projects become more complex, many teams discover important planning, scheduling and tracking limitations that require additional tools or manual workarounds.

• No project scheduling tools: Microsoft Teams does not include native Gantt charts, dependency management, baseline tracking or critical path analysis.
• Limited resource management: Project managers cannot effectively balance workloads, allocate resources or monitor team capacity across multiple projects.
• Weak project reporting: The platform lacks robust dashboards, portfolio reporting and advanced project performance analytics without external integrations.
• Task management limitations: Basic task tracking through Microsoft Planner works for simple workflows but becomes difficult to manage in large or highly structured projects.
• Information overload: Busy channels, constant notifications and overlapping conversations can make it difficult to locate important project updates.
• Heavy reliance on integrations: Many organizations need additional software for scheduling, budgeting, risk management, resource planning and time tracking.
• Difficult to standardize projects: Without dedicated project controls and structured workflows, teams may manage projects inconsistently across departments.

ProjectManager Is the Best Alternative to Microsoft Teams for Project Management

ProjectManager is an online project management solution that provides a complete set of work planning, scheduling and tracking tools, including Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and real-time dashboards and reports. With these features, teams across industries can build detailed schedules, assign resources and monitor progress, costs and timelines.

ProjectManager also delivers AI-powered project insights to support better decision-making and connects with over 100 tools like Microsoft Project, Acumatica and Power BI. With its open API and wide range of integrations, organizations can seamlessly link ProjectManager to their existing systems.

Watch the video below to learn more!

ProjectManager Also Integrates with Microsoft Teams

Organizations already using Microsoft Teams do not need to abandon their existing communication workflows. ProjectManager integrates with Microsoft Teams so users can share updates, collaborate on tasks and improve visibility between project execution and team communication. This allows organizations to combine structured project management tools with the collaboration features employees already use daily.

More Alternatives to Microsoft Teams for Project Management

Organizations searching for stronger microsoft project management tools often discover that collaboration platforms alone are not enough to manage complex schedules, resources, budgets and workloads. That is why many teams evaluate alternatives that offer more structured planning, tracking and reporting capabilities.

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is a dedicated project management software platform built for planning, scheduling and controlling complex projects. Compared to Microsoft Teams, it offers significantly more advanced capabilities such as Gantt charts, resource allocation, dependency tracking, critical path analysis and project baselines.

Related: 20 Best Microsoft Project Alternatives for 2026 (Free & Paid)

Large organizations and experienced project managers often rely on it to manage detailed project schedules and resource-heavy initiatives. However, the software has a reputation for being difficult to learn, especially for teams without formal project management experience.

Cost is another major drawback. Microsoft Project can become expensive for growing teams, particularly when organizations need multiple licenses and additional Microsoft integrations. Its Project Professional and Project Standard editions are also desktop-based, which creates collaboration limitations compared to modern cloud-based project management software platforms.

Microsoft Planner

Microsoft Planner sits somewhere between Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Project in terms of functionality. While Microsoft Teams focuses primarily on communication and collaboration, Microsoft Planner introduces lightweight project management features that help teams organize and monitor day-to-day work.

Related: 11 Best Microsoft Planner Alternatives of 2026 (Free & Paid)

The platform includes kanban boards, task assignments, due dates, progress tracking and simple workload visibility. Those features make it useful for operational teams managing small projects, recurring tasks or departmental workflows.

Even so, Microsoft Planner is still limited when projects become more complex. It does not provide advanced scheduling tools, resource management, cost tracking, portfolio reporting or detailed project controls. For that reason, most project management teams cannot rely on it to plan and manage projects from initiation through execution and closure.

ProjectManager offers a more complete alternative that outperforms both Microsoft Project and Microsoft Planner for many organizations. Its cloud-based platform combines a modern interface with advanced project management features such as Gantt charts, resource management, workload tracking, dashboards and portfolio roadmaps. Teams can manage projects from start to finish while also overseeing multiple projects through built-in PPM capabilities.

Related Microsoft Project Management Content

• 10 Top Microsoft Project Management Software, Apps & Tools
• 7 Microsoft Project Templates (Free MPP Files)
• Microsoft Planner vs. ProjectManager
• Microsoft Planner vs. Project: In-Depth Software Comparison

If you need a tool to help you manage projects, then sign up for our software now at ProjectManager. Our online software helps teams across industries plan, track and oversee projects as they unfold. Sign up for a free 30-day trial today!

The post Microsoft Teams for Project Management: Pros & Cons appeared first on ProjectManager.

Why seek an alternative project management solution? Let’s find out by first understanding where Airtable excels and where it falls short.

Reasons to Seek an Airtable Alternative

While Airtable sounds powerful, we wouldn’t be talking about the tool if there weren’t ample reasons for seeking an Airtable alternative. Let’s review some of the main disadvantages of the software.

• Lack of resource management features: Airtable doesn’t have resource management features to manage your team’s workload, track resource utilization and identify resource over or underallocation.
• Limited workflow management tools: Airtable’s task and workflow management are very limited in their capacity to help team leaders and project managers to manage the task sequences that help their teams complete a process and produce deliverables.
• Overly basic task management tools: Some of Airtable’s task management tools such as its product roadmap, kanban board and calendar views lack advanced features such as critical path analysis, resource tracking or cost monitoring tools.
• Project management features: Airtable is designed for helping teams manage their workflows and stay on top of their tasks, but lacks project management tools for planning, scheduling and tracking projects.
• Steep learning curve: One big oversight, especially for an app that prides itself on collaboration, is the steep learning curve. Even if you’re an expert at Excel, you’ll find the tool hard to use and navigate.
• Non-intuitive user interface: The tool seems to think of itself as a super-sized Excel, yet Airtable is even more complicated. For example, there’s a formula function on Excel that makes managing projects easier. Airtable doesn’t offer any sort of formula function. That absence alone is sure to have many seeking an Airtable alternative.
• Limited team collaboration features: Even the communication tool, the foundation of collaboration software, is lacking. There’s no way to have a general dialogue with the project team. Yes, you can comment on individual data rows, but if you have to take time to search for those comments, then you’re wasting time and not collaborating
• Expensive task management solution: And thanks to Airtable’s pricing, you’re also paying a premium to get a limited scope compared to some Airtable alternatives. For example, Airtable’s workspaces are separate and one cannot link to another unless you’re willing to pay twice as much for one person to have access to two workspaces. Data from different workspaces are hard to connect and this becomes an obstacle to integrated analytics.

Now let’s review the pros and cons of the best airtable alternatives to help you find the right solution for your projects.

2026 Best Airtable Alternatives Software Rankings

If you’re looking for Airtable alternatives, you’ve found the right list. The tool is suitable for larger organizations that can afford it, but most project managers looking for a solution that serves all of their purposes will be looking elsewhere. This is why we explored the 14 best Airtable alternatives and listed them below in order of their Capterra review score.

1. ProjectManager

ProjectManager tops our list of Airtable alternatives for many reasons. One, it’s an award-winning project management software that’s easy to use; you can onboard your team in minutes and get started right away without any complicated setup or intensive training. Two, it’s a one-stop shop for all of your project needs. From task and resource management as well as time-tracking and timesheets to planning, monitoring and reporting, the software does it all—and in real time because it’s an online tool. Add workflow automation to streamline processes and task approval to ensure quality to make your decision that much easier. Plus there’s a free 30-day trial so you can try it out for yourself.

Work on Multiple Project Views

But that’s not all! Just as Airtable has multiple project views, so does ProjectManager. There’s a robust Gantt chart that filters for the critical path and sets a baseline to track project variance in real time. In addition, there’s a sheet, list, calendar and kanban view that all update simultaneously so there’s one source of truth keeping everyone working better together. That’s real-time collaboration across departments that appeals to teams whether they work in traditional, agile or hybrid methodologies. There’s even a global search feature to quickly find what you’re looking for across all of your tasks and projects.

Monitor Progress and Performance in Real Time

While Airtable has features that mimic dashboards, you have to install and set them up from third-party apps. ProjectManager beats that inconvenience with real-time dashboards that are ready to use when you are. There’s no setup required. The dashboards work automatically, collecting and calculating data to display across six project metrics, including time, tasks, workload and more. Now you can see your project’s performance and progress at a glance. For a deeper look at project data, use one-click reports, which can be filtered and easily shared to update stakeholders.

We’ve only covered the tip of the iceberg as to why so many users love ProjectManager. On top of all the features you get with this software, we were also impressed by its collaborative platform that connects teams no matter where or when they’re working. Users can comment and share files, plus email notifications and in-app alerts keep everyone updated on changes, which is more efficient than what we’ve seen with other Airtable alternatives. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

ProjectManager Pros & Key Features

• Best Airtable alternative for project management
• Powerful task management tools and workflow automation features
• Resource tracking tools like dashboards and workload management charts
• Cloud-based software with unlimited file storage
• Free trial
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS

ProjectManager Cons & Limitations

• Limited tool customization features
• No AI-powered task management features
• Doesn’t offer as many third-party integrations as Airtable
• No free plan

ProjectManager Pricing

• Team: $15.00 user/month
• Business: $28.00 user/month
• Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote

ProjectManager Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4 / 5
• Capterra review: 4.1 / 5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “I like that it has different ways of visualizing projects. The different views help me in different moments of the project, wether I like to see the Gantt or just the list of tasks.” Paola V – from G2
• “It has an excellent accounting system capable of calculating the time that a person has used to develop a task that was assigned to him, I like being able to collaborate with all my colleagues in the Finance sector through ProjectManager.” Jesus C – from G2
• “The UI of the application is user-friendly, and it helps to identify what we are looking for with minimal effort.” Pavan H – from G2

2. Notion

Notion is project management software where teams can plan, implement and track their projects. There are various tools, such as kanban boards, lists and calendars, which can have customized workflows. A wiki collects everything from goals to office policies and contact information. There’s also document management, whether videos, code, bookmarks or images, all of which can be tracked. A significant 2025 update introduced Data Sources, a unified way to manage and reuse databases across your entire workspace rather than maintaining scattered, disconnected databases. Notion’s AI suite has also expanded considerably, with the ability to search GitHub, trigger webhooks to thousands of external tools and run custom code through Notion Workers — making it a genuinely powerful Airtable alternative for teams that want flexibility and automation in one place.

What weakens its placement on our list of Airtable alternatives is that the software takes a significant amount of time to set up. It’s not plug-and-play such as others on our list. If you want to take advantage of its collaboration features, you’re going to have to do some major configurations. Another area that could use improvement is its search and navigation, which requires more than a keyword to be effective. Depending on what type of project you’re working on, these can be minor inconveniences or major disruptions.

Notion Pros

• Best Airtable alternative for managing simple workflows and task lists
• Helps teams manage their workload and track their task completion progress
• Simple project and task management tools
• Free trial
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS

Notion Cons

• Limited variety of project planning tools, only offers task lists, kanban boards and product roadmap makers
• Limited project management feature set, it’s better suited for basic task management
• Focuses heavily on product development teams, which limits its usefulness for teams in other industries

Notion Pricing

• Plus: $10/user/month, billed annually
• Business: $15/user/month, billed annually

Notion Reviews

• G2 review: 4.7/5
• Capterra review: 4.7/5

Highlighted User Review

• “Notion AI Writing Assistant is really a game changer.” Mariano C – from G2
• “I always recommend it to friends and acquaintances because of its ease of use and the freedom to have information in a simple and clear way.” Victoria S – from G2

3. Monday.com

Monday is a work management software that can work as an alternative to Airtable because there’s some overlap in their feature sets. For example, both of them include Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and calendars so they can replace each other as a task or team management tool. Another area Airtable and Monday have in common is they both work for managing product planning, marketing and sales teams workflows. Further still, Monday offers some of the advanced customization that Airtable touts. Recent updates have pushed Monday’s AI capabilities significantly forward with monday magic, which builds automation workflows from plain-language prompts, and monday agents, AI-powered assistants that handle tasks like scheduling, emails and calls. The new monday vibe feature also lets teams build custom, no-code apps directly on the platform.

In general terms, Monday.com is an Airtable alternative that’s ideal for busy teams that need a simple-to-use tool for managing their tasks and schedules. But while it’s a good task management tool, its main disadvantage is its lack of project management tools. It lacks features in critical areas such as risk monitoring, cost estimating, resource tracking or project budgeting tools.

Monday.com Pros

• Best Airtable alternative for basic task management tools
• Good for users that don’t need a very wide variety of project management tools but rather appreciates a more simple software
• Friendly user interface and basic task management features
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
• Free trial

Monday.com Cons

• Timeline view looks similar to a Gantt chart but lacks features like dependency tracking or critical path analysis
• Some of its features are hard to set up and use
• Limited team collaboration features
• Pricing requires a minimum of 3 seats on all paid plans

Monday.com Pricing

• Basic: $9/user/month, billed annually
• Standard: $12/user/month, billed annually
• Pro: $19/user/month, billed annually
• 3-seat minimum

Monday.com Reviews

• G2 review: 4.7/5
• Capterra review: 4.6/5

Highlighted User Review

• “I truly recommend using Monday to small to medium scale enterprises because of its ease of use.” Vikas G – from G2
• “Monday CRM has been an amazing addition to our work processes.” Aimee O – from G2

4. ClickUp

ClickUp is a cloud-based project management tool that streamlines projects and workflows, organizes tasks, tracks changes and helps to manage teams. You can use it to create schedules, organize calendars, manage capacity and track time spent on tasks. There are also collaboration tools that connect teams and reporting features that can customize reports and securely share that information. In December 2025, ClickUp launched version 4.0 — the most significant redesign in the platform’s history — featuring a completely rebuilt navigation system, a redesigned workload view, upgraded Chat that rivals Slack for team communication and approximately 40% faster load times. ClickUp also introduced Super Agents, AI-powered teammates that work directly inside your workspace alongside your team.

All those features are great, but not when they’re designed in such a way that the overall software becomes too complex — a major complaint from users even after the 4.0 redesign. Even the automation features, which should streamline processes, are reportedly difficult to use. The fact that you can configure everything is like having an unlimited choice that can be paralyzing, especially when you’re setting up the tool for the first time. A lot of users who have tried this Airtable alternative have complained about the steep learning curve, so you might want to try different software altogether.

ClickUp Pros

• Best Airtable alternative for team collaboration tools
• More flexible feature set than Airtable makes it a good fit for most types of teams
• Helps team members collaborate in real time with features such as whiteboards or document processing
• Mobile project planning for Android and iOS
• Free plan

ClickUp Cons

• Most users are overwhelmed by its wide feature set, especially when first learning to use the software
• Many of its features don’t overlap with Airtable’s feature set
• Software user interface can get cluttered as users work on their projects
• ClickUp Brain AI add-on costs an additional $9/user/month

ClickUp Pricing

• Unlimited: $7/user/month, billed annually
• Business: $12/user/month, billed annually
• Business Plus: $19/user/month, billed annually

ClickUp Reviews

• G2 review: 4.7/5
• Capterra review: 4.6/5

Highlighted User Review

• “The extra features like multiple views (Kanban, calendar, Gantt chart) are super useful—it makes organizing and tracking work much easier.” Ady P – from G2
• “ClickUp is designed to help you visualize your information in several different ways.” Rehab M – from G2

5. Nifty

Nifty is project management software for large-scale projects that employ multiple teams. It helps you organize the tasks in your project, track their time and manage your teams all within one tool. The time tracking feature includes monitoring how long teams are taking to complete their tasks, which is a helpful addition. This software is also included on our Airtable alternatives list due to collaborative tools and unlimited guest and client use. Recent updates have expanded Nifty’s AI capabilities considerably: Nifty Orbit AI and the new AI-powered planning tools let teams use natural language prompts to create tasks, identify blockers and adjust timelines based on workload, while custom dashboards can now be built with live and historical data for KPI visualization.

