10 Best Microsoft Project Alternatives in 2025 

Microsoft Project has been around for years as a popular project management tool. But today, many teams find it complicated and old-fashioned. It has strong features, but it’s difficult to learn and doesn’t fit well with modern, flexible ways of working. As more businesses move to simple, cloud-based tools, people are quickly looking for easier alternatives to Microsoft Project.

MS Project is still great for big enterprise projects, but not for smaller teams or startups. While it offers powerful scheduling and resource features, its steep learning curve, high cost, and limited real-time collaboration make it challenging for smaller or more agile teams.

This article covers the best alternatives to Microsoft Project, highlighting top choices for different team needs. You’ll also find quick comparisons, real pros and cons, and pricing details so you can choose what fits your team best.

What is Microsoft Project?

Microsoft Project is a full-featured project management software from Microsoft. It helps teams plan projects, build schedules, allocate resources, track time and costs, and manage dependencies. Advanced features include Gantt charts, resource management, and the ability to identify the critical path, which sets it apart from simpler tools.

It integrates closely with Microsoft 365 tools such as Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint, making it ideal for teams already using Microsoft products.

In sectors like construction, IT services, and enterprise PMOs, it remains a trusted standard for detailed planning and portfolio management.

Microsoft Project is available in several versions and deployment options. Microsoft Project Desktop is a robust, standalone solution for local installation, while Microsoft Project Online and Project Online are cloud-based offerings that provide accessibility and integration within Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem.

Pricing (2025):Microsoft offers both cloud-based and on-premise options for Project, with different pricing tiers to fit various team sizes and needs:

• Project Plan 1 – Around $10 per user/month, best for basic task management and simple project tracking.
• Project Plan 3 – Around $30 per user/month, adds advanced scheduling tools and resource management.
• Project Plan 5 – Around $55 per user/month, designed for large organisations that need a full portfolio and demand management.
• Project Standard 2021 (on-premise) – One-time license purchase for roughly $680, suitable for individual project managers.
• Project Professional 2021 (on-premise) – One-time license purchase for about $1,130, ideal for enterprise-level use and team collaboration.

Microsoft Project does not offer a free version, and users should be aware of potential hidden fees in some plans. Because of this pricing and the complexity of setup and training, many small to mid-sized teams search for a free MS Project alternative or a simpler and cheaper Microsoft project alternative.

Limitations of Microsoft Project

While Microsoft Project is a powerful project management tool, it comes with several limitations that can hold teams back. One of the biggest challenges is its steep learning curve—new users often find it overwhelming to get started, especially if they’re not already familiar with project management software. This can slow down onboarding and make it harder for small teams to adopt the tool quickly.

Microsoft Project is also built primarily for traditional, linear project plans (waterfall methodology), which makes it less adaptable for teams using agile, hybrid, or more flexible approaches. Collaboration features are limited out of the box, so teams often need to rely on additional Microsoft tools like SharePoint or Teams to communicate and share updates, adding extra steps to the workflow.

Cost is another barrier, particularly for small teams or individual users. Microsoft Project’s pricing is based on the number of users, not the number of projects, which can make it expensive for growing teams managing multiple projects at once. These factors have led many businesses to look for project management solutions that are easier to use, more collaborative, and better suited to modern ways of working.

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Benefits of Using an Alternative to Microsoft Project

Switching to an alternative to Microsoft Project can unlock a range of benefits for your team. Many alternatives are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to choose a project management solution that fits your unique workflow and team size. These tools often come with more affordable and scalable pricing plans, making them accessible for small teams, startups, and even freelancers.

Collaboration is front and center in most alternatives to Microsoft Project. Features like task assignments, file sharing, and real-time reporting help team members stay connected and informed, no matter where they’re working from. Many of these tools also offer intuitive interfaces, which means new team members can get up to speed quickly without a long learning curve.

