Looking for the right project management software in 2025? We’ve narrowed down the top 12 picks to save you hours of research.
Key Takeaway: Best Project Management Tools in 2025
Here are the top project management software platforms, each with a unique strength:
- TeamBoard ProScheduler – Best for visual resource planning and workload balancing.
- ClickUp – Best for customizable workflows and all-in-one project tracking.
- Asana – Best for team task collaboration and work automation.
- Wrike – Best for cross-functional project visibility and real-time reporting.
- Monday.com – Best for ease of use and visually intuitive project boards.
- Smartsheet – Best for spreadsheet-style project tracking with automation.
- Jira – Best for agile project management and dev team workflows.
- ProductGo – Best for agile user story mapping, roadmapping within Jira.
- Zoho Projects – Best for small teams looking for a budget-friendly solution.
- Microsoft Project – Best for complex enterprise project planning.
- GanttTable – Best for Gantt chart lovers working within Jira.
- Basecamp – Best for simplicity and team communication in small projects.
What Is Project Management Software?
Let’s start with the basics – what is project management software, anyway?
Imagine you’re planning a big event, like a wedding or a product launch. You’ve got a ton of moving pieces: tasks, deadlines, people, checklists, maybe even a few last-minute surprises. Now imagine trying to juggle all of that in your head – or worse, in a messy spreadsheet. Not fun.
That’s where project management software comes in. It’s like a digital command center that helps you plan, organize, and track your work in one place. Whether you’re working solo or with a team of 50, it gives you a clearer view of what needs to get done, who’s doing what, and when it’s all due.
Project management software is your team’s shared workspace, calendar, task list, and whiteboard – rolled into one easy-to-use platform.
How to Pick the Right Project Management Tool for Your Team
Choosing the right project management software is hard – there are so many options, and they all sound good in slightly different ways. Some tools promise simplicity, others offer every feature under the sun. But the truth is, the “best” tool depends entirely on you – your team, your work style, and your goals.
If you’re a solo freelancer, you might just need something lightweight to track deadlines. A small startup may prioritize collaboration and flexibility. Meanwhile, an enterprise team might be looking for robust reporting, integrations, and user controls.
So instead of hunting for the best tool, the better question is: what do you really need from it?
Here are a few key things to consider:
Ease of Use
No matter how powerful a tool is, it won’t help much if it’s hard to navigate or requires a crash course before anyone can use it. Look for a clean, intuitive interface – something your team can jump into without friction.
Features That Fit Your Workflow
Some teams thrive on visual boards like Kanban, others prefer structured task lists or detailed timelines using Gantt charts. If you work in Agile or use sprint planning, find a tool that’s built to support those methods from the start.
Strong Collaboration Tools
A good project management platform should make it easy to talk about the work while you’re doing the work. That means features like task comments, file sharing, team notifications, and clear ownership of who’s doing what.
Useful Integrations
The best tools don’t exist in a vacuum – they connect with the other platforms your team already uses, like Google Workspace, Slack, Jira, or Zoom. This keeps everything flowing smoothly instead of being scattered across a dozen tabs.
Scalability and Pricing
If you’re starting with a free plan, make sure it’s actually usable without constant upgrade prompts. If you’re on a bigger team or planning long-term use, check whether the paid plans offer enough value for the cost – and whether you can grow into the tool over time without having to switch platforms down the road.
💡 Tip: Think of it like test-driving a car – you want to see how it really drives, not just how it looks parked in the lot.
Quick Comparison: Best Free Project Management Tools at a Glance
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick comparison of some of the most popular project management tools available in 2025.