Nifty is still a relatively young product in comparison to some others on this list, and with that comes the occasional glitch, especially when integrating with third-party apps. Other issues include recurring tasks, project templates and task management. Some users have complained about the calendar being cluttered and the mobile app loading slowly. There are no online tutorials or any sort of user manual to help train new users, which can be an obstacle for some when choosing an Airtable alternative.

Nifty Pros & Key Features

• Best Airtable alternative for creating roadmaps
• Team collaboration and communication tool for sharing messages and files
• Multiple task management tools including Gantt charts, kanban boards and task lists
• Mobile app available for Android and iOS
• Free trial

Nifty Cons & Limitations

• Offers more project management tools than Airtable but still doesn’t have enough features for helping with all the phases of the project life cycle
• Limited project tracking and reporting tools
• Lacks features for tracking resource capacity, utilization and availability

Nifty Pricing

• Starter: $7/user/month, billed annually
• Pro: $10/user/month, billed annually
• Business: $16/user/month, billed annually

Nifty Reviews

• G2 review: 4.7/5
• Capterra review: 4.6/5

Highlighted User Review

• “It’s intuitive, so no need to get a whole training to be able to use it.” Yelmaly R – from G2
• “One of the best things about Nifty is that it combines all of the essential project management features into one software.” Osheen J – from G2

6. Coda

Coda is one of the closest comparisons to Airtable you’ll find on this list. Like Airtable, Coda blends documents and databases into one flexible workspace, letting your team build everything from project trackers and content calendars to product roadmaps — all without switching tools. What sets it apart is how deeply it connects those elements. Tables can trigger automations, buttons can push data to other apps and everything lives in a single shared doc your whole team can work in together in real time. With 450+ pre-built Packs, Coda integrates directly with Salesforce, Jira, Google Calendar, Slack and more, making it a strong fit for operations, marketing and product teams who want Airtable’s flexibility with better document capabilities.

That said, Coda isn’t a traditional project management tool. If your team needs robust resource management, timesheet tracking or a fully featured Gantt chart with critical path analysis, you’ll quickly run into its limits. The pricing model, which charges per “Doc Maker” rather than per user, can also feel confusing at first — viewers and commenters are free, but editors carry a cost that adds up for larger, more collaborative teams. Still, for teams that love Airtable’s flexibility but want something more document-friendly, Coda is worth a serious look.

Coda Pros & Key Features

• Best Airtable alternative for flexible docs and database-style project tracking
• Combines spreadsheets, documents and automations in one collaborative workspace
• 450+ integrations via Packs, including Salesforce, Jira and Slack
• Multiple views including kanban boards, calendars and tables
• Free plan available
• Mobile app for Android and iOS

Coda Cons & Limitations

• Not designed for traditional project management — lacks resource management and timesheet tools
• Steep learning curve to get the most out of its flexibility
• Pricing is based on Doc Makers (editors), which can get expensive for teams with many active contributors
• Less intuitive for non-technical users than some other Airtable alternatives

Coda Pricing

• Free plan available
• Pro: $12/Doc Maker/month
• Team: $36/Doc Maker/month
• Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote

Coda Reviews

• G2 review: 4.6/5
• Capterra review: 4.6/5

Highlighted User Review

• “Coda lets us build exactly what we need — from project trackers to wikis — all in one place without needing a developer.” – from G2
• “The flexibility is unmatched. We replaced five different tools with one Coda doc and haven’t looked back.” – from G2

7. Trello

Trello is another Airtable alternative that has particularly strong kanban boards among the other project management features you might want. The visual workflow of a kanban board is easy to understand and use. It’s also great for agile project management. With Trello, there’s some automation and you can use third-party customization to get more usability out of the app. In May 2025, Atlassian launched a significantly redesigned Trello featuring a new Inbox to capture to-dos from Slack and Microsoft Teams, a Planner that syncs with your Google or Microsoft calendar so you can block focus time, Mirror cards to sync tasks across multiple boards and an AI-powered Quick Capture that turns forwarded emails and messages into cards automatically.

Even with these updates, putting all of your eggs in one basket can be problematic. Kanban boards are great for what they do, but if you’re working on bigger, more complex projects with lots of tasks you’re going to get frustrated. There’s also no Gantt chart or way to link task dependencies and filter for the critical path, all essential for project scheduling. The bottom line is it’s not a fully-featured project management tool with tracking and reporting. Even if you’re working in an agile environment you’ll be disappointed in its lack of roadmaps and inability to review iterations.

Trello Pros

• Best Airtable alternative for users who like to manage work with kanban boards
• The software features can be expanded through paid third-party add ons
• Can be used by agile and scrum teams
• Mobile app available for Android and iOS
• Free plan
• Free trial

Trello Cons

• Limited variety of project management tools to visualize project tasks, only kanban boards and calendars available
• You’ll likely need to acquire power-ups, integrations that add features to the software at an extra cost.
• Doesn’t have Gantt charts, which are present in most Airtable alternatives in this list

Trello Pricing

• Standard: $5 user/month
• Premium: $10 user/month
• Enterprise: $17.50 user/month

Trello Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5

Highlighted User Review

• “I loved the fact that it is so easy to use, so easy that my non-tech-savvy employees were able to use it and I didn’t have to go behind them fixing mistakes.” Michelle N – from G2
• “Trello’s visual simplicity and flexibility are what I like best.” Cagri M – from G2

8. Asana

Asana is a popular project management software, which might be due to aggressive marketing or ease of use. Either way, there are practical reasons why so many people seem to like it. It’s easy to use, which is always a plus, and there are many integrations to expand the scope of the tool. People love the collaborative features that allow you to invite others to the digital workspace, comment and more. The collaboration and task management feature earned Asana a place on our list of Airtable alternatives. The Fall 2025 release added AI Teammates — AI-powered collaborators that work alongside your team in beta — along with comprehensive timesheets and budgeting tools and a new strategy map that visualizes how every project connects to company-wide goals.

What might detract from the experience is the lack of native time-tracking features as it’s a major fault in Asana’s task management tools — though the Fall 2025 update made progress here with new timesheets. Newcomers to project management will still have to get some experience under their belts before they can really take advantage of the software. Task management is another essential part of any project management software, but Asana’s task management capabilities are not where they should be. Perhaps our main gripe with Asana is that you can only assign one user to a task at any given time. These are only a few reasons why the tool falls to this spot on our Airtable alternatives.

Asana Pros

• Best Airtable alternative for managing simple workflows
• Task management tools are a good fit for managing simple business operations and projects
• Dynamic task management reporting features
• Free trial
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS

Asana Cons

• Gantt charts are limited, they lack the functionality that’s needed to track resource and costs at the task level
• Limited project management feature set, it’s better suited for basic task management
• The user interface of certain tools is confusing, such as workload management graphs which aren’t ideal for displaying workload utilization data.

Asana Pricing

• Starter plan: $10.99/user/month, billed annually
• Advanced plan: $24.99/user/month, billed annually

Asana Reviews

• G2 review: 4.3/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5

Highlighted User Review

• “I can create tasks, set their dates, routines, collaborate with my teammates, see their tasks, private my tasks, and so much more.” Shivam K – from G2
• “The dashboard view is the main benefit; it helped me organize the work into stages and gave me a clear picture of how far along the team was.” Carrie C – from G2

9. Smartsheet

Smartsheet is an Airtable alternative that also takes its lead from Excel. The tool looks like a spreadsheet but with more flexibility. It aims to boost your team’s productivity and lives up to that promise with an easy-to-use UI, whether making plans or streamlining workflows. There are other tools that the software offers including a card, calendar and Gantt view, which promise a more complete project management experience. Smartsheet’s 2025 Intelligent Work Management suite added Smart Assist (an AI companion that creates workspaces and projects from simple text outlines), Smart Flows (AI-built multi-step automations from plain language) and a Smart Agent for Project Management that monitors progress, flags risks proactively and can connect to tools like Claude for real-time data queries.

However, that experience is tarnished when you try to use those features. This is especially true for the Gantt chart as it isn’t fully functional. Those who need an Airtable alternative that delivers real project management tools will be disappointed. There’s a lack of time tracking, a hole that can be filled with third-party apps, but why would you want to add costs to an already pricy tool just to get features that are available on other Airtable alternatives we review on this list?

Smartsheet Pros & Key Features

• Best Airtable alternative for project templates and spreadsheets
• Ideal for teams that are migrating from spreadsheets to project management software
• Workflow management features
• Mobile app for Android and iOS
• Free trial

Smartsheet Cons & Limitations

• Some of its tools can be hard to setup and use, for example the spreadsheets require formulas
• Project dashboards have an outdated look and feel compared to most Airtable alternatives
• Generic spreadsheet-based tools are hard to adapt to the specific needs of your project

Smartsheet Pricing

• Pro: $9 per user/month, billed annually
• Business: $32 per user/month (minimum of 3 users), billed annually

Smartsheet Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4 / 5
• Capterra review: 4.5 / 5

Highlighted User Review

• “What I like best about Smartsheet is its user-friendly interface and extensive range of features.” Nitish K – from G2
• “It is simple to use, it has various methods of automations that serve the purposes of our process.” Jazmin C – from G2

10. Teamwork

Teamwork is a project management platform built for teams that manage client-facing work. Where most tools on this list focus on internal workflows, Teamwork goes a step further with built-in client portals, time tracking and billing features that make it especially popular with agencies, consultancies and professional services firms. You get Gantt charts, task lists, kanban boards and resource management all in one place, and the client portal lets external stakeholders review progress without needing a full user license. It’s a strong Airtable alternative for any team that needs a professional way to present work to clients without paying for a separate tool.

The trade-off is complexity. Teams that just need a straightforward task manager will find Teamwork’s feature set more than they bargained for, and the learning curve reflects that. The Scale plan — which unlocks the most powerful resource and portfolio management tools — is significantly more expensive than comparable plans from other Airtable alternatives. For small teams with simple internal projects, that investment may be hard to justify. But for agencies juggling multiple client engagements, Teamwork is one of the more capable tools on this list.

Teamwork Pros & Key Features

• Best Airtable alternative for agencies and client project management
• Built-in time tracking, invoicing and client portal features
• Gantt charts, task lists, kanban boards and resource management in one platform
• Clients and external stakeholders can access projects without a full user license
• Free plan available
• Mobile app for Android and iOS

Teamwork Cons & Limitations

• More feature-heavy than most teams need, which creates a steeper learning curve
• Scale plan required for advanced resource management and portfolio tools, at a significantly higher price
• Interface can feel dated compared to newer Airtable alternatives
• Performance can lag on larger projects with many tasks and dependencies

Teamwork Pricing

• Free plan available
• Deliver: $10.99/user/month, billed annually
• Grow: $19.99/user/month, billed annually
• Scale: $54.99/user/month, billed annually

Teamwork Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5

Highlighted User Review

• “Teamwork has a wide range of features including workflow management, time tracking, and project management in one central repository.” – from G2
• “Customer support is consistently strong, responsive and thoughtful, with the product team listening to users and reflecting feedback in ongoing improvements.” – from G2

11. Zoho Projects

Zoho Projects is another strong contender in our Airtable alternatives list. It’s project management software that lets you plan projects, including subtasks, and has great communication features such as forums, activity streams and chat. The tool has timesheets and resource utilization charts to help with productivity. Another nice feature is that teammates can share files and other information that’s accessible by the whole team whenever they need it. Recent updates renamed Milestones to Phases and added more powerful controls, including bulk ownership changes and scheduled exports. Zoho Projects also now supports tracking both cost budgets and budgeted hours simultaneously across all project modules — a useful improvement for teams managing project finances closely.

But there’s a reason it lands near the bottom of our Airtable alternatives. One glaring problem is search as there are no global search features. Although you can search for tasks in a project, if you’re working on more than one project and want to find a task across several projects, that’s not going to work on this app. Another big problem is the dashboard. Clients are going to want access to this high-level view, but you can’t add dashboards alphabetically, which makes it harder to find one specific one if there’s a list of many. All of this is problematic enough, but the main issue is that the tool isn’t easy to use. For those considering Zoho Projects, this might be a dealbreaker.

Zoho Projects Pros & Key Features

• The best low cost and free Airtable alternative
• Affordable solution that allows you to get Airtable’s key features such as Gantt charts, task lists and more
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
• Free trial
• Free plan

Zoho Projects Cons & Limitations

• Its Gantt charts, kanban boards and other project management tools are limited compared to other Airtable alternatives in this list
• Lack of cost planning and resource tracking features
• Software can be hard to use and setup

Zoho Projects Pricing

• Premium: $4/user/month, billed annually
• Enterprise: $9/user/month, billed annually

Zoho Projects Reviews

• G2 review: 4.3/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5

Highlighted User Review

• “We particularly appreciate the user-friendly interface, visually appealing layout, and comprehensive reporting capabilities.” Stephen C – from G2
• “An intuitive project management tool for small teams.” Roberto Alfonso C – from G2

12. Jira

Jira is a well-known project management software that specializes in creating tools for product planning, software development or agile project management. It has project management features that can be compared with Airtable such as kanban boards, task lists and project calendars. These tools are especially good for planning agile sprints and reporting on their performance. Atlassian has been rolling out significant changes in 2025 and 2026, including a full UI overhaul across Jira Cloud and the introduction of Rovo — a unified AI solution that connects data across Jira, Confluence and third-party apps using natural language search that Atlassian says is 78% more accurate than legacy search. Note that as of September 2025, “Projects” in Jira Cloud were renamed to “Spaces.”

Jira has focused its efforts into becoming the go-to tool for managing agile software development projects, which is a double-edged sword because that also means its set of tools is not the right fit for teams in other industries. However, at an additional cost, the software offers a wide variety of integrations that help you overcome some of its project management limitations.

Jira Pros

• Best free Airtable alternative for software development teams
• Good for users that work in agile sprints
• Solid kanban board functionality
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
• Free trial
• Free plan

Jira Cons

• There are no Gantt charts, only a timeline view which is a lightweight version of a Gantt chart software tool
• Lack of versatility, only works for teams working with agile, scrum or kanban project management methodologies
• Limited project management feature set

Jira Pricing

• Standard: $9.05/user/month, billed annually
• Premium: $18.30/user/month, billed annually

Jira Reviews

• G2 review: 4.3/5
• Capterra review: 4.4/5

Highlighted User Review

• “We use the Jira tool to manage our sprint board as we work on Agile.” Alekhya K – from G2
• “Strong integrations further facilitate collaboration and automation of tasks.” Juan M – from G2

13. Wrike

Wrike is a project management Airtable alternative with strong task management and team collaboration features. It offers Gantt charts for scheduling and users have responded positively to the many integrations that work with the software. There are also dashboards and reports, which are essential features when monitoring and tracking your project’s performance and progress. Workflow automation is another plus that makes this tool attractive to many. Wrike has made notable strides recently with a redesigned Gantt chart that delivers faster performance, a new Whiteboard feature powered by Klaxoon for real-time brainstorming and an Agent Builder that lets teams create custom AI automations. The platform also restructured its pricing in January 2026, retiring the old Professional and Enterprise plans and introducing a new Team plan at $10/user/month and a new Apex tier for large organizations.

What users might not find as attractive is how complicated Wrike can be to use. The learning curve is steep for both professionals and newbies. It’ll take a while for most to get comfortable with the tool, which takes time away from the project. That includes the onboarding process to the tool as users must be added manually. If you’re working with a large team, that’s going to cost you a significant amount of time. If you’re looking to analyze data, you’ll be disappointed in the lack of filtering options. There’s no proper task prioritization, either. While Wrike is one of the more robust of the Airtable alternatives we reviewed, these shortcomings are unattractive to many potential users.