Advanced features such as workflow automation, resource planning, and risk management are often built in, helping teams streamline their processes and boost productivity. By choosing a project management tool that matches your needs, you can improve communication, reduce manual work, and keep your projects on track from start to finish.

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Here is a quick comparison of the 10 best MS Project Alternatives 

There is no single best alternative to Microsoft Project, as different projects require different tools and features. Each tool listed below is considered a great Microsoft Project alternative for specific use cases, offering unique strengths for managing various types of projects and teams.

Tool	Best For	Pricing (Approx.)
Nifty	Modern, collaborative, user-friendly project & task management	Free forever plan available; paid plans start around $7/month (annual billing)
Teamwork	Client-facing and agile project collaboration	Free tier available; paid plans start around $10.99 per user/month (annual billing)
Asana	Managing complex projects	Free plan available; paid plans begin at roughly $10.99 per user/month (annual billing)
TeamGantt	Gantt-chart-based planning	Free limited plan available; paid plans start around $19–49 per manager/month (annual billing)
Trello	Visual, drag-and-drop task boards	Free plan available; paid plans from around $5 per user/month (annual billing)
Bitrix24	Business management with built-in CRM	Free tier available; paid version pricing varies widely (regional)
ProProfsProject	Simple tracking and insightful reports	Free trial available; paid plan starting pricing  $39.97/month for multiple users (annual billing)
ProofHub	Flat-rate plans for unlimited users	One flat fee $45/month for unlimited users (annual billing)
Celoxis	Enterprise-level project portfolio management	Cloud subscription plans start at $25 per user/month (billed annually)
Monday.com	Customizable, visual workflows	Free trial available; paid plans start around $9 per user/month (annual billing)

Please note: pricing can vary by region, billing cycle (monthly vs annual), and promotional offers. Always check the vendor’s official site for the latest figures.

What Are the Best Microsoft Project Alternatives?

The following tools stand out as strong alternatives to Microsoft Project, combining scheduling, task tracking, and collaboration in one place. These platforms help with managing projects and managing tasks for the entire team or multiple teams, making it easier to coordinate efforts and track progress. Many offer an all in one workspace that brings together collaboration, communication, and built in automation for streamlined workflows. Look for features such as recurring tasks, detailed dashboards, agile workflows, and automation to boost efficiency. These tools are suitable for a variety of users, including creative agencies, and support functions like to do lists, create plans, manage workloads, strategic planning, and easy task assignment to any team member. All are designed to make project management smoother in 2025.

1. Nifty

Best for: Teams who want a modern, collaborative interface for project management without the technical complexity.

Nifty is made for teams who want to get work done without the headache of complex tools. If Microsoft Project feels too rigid or time-consuming, Nifty gives you a simpler and smarter way to plan and deliver projects.

It brings everything together — your tasks, timelines, chats, files, and calendars — in one clean and connected workspace. Nifty serves as an all in one workspace, combining collaboration, communication, and project tracking in a single platform. You can plan campaigns, assign creatives, track progress, and collaborate with your entire team in real time.

There’s no need to switch between multiple apps or spend hours learning how it works. Nifty is designed to feel easy from day one, whether you’re managing clients, launches, or internal projects. Built in automation helps streamline repetitive tasks, so your team can focus on what matters most.

For teams that want a modern, all-in-one platform that actually keeps up with today’s pace, Nifty turns project management into something smooth, visual, and effortless. Nifty also supports agile workflows, making it easy to adapt to changing project needs and manage flexible, visual projects.

Key features:

• Switch between Kanban, List, swimlane, or Calendar views depending on how your team likes to work. Agile workflows are supported for flexible project management.
• Chat with your team, share feedback, and upload creative files right inside each project.
• Keep track of hours, manage workloads, and view performance reports that help you plan resources better across your entire team.
• Nifty connects smoothly with tools like Google Drive, Slack, and Zoom, while automating repetitive workflows with built in automation so your team can focus on creative work instead of admin tasks.
• Gives you a clear view of campaign milestones and timelines in one place, so you can plan ahead and track progress without complexity.