| Tool | Best For | What It’s Known For |
| TeamBoard ProScheduler | Visual scheduling for Jira users | Timeline planning, resource management inside Jira |
| ClickUp | All-in-one workspaces | Customization, flexible views, productivity features |
| Asana | Task-based workflows | Clean interface, timeline view, team collaboration |
| Wrike | Cross-functional teams | Versatile dashboards, dynamic request forms, and workload view |
| Monday.com | Teams that love visual project boards | Colorful UI, automation, multiple board types |
| Smartsheet | Spreadsheet lovers who want more power | Grid + Gantt hybrid, Excel-like control with collaboration |
| Jira | Software development teams | Agile support, sprint planning, dev team integrations |
| ProductGo | Agile story mapping, roadmap in Jira | User story map, roadmap views, personas, Jira-friendly UX |
| Zoho Projects | Small to midsize businesses | Built-in time tracking, integrations across Zoho ecosystem |
| Microsoft Project | Enterprise-level planning | Advanced scheduling, resource control, part of MS 365 |
| GanttTable | Simple Gantt chart tool for Jira | Easy Gantt management inside Jira, intuitive for dev teams |
| Basecamp | Teams that prefer simplicity | Flat structure, team messaging, all-in-one project hub |
📝 Note: Some tools (like Microsoft Project or Wrike) are more robust and designed for enterprise-level planning, while others (like Basecamp or ClickUp) shine in smaller, more collaborative environments. And many tools – like Asana, ProductGo, or Monday.com – scale well as your team grows.
Top 12 Project Management Software for Managing Projects
1. TeamBoard ProScheduler
TeamBoard ProScheduler is designed specifically for Jira users, this tool brings visual resource and time planning into focus – think of it as your scheduling command center layered right into Jira.
With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can easily manage team capacity, track workloads, and plan project timelines without switching tools. It’s ideal for managers who want a quick, visual way to allocate tasks while keeping tabs on real-time availability.
TeamBoard ProScheduler enhances Jira by introducing visual scheduling tools, making it easier to plan, allocate resources, and track progress. It’s particularly beneficial for teams that require detailed oversight of project timelines and resource distribution.
ProScheduler Key Features:
- Visual planning with calendar, Gantt, and workload views – all inside Jira
- Drag-and-drop task scheduling to manage resource allocation
- Real-time visibility into team workload and availability
- Syncs with Jira data like assignees, due dates, and estimates
- Supports holidays, work hours, and custom calendars
ProScheduler Pros:
- Deep integration with Jira enhances workflow efficiency for existing Jira users.
- Visual tools like Gantt charts aid in comprehensive project planning.
- Resource management features help in optimizing team performance.
ProScheduler Cons:
- Primarily beneficial for teams already using Jira; may not be suitable for those outside the Jira ecosystem.
- The learning curve might be steep for users unfamiliar with Jira’s interface.
ProScheduler Pricing:
- Free Plan: Available for small teams with up to 10 users.
- Cloud Plan: $1.50 per user/month
- Data Center Plan: $10 per user/year
- Pricing details are available on the ProScheduler listing page.
Ideal For: Teams already utilizing Jira who need enhanced visual planning and resource management capabilities.
2. ClickUp
ClickUp is designed to replace multiple productivity tools. It offers a customizable platform that adapts to various team sizes and workflows.
ClickUp stands out for its flexibility, allowing teams to tailor their project management experience. Whether you’re a freelancer or part of a large enterprise, ClickUp’s modular approach lets you build a workspace that fits your unique needs.
ClickUp Key Features:
- Task management with multiple views (List, Board, Calendar, Gantt, Timeline)
- Built-in time tracking and goal setting for teams who need accountability
- Whiteboards and docs for brainstorming, note-taking, and collaboration
- Automation for repetitive tasks and status updates
- 1,000+ integrations including Slack, GitHub, Zoom, and Google Workspace
ClickUp Pros:
- Extremely versatile and customizable for any workflow
- Generous free plan with access to core features
- Works well for both solo users and big teams
ClickUp Cons:
- So many features can be overwhelming at first
- Advanced features can require time to set up effectively
ClickUp Pricing:
- Free Forever Plan: $0, includes unlimited tasks and members.
- Unlimited Plan: $7 per user/month (billed annually).
- Business Plan: $12 per user/month (billed annually).
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing; contact sales for details.
Ideal For: Teams seeking a comprehensive, customizable project management tool that can adapt to various workflows and scales with team growth.
3. Asana
Asana is one of the most popular project management tools out there – and for good reason. Asana gives you a clear, visual way to manage your tasks and projects without the clutter or confusion.