Wrike Pros & Key Features

• Best Airtable alternative for work management
• Simple task management tools
• Dashboard and project reporting features
• Free trial
• Mobile app available for Android and iOS

Wrike Cons & Limitations

• Gantt chart lacks features project managers need to plan, schedule and track their projects
• Limited resource management feature set
• Some aspects of the interface can be improved to improve the user experience

Wrike Pricing

• Team plan: $10/user/month, billed annually
• Business plan: $25/user/month, billed annually

Wrike Reviews

• G2 review: 4.2 / 5
• Capterra review: 4.4 / 5

Highlighted User Review

• “Wrike has become essential in my day and keeps me organized and on top of my tasks.” Paige T – from G2
• “Productivity has been enhanced by removing essential but repetitive chores.” Denise S – from G2

14. Basecamp

Basecamp is another online Airtable alternative that focuses on collaboration, tracking tasks, deadlines, files and discussions. It’s more of a collaboration app than a project management app, though it could be used to manage some projects. Think of it as a virtual hub for your team, which is especially helpful for those organizations that are working with distributed teams. It’s easy to use and flexible with enough integrations to help close the gaps in the software. A 2025 update introduced Hilltop View, which lets you see every Hill Chart across your entire account on one screen — a handy addition for teams managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Those gaps are substantial if you’re more in the market for a project management Airtable alternative. The biggest gap in managing a project on Basecamp is the lack of Gantt charts. For some, it’s impossible to even consider managing a project without one. It also has no features that help you monitor and track the details of a project to make sure everything is coming together according to the schedule. In reality, this is a good communication tool. However, if you’re looking to manage a project, you’ll have to use it as a piece of a larger collection of other apps.

Basecamp Pros & Key Features

• Best Airtable alternative for managing everyday tasks
• It’s designed to help teams manage their workflows and stay on top of their task due dates
• Easy-to-use task management tools that work well together such as task lists and kanban boards
• Mobile app for Android and iOS
• Free trial

Basecamp Cons & Limitations

• Limited project management feature set compared to other Airtable alternatives
• Doesn’t have Gantt charts, which are important feature to look for when choosing an alternative to Airtable
• Lack of resource planning and project cost tracking features

Basecamp Pricing

• Basecamp: $15/user/month
• Pro Unlimited: $299/month (billed annually), unlimited users

Basecamp Reviews

• G2 review: 4.1/5
• Capterra review: 4.3/5

Highlighted User Review

• “As a company, it allows us to flawlessly track all of our conversations, planning, tasks, and project progress.” Özgür K – from G2
• “The interface transforms complex functionalities into an intuitive experience for all users.” Tom G – from G2

Related Content

If you’re looking for an Airtable alternative, then we’ve given you a bunch of choices. Choose the right one for you. But there are many project management tools on the market, maybe you’re looking for a different alternative. We’ve done a lot of these alternative roundups and below are three to check out if you’re still looking for the best software tool to help you work more effectively.

• Best Project Management Software
• Best Microsoft Project Alternatives
• Best Smartsheet Alternatives
• Best Asana Alternatives

It’s clear that ProjectManager is the best Airtable alternative for 2026. Chock full of all the project management features you need, with more coming soon, you can plan, monitor and report on your work all in real time. Get the collaboration tools you need to connect, task management features to streamline work and resource management tools to keep everyone working at capacity. Join the teams at NASA, Siemens and Nestle who use our tool to deliver success. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post 14 Best Airtable Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked (2026) appeared first on ProjectManager.

Depending on the project management tools that you use, you could end up with files of various types-and this can cause compatibility issues. One example of this is an MPP file.

Unfortunately, since MPP files were not designed to be shared outside of Microsoft Project, the project management software that they are created in, trying to open an MPP file extension can cause confusion and delay. Read on to see how MPP files are created, and how to open this file extension to access important project data.

What Is an MPP File?

A MPP file is a file format that is exclusive to Microsoft Project. Each MPP file contains comprehensive information about a project, including the project plan, schedule, timeline, budget, deliverables and more. In essence, it is a blueprint of the entire project, and exporting it lets you pass along information about the project to your stakeholders.

The difference between sharing an MPP file extension versus sharing a different type of file format is that MPP files can only be opened by someone who also has a Microsoft Project license. This bars many individuals from opening the file shared with them.

A common example of this issue is when MPP files are shared with Mac users. Because Microsoft Project cannot be used on a Mac, there is no way to open an MPP file extension and view information or make changes. This issue directly impacts workflow and slows projects down. Even if the entire team is using Microsoft Project, odds are someone they are sharing the project data with will not be. There are countless project management tools, but MPP files lock you into using only Microsoft Project.

Fortunately, ProjectManager is a Microsoft Project alternative with a powerful import feature that lets you access existing data in your MPP files. Plus, it’s compatible with every operating system!

Types of MPP Files

Each release introduced new capabilities, which affected how data is stored in the MPP format:

• Project 98 MPP File: earliest format, not compatible with later releases.
• Project 2000-2003 MPP File: improved structure, but still limited cross-version compatibility.
• Project 2007 MPP File: added new fields and scheduling enhancements.
• Project 2010 MPP File: introduced manual vs. automatic scheduling options.
• Project 2013 MPP File: expanded reporting and data visualization capabilities.
• Project 2016 MPP File: included Agile fields and resource engagement.
• Project 2019/2021 MPP File: established the modern format still in use today, can be opened with the Microsoft Project Standard 2024 & Microsoft Project Professional 2024 editions.

Newer versions of Microsoft Project can open and convert older MPPs, but older versions generally cannot open newer ones. Unfortunately, the latest versions of Microsoft Project, Project Standard 2024 and Project Professional 2024 are very expensive, they’re sold as a one-time purchase at $679.99 and $1,129.99 respectively. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution to view, edit and export MPP files in CSV, Excel and PDF, try ProjectManager instead.

How to Open an MPP File with ProjectManager

To get started on opening your MPP file with ProjectManager, you first need to start a 30-day free trial. Not only can you access any file with the MPP extension, it also converts that data and allows you to start managing your project immediately. Additionally, when you export your project again from ProjectManager, the resulting file is universally compatible and can be opened by anyone.

This means that even if a project originated in Microsoft Project, it can now be worked on by team members without a Microsoft license, stakeholders working from a Mac computer and anyone else. And, the best part is, it’s free for 30 days. Follow these six steps to import your MPP file extension!

1. Begin Import of Your MPP File

Select the ProjectManager Gantt view, and click the import option on the menu bar. This will import your file into our online Gantt chart view.

2. Choose an MPP File to Upload

A popup window will appear. Follow the instructions to choose which MPP file you would like to import. Begin the import by selecting `Next”.

3. Set your Import Preferences

You will now see your import listed as `selected file’. Below this, check whether you would like to import as a new project or as part of an existing project. If you select `existing project’, you will then be asked to choose to either update or replace existing data.

4. Choose to Import the Entire Project or Just the Task List

Next, check whether you would like to import all MPP data or just the task list. If you choose all data, your import will allow you to view and edit your file just like you would in Microsoft Project.

5. Close Out of the Pop-Up Window

The popup window should now read `Success!’. From here, close the popup window and begin working on your project.

6. Start Using Your MPP File in ProjectManager

Now that you have completed the import process, you can edit your project online, see the data in multiple views, share the data with stakeholders and more.

Congratulations! You’ve imported your MPP file with only a few clicks and without relying on conversion tools. Now, enjoy working on your project from one central location, and export files so that project data can be shared with anyone.

More About Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is one of the oldest project management software options around and is a part of the Microsoft 365 suite. It allows users to manage every aspect of their project, with an array of views and features, including Gantt charts, timelines, resource management tools and more.

All that in mind, Microsoft Project is a highly technical project management solution, making it notoriously difficult for new users to get the hang of. It is especially challenging for users who are not familiar with other Microsoft apps or the Microsoft interface. This learning curve can stall projects.

Additionally, unlike many other Microsoft tools — Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc. — the Microsoft Project desktop application can only be run from a Windows operating system. This means Mac OS users have no way to directly use the tool. It also means anyone working on a Mac or any other non-Windows OS cannot open MPP file extensions.

More Ways to Open an MPP file

If you’re opening an MPP file from the same version of Microsoft Project, the process is fairly simple. But, opening an MPP file from an outside application is far more complicated and may require several extra steps.

How to Open an MPP File with Different Versions of Microsoft Project

If you still want to use Microsoft Project to open your MPP file, it’s important to know that while some versions of Microsoft Project are compatible, there are just as many incompatible combinations. This means stakeholders working on different versions of Microsoft Project may have just as much difficulty opening MPP file extensions as they would on different PM software.

Below is a list of different versions of Microsoft Project, from Microsoft Project 98 onward. The issue lies in that not all of these versions can open files from the others. So, for example, there is no way to open a MPP file extension from Microsoft Project 98 using MS 2013 and vice versa. Here are the limitations of each version:

• MS Project 98 can open Project 4.x and Project 98 files.
• MS Project 2000 can open Project 98 and Project 2000 files.
• MS Project 2002 can open Project 98, Project 2000, and Project 2002 files.
• MS Project 2003 can open Project 98, 2000, 2002, and 2003 files.
• MS Project 2007 can open Project 98, 2000-2003, and 2007 files.
• MS Project 2010 can open Project 98, 2000-2003, 2007, and 2010 files.
• MS Project 2013 can open Project 2000-2003, 2007, 2010, and 2013 files.
• MS Project 2016 can open Project 2000-2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016 files.
• MS Project 2019 can open Project 2000-2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 files.

As you can imagine, this becomes a major issue when stakeholders own different versions of Microsoft Project. Clients and investors, for example, may have difficulty accessing data sent over from a project team without workarounds or alternatives.

Why You Can’t Use Excel to Open an MPP File

When people run into issues opening MPP files, many hope they will be able to use Excel to troubleshoot as it is sometimes a better option to share project data via spreadsheet. Unfortunately, this is not a viable option for MPP files.

Excel cannot open MPP files without a conversion tool that will change the file extension from MPP to XLS. These conversion tools are out there, but they have their fair share of drawbacks. For one, they add an extra step in the process of access project data. Something that should be simple is now a multi-step process.

Conversion programs can also put your data at risk. Anytime file extensions are being converted from one type to another, there is the chance of the data being altered, lost or more nefariously, stolen!

Can Microsoft Planner Open MPP Files?

With Microsoft positioning Planner as the future of its project management platform, many people wonder whether Planner can pick up where Project left off with MPP files. Unfortunately, it cannot — at least not natively.

Microsoft’s transition to Planner was designed for users of Project for the web, whose plans were automatically carried over. But MPP files — the format generated by the Project desktop app — are a different story. Planner has no built-in option to open, import or export MPP files from its main interface.

There is a workaround. Organizations with the right Microsoft 365 licensing can access a version of Planner through the Power Apps environment that includes an Import option, which can bring tasks, dependencies and dates from an MPP file into a Planner Premium plan. It is not a simple upload — it requires navigating to your organization’s Power Apps portal and can take several minutes for larger files. Third-party tools like may offer a simpler browser-based route to move MPP data into Planner without going through Power Apps.

Even with these workarounds, there are real limitations. You can bring data into Planner from an MPP file, but you cannot export back to MPP format from Planner. So if your clients or stakeholders need to receive an MPP file, Planner cannot produce one. For teams that regularly work with MPP files, a dedicated Microsoft Project alternative like ProjectManager is still the most straightforward solution — it imports MPP files directly and works on any operating system.

What About a Microsoft Project Viewer for opening MPP Files?

In order to open an MPP file from a non MS application or a Mac computer, many people choose to use a Microsoft Project Viewer. These `viewers’ give you the ability to open the MPP file extension by downloading the file in a different format, often a pdf.

But even when the MPP file has been opened, you will not be able to make changes to the data, leave comments, collaborate, etc. As the name implies, you will strictly be able to view the project. The good news is, ProjectManager is the solution that will unlock any MPP file without Microsoft Project and allow you to work on projects with ease.

ProjectManager Can Do What Microsoft Project Can’t

ProjectManager gives users access to a suite of features and tools that make sharing, editing and collaborating on projects simple, not more complicated. Plan and schedule the details of your projects with your team on our Gantt charts, where you can lay out your project from start to finish. The best part is, no matter what operating system your team is working on, everyone has access-all you need is an internet connection.

Once your project begins, we give you access to a real-time dashboard that tracks all the important project metrics in a single display. The charts and graphs are automatically updated as your team updates the status of the project’s tasks.

We also have powerful built-in reporting features that can negate the need to pass around potentially incompatible file types. Just select the different options that you want to generate your report, and send off your reports with the peace of mind that they’ll reach their intended audience with no hassle.

ProjectManager is a cloud-based project management solution compatible with MPP files from all versions of Microsoft Project. Work with team members and other stakeholders from anywhere whether they’re Mac or Windows users. Flexible import options mean that file format won’t get in the way. Import, edit and share all of your projects with only a few clicks, no matter the original file extension. Start your free trial of ProjectManager today, and see why we’re trusted by NASA, Volvo and thousands of other organizations to manage their projects.

Microsoft Project Online Is Retiring: What It Means for Your MPP Files

If your organization uses Microsoft Project Online to store and collaborate on project files in the cloud, there is an important deadline you need to plan around. Microsoft has officially announced that Project Online will be retired on September 30, 2026.

This follows Microsoft’s retirement of Project for the web in August 2025, which was folded into Microsoft Planner. Together, these changes mean Microsoft’s cloud-based project management is consolidating entirely under Planner — and the infrastructure that allowed teams to sync, share and collaborate on MPP files in the cloud is going away.

Here are the key dates to know:

• October 1, 2025: Microsoft stopped selling new Project Online licenses to new customers.
• April 1, 2026: No new Project Online tenants can be created.
• September 30, 2026: Project Online is fully retired. After this date, project data stored in Project Online will be inaccessible.

If your team stores MPP files through Project Online, you need to export and back up that data before the retirement deadline. Microsoft recommends migrating to Planner Premium (available with Planner and Project Plan 3 or Plan 5) — though as you will see in the next section, that migration does not preserve the MPP format itself.

The one piece of good news here is that the Microsoft Project desktop application — Project Standard and Project Professional — is not affected by any of these retirements. The desktop app continues to work, and MPP files created in it remain fully functional. The retirement only affects the cloud and online subscription services.

MPP File Format FAQ

Internet users have many questions about Microsoft Project Files (MPP Files), here are some of them.

What Microsoft products can open MPP files?

MPP files are the native format of Microsoft Project and can be opened in the Microsoft Project Standard and Project Professional desktop editions. Project Server also works with MPPs when projects are checked in or out. Other Microsoft apps — including Planner and Excel — cannot open MPP files directly. Note that Microsoft Project Online, which previously allowed cloud-based access to MPP-based projects, is being retired on September 30, 2026.

Can I open MPP files without Microsoft Project?

Yes, but you’ll still need to purchase a Microsoft Project alternative like ProjectManager, which lets you open and edit MPP files and export them in a variety of formats such as CSV, Excel and PDF.

Can I open MPP files with Microsoft Planner?

Not directly. Microsoft Planner does not have a native MPP import feature in its main interface. There is an indirect route through the Power Apps environment that can transfer MPP data into a Planner Premium plan, and third-party tools like ProjectData.io’s EZ Import offer a browser-based workaround. However, neither option supports exporting back to MPP format — Planner is a one-way destination. If you need to create, edit and share MPP files on an ongoing basis, you will need the Project desktop app or a compatible alternative like ProjectManager.

What’s the difference between MPP and MPT files in Microsoft Project?

An MPP file is a working project file containing tasks, resources, schedules, and assignments. An MPT file is a template format that stores predefined project structures, calendars, and settings but no live project data. You use an MPT file to create consistent new projects, while MPP files track actual, ongoing work.

Can I convert an MPP file to Excel, PDF, or another format?

Yes. In Microsoft Project or ProjectManager, you can export project data to Excel for further analysis or save as PDF for easy sharing. ProjectManager also allows MPP conversion into formats like Excel, CSV or PDF. While exports maintain core data, complex scheduling or formatting details may not fully transfer.

