Project Management

Best Apps for Project Management You Should Know in 2024

Written byContributing Writer
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Updated onFebruary 3, 2024

Are you an aspiring project manager? Are you actually working as a project manager in aspects of your professional role? Then you’re all too familiar with how complicated it can be to juggle multiple work projects simultaneously. And with activities moving quickly in today’s increasingly agile work environment, it’s more essential than ever to stay on top of all the different projects you manage.

That’s where project management software comes in. But how do you know which project management (PM) apps and software are best for you? Are any project management apps free? What about PM apps for individuals?

With a seemingly endless array of software options, the task of figuring out which apps are worth experimenting with can start to feel like just another project for you to manage.

This article highlights some of today’s best project management apps to help save you time and energy (and maybe even a headache or two). Whether you’re interested in project management apps for small businesses or personal use or want to know about free options, you’re in the right place. This article is your 2024 roadmap to the best project management software you should check out.

What Is a Project Management App?

A project management app is a software tool that helps you efficiently plan, organize, collaborate, and track projects of all sizes on a centralized platform. Using a project management app can facilitate visibility into project progress, increase organization, streamline projects, and improve productivity.

Also Read: Top Project Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Common Features of Project Management Apps

While every app differs, most project management software provides users with certain features and functionalities. Common features include:

Project planning
Task management
Time tracking
Resource management
Collaboration and communication
Accessible database
Mobile support
Visual representations of project progress
Reporting and analytics
External app integrations

Learning How to Use a Project Management Tool

A tool is only useful and effective if you know how to use it. But to know how to use it, you need to understand the context of the tool’s application. Therefore, building a strong foundation as a project management professional is important before you start using these tools. You can add to your PM toolset in multiple ways, including free online tutorials, instructional books, interactive online project management bootcamps, etc.

Advantages of Using Project Management Applications

The very definition of project management apps sheds light on the obvious benefits of these tools, but there are several other advantages worth noting:

Centralized repository: Project management software provides a team-wide knowledgebase of all project documents, project-related discussions, and project decision records.
Team accountability: Project management apps provide enhanced visibility into project activities, task deadlines, and overall progress. When everyone’s roles and contributions are transparent, team members feel more responsible.
Improved time management: Project management apps often allow team members to record and accurately monitor their time spent on tasks. As a project manager, this information can help you identify time-consuming activities that need to be streamlined.
Data-driven decision making: Project management apps use data to provide insight into various project factors, such as progress, resource allocation, and team performance.
Reduced communication clutter: Since project management apps allow teams to communicate directly within the app, there’s a decreased likelihood of interacting over multiple platforms.
Increased stakeholder involvement: The transparency offered by project management software enables stakeholders to stay current with project activities. This promotes stakeholder involvement, which helps ensure the project aligns with their expectations.

Also Read: Project Management in Healthcare: Introduction and Phases

Best Project Management Apps

In this age of rapid tech advancements, keeping up with all the different software available can be tough. There are apps for onboarding, interviewing, and expense tracking there are apps for everything — some inclusive and some super specialized. But what are the best apps for project management?

The table below lists the top 25 project management apps you should consider trying out. The table highlights each app’s pros, cons, and customer service features.

Later in the article, you’ll find a comparison chart that covers additional information for each app.