With its colorful interface and simple layout, Asana helps teams stay aligned by turning messy workloads into structured plans. Whether you’re planning a marketing campaign, tracking product development, or organizing a company offsite, it helps break work into manageable chunks – assignable, trackable, and deadline-ready.
Asana Key Features:
- Timeline view for planning out work visually
- Task dependencies to prevent bottlenecks
- Custom fields for tailoring project data
- Built-in automation to handle repetitive tasks
- Integrates with Slack, Google Drive, Zoom, and more
Asana Pros:
- Easy to use with a shallow learning curve
- Excellent for task-focused teams
- Free plan supports generous usage
Asana Cons:
- Might feel a bit basic for complex project structures
- Limited reporting in lower-tier plans
Asana Pricing:
- Free: $0 (up to 10 teammates)
- Starter: $10.99/user/month (billed annually)
- Advanced: $24.99/user/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Ideal For: Small to mid-sized teams that need a clean, collaborative space to manage day-to-day projects.
4. Wrike
If you’re leading a marketing team, running IT ops, or juggling multiple client deliverables, Wrike gives you the power to slice and dice your workflow however you need. It’s especially great for teams that love customization – because nearly everything in Wrike can be tailored to fit your team’s process.
It might not be the simplest tool at first glance, but that’s because it’s built for depth. The tradeoff? Once your team gets the hang of it, you’ll have a supercharged workspace with reports, dashboards, and task automation all humming in sync.
Wrike Key Features:
- Custom workflows for different project types
- Gantt charts and Kanban boards for visual planning
- Time tracking and detailed reporting
- Built-in proofing for creative teams
- Over 400 integrations, including Salesforce and MS Teams
Wrike Pros:
- Highly configurable for complex needs
- Excellent real-time collaboration tools
- Great support for cross-functional teams
Wrike Cons:
- Has a learning curve, especially for new users
- Can be overkill for small, simple projects
Wrike Pricing:
- Free: $0 (basic task management)
- Team: $10/user/month
- Business: $25/user/month
- Enterprise & Pinnacle: Custom pricing
Ideal For: Mid to large-sized teams that need flexibility, detailed oversight, and advanced workflow capabilities.
5. Monday.com
Monday.com is like the friendly coworker who always color-codes everything and still manages to hit every deadline. The interface is fun and bright (almost like a productivity game), but under the hood, it’s packed with serious capabilities that make it great for teams of all sizes.
Whether you’re managing content calendars, product sprints, or HR onboarding, Monday’s visual boards make tracking progress feel intuitive – even for non-tech folks. You can customize your workspace, automate repetitive tasks, and choose from multiple views to see your work from every angle.
Monday.com Key Features:
- Visual boards (Table, Kanban, Timeline, Gantt, Calendar)
- Custom automations for status updates and alerts
- Centralized dashboards with live data
- Integrates with Slack, Zoom, Excel, and more
Monday.com Pros:
- Extremely visual and easy to set up
Scalable for individuals and big teams alike - Tons of templates for different industries
Monday.com Cons:
- Automations and integrations are limited in lower plans
- Can get pricey as your team grows
Monday.com Pricing:
- Free: $0 (up to 2 seats)
- Basic: $9/user/month
- Standard: $14/user/month
- Pro: $24/user/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Ideal For: Teams who love visual organization and need a platform they can tailor to almost any workflow.
6. Smartsheet
If Excel and a Gantt chart had a smart, organized baby, it would be Smartsheet. This tool is perfect for folks who are comfortable with spreadsheet-style planning but want something more collaborative and scalable. Smartsheet adds the structure, automation, and visibility that static spreadsheets just can’t offer.
From construction projects to enterprise-level IT rollouts, Smartsheet helps keep everything on track – with data-driven dashboards, dependencies, and automated workflows that cut down manual updates.