Pros:

• Simple, modern interface, no learning required for beginners
• Discussion hub is great for real-time collaboration.

Cons:

• Fewer integrations as compared to enterprise tools.
• The mobile app lacks full parity with the desktop version.

Pricing: Free forever for small teams. Paid plans start at $7/month per user.

User Review: Best small business Project Management Software I have ever used. – G2

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2. Teamwork

Best for: Client-facing teams and agencies, including creative agencies, that need advanced collaboration.

Teamwork is built for agencies and service-based businesses, especially creative agencies, that juggle multiple clients and projects every day. It keeps everything organised so you always know what’s happening, who’s working on what, and how each project is performing.

Teamwork supports collaboration across multiple teams, making it easy for any team member to stay updated, assign tasks, and track progress efficiently.

It lets you track billable hours, milestones, and overall profitability, giving you a complete view of how your time and effort translate into results. Everything from tasks to invoices stays connected in one workspace.

What really stands out is the transparency it brings. Clients can see progress, approvals, and reports in real time, which builds trust and keeps communication effortless.

For growing agencies that want structure, clarity, and accountability across teams and clients, Teamwork fits naturally into the way you already work.

Key features:

• Task lists, to do lists, and Gantt charts for detailed project planning
• Support for recurring tasks to automate repetitive work
• Detailed dashboards for advanced reporting and data visualization
• Client permissions and role-based access controls
• Built-in time tracking and budget reporting
• Integrations with HubSpot, Slack, and QuickBooks

Pros:

• Perfect for agencies and freelancers
• Easy collaboration with external clients

Cons:

• Interface feels dated in some areas
• Can be slow on mobile

Pricing: Free plan for small teams; paid plans start at $10.99/user/month.

User Review: “I have been using Teamwork.com for 2+ years and I cannot imagine managing multiple clients and projects without it.”

Are you running a small business? Here is your list of project management tools.

3. Asana

Best for: Teams managing complex workflows and large-scale projects, especially those needing agile workflows and efficient ways to create plans.

Asana is one of the most widely used project management tools in the world. It’s built for teams that want clarity, speed, and structure without feeling weighed down by complicated setups.

You can plan work using lists, boards, or timelines, and switch between them anytime based on how your team prefers to view progress. Everything stays connected, from tasks and goals to deadlines and updates. Any team member can easily participate in project planning and execution.

Unlike Microsoft Project, Asana feels light and intuitive. You don’t need a long onboarding process or a project management degree to get started — it just works right out of the box.

For teams looking to move fast and stay organised, Asana brings the perfect mix of simplicity and control. It’s ideal for agile workflows and helps teams create plans quickly and collaboratively.

Key features:

• Strategic planning tools for long-term project alignment
• Task dependencies and recurring tasks scheduling
• Built in automation with rules and triggers
• Integration with 200+ apps like Slack, Gmail, and Zoom
• Timeline and calendar views for progress tracking

Pros:

• Easy to scale across departments
• Excellent integrations and reporting tools

Cons:

• The timeline feature is available only on paid plans
• It can get expensive for large organisations

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $10.99/user/month.

User Review: “Asana keeps me on track and organises my tasks wonderfully.”

Need better than Asana? Check out the Asana alternative

4. TeamGantt

Best for: Teams that prefer visual Gantt-based project scheduling.

TeamGantt is perfect for teams that love planning visually but do not want the complexity that comes with traditional project tools. It keeps things simple while still giving you all the power of detailed scheduling.

You can drag and drop tasks, adjust timelines, and see progress unfold in real time within a clean and easy-to-understand interface. TeamGantt also helps manage workloads across your team, ensuring balanced task allocation and efficient resource planning.