Project Management App	Features	Pros	Cons	Customer Service Options
Asana	Unlimited file storage (100MB per file) Task dependencies Updates in real-time	Intuitive and simple user interface Extensive app integration capabilities	Only one user can be assigned to a task at a time Lots of options can be confusing	How-to guides ASANA Academy Onboarding guide API guide Community forum Email support
Basecamp	Project visualization with Hill Charts Client access Extensive storage	Automatic team member check-ins Free trial available	Lack of deadline for individual tasks Limited plan options	Email support Video tutorials How-to guides Live classes
Jira	Supports Agile SDLCs Backlog for issues Includes software development features	Custom scrum boards Bug tracking	Steep learning curve Lacking robust communication	Online community FAQs Training & certifications How-to documentation Success Central
Teamwork PM	Billing and invoicing Burndown reports File storage and database management	Easy to use Can add conversation boxes and milestones	Can be slow to load/use Steep learning curve	Email support Live chat support How-to documentation Phone support Webinars
Wrike	Work Intelligence AI feature Flexible templates Offers add-on services	Heightened security Automated document processing	Can’t assign comments to users Limited mobile functionality	Email support Faster responses & support with each plan tier
Microsoft Project Management Software	Robust reporting On-premise deployment Cloud-based deployment	Highly dependable Can create built-in reports	Requires training File compatibility problems	Blogs Videos How-to guides Self-help resources Phone support
Zoho Projects	Customizable CRM HR tools Sell through Zoho Marketplace	Billing and time-tracking features Responsive customer support	Steep learning curve Inefficient bug reporting	Knowledge base How-to videos Email support Phone support Premium support for $990 annually
Trello	Lean management visualization Board organization Card color coordination with deadlines	Integrations support additional project views Great for personal use	10MB file upload limit for basic plan Lack of editing capabilities for comments	How-to documentation Trello Community Email support
Casual	360-view of entire project Great for repeatable processes Visualized workflows	Free trial Easy to use	Lacks indefinite free tier More difficult to set up complex projects	Blog Video tutorials Knowledge base How-to guides
GanttPRO	Access from any device Real-time interactions Customizable charts for specific project needs	Easy to navigate Resource management	Expensive Limited customization	Help center Video tutorials Email support Phone support
OmniPlan	Optimizes available resources Multi-project dashboard Pull in entire team’s calendars	Highlighting capabilities for important tasks Monte Carlo simulations	Expensive Steep learning curve	Release notes and documentation Blog Slack Forums
Podio	Useful for all business departments Customizable system Open source	Premade and customizable modules Scalable	Steep learning curve Can be overly complicated	Video tutorials How-to guides Phone support
Monday.com	Create custom workflows Link boards together Automate routine tasks	200+ templates Drag and drop 30+ columns	Have to pay for one-on-one professional help Basic plan doesn’t support app integrations	Platform guides Online forums Video tutorials Blog Podcasts Professional assistance (for a fee)
ClickUp	Extremely customizable 50+ widget variations Streamlined messaging	Affordable plans Great mobile app experience	Steep learning curve Lengthy onboarding process	Help Docs Webinars Chat support
Nifty	Automate task assignments Extensive tracking capabilities User friendly	Legal case management capabilities Customizable templates	Low storage Weak customer support	Self-service help center Priority support for a fee
Backlog	Code management Bug tracking Version control	Robust free plan tier User friendly	Storage limits Time tracking limitations	Help center Video tutorials Community forums Email support Chat support
Smartsheet	Assign tasks and subtasks Drag-and-drop project layout Simple design	Fast onboarding Extensive customer support	No free options Limited cell links	Help and Learning Center Smartsheet Community Email support On-demand training (for a fee) Instructor-led training (for a fee) Support by phone (for a fee) Professional support (for a fee)
Bonsai	Great for freelancers Proposal and contract capabilities Recurring payments	Send invoices Customizable contracts	Basic expense tracking No free tier	Help center Email support Chat support FAQs
Oracle NetSuite	Metric insights Resource management capabilities Cloud-based	Automatic job creations Project automations	Must contact for pricing Steep learning curve	24/7 support Phone support Chat support Email support
Freshservice	Chatbot capabilities Workflow automations No-code platform	Great customer experience Onboarding support	Lacking in integrations Complicated to learn	Training and certifications Student academy Online community Chat support Phone support Email support
WorkOtter	Task automation Portfolio management What-If scenario planning	User friendly appearance Highly customizable	Difficult to integrate with banking apps Can be slow	Email support Training
MeisterTask	Customizable dashboard Flexible views Simple to use	Free option Attractive design	Lacks Gantt chart view Lacks calendar function	Help center Tutorial videos FAQs
Freedcamp	Add-on features Sub-task capabilities Private and public tasks	Strong collaboration features Quote estimate capabilities	CRM is complex Clunky time tracking capabilities	Blog Online community Email support
Workfront	Enterprise work management Portfolio management For teams of all sizes	Automate workflows Compliance support	Must request a free trial Must reach out to determine pricing	How-to documentation E-book guides Training Videos Webinars Phone, email, live chat support
Projectmanager.com	Robust time tracking Chrome plugin Great for Agile and waterfall projects	Intuitive user interfaces Project templates	Can be confusing with so many features Tedious manual input required	Knowledge base Video tutorials Email support