Smartsheet Key Features:
- Grid (spreadsheet) view, plus Gantt, Card, and Calendar views
- Automated workflows for repetitive steps
- Resource management and budgeting tools
- Advanced reports and dashboards
- Integrates with Microsoft 365, Google, Salesforce, and more
Smartsheet Pros:
- Familiar spreadsheet-style UI with extra horsepower
- Great for structured, multi-step projects
- Built-in automation and reporting tools
Smartsheet Cons:
- Can be complex for those new to project tools
- Advanced features locked behind premium plans
Smartsheet Pricing:
- Pro: $12/user/month
- Business: $24/user/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Ideal For: Teams that live in spreadsheets but need better structure, automation, and collaboration.
7. Jira
If your team thrives on Agile methodologies, Jira is likely already on your radar. Developed by Atlassian, Jira is tailored for software development teams, offering robust tools to plan, track, and release software.
Its flexibility allows teams to customize workflows, manage backlogs, and visualize progress through Scrum or Kanban boards. While it can be complex for newcomers, its depth is invaluable for teams needing detailed issue tracking and project management.
Jira Key Features:
- Customizable Scrum and Kanban boards
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Integration with over 3,000 apps via Atlassian Marketplace
- Roadmaps for project planning
- Robust permission and security settings
Jira Pros:
- Highly customizable to fit various workflows
- Strong integration capabilities
- Scalable for large organizations
Jira Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Can be overwhelming for simple project needs
Jira Pricing:
- Free: $0 (up to 10 users)
- Standard: $8.60/user/month
- Premium: $17/user/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Ideal For: Software development teams seeking a comprehensive Agile project management solution.
8. ProductGo
ProductGo enhances Jira by introducing visual tools like user story mapping and roadmaps, making Agile planning more intuitive.
It’s particularly useful for product managers and teams aiming to align user stories with business goals. By integrating directly into Jira, it streamlines the planning process without the need for external tools.
ProductGo Key Features:
- User story mapping for backlog visualization
- Roadmap planning integrated with Jira issues
- Persona mapping to understand user needs
- Portfolio boards for high-level project overviews
- Seamless integration with Jira workflows
ProductGo Pros:
- Enhances Jira’s native capabilities
- User-friendly interface for visual planning
- Facilitates better stakeholder communication
ProductGo Cons:
- Requires existing Jira setup
- Limited functionality outside of Agile frameworks
ProductGo Pricing:
- Free Plan: Available for small teams with up to 10 users.
- Cloud Plan: $1.50 per user/month
- Data Center Plan: $10 per user/year
- Pricing details are available on the ProductGo listing page.
Ideal For: Agile teams using Jira who want enhanced visual planning tools.
9. Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects offers a comprehensive suite of project management tools at an accessible price point. It’s designed for teams seeking functionalities like task management, time tracking, and Gantt charts without breaking the bank.
The platform’s clean interface and integration with other Zoho apps make it a compelling choice for small to medium-sized businesses.
Zoho Projects Key Features:
- Task and milestone tracking
- Gantt charts for project timelines
- Time tracking and timesheet approvals
- Issue tracking for bug management
- Integration with Zoho ecosystem and third-party apps
Zoho Projects Pros:
- Cost-effective for small teams
- Comprehensive feature set
- Easy integration with Zoho’s suite
Zoho Projects Cons:
- Limited customization compared to competitors
Zoho Projects Pricing:
- Free: $0 (up to 5 users)
- Premium: $5/user/month
- Enterprise: $10/user/month
Ideal For: Small to medium-sized teams looking for a budget-friendly project management tool.
10. Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is a powerful tool designed for complex project management needs, especially within large organizations. It offers detailed scheduling, resource management, and reporting features. While it has a steeper learning curve, its depth is unmatched for intricate project planning.
Microsoft Project Key Features:
- Advanced Gantt chart capabilities
- Resource allocation and management
- Budgeting and cost tracking
- Integration with Microsoft 365 suite
- Customizable reports and dashboards
Microsoft Project Pros:
- Comprehensive feature set for complex projects
- Seamless integration with Microsoft tools
- Suitable for large-scale project portfolios
Microsoft Project Cons:
- Higher cost compared to other tools
- Requires training to utilize effectively
Microsoft Project Pricing:
- Project Plan 1: $10/user/month
- Project Plan 3: $30/user/month
- Project Plan 5: $55/user/month
- Project Standard 2024 (on-premises): $679.99 (one-time)
Ideal For: Enterprises needing detailed project management and resource planning.