Related Content

• Microsoft Project: Plans, Training and How to Download
• Top Microsoft Project Management Software
• Best Microsoft Project Alternatives
• Best Microsoft Planner Alternatives
• What Is Microsoft Project? Uses, Features and Pricing
• Microsoft Project Online: Pros, Cons and Free Alternatives
• Microsoft Project Viewer – How to View & Edit MPP Files Online
• MPP File Extension: What Is It & How to Open It
• Microsoft Project for Mac: How to Run MS Project Files on Your Mac
• Archivo MPP: Qu Es y C mo Editar Un Archivo en Formato MPP?
• Extension de fichier MPP : qu’est-ce que c’est et comment l’ouvrir
• MPP-Datei: Was ist das und wie ffnet man sie
• Extensao de arquivo MPP: o que e como abrir

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It’s true that ClickUp offers many features including a Gantt chart in addition to a dashboard, list and calendar view. Its customizable features make it a good fit for agile project management, and it’s well-suited for distributed teams who are not working side-by-side in an office. Despite its upsides, there are holes in ClickUp’s offerings that leave many users seeking a ClickUp alternative.

Why People Seek a ClickUp Alternative

Does ClickUp really live up to its tagline of being “the one app to replace them all?” In reality, it doesn’t, especially when it comes to its project management software functionality. While there are many features, they’re not as robust as most users prefer.

• Underwhelming project planning features: ClickUp project planning features are basic and focus mostly on task management and collaboration. However, project planning involves more than just assigning tasks to your team members and collaborating with them. We’ll explore ClickUp alternatives that offer more robust resource, cost, and budget management features.
• Steep learning curve: One of the main drawbacks of ClickUp is its cluttered interface and complicated set up process which makes the software hard to use, unlike some of the ClickUp alternatives in this list which offer a better user experience.
• No free trial: Without a free trial, users aren’t able to see what ClickUp is like without committing. Although there is a free version, it has limited features. Most ClickUp alternatives we picked let users try a fully featured version of their software.
• Non project management related features: Some ClickUp tools aren’t really designed for project management, but rather for team productivity such as text editing tools, form makers, or whiteboards. While they might be helpful, there are other ClickUp alternatives that are better suited for project management.

2026 Best ClickUp Alternatives Software Rankings

In this blog, we’ll focus on the best Clickup alternatives for project management to help you find the best option for you and your team.

1. ProjectManager

ProjectManager is work and project management software known for its ease of use, multiple project views and collaborative features. Like ClickUp, it’s a feature-rich tool with a clean design with no learning curve. It provides the collaboration features of Clickup, with in-depth project and task management features for keeping your projects and programs on track. There’s dedicated customer service and an online knowledge base if there are any questions, and unlike Clickup, it offers a free 30-day trial.

Plan and Execute Projects Across Multiple Views

ProjectManager is a ClickUp alternative that allows teams to create plans on traditional Gantt charts or the sheet view (like a Gantt but without the visual timeline) in addition to the list or calendar view. Cross-functional teams and managers get transparency into processes through the visual workflow of the kanban board. Managers can allocate resources to avoid bottlenecks and manage backlogs with real-time collaborative tools such as task lists where they can comment and share files.

Keep Track of Projects in Real Time with Dashboards and Reports

Another reason to use this ClickUp alternative is real-time data access that connects teams and helps managers make insightful decisions. Unlike other ClickUp alternatives that require manual data compilation, ProjectManager has a live dashboard that automatically calculates and displays live data in six project metrics. It’s clear that ProjectManager prioritizes data and ease of use for its customers.

Another area where ProjectManager stands out is its time-tracking features. For example, secure timesheets provide a real-time view of team progress. Teams can generate reports with one click and access detailed information on status, projects and portfolios, time, costs and more. In a few clicks, users can filter and share these reports with stakeholders. If you want to try this ClickUp alternative for yourself, get started today for free.

Verdict: Best ClickUp Alternative for Project Management

ProjectManager Pros & Key Features

• Offers a wide variety of project management tools
• Robust resource management features
• Cloud-based software with unlimited file storage
• Free trial 30-day trial
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS

ProjectManager Cons & Limitations

• Limited customization
• Few native integrations
• Lacks invoicing functionality, unlike some of the ClickUp alternatives in this list
• No free plan

ProjectManager Pricing

• Team: $15.00/user/month
• Business: $28.00/user/month
• Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote

ProjectManager Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4 / 5
• Capterra review: 4.1 / 5

2. Smartsheet

Smartsheet calls itself a workplace to manage projects and automate workflows. This combined with its ease of use makes it attractive to project managers. As its name suggests, the software uses spreadsheets as its springboard, though it also has calendar views and a timeline, the closest this tool gets to a Gantt chart. In 2024, Smartsheet was taken private in an $8.4 billion acquisition by Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners and has since invested heavily in AI features including Smart Assist, Smart Flows and Smart Columns.

Related: Best Smartsheet Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked

While the Gantt chart is a fundamental tool for managing projects, the Smartsheet version isn’t nearly as robust as the Gantt charts featured in other ClickUp alternatives. It can’t filter for the critical path, for example. Less powerful features combined with the lack of time tracking is going to sour the software to most potential users. Any time tracking and budgeting you want to do will have to be pieced together with additional software.

Verdict: Best ClickUp Alternative for Project Spreadsheets and Templates

Smartsheet Pros & Key Features

• Ideal for transitioning from Excel or Google Sheets to project management software
• Workflow automation tools
• AI features including Smart Assist, Smart Flows and Smart Columns
• Free trial
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS

Smartsheet Cons & Limitations

• Its project management tools are basic and lack the functionality needed for advanced users
• Users need to manually enter spreadsheet formulas to use its project views
• Limited resource planning tools
• Project dashboards and reports have an outdated user interface
• Free plan discontinued in 2025 — trial only

Smartsheet Pricing

• Pro plan: $9/user/month
• Business plan: $19/user/month

Smartsheet Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5

3. Microsoft Project

You can’t complete a ranking of ClickUp alternatives without including Microsoft Project — now rebranded as Microsoft Planner. It’s a project and portfolio management platform that’s been around since 1984, allowing teams to manage one or multiple projects through either a cloud-based or on-premise solution. Microsoft Planner includes scheduling features with Gantt charts and board views for teams to visualize their workflow. Timesheets help to capture project and non-project time and they’re linked to payroll or invoicing. It also offers resource management features that predict bottlenecks and manage utilization. Note: Microsoft Project Online is being retired in September 2026, with Microsoft directing users to migrate to Planner Premium.

Related: Best Microsoft Project Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked

Of course, Microsoft Project offers seamless integration with its Office suite and other tools, but there are many downsides that have MS Project users looking for alternatives. For example, if you or anyone on your team uses Apple products, you’ll need to find an alternative as it doesn’t work on Mac devices. Even if you’re all on PC, Microsoft Project is a clunky and uncollaborative platform. One problem with this ClickUp alternative is the expense. Microsoft Project is costly, and even more so as you add user licenses. If you’re working in a methodology other than waterfall, you’ll also find the tool frustrating and cumbersome, leading you to seek a different ClickUp alternative on this list.

Verdict: Best ClickUp Alternative for Project Spreadsheets and Templates

Microsoft Project Pros & Key Features

• Best ClickUp alternative for managing complex projects
• Robust project management feature set
• Compatibility with Microsoft products
• Has both a desktop-based and online versions
• Copilot AI for natural language project creation and task management

Microsoft Project Cons & Limitations

• User interface is difficult to navigate for new users which is not ideal for team onboarding
• It’s a complex software that’s hard to use compared to most ClickUp alternatives
• Expensive monthly license
• Microsoft Project files can’t be viewed, shared or edited by users without a license
• No free plan
• No free trial

Microsoft Project Pricing

• Planner Plan 1: $10/user/month
• Planner and Project Plan 3: $30/user/month
• Planner and Project Plan 5: $55/user/month

Microsoft Project Reviews

• G2 review: 4.0/5
• Capterra review: 4.4/5

4. Wrike

Another ClickUp alternative is Wrike, a project management software with many frequently used features. It has planning tools, activity tracking and an activity dashboard for a high-level view of the project. There are special account types for marketing and creative teams as well as professional services teams. Wrike is a collaborative platform that has intelligent features that can provide insights as to when your project is in danger of failing.

Related: Best Wrike Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked

That said, this is one of the more expensive ClickUp alternatives we’ve highlighted. It’s not easy to onboard new users, either. There are complaints about the software being slow, particularly when uploading or downloading files. The UI is confusing and navigating from task to task is clunky. Even something as important as task management is lacking in task prioritization features, which can make directing teams less efficient.

Verdict: Best ClickUp Alternative for Third-party Integrations

Wrike Pros & Key Features

• Excels at everyday task and workflow management
• Ideal for team management across industries
• AI Agents for risk reporting, task triaging and intake (launched 2026)
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
• Free trial
• Free plan

Wrike Project Cons & Limitations

• Gantt chart user interface is outdated compared to ClickUp
• There are no project management reports such as status or variance reports
• Few resource, cost and budget tracking features

Wrike Pricing

• Team plan: $10/user/month
• Business plan: $24.80/user/month
• Pinnacle: ~$50-65/user/month
• Apex: contact sales

Wrike Reviews

• G2 review: 4.2 / 5
• Capterra review: 4.4 / 5

5. Zoho Projects

Zoho Projects is a cloud-based project management software that works for both small and large projects. It provides task scheduling and budget creation in addition to helping users assign work to their team. This is one of the few ClickUp alternatives that offer automation for its document processes including revision tracking. Teams can share files and there are dashboard and reporting features with stakeholder presentations.

However, while Zoho Projects can be a popular choice, it’s not the best project management software. For one thing, the search functionality is clunky. When you’re in a project, you can only search for tasks within that project. Some of the features could be better, too. Take the dashboard, which doesn’t let users add clients’ contact information or list client names alphabetically. These downsides combined with the high learning curve mean you’re going to have to spend a good deal of time and effort just to know how to use the tool before managing a project.

Verdict: Best ClickUp Alternative for Teams on a Budget

Zoho Projects Pros & Key Features

• Good fit for beginner project management software users
• Zia AI assistant with predictive delay detection and natural language search
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
• Free trial
• Free plan

Zoho Projects Cons & Limitations

• Users interface and usability are lacking compared to most ClickUp alternatives
• Gantt charts don’t have cost tracking features
• Limited resource management tools for monitoring utilization and availability
• Hard to integrate with

Zoho Projects Pricing

• Premium: $4/user/month, billed annually
• Enterprise: $10/user/month, billed annually

Zoho Projects Reviews

• G2 review: 4.3/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5

6. Monday.com

A popular ClickUp alternative is Monday.com This project management software automates workflows and manages different projects. It’s also good at getting teams to collaborate and gives managers features to plan and track work. It mostly uses kanban boards, checklists for task management and integrations with other apps to pick up the slack, including Slack. There are multiple project views, including a timeline, which is not quite a Gantt, but it’s something.

Related: ClickUp vs. Monday: In-Depth Software Comparison

In fact, there are a lot of limitations to Monday.com. It might look pleasing, but its features fall short. For example, it tracks project goals, but not easily. You can’t assign comments to team members, which is going to get in the way of any collaboration effort. It lacks powerful task dependencies, and that can mean bottlenecks and delays that will cost you time and money.

Verdict: Best ClickUp Alternative for Managing Small Teams

Monday.com Pros & Key Features

• Effective team collaboration tools, ideal for team leaders getting started with project management platforms
• Simple-to-use task management features
• AI agents for automating workflows and CRM tasks
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
• Free trial

Monday.com Cons & Limitations

• Not robust enough for project, program or project portfolio management
• Project reports and dashboards are not detailed enough for advanced project management users
• Most of its project management views require a manual-intensive setup due to its customization features
• Limited project budgeting and resource management tools

Monday.com Pricing

• Basic: $9/seat/month, billed annually
• Standard: $12/seat/month, billed annually
• Pro: $19/seat/month, billed annually
• 3-seat minimum
• Note: monday.com now offers separate products (Work Management, CRM, Dev, Service) each with their own pricing

Monday.com Reviews

• G2 review: 4.7/5
• Capterra review: 4.6/5

7. Trello

Some of the ClickUp alternatives in this ranking use a spreadsheet as their main feature. Before people upgrade to project management software, they’re likely managing projects on a spreadsheet. But Trello is different because its DNA comes from the kanban board. Kanban boards are customizable and are great for managing work and workflows for teams and others outside of the project. Like most kanban boards, it’s also easy to use, which is a plus.

But what makes it stand apart is also what makes it a poor ClickUp alternative. For one thing, kanban boards are great for workflow, but managers need more tools to manage projects. If they want those added features, it’s going to cost them. Time tracking, billing and more are only available as add-ons. You can’t really make a Gantt out of a kanban board, which is going to alienate many. But even its kanban boards are not all they can be. For example, there are no swimlanes. But, if you like kanban boards, this tool is for you.

Verdict: Best ClickUp Alternative for Kanban Project Management

Trello Pros & Key Features

• Good fit for agile and scrum teams
• Can be customized for different work styles using integrations
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
• Free plan
• Free trial

Trello Cons & Limitations

• Poor offer of project management tools, limited to kanban boards and project calendars
• Relies on add-ons and third-party integrations to make up for its missing features, unlike other more well-rounded ClickUp alternatives
• Not ideal for managing larger projects
• There are no Gantt charts, a critical project management tool

Trello Pricing

• Standard: $5/user/month, billed annually
• Premium: $10/user/month, billed annually
• Enterprise: $17.50/user/month, billed annually

Trello Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5

8. nTask

If you’re looking for a task management ClickUp alternative, then you could do worse than nTask, an online tool that manages tasks, projects, meetings and more on an agile platform. The software offers timesheets, issue tracking and other features at a price point that’s not going to derail your budget. It’s an especially attractive option for businesses with small teams, startups or entrepreneurs trying to get off the ground.

However, there are some omissions that might have you looking elsewhere. If you need to attach a lot of files, you’ll be frustrated by the length of time it takes to upload them. We noted that the tool excels for small teams, but if you’re working with larger teams, you’ll find that nTask doesn’t scale well. There aren’t advanced reporting features to help you better track progress and update stakeholders which can sometimes make you feel like you’re managing blindly.

Verdict: Best ClickUp Alternative for Task Scheduling and Tracking

nTask Pros & Key Features

• Multilingual project management platform
• Meeting management features
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
• Free trial

nTask Cons & Limitations

• Gantt charts lack advanced project management features such as cost tracking or resource planning
• Doesn’t offer project management dashboards or reports like other ClickUp alternatives
• Not ideal for program or project portfolio management
• No AI features available or on the announced roadmap

nTask Pricing

• Premium: $3/user/month, billed annually
• Business: $8/user/month, billed annually

nTask Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4/5
• Capterra review: 4.2/5

9. Teamwork

Teamwork is project management software that’s user-friendly. It offers reporting features, time tracking, Gantt charts, task management and more to help users manage work and enhance productivity. It’s helpful when organizing projects, teams and resources, offering collaborative tools that facilitate communications between teams. It’s an excellent ClickUp alternative for smaller or growing teams.

Even though the user experience is positive, customizing can be complicated. There’s a bit of a learning curve and users will have to do research to implement the customization. There have also been complaints about the mobile app, which doesn’t work well. There are some limitations in the feature set such as task management: there is no function that allows users to move multiple tasks at once.

Verdict: Best ClickUp Alternative for Service Providers

Teamwork Pros & Key Features

• Great for everyday task management
• Timesheet and invoicing features
• Scout AI assistant for meeting summaries and action items
• Flo AI for generating client-ready project reports
• Free trial
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS

Teamwork Cons & Limitations

• Gantt charts features might be enough for basic task management for not ideal for project tracking
• Limited project management reporting features
• Focuses mostly on creative teams, unlike other ClickUp alternatives that are suitable for teams across industries
• There are no project calendars
• Paid versions have a 3-user minimum

Teamwork Pricing

• Deliver: $10.99/user/month, billed annually
• Grow: $19.99/user/month, billed annually
• Scale: $54.99/user/month, billed annually

Teamwork Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5

10. ActiveCollab

Finally, we have ActiveCollab, project management software that features task management, email integration, team collaboration and scheduling features. It helps users organize their work with workload tools that boost productivity. Time tracking keeps projects on schedule and third-party integrations fill in the gaps in the software.