Which Project Management App Is Right for You?

Even after narrowing down all your options to just 25 project management software apps, it can be difficult to select. Remember, all these apps provide the key features and functionality for project management — though they may differ slightly from app to app. So how do you know which is right for you?

To identify the program management software that best fits your needs, consider the following factors:

The size of your team
Current and future project scope and requirements
Supported app integrations
Prices
Scalability options
Mobile accessibility
Customer support and training
Ease of use

Also Read: Mastering Project Manager Skills: A Comprehensive Guide

Project Management App Comparison Chart

Project Management App	Supported Platforms	Available Project Views	Integrations	Price
Asana	iOS Android Web	List Board Timeline Calendar Progress	200+ apps, including Slack, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, Github, Google Workspace, etc.	Basic: $0 Premium: $10.99 per user Business: $24.99 per user Enterprise: Contact for price
Basecamp	iOS Android Web	Campfire Message boards To-dos Schedules	Several integrations, including Zapier, Automate.io, Timely, etc.	Basecamp: $15 per user/month Basecamp Pro Unlimited: $299/month with unlimited users
Jira	iOS Android Web Linux	Basic Top-level Sprint Dependency Etc.	3,000+ integrations, including Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Project, Invision, etc.	Free Standard: $7.75 per user/month Premium: $15.25 per user/month Enterprise: Contact for price
Teamwork PM	iOS Android Web Linux	List Table Boards Gantt	Several integrations, including HubSpot, Slack, MS Teams, Teamwork, etc.	Free Starter: $5.99 per user/month Deliver: $9.99 per user/month Grow: $19.99 per user/month Scale: Contact for price
Wrike	iOS Android Web	Gantt Table Timelog Wrike (custom) Files Board Analytics	Integrations include Google Drive, Microsoft Office, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc. More integrations available the higher your plan	Free Team: $9.80 per user/month Business: $24.80 per user/month Enterprise: Contact for price Pinnacle: Contact for price
Microsoft Project Management Software	Web Windows	Gantt Board Grid Sheet Usage Form	Several integrations, including Office Timeline, Skype, Azure, etc.	Project Plan 1: $10 per user/month Project Plan 3: $30 per user/month Project Plan 5: $55 per user/month Project Standard 2021: $679.99 Project Professional 2021: $1,129.99
Zoho Projects	iOS Android	Gantt Calendar Kanban Dependency Milestones Classic Plain	13 in-house app integrations and 25+ outside integrations, including Google Workspace, Dropbox, Slack, etc.	Free Premium: $5 per user/month Enterprise: $10 per user/month
Trello	iOS Android Web	Card/Kanban	Several integrations, including Google Drive, Slack, Planyway, etc.	Free Standard: $5 per user/month Premium: $10 per user/month Enterprise: $17.50 per user/month
Casual	iOS Android Web	List Mindmap view	None	Personal: $10/month Starter: $25/month Team: $50/month Enterprise: Contact for pricing
GanttPRO	iOS Android	Gantt Timeline Task Board	Several integrations, including Microsoft Project, Google Calendar, Trello, etc.	Basic: $7.99 per user/month PRO: $12.99 per user/month Business: $19.99 per user/month Enterprise: Contact for price
OmniPlan	iOS	Gantt Network diagrams Project outline Resource view	Several integrations, including Microsoft Project, Zapier, Slack, etc.	Subscription: $19.99/month V4 Standard License: $199.99 V4 Pro License: $399.99