11. Basecamp
Basecamp is designed for teams seeking a straightforward approach to project management. With its user-friendly interface, it consolidates essential tools like to-do lists, message boards, schedules, and file storage into a single platform.
This integration fosters better communication and organization, reducing the need to juggle multiple applications.
Basecamp Key Features:
- To-do lists for task management
- Message boards for team discussions
- Schedules with calendar integration
- Document and file storage
- Real-time group chat (Campfire)
- Automatic check-ins to gather team updates
Basecamp Pros:
- Intuitive and easy to navigate
- All-in-one platform reduces tool fatigue
- Flat-rate pricing beneficial for larger teams
Basecamp Cons:
- Limited advanced project tracking features
- Customization options are minimal
Basecamp Pricing:
- Basecamp: $15/user/month
- Basecamp Pro Unlimited: $299/month (flat rate for unlimited users, billed annually)
Ideal For: Small to medium-sized teams seeking a cohesive and uncomplicated project management solution.
12. GanttTable
GanttTable enhances Jira by introducing Gantt chart capabilities, allowing teams to visualize project timelines and dependencies directly within their existing workflow. This integration aids in better planning and tracking of tasks without the need to switch between tools.
GanttTable Key Features:
- Interactive Gantt charts for project visualization
- Drag-and-drop scheduling of tasks
- Dependency management between tasks
- Real-time synchronization with Jira issues
- Customizable views for different project needs
GanttTable Pros:
- Seamless integration with Jira
- Improves project visibility and planning
- User-friendly interface for quick adoption
GanttTable Cons:
- Limited to Jira users
- May lack some advanced features found in standalone Gantt tools
GanttTable Pricing:
- Currently a free app
Ideal For: Jira teams looking to incorporate Gantt chart functionalities into their project management processes.
Finding the Right Project Management Software for Your Team
Choosing the right project management software really comes down to your team’s size, style of work, and what you need to stay organized. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution – what works well for a small startup may not cut it for a growing company with multiple departments.
Think about how your team operates. Do you need a tool that helps visualize timelines and workloads? Or something that keeps tasks and checklists neatly organized? Your ideal software should fit naturally into the way your team already works, not force you to change everything.
Consider ease of use and collaboration, too. If the platform is confusing or clunky, your team won’t use it – no matter how powerful it is. A simple interface, easy onboarding, and helpful features like comments or file sharing go a long way in keeping everyone on the same page.
Lastly, look at how the tool scales. Free plans can be great to start, but as your team grows, you’ll want something that can handle more users, projects, and integrations without slowing you down. Start small, but think ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is project management software, and why is it important?
Project management software helps teams plan, execute, and monitor projects efficiently. It centralizes tasks, timelines, resources, and communication, ensuring everyone stays aligned and projects stay on track. This is especially valuable when managing multiple tasks or collaborating across different teams.
Q: Can small teams or individuals benefit from using project management tools?
Absolutely. Even solo professionals or small teams can use these tools to organize tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. Many platforms offer free versions with essential features suitable for smaller-scale projects.
Q: What features should I look for in project management software?
Key features to consider include task assignment, deadline tracking, file sharing, collaboration tools, and integration with other applications you use. The right features depend on your team’s specific needs and workflows.
Q: Is it necessary to have technical expertise to use project management software?
Not necessarily. Many project management tools are designed with user-friendly interfaces and intuitive features, making them accessible to users without a technical background. However, some advanced tools may require a learning curve.
Q: How do I choose the right project management tool for my team?
Start by assessing your team’s size, project complexity, and specific needs. Consider factors like ease of use, scalability, integration capabilities, and cost. Many platforms offer free trials, allowing you to test and determine the best fit for your team.
Conclusion
Whether you’re leading a startup, an agency, or an enterprise team, the right project management software can transform how you plan and deliver work. Choose based on your workflow, team size, and collaboration needs – there’s a perfect tool on this list for every use case.