Unlike Microsoft Project, TeamGantt does not overload you with features you will never use. It focuses on clarity, collaboration, and smooth planning that helps teams stay aligned from start to finish.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop Gantt editor for planning
• Resource and workload management views
• Critical path analysis for identifying key project tasks
• Detailed dashboards for project tracking and analytics
• Progress tracking and team reports
• File sharing and task discussions

Pros:

• Simple for non-technical users
• Excellent Gantt visuals

Cons:

• Limited third-party integrations
• Free plan restricts the number of users

Pricing: Free for up to 3 users; paid plans from $19–49 per manager/month.

User Review: “The interface is very easy to navigate, and the GANTT charts are visually appealing.”

5. Trello

Best for: Visual task management and small teams.

Trello is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly free MS Project alternatives. It helps teams stay organised using a simple system of boards, lists, and cards that make work feel visual and easy to follow.

You can create tasks, add due dates, attach files, and collaborate with your entire team in just a few clicks. Everything is laid out clearly so you can see what’s done, what’s next, and who’s handling what.

For small teams and new users, Trello keeps project management simple, flexible, and completely free to start.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop Kanban boards for task organisation
• Support for to do lists, agile workflows, and recurring tasks
• Power-Ups for automation, Gantt charts, and calendars
• File attachments, checklists, and comments
• Integration with Slack, Google Drive, and Jira

Trello makes it easy for the entire team to collaborate visually.

Pros:

• Free and beginner-friendly
• Great for small teams or startups

Cons:

• Not ideal for complex dependencies
• Advanced features require paid add-ons

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $5/user/month.

User Review: “Trello’s visual boards and drag-and-drop interface make task management extremely intuitive.”

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6. Bitrix24

Best for: Businesses that want CRM and project management in one tool, including multiple teams and creative agencies.

Bitrix24 is an all-in-one workspace and cloud solution for project management and CRM, bringing everything together in one connected platform.

You can plan campaigns, track deadlines, manage leads, and chat with your team without switching between tools. Built-in automation streamlines workflows, while everything from task progress to client updates stays in sync, helping you stay organised and responsive.

Unlike Microsoft Project, which focuses only on project planning, Bitrix24 gives you a full business workspace that connects both your internal team and client relationships. It’s an ideal choice for businesses that want structure, collaboration, and CRM capabilities in one modern system. Bitrix24 is especially suitable for multiple teams and is popular with creative agencies that need efficient, automated solutions for complex projects.

Key features:

• Project boards, Gantt charts, CRM integration
• Time tracking, video calls, and team chat
• Task automation and document sharing
• Cloud and on-premise deployment options

Pros:

• Great all-in-one tool for small businesses
• Generous free plan

Cons:

• The interface can feel cluttered
• Too many features for simple projects

Pricing: Free tier available; paid plans vary regionally.

User Review: “Bitrix24 is a very comprehensive all-in-one tool which brings together a lot of things under one roof.”

7. ProProfs Project

Best for: Teams that want simple project tracking and reporting.

ProProfs Project focuses on simplicity while giving teams all the essential tools they need to manage tasks, timelines, and reports in one place. It’s easy to set up, quick to learn, and ideal for small teams or agencies that want to stay organised without overcomplicating their workflow. ProProfs Project also helps teams efficiently manage workloads by making it easy to allocate tasks and balance team capacity.

You can create projects, assign tasks, track progress, and generate detailed reports to keep everything on schedule. The interface is clean and intuitive, so everyone knows what to do and when.

Unlike Microsoft Project, which can feel too heavy for everyday use, ProProfs Project offers a lightweight and straightforward approach to project management.

Key features:

• Task tracking with Gantt and calendar views
• Time tracking and progress monitoring
• Customizable reports and analytics
• Detailed dashboards for in-depth insights
• Support for recurring tasks to automate repetitive work
• To-do lists for clear task organization
• Integration with tools like Slack and Google Drive

Pros:

• Very easy to set up and use
• Strong reporting capabilities

Cons:

• Not suited for large portfolios
• Limited customisation options

Pricing: Free trial available; paid plans from $39.97/month (for multiple users).