Podio	iOS Android Web	Public and private views Customizable views and filters	Several integrations, including Dropbox, OneDrive, ShareFile, Evernote, etc.	Free Plus: $11.20/month Premium: $19.20/month
Monday.com	iOS Android Web	Table Gantt Calendar Chart Kanban Form Timeline Workload	Several business integrations, including Shopify, Google Calendar, Zoom, Zapier, Hubspot, etc.	Free Basic: $8 per user/month Standard: $10 per user/month Pro: $16 per user/month Enterprise: Contact for price
ClickUp	iOS Android	20+ customizable views	Integrates with 1,000+ tools, including Slack, Google Drive, GitHub, GitLab, Hubspot, Webhooks, etc.	Free Unlimited: $5 per user/month Business: $12 per user/month Business Plus: $19 per user/month Enterprise: Contact for price
Nifty	iOS Android Web	List Kanban Swimlane Timeline Calendar Gantt	Integrates with 2,000+ tools, including Typeform, Miro, Github, Zoom, Harvest, etc.	Free Starter: $5 per user/month Pro: $10 per user/month Business: $16 per user/month Enterprise: Contact for price
Backlog	iOS Android Web	Kanban Gantt	Many integrations, including Cacoo, Jenkins, Slack, Webhook, etc.	Free Starter: $35 per user/month. Up to 30 users. Standard: $100/month. Unlimited users; up to 100 projects. Premium: $175/month. Unlimited users; unlimited projects.
Smartsheet	iOS Android Web	Card Gantt Calendar Grid	65+ integrations, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Automate.io, etc.	Free Pro: $7 per user/month Business: $25 per user/month Enterprise: Contact for price
Bonsai	iOS Android Web	Overview Dashboard	Several integrations, including Google Drive, Slack, Trello, Zapier, Gmail, etc.	Starter: $17/month Professional: $32/month Business: $52/month
Oracle NetSuite	Web	Several customizable views	Several integrations, including Netsuite Financials, Ziflow, Project Insight, etc.	Must request a quote
Freshservice	iOS Android Web	Kanban List Group	Many integrations, including Slack, MS Teams, Zoom, etc.	Starter: $19 per user/month Growth: $49 per user/month Pro: $95 per user/month Enterprise: $119 per user/month
WorkOtter	Web	Gantt Kanban Agile	Several integrations, including Jira, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.	Free Member License: $10/month Team License: $20/month Manager License: $35/month
MeisterTask	iOS Android Web	Kanban	Several integrations, including Spark, Gmail, Slack, Paperform, etc.	Basic: Free Pro: $11.99/month Business: $23.99/month Enterprise: Contact for price
Freedcamp	iOS Web	Tasks Kanban Gantt	Several integrations, including Google Drive, OneDrive, DropBox, etc.	Free Pro: $1.49 per user/month Business: $7.49 per user/month Enterprise: $16.99 per user/month
Workfront	iOS Android Web	Gantt Kanban Calendar Map Budget Critical path	Built-in integrations: Adobe Creative Cloud, Dropbox, Zoom, and more. Workfront API offers development integrations Workfront Fusion 2.0 supports creating custom integrations for non-developers	Contact for prices
Projectmanager.com	iOS Android Web	Gantt Kanban Calendar Tasks	1,000+ integrations, including Microsoft Project, Jira, Slack, Zapier, etc.	Team: $13 per user/month Business: $24 per user/month Enterprise: Contact for price

Are You Looking to Upskill in Project Management?

In today’s fast-moving and competitive work environment, taking advantage of every resource that can optimize your skills is important. After reviewing the 25 best project management apps worth trying, you’re sure to find one that’s right for you and your needs.

But remember, to get the most out of a project management app, you need to be well-versed in the world of project management. By enrolling in a project management course, you can set yourself up for success as a project manager.