There’s room for improvement, though. For example, ActiveCollab needs a main project dashboard with visuals that represent project data. The collaboration tools could also use updates such as commenting, which cannot be linked. Having many features is great unless you don’t need all of them; this ClickUp alternative should have an off-button to remove unwanted tools from your view.

Verdict: Best ClickUp Alternative for Invoicing and Client Management

ActiveCollab & Key Features

• Workload allocation features
• Project estimating tools
• AI-generated task and subtask suggestions
• Free trial
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS

ActiveCollab Cons & Limitations

• Only one type of task dependency
• Limited Gantt chart functionality compared to ClickUp and other ClickUp alternatives
• Lacks project management reports

ActiveCollab Pricing

• Plus: $12.50/month flat (includes 3 seats)
• Pro: $10/user/month
• Pro + Get Paid: $15/user/month (adds invoicing and online payments)

ActiveCollab Reviews

• G2 review: 4.2 / 5
• Capterra review: 4.5 / 5

11. Hive

Hive is a ClickUp alternative that offers project management tools like Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and calendars. Like ClickUp, it’s a platform that mainly focuses on workflow management and team collaboration thanks to features like instant messaging, forms, video calls and meeting notes. In addition, it offers productivity features such as AI-writing assistant which helps with email marketing and text translation.

The main disadvantage of this ClickUp alternative is that while it does have project management tools, most of their features only scratch the surface of what’s needed by project managers. For example, its Gantt chart lacks resource planning or cost tracking features, which make them only useful for assigning tasks to team members and setting due dates. Its kanban cards only allow users to add a task name and nothing else, lacking features like task prioritization and file attachments. There’s no way to add details, priority levels or notes at the task level. These drawbacks and the lack of project reports make this a very limited tool in terms of project management functionality.

Verdict: Best ClickUp Alternative for Team Collaboration

Hive Pros & Key Features

• Video calling features
• Multiple project management views
• Buzz AI agent for task planning, meeting summaries and bottleneck prediction
• Good fit for marketing teams
• Mobile app for Android and iOS
• Free trial
• Free plan

Hive Cons & Limitations

• Gantt charts functionality is very limited compared to most ClickUp alternatives in this list
• There are no project management reports such as status or variance reports
• Project portfolio management views and dashboards lack budget tracking features

Hive Pricing

• Starter: $5/user/month
• Teams: $12/user/month
• Enterprise: contact the sales team

Hive Reviews

• G2 review: 4.6/5
• Capterra review: 4.4/5

12. Airtable

Airtable is a work management platform that’s geared towards managing product planning, software development, sales and marketing workflows and projects. It offers features like product roadmaps, objectives and key results (OKR) tracking, customer relationship management tools and process automation. It allows you to track deliverables, budgets and tasks on tools like Gantt charts, kanban boards and calendars while collaborating with your team using features such as instant messaging and file sharing.

However, if you plan on using Airtable for project, program or portfolio management you’ll need integrations with other tools like Asana, Basecamp, Jira and Trello. So if you’re looking for a project management tool, you’ll find other ClickUp alternatives to be a better fit for your needs.

Verdict: Best ClickUp Alternative for Product Planning

Airtable Pros & Key Features

• AI workflow management features
• Superagent multi-agent AI platform for automating complex workflows
• Customer relationship management (CRM) tools
• Offers a wide variety of integrations
• Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
• Free plan
• Free trial

Airtable Cons & Limitations

• Focuses heavily on product planning, not designed for managing projects
• Its Gantt chart features are limited compared to other ClickUp alternatives in this list
• There are no project management reports
• Pricing has nearly doubled since 2023 — Team plan increased 66%, Business plan increased 87%

Airtable Pricing

• Team: $20 user/month
• Business: $45 user/month

Airtable Reviews

• G2 review: 4.5/5
• Capterra review: 4.7/5

Related Content

• Best Project Management Software: Rankings, Reviews & Comparisons
• Best Project Management Software
• Asana vs. ClickUp: In-Depth Comparison
• Best Monday.com Alternatives
• Best Asana Alternatives

It’s clear to see that, while there are many ClickUp alternatives, only one gives you everything ClickUp does and more. ProjectManager is award-winning, collaborative-to-the-core software that’s easy to use and boosts productivity. ProjectManager has a single source of truth, so no matter where or when you work, it’s with the most current data. Join teams at NASA, Siemens and Nestle who use our tool to deliver success. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post ClickUp Alternatives: Best Software Options Ranked (2026) appeared first on ProjectManager.

What Is Wrike?

Wrike is a project management software that helps teams plan, organize and track work, characterized by customizable workflows, multiple project views and real-time collaboration, often driven by the need to centralize work and improve visibility, resulting in better coordination and control over tasks and timelines.

In practice, teams use Wrike to break work into tasks, assign responsibilities and monitor progress across projects. It becomes especially useful when work is scattered across emails or tools, as it brings everything into a single system where updates, files and communication stay connected.

ProjectManager is award-winning project management software that gives teams across industries the tools they need to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and within scope. It allows project managers to create detailed project schedules, estimate costs, allocate resources, set budgets, track progress and compare estimated versus actual project outcomes using real-time dashboards and reports to quickly identify delays or cost overruns. Get started with ProjectManager for free today.

Is Wrike Project Management Software?

Looking at its features, Wrike clearly qualifies as project management software because it covers planning, scheduling, tracking and collaboration. Teams can build timelines, assign work and monitor progress in real time. However, its complexity and setup requirements can slow teams down, especially when compared to simpler tools designed for faster execution and more flexible workflows.

Wrike Project Management Features

When using Wrike for project management, you get solid tools to organize tasks, track progress and keep teams aligned. It works well when structure and visibility matter. However, as projects become more complex, setup takes longer and some workflows feel rigid. It’s dependable for planning and tracking work, but not always the easiest option when speed and flexibility are critical.

Below are the core tools teams rely on to plan, execute and monitor projects in Wrike.

• Task management and subtasking: Break projects into manageable tasks and subtasks, assign owners, set priorities and deadlines, and track progress so work stays organized and nothing falls through the cracks.
• Gantt charts: Build project timelines with task dependencies, identify the critical path, adjust schedules dynamically and understand how delays impact delivery dates and overall project flow.
• Kanban boards and custom project views: Visualize work using drag-and-drop boards or switch between list, table or timeline views, giving teams flexibility to manage tasks in the way that fits their workflow.
• Project dashboards: Monitor project health with real-time dashboards that display key metrics, task progress and workload data, helping teams quickly identify issues and make informed decisions.
• Workflow automation: Automate repetitive processes such as task assignments, status updates and notifications, reducing manual work while ensuring consistent execution of workflows across projects and teams.
• Time tracking: Log time spent on tasks, compare planned versus actual hours and generate timesheets, allowing teams to monitor productivity, control costs and improve future project estimates.
• Resource planning and allocation: Assign team members based on availability and workload, balance resources across projects and prevent overloading or underutilization while maintaining steady project progress.
• Custom workflows and item types: Configure workflows, statuses and task types to match how your team operates, allowing more control over processes and ensuring work moves through consistent, predefined stages.
• Reporting and analytics: Generate reports on project performance, team productivity and timelines, using data to identify trends, improve planning accuracy and support better decision-making across projects.
• Collaboration tools: Communicate through task comments, approvals and file proofing, keeping feedback centralized and reducing the need for external tools or scattered communication across emails and chats.

Pros of Wrike for Project Management

Wrike for project management offers strong visibility and structure, making it easier to organize work, track progress and keep teams aligned. It performs well in environments where coordination across departments is critical. Teams benefit from flexible views and customizable workflows, along with solid reporting tools. For structured planning, collaboration and ongoing tracking, it delivers consistent and reliable performance across most project types.

• Strong task organization: Tasks and subtasks are easy to structure, assign and prioritize, helping teams keep work clearly defined and reducing confusion around responsibilities and deadlines.
• Multiple project views: Teams can switch between Gantt charts, boards and lists, allowing different users to manage work in the format that best fits their workflow.
• Real-time visibility: Dashboards and live updates make it easy to monitor project progress, spot issues early and stay informed without needing constant status meetings.
• Custom workflows: Workflows can be tailored to match how teams operate, providing flexibility while maintaining structured processes.
• Built-in collaboration: Comments, approvals and file sharing keep communication tied to the work itself, reducing reliance on external tools and scattered conversations.
• Workflow automation: Repetitive actions like status updates and task assignments can be automated, saving time and reducing manual coordination efforts.
• Detailed reporting: Reporting tools provide insights into performance, timelines and workloads, helping teams make better decisions and improve future planning.

Cons of Wrike for Project Management

Despite its strengths, Wrike for project management can be difficult to use, especially for new users or smaller teams. Its wide feature set creates complexity during onboarding and setup. While it offers powerful customization, that flexibility often comes with a learning curve and added effort to configure. Compared to simpler tools, Wrike may feel overwhelming and slower to adopt, particularly for teams that prioritize speed and ease of use.

• Inability to handle deep subtasks: For teams that need to track layered levels of subtasks, Wrike falls short, making it difficult to plan and track complicated projects.
• Steep learning curve: Many users report that Wrike takes time to learn due to its depth and range of features, which can slow onboarding and early adoption.
• Complex setup and configuration: Setting up workflows, dashboards and project structures requires effort, especially for teams without prior experience using advanced project management tools.
• Interface can feel overwhelming: The large number of features and options can make navigation confusing, particularly for new users trying to find key functions quickly.
• Pricing and paywalled features: Advanced functionality, integrations and security features are often limited to higher-tier plans, increasing costs as teams scale.
• Customer support concerns: Users report slow response times or limited support quality unless using premium support options.
• Not ideal for simple use cases: Teams with basic project management needs may find Wrike overly complex compared to lighter, faster tools.
• Limited advanced planning capabilities: While Wrike supports timelines and dependencies, it lacks deeper scheduling controls, precise resource planning and advanced analysis features needed for highly complex projects.

ProjectManager Is the Best Wrike Alternative

ProjectManager is ideal for teams that want a robust project management solution without the drawbacks of Wrike. It provides a complete set of planning, scheduling and tracking tools, including Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and project and portfolio roadmaps. Teams can build detailed schedules, assign resources and monitor progress, costs, workload and timelines through real-time dashboards, timesheets, workload charts and performance reports.

Built as a cloud-based platform, ProjectManager allows teams to update schedules, manage tasks and generate reports in real time from any location. It also delivers AI-powered project insights to support better decision-making and connects with over 100 tools like Jira, Power BI and Azure DevOps. With its open API and wide range of integrations, organizations can seamlessly link ProjectManager to their existing systems. Watch the video below to learn more!

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post Wrike for Project Management: Features, Pros and Cons appeared first on ProjectManager.

As projects grow in complexity and workforces expand globally, the need for online project management tools is no luxury. There is no lack of Microsoft Project alternatives to choose from, with varying degrees of usefulness and project management features. Microsoft has thrown its considerable weight into the ring with Microsoft Project. While Microsoft Project has become an industry standard in project management, it comes with problems, leaving people to search for the best Microsoft Project alternative.

Why People Look for Microsoft Project Alternatives

Microsoft Project can do much of what you need when planning and managing a project, but it’s not a perfect tool. There are many reasons why people who use it are searching for Microsoft Project alternatives.

That’s why we’ve tried many other project management solutions on the market and have gathered the best Microsoft Project alternatives so you can try them yourself. We’ll get to those in a moment, but first, let’s outline the reasons people are dissatisfied with Microsoft Project.

• Steep Learning Curve for Users: Microsoft Project is not for beginners. The software is very technical and not user-friendly. That might be fine if you have an advanced degree in project management, but for the rest of us, it’s going to require a lot of work, time and training to get a handle on how to use the tool. Why do that when you can simply use one of the best MS Project alternatives?
• No Microsoft Project Mobile App on Android or iOS: It’s hard to imagine a project management software in 2026 without a mobile app, but somehow Microsoft Project doesn’t have one. This is going to severely limit your team’s ability to update tasks from the field. This may be reason enough to find an MS Project alternative for some.
• Poor Team Communication, Even on Microsoft 365: Microsoft Project falls short in this category. You can’t easily message your team in the app, which means you’re going to have to jump onto one of the messaging tools that Microsoft offers, such as Teams, Outlook or Skype. Why do you want an add-on when it’s so much more efficient to choose a Microsoft Project alternative?
• Microsoft Project Doesn’t Integrate with External Apps: While MS Project works okay with other Microsoft products, that’s not the case if you want to use a tool outside of the Microsoft family of apps. So, if you’re looking to integrate with Salesforce, Slack or other tools, you’re probably going to find yourself frustrated and looking for MS Project alternatives.
• Microsoft Project Pricing is Confusing and Expensive: If money is your bottom line, then Microsoft Project’s price tag will be a tough pill to swallow. The current editions of Microsoft Project, Project Standard 2024 and Project Professional 2024 are sold as a one-time purchase for $679.99 and $1,129.99 respectively. What makes matters worse is that you have to pay for each license. You may have to selectively license MS Project to your team. Luckily there are low-cost and even free Microsoft Project alternatives in the market.
• It’s Hard to Share Data with Other Project Management Software: It’s almost as if Microsoft Project doesn’t want your team to work together. If anyone on your team works on an Apple product, they’re out of luck. It’s such a problem that a cottage industry of online tools has emerged that offer ways to take MPP files, convert them into friendlier formats to edit and share and then convert them back to MS Project files. That’s not very efficient!

What Should You Consider When Comparing Microsoft Project Alternatives?

Before putting this list together, we didn’t just skim feature pages or rely on marketing claims. We spent time comparing Microsoft project alternatives and reviewing each of them based on how they actually perform in real project environments, weighing usability, functionality and long-term value to determine which tools truly stand out and deserve to be ranked higher.

• Price: Look beyond subscription cost and evaluate what features are included at each pricing tier.
• Ease of Adoption: Tools should be intuitive enough for teams to start using without heavy training.
• Project Planning Features: Must support task organization, work breakdown structures and clear definition of deliverables.
• Project Scheduling Features: Gantt charts, dependencies and milestones help build and adjust realistic project timelines.
• Project Tracking Features: Should allow teams to monitor progress, update tasks and quickly identify delays.
• Project Reporting Features: Dashboards and reports should provide clear visibility into performance and project health.
• Resource Management Features: Help balance workloads, track availability and avoid team overallocation or underuse.
• Cost Management Features: Enable estimating, tracking and comparing planned versus actual project costs.
• Risk Management Features: Should help identify, assess and monitor risks before they impact project outcomes.
• Integrations: Ability to connect with other tools ensures smoother workflows and better data consistency.
• Methodology Support: Should accommodate Agile, Waterfall or hybrid approaches without forcing rigid workflows.

What Types of Microsoft Project Alternatives Are There?

Once you start looking into microsoft project alternatives, it becomes obvious pretty quickly that they’re not all trying to do the same thing. Some tools are built to cut costs, others focus on making collaboration easier and a few are designed to fix very specific limitations teams run into with Microsoft Project.

Each type of microsoft project alternatives addresses a different pain point, whether that’s pricing, accessibility, system compatibility or the need for more control over how the software works.

• Free Microsoft Project Alternatives: If cost is the main issue, free tools are usually the first place teams look. They tend to cover the basics like task lists, simple Gantt charts or project timelines, but you’ll often notice limitations once projects get more complex. Still, they’re a solid option if you just need something functional without the upfront investment.
• Cloud-based Microsoft Project Alternatives: One of the biggest shifts in project management software is moving everything online. Cloud-based tools let teams access schedules, update tasks and collaborate in real time without worrying about installing software or sending files back and forth. It’s a much smoother way to keep everyone aligned, especially for distributed teams.
• Microsoft Project Alternatives for Mac Users: Anyone who’s tried to run Microsoft Project on a Mac knows it’s not exactly straightforward. These alternatives solve that problem by either being browser-based or fully compatible with macOS, so you can manage project timelines and dependencies without jumping through technical hoops.
• Open-Source Microsoft Project Alternatives: Some teams don’t just want to use a tool, they want to shape how it works. Open-source options make that possible by giving access to the underlying code, which means you can customize features, build integrations and avoid being locked into a vendor’s ecosystem. It’s not for everyone, but it’s powerful if you have the technical resources.

