Once upon a time, I would be drowning in sticky notes and loose-leaf memos, trying to keep track of multiple projects for multiple clients.
Then came along project management software. Now as we gaze into the horizon towards 2024, it’s high time we discuss the 15 best project management software for that year. Intrigued enough to know what’s on this list? Well then, join me as we delve into the future.
If you’re asking: ‘What will be the best project management software in 2024?’ Look no further than our comprehensive list below.
We are about to unfold all-star performers including Monday.com, Zoho Projects, and ClickUp – powerhouses that users swear by! And also introducing Asana, Wrike, and Airtable – all known for their user-friendly interfaces and efficient functionalities.
Not forgetting Trello, Basecamp, and Smartsheet which have stood up against time yet continue to redefine project management practices.
15 Best Project Management Software for 2024
Project management can sometimes feel like a complicated puzzle. However, having the right software can make all the difference.
In 2024, there are plenty of tools out there to help you stay organized and efficient. Here, I’ll share with you my top picks for the best project management software of 2024.
1. Monday.com
Monday.com is known for creating visually stunning and easy-to-use project management boards. Some key features include:
- Clear presentation of task statuses
- Integration with popular apps like Google Drive
- Use of color labels to indicate task priority
- Ability to assign tasks to team members
- Automated notifications about task deadlines
When evaluating the pros and cons:
Pros:
- User-friendly interface makes it easy to learn.
- Customizable features allow for personalization.
- Detailed tracking promotes accountability within teams.
Cons:
- It may feel slightly overwhelming at first due to many features.
- Customizing boards might be time-consuming.
- The mobile version can be less intuitive than a web app.
For pricing, basic cost starts from $9/seat per month, then Standard for $12, and Pro at $19 per month for each seat.
2. Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects is a versatile tool designed for teams who want greater control over their workflow.
Here are five key features:
- Gantt charts provide visual timeline on progress.
- Task automation means less administrative work.
- Time tracking helps in measuring productivity.
- Collaboration tool allows file sharing and team communication.
- Built-in issue tracker aids troubleshooting
Looking at Zoho’s pros and cons:
Pros:
- It caters well to both small-scale projects as well as large-scale ones.
- The user interface is easy to navigate through.
- Resources usage reports provide overview on resource allocation
Cons:
- Extra features may need add-on purchase.
- No in-app chat feature, which can cause communication delays.
- Steep learning curve for first-time users.
Zoho projects offer free version for up to three users. Its standard plan is $14/user per month while Professional and Enterprise are priced at $23 and $40 per user per month respectively.
3. ClickUp
ClickUp provides a collaborative platform that helps maximize productivity by centralizing tasks, docs, and communication.
Here are five key features:
- Custom views help manage task visibility based on roles
- Easily integrates with other popular tools like Slack or Google Drive
- To-do lists enable better planning and organization among teams
- The real-time editing feature encourages team collaboration
- Utilizes customized tags for tracking project progress
Pros:
- It offers a range of project templates to choose from.
- Workspace can be easily customized to the team’s needs.
- Document sharing enhances communication among teams
Cons:
- Too many customization options may seem overwhelming.
- Performance issues may arise when dealing with larger-scale projects
- Limited offline capability restricts access to the platform without an internet connection
Pricing-wise, ClickUp has a variety of plans tailored to meet different needs – Free Forever: A cost-free option allows unlimited projects and users, but has limited features; Unlimited ($7 per user, per month); Business ($12 per user), best suited for mid-sized teams that require more advanced tools for data management and workflow control.
4. Asana
A top contender on the list is Asana. This platform truly understands what teams need to stay on track and produce results.
Features:
- Easy task assignment
- Timeline views for better scheduling
- Shareable reports
- Agile project management tools
- Custom templates
Pros:
- Highly user-friendly interface
- A comprehensive free version is available
- Integration with numerous other applications
Cons:
- Occasionally sluggish performance
- The learning curve for beginners could be steep
- Some advanced features only available on premium
Pricing: The Personal version of Asana is suitable for teams of up to 10 people. When billed annually Asana’s ‘Starter’ pack costs $10.99 per user per month, whereas it rises to $13.49 per user when billed monthly.
5. Wrike
Another commendable tool catering unmetered support and flexibility to your projects is Wrike.