20 Best Microsoft Project Alternatives of 2026

There are many Microsoft Project alternatives in the market, each of which has key features and characteristics that make them unique. The following list includes free, freemium, cloud-based or open-source options. Look through them and decide the best Microsoft Project alternative for you.

1. ProjectManager

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that tops our list for its incredibly rich project data, competitive pricing and compatibility with Mac. This is an excellent Microsoft Project alternative because it helps you plan and schedule projects while delivering real-time updates with live dashboards and powerful reporting tools to continuously improve analysis and performance. And there’s a free 30-day trial so you can try it out, risk-free.

Award-winning Gantt Charts for Precise Project Schedules

ProjectManager’s Gantt chart software is unmatched: no other Microsoft Project alternative offers four types of dependencies, baseline tracking, real-time workload data, critical path filtering and more. Of course, not everyone works the same, which is why you get access to five different project views including Gantt, kanban, task list, spreadsheet and calendar. As teams execute tasks, even on the mobile app, data is updated instantly across the software offering reliable dashboards and reporting.

Get All the Robust Features, Plus Mac Compatibility

ProjectManager not only works on all Mac products but it does nearly everything that MS Project does, faster, easier and at a lower price point, which puts it at the top of the best Microsoft Project alternatives list. You can collaborate without jumping through hoops and manage schedules, resources, workload and much more. Plus, ProjectManager has real-time dashboards that compile data instantly, streamlining analysis and reporting tasks.

Intuitive Resource Management

In addition to best-in-class project planning features, ProjectManager also offers a painless resource management experience. When scheduling tasks, real-time resource availability appears, so the workload is always balanced. When the project gets underway, you can use the team page to see all the tasks your team is working on in one place. Filter by team type, project and date range to stay on top of your team’s progress. Click on a task to make updates, or reallocate work instantly. You can’t get that level of team management and collaboration in Microsoft Project.

As a bonus, ProjectManager offers a seamless import and export of MPP files. If some team members still use Microsoft Project, it’s never been easier to collaborate on MPP files and project plans. It’s so simple that you might just convince them to make the switch to this Microsoft Project alternative, too. There isn’t a more powerful, yet easy-to-use software in this Microsoft Project alternatives list. See for yourself with a free 30-day trial. 

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Project Management

ProjectManager Pros & Key Features

• Offers versatile views including Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and calendars, allowing teams to visualize and manage projects in the style that best fits their workflow and preferences
• Robust planning, scheduling, tracking and resource management tools enable detailed project planning with task dependencies, critical path analysis, real-time progress tracking and efficient allocation and leveling of resources to optimize productivity
• Fully accessible via web browsers on Mac devices, ProjectManager provides secure cloud storage without file limits, ensuring seamless collaboration and easy access to documents from anywhere
• Enables users to import, view, and edit Microsoft Project files, making it a great bridge for teams transitioning from or collaborating with Microsoft Project users
• Equipped with features tailored to support complex project hierarchies, portfolio oversight and multi-project coordination, making it a strong choice for formal PMO environments
• Offers a risk-free opportunity to explore the software’s full range of features before committing, helping teams evaluate fit and usability
• Mobile apps for Android and iOS ensure users can manage tasks, update progress and communicate on the go

ProjectManager Cons & Limitations

• While reporting tools are robust, some users find the customization options restrictive when trying to generate highly specific or unique reports
• Although useful, the mobile app doesn’t offer the full suite of desktop functionalities, which can limit productivity when working solely from mobile devices
• Fewer integrations than other Microsoft Project alternatives in this list
• No free plan to test out the software before making a purchase, though there is a 30-day free trial

ProjectManager Pricing

• Team: $15.00 user/month, billed annually
• Business: $28.00 user/month, billed annually
• Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote

ProjectManager Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4/5
• Capterra review: 4.1/5
• GetApp review: 4.1/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “ProjectManager works very well with both large and small-scale projects. Being able to use this with anything from a project involving only two members of staff, to hundreds, has been invaluable.” Peter W – from Capterra
• “We used to manage our projects, resources, and reporting in different systems. Enter ProjectManager. We have consolidated systems and work more efficiently.” Jeffrey M – from Capterra
• “Having the full scope of activities and who is responsible to do it, plus the time tracking is excellent.” Flavio M – from G2
• “It has an excellent accounting system capable of calculating the time that a person has used to develop a task that was assigned to him, I like being able to collaborate with all my colleagues in the Finance sector through ProjectManager.” Jesus C – from G2
• “The UI of the application is user-friendly, and it helps to identify what we are looking for with minimal effort.” Pavan H – from G2
• “It’s a solid platform and has very good customer service. you can send collaboration invitations to your customers or partners, without the need for a setup or anything extra. What I like is that the website is always online, does not fall and is easy and intuitive to manage.” Aleksei V – from GetApp

2. Wrike

Wrike is an MS Project alternative that makes our list because it’s easier to use than Microsoft when planning, tracking and analyzing projects. It’s far more collaborative than Microsoft Project. You can easily invite freelancers, contractors, clients and teams from other departments into the tool for free, which is a nice touch.

Related: Best Wrike Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked

Those planning and collaborative features are great, but you’ll need a good deal of time to get comfortable using them. Don’t forget to add training time to your projects to get everyone up to speed with using Wrike. That doesn’t mean it’s hard to use, just difficult to know which is the right plan for you to move forward with. There are the pricing tiers we outline below, but then they have industry-specific versions of the software that add to the confusion. It’s an expensive project management tool, with user minimums, which might stop users from even exploring it as an option.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Collaboration & Planning Simplicity

Wrike Pros & Key Features

• Lets non-licensed users view and interact with projects, which makes sharing updates with clients and stakeholders easy without extra cost
• Includes Gantt charts, calendars and kanban boards for flexible workflow management
• Offers a solid free trial so teams can test core features before committing
• Has a free plan with basic project management tools for small teams or individuals
• Mobile apps for Android and iOS make it easy to update tasks and communicate on the go

Wrike Cons & Limitations

• Feels more like a work management tool than a true Microsoft Project alternative for complex projects
• Gantt charts lack key features like cost tracking, resource planning and workload balancing
• Limited project tracking, reporting and analytics compared to more advanced tools
• Pricing requires a minimum number of users, which can be expensive for small teams
• The interface can feel cluttered and takes time to learn

Wrike Pricing

• Free: $0 user/month
• Team: $10 user/month
• Business: $25 user/month
• Pinnacle: contact sales for a custom quote
• Apex: contact sales for a custom quote

Wrike Reviews

• G2 review: 4.2/5
• Capterra review: 4.4/5
• GetApp review: 4.4/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “Wrike has become essential in my day and keeps me organized and on top of my tasks.” Paige T – from G2
• “Productivity has been enhanced by removing essential but repetitive chores.” Denise S – from G2
• “It’s a much simpler system compared to the likes of JIRA. It’s great for smaller teams and it’s much quicker and faster to load.” Mohammed M – from GetApp

3. Smartsheet

Smartsheet is an online MS Project alternative that functions like a spreadsheet but adds collaborative features that connect teams. Its focus on collaboration means that the scheduling and task management features are lighter than some might want, but they’re not absent from the tool. It’s powerful like MS Project but more customizable, supporting automation.

Related: Best Smartsheet Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked

However, because of its limited reach in terms of managing projects, users will have to spend extra to get such tools as time tracking, budgeting and resource management. There are no real-time updates, and autosave can be a little slow, which is frustrating if you lose data before it has been saved. If you need advanced project management features, you’ll need to look for other MS Project alternatives.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Spreadsheets and Templates

• Great for teams moving beyond Excel, with a spreadsheet-style interface plus built-in project management features
• Easily exports to Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project, making it compatible with existing workflows
• Works smoothly on Mac, making it a solid Microsoft Project alternative for Apple users
• Free trial lets you test features before committing
• Mobile apps for Android and iOS allow task updates and team collaboration on the go

Smartsheet Cons & Limitations

• Missing advanced features like critical path analysis, earned value and full scheduling logic
• Relies heavily on spreadsheet-style formulas, which can be hard to learn
• Limited resource planning and workload balancing for larger teams
• Reporting and dashboards lack depth for portfolio-level insights
• No permanent free plan after the trial ends
• Can slow down with large datasets, affecting performance

Smartsheet Pricing

• Pro: $9 user/month, billed annually ($12 billed monthly)
• Business: $19 user/month, billed annually ($24 billed monthly)
• Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote
• Advanced Work Management: contact sales for a custom quote

Smartsheet Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5
• GetApp review: 4.5/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “Smartsheet has allowed me to take my to-do list and run with it in a way that I didn’t think would be possible.” Victoria W – from G2
• “I like that Smartsheet has a lot of different functions. It can be used for project management, inventory or event planning.” Lauren M – from Capterra
• “SmartSheet is my go-to for project tracking and timelines. It’s like Excel but way smarter. Super flexible for team work too.” Michael J – from GetApp

4. Primavera P6

Primavera P6 is project management software developed by Oracle and used for enterprise portfolio management. It’s a Microsoft Project alternative that is best suited for large-scale and complex projects, often found in construction, engineering and manufacturing. It’s useful for projects that require extensive scheduling, resource management and detailed reporting. In terms of scheduling, there are Gantt charts, critical path analysis and more. For resource management, the software offers resource leveling, allocation and cost management.

Related: What Is Oracle Primavera P6? Uses, Features & Pricing

The trouble with this Microsoft Project alternative is that it’s complicated and has a steep learning curve, especially for new users. Be prepared to devote time for significant training before doing any project work. On top of this, the price of entry is high. This Microsoft Project alternative is more expensive than most project management software when extra licenses and implementation are required. It’s also resource-intensive. Expect substantial computing resources and infrastructure to support it, plus maintenance.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Complex Projects

Primavera Key Features & Benefits:

• Built for large, complex projects in construction and engineering, with advanced scheduling, resource planning, cost control and risk management—more powerful than many Microsoft Project alternatives
• Available as Primavera P6 (on-premise) or Oracle Primavera Cloud, giving flexibility for different IT and security needs
• Oracle Primavera Cloud adds web-based scheduling, portfolio management and cost tracking for better collaboration
• Mobile apps let teams update progress, check schedules and manage tasks from the field
• Handles multiple users and complex projects with detailed role-based permissions

Primavera Cons & Limitations:

• Support often relies on tickets and documentation instead of fast, direct help
• Interface feels outdated and has a steep learning curve
• Powerful but hard to use without training or onboarding
• Documentation can be difficult to navigate and not always clear
• High cost and enterprise pricing make it unrealistic for small teams
• Limited integrations compared to more flexible modern tools

Primavera Pricing

The pricing for Primavera products in this blog comes from the Oracle Primavera Global Price List.

• Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management: $2,750 license price, plus an additional $605 fee for software update license & support
• Primavera P6 Progress Reporter: $950 license price, plus an additional $209 fee for software update license & support
• Primavera P6 Professional Project Management: approx. $2,500 license price, plus an additional $550 fee for software update license & support

Primavera Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4/5
• Capterra review: 4.4/5
• GetApp review: 4.4/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “Oracle Primavera Cloud is very user-friendly, has amazing management and scheduling tools which allows good coordination between the team and also saves money and time.” Bruno L – from Capterra
• “Accurate calculation and output data is perfect.” Sameh H – from Capterra
• “The ability to build huge and complex schedules. P6 has been the construction scheduling standard for a while now. The ability to handle the thousands of activities in a large project and adjust to the constant changes of the construction industry.” Blake B – from GetApp

5. Monday.com

Monday is a Microsoft Project alternative that is fun to use, which makes it nearly the polar opposite of Microsoft Project. Monday is a project management software that doesn’t feel like a project management software. It is easy to start customizing workflows, and it has automation to keep users aligned and updated on due dates. Agile users will love the kanban boards for task management and the custom dashboard that tracks progress in real time.

Related: Best Monday.com Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked

If all this sounds like a good MS Project alternative and you want to check it out, you’ll only have two weeks to play around with the trial version or use the free edition, which is limited to two users. That’s not really enough time to get a handle on an app. More a collection of customized spreadsheets than project management software, Monday might fall short of your management needs. For example, there’s no Gantt chart. The timeline they offer is a lightweight attempt to match the power of the Gantt. There are no dependencies, for one, which is sure to cause headaches as you execute your project. But if you’re looking for simple MS Project alternatives, this could be it.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Ease of Use

Monday.com Pros & Key Features

• Clean, visual interface that’s easy for beginners and cross-functional teams to adopt quickly
• Strong collaboration with comments, mentions and real-time updates for managing timelines
• Lets teams update tasks and track progress from anywhere, including mobile
• Free trial available to test premium features before committing
• Good entry-level option with basic tools for small teams or startups

Monday.com Cons & Limitations

• Not ideal for complex project, program or portfolio management
• Reporting lacks the depth and customization of Microsoft Project alternatives
• Better for task tracking than managing dependencies or detailed schedules
• No built-in critical path, cost or resource tracking without integrations
• Key automations and integrations require higher-tier plans
• Pricing scales quickly due to seat minimums and feature tiers

Monday.com Pricing

• Free: $0 user/month
• Basic: $9 user/month, billed annually ($12 billed monthly)
• Standard: $12 user/month, billed annually ($14 billed monthly)
• Pro: $19 user/month, billed annually ($24 billed monthly)
• Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote

Monday.com Reviews

• G2 review: 4.7/5
• Capterra review: 4.6/5
• GetApp review: 4.6/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “We used to have a mess of excel sheets and emails but now everything’s in one place.” Laura A – from G2
• “It is overall a great product but it requires a lot of setup initially to take advantage of all its functions and features.” Ana D – from Capterra
• “It has a user-friendly interface. And it’s also great for collaboration, like assigning tasks and file sharing. And it’s pretty easy to use.” Andreas C – from GetApp

6. Asana

Asana is a great Microsoft Project alternative that organizes work across all your teams and makes sure everyone is always productive. It’s highly collaborative and tracks tasks and workflows, which makes it an ideal tool for task management. It’s flexible in that regard, and it has some of the best communication tools on this list, including video messaging that can be shared with the team. There are also multiple project views, including kanban boards, lists and calendars.

Related: Asana vs. Microsoft Project: In-Depth Comparison

But, even with all its features and integrations, it still doesn’t mean Asana is a fully equipped Microsoft Project alternative. There are big holes in the platform. For example, there are no resource management tools, no budgeting and expense tracking and other things that project managers have come to expect in project management software. Projects that involve a lot of design work are not going to be happy that you can’t markup or proof visuals. But many will be won over by the design and flexibility when looking for Microsoft Project alternatives.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Task Management

Asana Pros & Key Features

• Simple, intuitive interface that’s easy to adopt compared to Microsoft Project
• Strong collaboration with shared tasks, comments and real-time updates
• Mobile apps let users manage tasks and timelines on the go
• Free plan includes core project management tools for small teams
• Integrates with Microsoft Teams, Outlook and other tools for smoother workflows

Asana Cons & Limitations

• Timeline view lacks features like cost management, capacity planning and resource allocation
• Missing advanced tools like baselines, earned value and multi-project tracking
• Better for team collaboration than enterprise project or portfolio management
• No built-in time tracking, requires integrations
• Limited reporting and analytics compared to Microsoft Project reports
• Advanced automations require third-party tools or API workarounds

Asana Pricing

• Personal: $0 user/month
• Starter: $10.99 user/month, billed annually ($13.49 billed monthly)
• Advanced: $24.99 user/month, billed annually ($30.49 billed monthly)
• Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote

Asana Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5
• GetApp review: 4.5/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “Asana is very easy to use, intuitive for my team members who don’t have tech backgrounds but need to start and contribute right away.” Sara G – from G2
• “Overall, I had great success staying organized with this project management tool.” Mary B – from Capterra
• “I love how easy it is to share projects there, and one of my favorite features is having a template which can be applied to any project.” Yolandi E – from GetApp

7. Jira

Jira is a Microsoft Project alternative used for project management and issue tracking. It is mostly used in software development but can fit into other types of projects. It is not an apples-to-apples comparison with MS Project, but has similar capabilities, such as task tracking, workflow management and project planning. It can be customized and integrated with other tools and services. It is especially useful for teams working in an agile environment. It also has robust reporting and dashboards.