Features:
- Robust Gantt charts
- Time-tracking feature
- Enables customizable workflow creation
- File sharing within tasks
- Real-time activity stream
Pros:
- Interface easily handles complex projects
- Extensive integration with other platforms
- Offers a wide array of report types
Cons:
- The mobile app lacks some features from the desktop version.
- An overwhelming range of settings could confuse new users.
- Could be pricier for small teams
Pricing: The Wrike Team version will cost a user $9.80 per month, and upgrading to the Business tier costs $24.80 per user per month.
6. Airtable
Airtable, represents an intuitive blend of spreadsheet and database capabilities.
Features:
- Color-coded records for easy category recognition
- Kanban view for task management
- Blocks for more functionality
- Custom forms creation
- Attachments in individual cells
Pros:
- User-friendly even to beginners.
- Powerful customization and organization features
- Supports multiple views according to preference
Cons:
- Limited advanced features on the free version.
- Complex formula fields can be a challenge to set up correctly.
- Access roles are not elaborately defined
Pricing: Expect to pay around $10 per seat/month when billed annually. For a team of 10, the resulting summed-up cost is approximately $100/month (Billed annually as $1200 upfront).
7. Trello
One such tool that has consistently been a favorite amongst professionals is Trello. It offers an intuitive, easy-to-use platform with robust features that help manage all kinds of projects efficiently.
Features:
- Simple task and project management
- Easily customizable workflows
- Integration with numerous applications
- Task assignment and tracking
- Easy-to-use navigation
Pros:
- Highly intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Flexible for all types of projects, big or small
- Strong mobile application
Cons:
- The free version has limitations
- Can become cluttered with larger projects
- Advanced automation only in the paid version
Pricing: Trello offers a free basic plan, but for more advanced features its pricing goes as follows; Trello Standard costs $5 per user per month while Trello Premium comes at $10 per user per month.
8. Basecamp
Another powerful tool in the world of project management software is Basecamp. Known for its simplicity and efficiency, Basecamp makes collaboration seamless and fun.
Features:
- To-do lists for easy task management
- Message boards for team communication
- Schedules & deadlines tracking system
- Document & file storage feature
- Real-time group chat
Pros:
- Centralized platform leaves no room for confusion
- Easy-to-use interface leads to quick adoption by teams
- Efficient file organization feature
Cons:
- Limited customization available
- Dependency on third-party apps for additional functionality
- No time-tracking function
Pricing: The individual plan costs $15/user per month. Businesses can benefit from the unlimited users’ plan which stands at just $299/month when billed annually.
9. Smartsheet
Smartsheet brings together various elements of project management into one unified platform making it easier than ever to keep track of everything that’s going on.
Features:
- Gantt charts for visual project timelines
- Automation for repetitive tasks
- Sharing and collaboration tools
- Resource management
- Robust reporting capabilities
Pros:
- Extensive integration options with other apps
- A comprehensive set of features designed to streamline work processes
- Flexible and scalable to enterprises of all sizes
Cons:
- Moderately high learning curve
- No built-in chat feature
- The user interface could use a bit of modernization
Pricing: Here’s what Smartsheet will cost you. The Pro plan stands at $7 per month, per user while the Business plan is priced at $25 per month, per user.
10. Teamwork
Teamwork is a truly standout tool amongst my compilation of best project management software.
This robust platform brims over with features designed to streamline workflow and improve productivity.
Its key features include:
- Task creation and assignment
- Time tracking on project tasks
- Comprehensive project reporting
- Milestones setting for important dates or achievements
- File sharing from any device
Pros
- Easy to collaborate with team members
- The intuitive interface makes it user-friendly
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Lack of some high-level analytics capabilities
- The mobile app could be improved
- Customizability might overwhelm some users
Teamwork’s pricing model has three main categories. The Starter Plan, costs $5.99 per user/month when billed annually or $8.99 if billed monthly, The Deliver Plan, rates at $9.99 per user/month if charged annually ($13.99 if monthly), and The Grow Plan at $19.99 per user /month annually or $25.99 each month when billed monthly.
11. Jira
In terms of helping teams across the world plan, track, releasing outstanding software, it would be lop-sided not to mention Jira. This agile project management tool offers boundless opportunities for every technological aspect!
Essential Features
- It Accommodates Scrum Boards
- They offer a Built-in roadmap
- Advanced reporting system
- An ideal marketplace for app integration
- Automated actions based on triggers
Positive points
- Powerful agile functionality
- Highly flexible and customizable
- Integrated well with Atlassian products
Drawbacks
- Complex configuration can be daunting for new users
- Can be slow and heavy at times
- The high learning curve for the less tech-savvy
Jira offers two pricing plans. The Jira Work Management Plan is charged at $5 per user/month, while the Premium Version costs $10 per user each month.
12. ProofHub
Shifting gears to a project management solution that will suit any team regardless of its size, ProofHub! This comprehensive platform has all the necessary tools in one place reducing the need to invest in software.
Features you’ll find great:
- Task delegation & prioritization
- Collaboration through discussions
- Document sharing and proofing features save a lot of time and effort
- Time entries for keeping tabs on hours invested
- It also structures notes
Pros:
- Easy-to-grasp interface
- Plenty of features at affordable price
- Dedicated customer support
Cons
- No built-in chat function
- May lack some specific functionalities
- Free trial limitation
Their Essential plan starts at a flat cost of $45/month allowing unlimited users to manage up to 40 projects. Otherwise, choose their Ultimate Control plan which is priced at a flat rate of $89/month letting unlimited users manage infinite projects.
13. MeisterTask
MeisterTask takes a prominent place among the best project management software for its innovative tools and clean design offering an enjoyable user experience.
Features
- Integrations with popular apps like Slack and Dropbox
- Task automation capabilities
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality
- Powerful analytic tools for resource planning
- In-built time tracking systems
Pros:
- Highly intuitive interface
- Versatile dashboard customization options
- Seamless third-party app integrations
Cons:
- Limited file storage on lower-priced plans
- The learning curve for complex features
- Email notifications may be overwhelming.
Pricing MeisterTask offers a feasible plan labeled as ‘Pro’ at $6.50 Per User/Month while businesses can go with their Business plan which comes at $12 Per User/Month.
14. Paymo
Another platform that has made it on the list of top 15 project management software options is Paymo.
It’s known most notably for its multiple project viewing options alongside other high-end features.
Features:
- Gantt charts for visualized timeline mapping.
- An integrated time tracker to monitor work hours.
- Customizable templates to create unique projects quickly.
- Rapid task creation tool within specific projects.
- Multipurpose invoicing system integrated into the platform.
Pros:
- A large selection of customizable features.
- Sophisticated task scheduling capacities.
- A dedicated mobile app that increases accessibility.
Cons:
- The user interface might seem complex for beginners.
- Lack of direct integrations with some apps.
- Rare glitchy responses to frequent updates.
The Paymo platform is priced accordingly, with a Starter package costing $5.9/user/month, the Small Office at $10.9/user/month, and the Business plan offered at $16.9/ user /month.
15. Podio
Completing our overview is Podio— a notable workspace and collaboration tool on this list of 15 best project management software solutions.
Features:
- Interactive dashboard providing clean workspace views
- File-sharing capabilities offering seamless team collaborations
- Integrated chat module & email functionality
- User-friendly form builders for customer interactions
- Time tracking built right into tasks and projects
Pros:
* The ability to create custom apps within the platform
* Robust file management options due to Google Drive Integration
* Quick adaptation process due to an intuitive handling system
Cons:
- Limited customer support during off-hours
- Occasional slow loading times
- Some users might find it too simple lacking advanced features
For users looking into its pricing plans, Podio offers its PLUS plan for $11.20/MONTH while its PREMIUM option goes up slightly more at $19.20/MONTH.
FAQs
Which is the most popular project management software?
In recent years, Monday.com has gained immense popularity as a project management tool thanks to its visual, intuitive interface and a slew of powerful features for managing teams and projects.
What is project management software?
Project management software is a specific type of tool designed to help individuals or teams effectively plan, organize, and manage their projects. This includes task scheduling, communication among team members, progress tracking, and much more.
What are the 4 types of project management?
The four main types of project management methodologies are Traditional or Waterfall Project Management, Agile Project Management, Lean Project Management, and Six Sigma Project Management. Each has different approaches in dealing with planning and executing steps within a given project.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving landscape of project management, finding the right tool for your team can be an overwhelming task. Hopefully, this well-researched list will act as a guiding light in your pursuit of the 15 Best Project Management Software for 2024.
Remember to consider each option’s unique strengths and weaknesses when making your final decision – does it offer all that you require, or does it perhaps offer too much? In an era defined by optimization, the right software provider can provide invaluable support to your team in achieving its fullest potential.