This Microsoft Project alternative is not ideal for projects run in a waterfall methodology. That’s because there are no Gantt charts, which are the tool of choice for traditional project management. The interface and many of its features, such as the kanban, are not easy to use. Cost can also be an issue if there are going to be multiple team members licensed to the product. Users have reported some performance issues, as well, when managing large projects. That can negatively impact productivity.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Software Development

Jira Pros & Key Features

• Great for tracking bugs, issues and tasks with highly customizable workflows
• Massive Atlassian Marketplace with plugins to match complex project requirements
• Built-in scrum and kanban boards for managing sprints and workflows
• Mobile apps keep teams connected and projects updated on the go
• Reporting tools offer insights into performance and issue tracking

Jira Cons & Limitations

• No native Gantt chart, making timeline planning harder than other Microsoft Project alternatives
• Interface can feel confusing, especially for new or non-agile users
• Steep learning curve for non-technical teams
• Customization can get complex and hard to manage without admins
• Reporting is powerful but not very user-friendly to configure
• Limited resource and cost tracking without add-ons

Jira Pricing

• Free: $0 user/month
• Standard: $7.53 user/month
• Premium: $13.53 user/month
• Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote

Jira Reviews

• G2 review: 4.3/5
• Capterra review: 4.4/5
• GetApp review: 4.4/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “In my office we use jira for task management and time management, which helps us for team projects with multiple moving parts.” Saili K – from G2
• “Once we got past the learning phase, Jira significantly improved our project efficiency and collaboration.” Abu R – from Capterra
• “Jira is simple and fast to learn. It offers a lot of features and lets you personalize your Jira experience.” Raqel A – from GetApp

8. Microsoft Planner

If you love Microsoft software but feel that Microsoft Project is too much for you, then try Microsoft Planner. Glaringly, there are no Gantt charts, but if that’s not an issue, then this might be worth a try. This Microsoft Project alternative is a lightweight task management tool that specializes in kanban boards and task lists. And to help grease the wheels of collaboration, there are email notifications and calendars for those who need a work management solution.

Related: Best Microsoft Planner Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked

However, it’s a limited tool compared to Microsoft Project, and you’re certainly not going to get the planning and scheduling features of MS Project, much less its resource management and portfolio management features. But, if you just need an online space to manage tasks with your team and you live in the Microsoft universe, try Microsoft Planner instead.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Microsoft Fans

Microsoft Planner Pros & Key Features

• Simple, intuitive interface that teams can pick up quickly without training
• Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365 tools like Teams, Outlook and OneDrive
• Basic task management with assignments, due dates, checklists and progress tracking
• Visual kanban-style boards with drag-and-drop task management
• Mobile apps let teams update tasks and collaborate from anywhere
• Free trial makes it easy to test before committing

Microsoft Planner Cons & Limitations

• No Gantt charts or advanced scheduling features for managing timelines and dependencies
• Lacks built-in automation, requiring third-party tools for more complex workflows
• Limited features like resource management, cost tracking and reporting
• Not suitable for large or complex projects or portfolio management
• Limited customization for task views and workflows
• Works best within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, limiting flexibility
• No built-in time tracking or budgeting tools

Microsoft Planner Pricing

Before diving into the pricing plans available for Microsoft Planner, it’s important to understand there are two main versions of this software, Microsoft Planner Basic and Microsoft Planner Premium.

Microsoft Planner Basic
The version included in most Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Good for lightweight task management. Starts from $6 to $22 per user per month, billed annually. Price varies depending on the Microsoft 365 subscription.

• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6.00/user/month, billed annually
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user/month, billed annually
• Microsoft 365 Business Premium: $22.00/user/month, billed annually
• Microsoft 365 Apps for Business: $8.25/user/month, billed annually

Microsoft Planner Premium

The next level up, for users or teams needing more advanced project management features.

• Planner Plan 1: $10/user/month, billed annually
• Planner and Project Plan 3: $30/user/month, billed annually
• Planner and Project Plan 5: $55/user/month, billed annually

For more detailed information about each of these Microsoft Planner plans and the features that are available for each pricing tier, visit our Microsoft Planner blog.

Microsoft Planner Reviews

• G2 review: 4.2/5
• Capterra review: 4.3/5
• GetApp review: 4.3/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “Overall, my experience with Microsoft Planner has been very positive, as it has helped my team share tasks and establish procedures to follow.” Alvaro G – from G2
• “Microsoft Planner is great because it’s part of the Microsoft 365 family. It works really well with other Microsoft apps like Teams and Outlook, making it easy to use.” Anand G – from Capterra
• “I loved that I could set up a project plan and assign tasks to individuals. I also like that you can group tasks for different categories, including individuals, task type, priority, etc.” Nicholas B – from GetApp

9. Zoho Projects

Zoho Projects is a Microsoft Project alternative with kanban boards that organize tasks, a social feed that captures updates on those tasks and forums for lengthier discussions. It connects teams to foster productivity and even has a timesheet feature for managers to see how much time each team member spends on their tasks. It offers issue tracking and a Gantt project view.

What it lacks as an MS Project alternative are resource management tools and reporting. In a sense, a manager is flying blind if they can’t generate status reports and then reallocate resources to keep their teams working at capacity. There is also no function for managing more than one project at a time, leaving the tool limited in what it can do for users.

Verdict: Best Low-cost Microsoft Project Alternative

Zoho Projects Pros & Key Features

• Solid project planning features like tasks, milestones and timelines for small teams
• Mobile app supports task updates, time tracking and collaboration on the go
• Offers a free plan and 10-day trial to test premium features
• Includes built-in time tracking, issue tracking and workflow automation
• Integrates with Zoho apps and tools like Google Workspace, Slack and Microsoft Teams

Zoho Projects Cons & Limitations

• Interface isn’t as polished and can feel harder to use for new users
• Gantt charts lack advanced features like critical path and baselines
• Limited resource planning and workload management for complex projects
• Integrations can require extra setup and aren’t always seamless
• Lacks advanced reporting and portfolio tools needed by PMOs
• Customization isn’t as deep as Microsoft Project or other enterprise tools

Zoho Projects Pricing

• Free: $0 user/month, up to five users
• Premium: $4 user/month, billed annually
• Enterprise: $9 user/month, billed annually
• Projects Plus: contact sales for a custom quote

Zoho Projects Reviews

• G2 review: 4.3/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5
• GetApp review: 4.5/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “What I like most is how it integrates perfectly with the entire Zoho ecosystem.” Emy L – from G2
• “While the UI and the setup were slightly complicated, Zoho Projects helps you track your projects efficiently.” Shria G – from Capterra
• “It was excellent, I liked it, maybe in the future we will take it into account as our project manager. In the meantime we will use the free” Mario D – from GetApp

10. Airtable

Airtable is a cloud-based Microsoft Project alternative that combines elements of a spreadsheet with the functionality of a database. User-friendly and customizable, users can manage projects across multiple views, such as grid, calendar, kanban and gallery. Those already familiar with spreadsheets will find adapting to this tool easy, there are several pre-built templates for project management, content planning and CRM to help get teams started. It’s also collaborative, has automation for repetitive tasks and a mobile app for iOS and Android.

While there are multiple project views, there is no Gantt chart, which is a foundational project planning and scheduling tool, on any but the top-tier subscription accounts. In fact, its scheduling tools are generally limited. Even though it has some automation, this, too, is limited and might require third-party apps. Even its task management is problematic as setting up tasks and subtasks can be complicated. The Microsoft Project alternative also lacks resource leveling and can link all dependencies, which can create costly delays, and detailed reporting features. This tool simply isn’t suitable for large projects and those who do try it will find the cost prohibitively expensive.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Building Apps

Airtable Pros & Key Features

• Spreadsheet-style interface that’s easy to learn compared to Microsoft Project
• Real-time collaboration with comments and multi-user editing
• Links records across tables to manage dependencies, budgets and workflows
• Large template library for project tracking, content and operations
• Multiple views including grid, kanban, calendar and Gantt-style layouts

Airtable Cons & Limitations

• Advanced features require higher-tier plans, which get expensive at scale
• Record limits can restrict large or complex projects
• Attachment storage limits can be an issue for file-heavy teams
• Advanced customization often requires scripting or integrations
• Lacks strong resource planning and portfolio management features
• Relies on add-ons for advanced scheduling and resource tracking

Airtable Pricing

• Free: $0 user/month
• Team: $20 user/month, billed annually ($24 billed monthly)
• Business: $45 user/month, billed annually ($54 billed monthly)
• Enterprise Scale: contact sales for a custom quote

Airtable Reviews

• G2 review: 4.6/5
• Capterra review: 4.7/5
• GetApp review: 4.7/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “A lot of templates to start with. Highly customizable.” Jean D. – from Capterra
• “When you got a table up and running it was super effective.” Matt H. – from Capterra
• “I like how easily I can see data no matter how large. I can sort and create various views with ease.” Samantha P – from GetApp

11. Notion

Notion is a workspace tool that can be a strong Microsoft Project alternative depending on one’s needs. It’s an all-in-one workspace that combines note-taking, task management, database management and collaborative features. It has a more user-friendly interface than Microsoft Project, which is designed to be intuitive and doesn’t require a great deal of training.

Users who are looking for a Microsoft Project alternative with detailed Gantt charts, resource leveling and automated scheduling will be disappointed. Notion has limited advanced project management features. It’s also going to be a better fit for smaller teams or even individual use. Those looking to scale up to larger projects will become frustrated by Notion’s flexibility and look for a more specialized project management tool instead.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Notetaking

Notion Pros & Key Features

• Flexible task boards, kanban views and calendars for managing projects and deadlines
• All-in-one workspace for notes, wikis and docs linked to tasks and projects
• Custom databases with filters and views, offering spreadsheet-like flexibility
• Highly customizable workflows, dashboards and templates without heavy setup
• Clean, minimalist interface that’s easy to use but still powerful

Notion Cons & Limitations

• No built-in Gantt charts, resource planning or advanced scheduling tools
• Lacks native time tracking and project costs management
• Automation requires third-party tools like Zapier or Make
• Performance can slow down with large or complex databases
• Advanced features like formulas and relations take time to learn
• Limited export options can cause formatting or data issues

Notion Pricing

• Free: $0 user/month
• Plus: $10.00 user/month, billed annually
• Business: $20.00 user/month, billed annually
• Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote

Notion Reviews

• G2 review: 4.7 / 5
• Capterra review: 4.7 / 5
• GetApp review: 4.7/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “I usually use it as a note taking, studying board, planner and even to organize my financial life – it is all my life in one place.” Fabiane C. – from G2
• “Originally a really good UI, available on multiple platforms, very dynamic and responsive.” Keith P – from Capterra
• “Love the easy to use interface, flexibility to create whatever tools you want, unlimited data and file uploads, Notion charts and automations.” Arjan S – from GetApp

12. Procore

Procore is a Microsoft Project alternative that is used in larger construction projects. It’s not a direct replacement for MS Project, as it’s focused on construction project management. However, it does have robust tools for managing project timelines, tasks and documentation, including scheduling, budgeting and resource management. Real-time collaboration keeps communication between general contractors, subcontractors and stakeholders, which reduces risks of misunderstandings and delays. There’s also a mobile app and integration with third-party tools.

Related: Best Procore Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked

While the Microsoft Project alternative has Gantt charts and project calendars, these are the only scheduling tools available. Users might expect more views, considering the high cost of the product, which only increases when more users are added. Needless to say, this is not the software one is going to choose to run projects outside of construction. It’s simply designed for construction project management and little else. Like other complicated software products, this has a steep learning curve. Smaller projects, even small construction projects, are not going to be appropriate for this software. It would be overkill. One reason is that the setup and integration of Procore with existing systems is time-consuming and complex.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Large Construction Projects

Procore Pros & Key Features

• Built for large construction projects, managing multiple sites, teams and subcontractors
• Centralizes drawings, specifications, contracts and RFIs for real-time access
• Tracks budgets, change orders and costs to help control overruns
• Includes tools for labor tracking, workforce management and timesheets
• Integrates with Microsoft Project and Primavera P6 for scheduling
• Mobile apps support field updates, reporting and communication

Procore Cons & Limitations

• Limited scheduling views compared to other Microsoft Project alternatives
• Complex scheduling tools with a steep learning curve
• Weak resource planning and workload management features
• Gantt charts lack built-in cost tracking at the task level
• No free plan or trial to test the software
• Pricing is high and typically requires custom quotes

Procore Pricing

• Contact sales for a custom quote

Procore Reviews

• G2 review: 4.6 / 5
• Capterra review: 4.5 / 5
• GetApp review: 4.5/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “Procore is a great tool for Construction professionals. The feature set is very tailored to construction related tasks.” Mark T – from Capterra
• “If you are willing to read and follow along with everything presented it will be incredibly helpful.” Mathew K – from G2
• “Management of projects with Procore is smooth and straightforward. You are able to share large volume data and documents. It’s a tool that enhances team collaboration.” Agasti S – from GetApp

13. Paymo

Paymo is comprehensive project management software with time tracking and invoicing capabilities so business owners and project managers can track project success. Its automatic time tracker makes Paymo a tough contender in the project management ring.

Task management is straightforward, with multiple assignees, priorities, customizable statuses, and project views including list, table, kanban, calendar and Gantt. There’s also an extra meta-Kanban view for a bird’s-eye view of your team’s tasks. This MS alternative is a great PM tool, but it has its limitations with third-party applications and can be complex and difficult to use.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Project and Time Tracking

Paymo Pros & Key Features

• Multiple views including Gantt charts, task lists and kanban boards
• Built-in invoicing and payments, great for small businesses
• Strong time tracking for managing billable hours
• Collaboration tools for team communication and file sharing
• Mobile apps for managing projects on the go

Paymo Cons & Limitations

• Limited resource planning for complex workloads or large teams
• Basic reporting compared to advanced project management platforms
• Fewer native integrations with enterprise tools
• Interface can feel cluttered for new users
• Mobile app lacks some desktop features
• Limited workflow and template customization

Paymo Pricing

• Free: $0 user/month
• Starter: $5.90 user/month, billed annually
• Small Office: $10.90 user/month, billed annually
• Business: $16.90 user/month, billed annually

Paymo Reviews

• G2 review: 4.6/5
• Capterra review: 4.7/5
• GetApp review: 4.7/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “Paymo has all the capabilities that allows me to save time by automating project and task management procedures.” Larry K – from G2
• “I like the way Paymo has been designed. With its straightforward menu sidebar, it’s easy to access everything your business needs quickly and easily.” Jamie Lee J – from G2
• “All the basics are well integrated from a simple task list to complex product road maps with the invoicing system / expenses that we can sync with our accounting software.” Adami T – from GetApp

14. ClickUp

ClickUp is a project management platform for teams across industries such as marketing, product planning and software development. It offers similar features to Microsoft Project, including Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and dashboards. Additionally, ClickUp offers document editing, instant messaging and email management tools. One of the main advantages of this software is the variety of integrations with third-party software, which allows users to customize the software to fit their needs.

Related: Best ClickUp Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked

However, unlike Microsoft Project, ClickUp wasn’t exclusively designed for project management. As a result, some of its features are limited. For example, ClickUp’s Gantt charts don’t allow you to track project costs or the percentage complete of each task, and they don’t track the four types of dependencies that are used in project management. So while ClickUp it’s a versatile tool that can help you manage tasks, teams and workflows, it might not be the best Microsoft Project alternative.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Team Productivity

ClickUp Pros & Key Features

• Strong collaboration tools, including built-in email and team communication
• Highly customizable for different teams, industries and project methodologies
• Multiple views like kanban boards and dashboards for agile workflows
• Advanced task management with priorities, dependencies and automations
• Mobile apps for managing projects and tasks on the go

ClickUp Cons & Limitations

• Feature-heavy interface can feel overwhelming and hard to learn
• Missing advanced tools like deep resource planning and cost tracking
• Exports limited to PDF, reducing flexibility
• Limited project reporting for detailed insights
• No dedicated trial for premium plans
• Performance can slow down on large or complex projects

ClickUp Pricing

• Free: $0 user/month
• Unlimited: $7 user/month, billed annually
• Business: $12 user/month, billed annually
• Enterprise: contact sales for a custom quote

ClickUp Reviews

• G2 review: 4.7/5
• Capterra review: 4.6/5
• GetApp review: 4.6/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “Good for operational tasks and customer support.” Hovhannes G – from G2
• “ClickUp sits right in the middle between typical task management tools and business platforms.” Pawel M – from Capterra
• “ClickUp enables teams to stay in sync by facilitating collaboration on a single activity where all participants can see each other’s contributions, comments, and status updates.” Kelly M B – from GetApp

15. GanttPRO

If you’re a small team in need of a Microsoft Project alternative with Gantt charts, GanttPRO may be right for you. Like Microsoft Project, its primary feature is the Gantt chart, and you’ll find that it’s fairly robust when it comes to planning and scheduling. And, when compared to Microsoft Project, it’s quite easy to use. Plus, there’s a kanban board feature for those who aren’t comfortable using the Gantt.

However, the Gantt is about all it does well. When it comes to tracking and reporting, it falls behind the pack. Furthermore, if you need to do billing or invoicing, you’ll have to rely on integrations to get it done. Unforutnately, its integrations aren’t very robust either, so you may find yourself using other tools in addition to this Gantt-heavy Microsoft Project alternative.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative with a Gantt for Small Teams

GanttPRO Pros & Key Features

• Exports to PDF, PNG and Excel for easy sharing with stakeholders
• Simple to share and collaborate on projects, even with external users
• Includes cost tracking to estimate, assign rates and monitor budgets
• 14-day free trial with full access to premium features
• Mobile apps for managing timelines and tasks on the go

GanttPRO Cons & Limitations

• No bulk timesheets, only basic task-level time tracking
• Limited reporting and project health insights
• Few native integrations, often requires third-party tools
• No free plan for long-term use
• Limited customization for workflows and reports
• Not suited for large or complex projects with advanced needs

GanttPRO Pricing

• Core: $7.99 user/month, billed annually
• Advanced: $12.99 user/month, billed annually
• Business: $19.99 user/month, billed annually
• Enterprise: Contact sales for a custom quote

GanttPRO Reviews

• G2 review: 4.8/5
• Capterra review: 4.8/5
• GetApp review: 4.8/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “I especially enjoy the collaboration feature where I can invite colleagues to edit tasks and timelines in the live document. I have moved from using Google Sheets.” Glen K – from G2
• “GantPro software offers a seamless project management experience with its intuitive interface and robust features.” Dixie F – from Capterra
• “Extremely detailed and helpful for the project management of our college FSAE team. Could create a 14 month timeline with ease thanks to the great user interface. Helps assign and track tasks as well.” Kritik M – from GetApp

16. Trello

Trello is a tool that manages projects and helps teams collaborate. This software uses a kanban board interface that allows users to visualize their workflow. It provides transparency and fosters collaboration. It has real-time updates, which is a plus and has easy onboarding for teams. It’s a fun and easy-to-use MS Project alternative, which is why it made it number five on our list.

Related: Best Trello Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked

But, as a fully-fledged Microsoft Project alternative, Trello falls short. It has a project bar chart instead of a Gantt. While that feature might try to mimic the usefulness of a Gantt it doesn’t set a baseline to track your actual progress against your planned effort, there are no inter-project dependencies and it can’t filter for the critical path in your schedule. Since it’s not the best project management software, Trello is recommended only for basic project management features.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Kanban Boards

Trello Pros & Key Features

• Easy to use on Mac and web, with no setup or compatibility issues
• Flexible boards, lists and cards for agile project management
• Integrates with tools like Slack, Google Drive, Jira and Teams
• Mobile apps support task updates and real-time collaboration
• Free trial available to test premium features

Trello Cons & Limitations

• Basic features compared to more advanced Microsoft Project alternatives
• No native Gantt charts or advanced scheduling tools
• Requires Power-Ups or integrations to match advanced functionality
• Lacks features for governance and portfolio management
• Limited reporting and analytics without external tools

Trello Pricing

• Free: $0 user/month
• Standard: $5 user/month, billed annually
• Premium: $10 user/month, billed annually
• Enterprise: $17.50 user/month, billed annually

Trello Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5
• GetApp review: 4.5/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “I use it at work for my daily tasks and I also use it at home for a variety of different things.” Michelle J – from G2
• “Aside from the UI being rather outdated, overall, Trello has streamlined our workflow significantly.” Peter Z – from Capterra
• “I used it in a company I was working at, and I also used it in a personal project, and both times it was a great tool.” Carina R – from GetApp

17. Basecamp

Basecamp is a Microsoft Project alternative that has team collaboration and is simple to use, two benefits that the notoriously uncollaborative and difficult MS Project can’t touch. Teams looking for a more straightforward and user-friendly solution to Microsoft Project will be attracted to this Microsoft Project alternative. It has task management features and communication tools, such as message boards, team chat and automatic check-ins. It creates a centralized hub for project collaboration.

Related: Best Basecamp Alternatives: Free & Paid Options Ranked

However, it falls short of being a holistic project management tool. That’s because it lacks Gantt charts and resource management features and can’t handle complex dependencies. This Microsoft Project alternative is not suited for projects with detailed scheduling and resource planning. Reporting is limited, which reduces the analytic capabilities that help guide project managers in their decision-making.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Managing Everyday Work

Basecamp Pros & Key Features

• Simple interface for assigning tasks, setting deadlines and tracking progress
• Mobile apps let teams manage projects and communicate from anywhere
• Flat pricing with unlimited users makes it cost-effective for growing teams
• Built-in tools for messaging, chat, file sharing and documents
• Free plan available for small teams or basic use

Basecamp Cons & Limitations

• Basic task management with no dependencies or advanced workflows
• No tools for tracking workloads or resource availability
• No Gantt charts for timeline planning or dependencies
• Limited reporting and analytics for project insights
• No built-in time tracking, requires external tools
• Minimal customization and automation options

Basecamp Pricing

• Basecamp Free: $0 user/month
• Basecamp Plus: $15 user/month
• Basecamp Pro Unlimited: $299/month, unlimited users

Basecamp Reviews

• G2 review: 4.1/5
• Capterra review: 4.3/5
• GetApp review: 4.4/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “As a company, it allows us to flawlessly track all of our conversations, planning, tasks, and project progress.” Özgür K – from G2
• “The interface transforms complex functionalities into an intuitive experience for all users.” Tom G – from G2
• “Basecamp has single page projects that are relatively simple to use. The to-do lists are easy to use as well. Basecamp can also handle large file transfers.” David B – from GetApp

18. Teamwork

Teamwork is an easy-to-use Microsoft Project alternative. It organizes tasks and subtasks, labeling priorities and identifying dependencies to avoid bottlenecks. There are messages at the task level to connect teams as they work on their tasks and time tracking for managers to monitor progress. Like many Microsoft Project alternatives, it also features a Gantt chart view.

There’s a free version that has limited features. Reviewing all these apps shows the shortcomings of MS Project when it comes to teamwork, hence the name of this product. However, the tool isn’t great for every type of collaboration. For example, you can’t mark up files, which is a problem if teams are working on visual materials. But it’s still miles ahead of MS Project and other Microsoft project management software.

Verdict: Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Team Collaboration

Teamwork Pros & Key Features

• Supports task lists, subtasks, dependencies and milestones with an easy drag-and-drop interface
• Built-in time tracking, timesheets and invoicing for managing billable work
• Free trial lets teams test premium features before committing
• Mobile apps mirror desktop functionality for managing work on the go
• Includes workload management, portfolio views and client access controls

Teamwork Cons

• Gantt charts lack advanced features like critical path and baselines
• Reporting is basic, with limited dashboards and analytics
• Geared more toward agencies than general or technical teams
• Requires a minimum number of users on paid plans
• Advanced features can take time to learn and set up
• Full functionality often requires additional tools or integrations

Teamwork Pricing

• Free: $0 user/month
• Deliver: $10.99 user/month, billed annually
• Grow: $19.99 user/month, billed annually
• Scale: Contact sales for a custom quote

Teamwork Reviews

• G2 review: 4.4/5
• Capterra review: 4.5/5
• GetApp review: 4.5/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “It’s a great tool for unifying developers, designers and everyone involved in a project, needing little training.” Brett W – from G2
• “Can also be used for personal projects, tasks, planning and dreaming/distractions, to get the info out of your head and recorded in a central system.” Jacki B – from G2
• “Teamwork makes it super easy to handle repetitive task-and-project management procedures via real-time automation.” Oyekanmi O – from GetApp

19. GanttProject

GanttProject has one giant advantage over MS Project and even most of the Microsoft Project alternatives—it’s free. Gantt charts are the heavy lifters in project management and a free one is sure to be attractive. Especially one that’s easy to use and that can export documents to MS Project. That means this could prove a major asset to MS Project users.

Related: What Is GanttProject? Pros, Cons & Alternatives

That is also its deterrent. You’re still wedded to MS Project. Though, perhaps you’d use GanttProject all by itself to manage your project. After all, Gantt charts are great tools. The problem is that this Gantt is limited in what it can do. For this free MS Project alternative, you’re going to have to use a suite of other apps to get the project management features that MS Project offers.

Verdict: Best Free Microsoft Project Alternative for Gantt Charts

GanttProject Pros & Key Features

• Open-source and free, ideal for teams needing a no-cost, customizable solution
• Simple interface for building Gantt charts with tasks, dependencies and milestones
• Supports task hierarchies, resource assignments and critical path tracking
• No subscriptions or user limits, making it accessible for small teams
• Works on Windows, macOS and Linux with export options and MS Project compatibility

GanttProject Cons & Limitations

• Very limited features compared to modern Microsoft Project alternatives
• No dashboards, kanban boards or capacity planning tools
• Desktop-only with no cloud or real-time collaboration
• No mobile app for managing projects on the go
• Outdated interface compared to modern tools

GanttProject Pricing

• Free downloadable software

GanttProject Reviews

• G2 review: 4.3/5
• Capterra review: 4.2/5
• GetApp review: 4.2/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “Good ability to insert and manage various resources and control the critical activities for the project.” Gianluca M – from G2
• “This software hits what I need which is free and simple to use.” Max P – from Capterra
• “You can have GanttProject for free or low price, and it is very easy to use, export and import projects, print a Gantt or Pert and in addition to project management, we can manage resources and estimate costs.” Alex (Alexandre) M – from GetApp

20. ProjectLibre

ProjectLibre is a free project management software that offers simple project management tools such as task lists, Gantt charts, project dashboards and resource management spreadsheets. Some of its key features include work breakdown structure (WBS) charts, resource histograms and network diagrams. It’s a downloadable open-source software that works on Windows, Mac and Linux computers, and it’s available in over 20 languages. One of its key advantages is that it can be used to view and edit Microsoft Project files without a Microsoft Project license.

Related: What Is ProjectLibre? Pros, Cons & Alternatives

However, while ProjectLibre promotes itself as the best Microsoft Project alternative, it lacks many of the tools that Microsoft Project offers such as timesheets, kanban boards or project management reports. On top of that, its project management features are limited and its user interface is outdated compared to the vast majority of Microsoft Project alternatives.

Verdict: Best Open-source Microsoft Project Alternative

ProjectLibre & Key Features

• Supports 20+ languages, making it a good fit for international teams
• Works on macOS, Windows and Linux, unlike Microsoft Project
• Completely free with no licensing costs, ideal for small teams
• Can open and edit Microsoft Project files (.MPP) for easy migration

ProjectLibre Cons & Limitations

• Outdated interface that can feel hard to use
• Lacks agile tools, dashboards, time tracking and collaboration features
• Basic resource planning with limited forecasting
• No cloud features or real-time collaboration
• No mobile app for managing projects on the go
• Limited support and documentation for new users

ProjectLibre Pricing

• Free downloadable software

ProjectLibre Reviews

• G2 review: 4.2/5
• Capterra review: 4.4/5
• GetApp review: 4.4/5

Highlighted User Reviews

• “It’s open-source. It also provides Gantt charts, defining task dependencies, setting milestones and allocating resources.” Tisagh C – from G2
• “I was looking for a cheap or free alternative to MS Project to plan and follow my projects.” Nicolas B – from Capterra
• “This software is free! Also, it is very stable and has been around enough to have good help online and it is easy to import and export.” Max P – from GetApp

Microsoft Project Alternatives FAQs

What Are the Best Free Microsoft Project Alternatives?

Free Microsoft Project alternatives include a mix of fully free tools, freemium plans and free trials. Some platforms like GanttProject and ProjectLibre are completely free and open-source with no usage limits. Others such as ClickUp, Trello and Asana offer free plans with feature restrictions, user caps or storage limits. Many tools like Monday.com, Wrike and Smartsheet provide free trials, which give full access to premium features for a limited time before requiring a paid subscription.

• ProjectManager (free trial)
• Wrike (free plan + free trial)
• Smartsheet (free trial)
• Monday.com (free plan + free trial)
• Asana (free plan)
• Jira (free plan)
• Microsoft Planner (included with Microsoft 365 subscription)
• Zoho Projects (free plan)
• Airtable (free plan)
• Notion (free plan)
• Paymo (free plan + free trial)
• ClickUp (free plan)
• GanttPRO (free trial)
• Trello (free plan)
• Basecamp (free trial)
• Teamwork (free plan + free trial)
• GanttProject (fully free)
• ProjectLibre (fully free, open-source)

What Are the Best Cloud-Based Microsoft Project Alternatives?

• ProjectManager
• Wrike
• Smartsheet
• Monday.com
• Asana
• Jira
• Microsoft Planner
• Zoho Projects
• Airtable
• Notion
• Procore
• Paymo
• ClickUp
• GanttPRO
• Trello
• Basecamp
• Teamwork

What Are the Best Microsoft Project Alternatives for Mac?

• ProjectManager
• Wrike
• Smartsheet
• Monday.com
• Asana
• Jira
• Microsoft Planner
• Zoho Projects
• Airtable
• Notion
• Procore
• Paymo
• ClickUp
• GanttPRO
• Trello
• Basecamp
• Teamwork
• GanttProject
• ProjectLibre

What Are the Best Open-Source Microsoft Project Alternatives?

• GanttProject
• ProjectLibre

Related Microsoft Project Content

• Top Microsoft Project Management Software
• Best Project Management Software: Rankings, Reviews & Comparisons
• Best Project Management Software
• Best Microsoft Planner Alternatives
• Best Monday.com Alternatives
• Best Smartsheet Alternatives
• Best ClickUp Alternatives
• Best Wrike Alternatives
• Best Asana Alternatives
• 10 Mejores Alternativas a Microsoft Project (2025)
• 10 meilleures alternatives à Microsoft Project : options gratuites et payantes
• 10 beste Microsoft Project Alternativen: Kostenlose & kostenpflichtige Optionen
• 14 Melhores Alternativas ao Microsoft Project (Gratuitas e Pagas)

ProjectManager is award-winning software that organizes tasks, teams and projects. It’s the best Microsoft alternative, with all the features and none of the frustration. You can use it to import and export MS Project files or better yet, abandon the expensive tool and subscribe to ours with multiple payment tiers. Try it free today.

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