User Review: “ProProfs is an excellent tool to manage multiple campaigns on one platform. It is one of the simplest tools to use.”

8. ProofHub

Best for: Teams that prefer flat-rate pricing and unlimited users.

ProofHub is an all in one workspace for project management, making it simple and stress-free with a clear, fixed monthly price. It brings together task tracking, time management, discussions, and reporting in one organised dashboard.

ProofHub is designed for the entire team, enabling everyone to collaborate, track progress, and manage projects together. Built in automation helps streamline workflows and reduce manual effort.

Teams can plan projects, assign work, set deadlines, and collaborate without jumping between different tools. Everything stays easy to find and manage, which keeps work flowing smoothly.

As an alternative to Microsoft Project, ProofHub stands out for its simplicity and predictable pricing. It’s a smart pick for growing teams that want all the essentials without the steep learning curve or extra costs.

Key features:

• Gantt charts, Kanban boards, chat, and notes
• Time tracking and progress reporting
• File sharing and proofing tools
• Role-based access for secure collaboration
• Support for recurring tasks and to do lists

Pros:

• One flat price for unlimited users
• Easy learning curve for new teams

Cons:

• Limited third-party integrations
• Interface design feels slightly dated

Pricing: Flat rate of $45/month (unlimited users).

User Review: “ProofHub is a superb task management tool. It has everything my team needs for task management.”

9. Celoxis

Best for: Enterprise-level project portfolio management.

Celoxis is a cloud solution for enterprise project management, delivering the power of Microsoft Project but in a more collaborative and accessible way. It runs entirely in your browser, making it easy for teams to plan, track, and manage large projects without needing complex installations.

It offers advanced analytics, resource tracking, and portfolio management tools that give leaders a clear view of performance across multiple projects. Teams can also share updates, monitor progress, and resolve bottlenecks in real time. Celoxis helps manage workloads across multiple teams, ensuring efficient task allocation and balanced resource utilization.

As an alternative to Microsoft Project, Celoxis shines for large organisations that need depth, precision, and teamwork built into one powerful platform.

Key features:

• Interactive Gantt charts, critical path analysis, and resource allocation tools
• Portfolio and detailed dashboards with advanced analytics
• Custom workflows and approval systems
• Integration with MS Project, Project Online, Excel, and Salesforce

Pros:

• Powerful enterprise-grade features
• Integrates with MS Project and Excel

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve
• Not ideal for very small teams

Pricing: Cloud subscription plans start at US $25 per user/month.

User Review: “With Celoxis, everything is centralised, projects, resources, budgets, and communication are all in one place.”

10. Monday.com

Best for: Customizable and visual workflows.

Monday.com is an all in one workspace for project management, making it a favourite among teams that want flexibility while still keeping a solid structure in place. It lets you build your own project management system using ready-made templates, custom boards, and smart automation.

You can track tasks, set timelines, and connect your workflows with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Outlook — all from a colourful, easy-to-use dashboard. Collaboration feels natural, and everyone on the entire team knows exactly where projects stand. Monday.com is designed to support strategic planning and makes it easy to create plans for any project.

As an alternative to Microsoft Project, Monday.com offers the same level of control but with far less complexity. It’s ideal for teams that want to customise how they work without dealing with rigid setups or long learning curves.

Key features:

• Gantt, calendar, and Kanban board views with support for agile workflows
• Built in automation and workflow customisation
• Recurring tasks and to do lists for streamlined task management
• Integration with 200+ business apps
• Real-time collaboration and file sharing

Pros:

• Highly visual and flexible
• Strong collaboration and automation features

Cons:

• Advanced features require higher tiers
• Pricing can rise quickly for larger teams

Pricing: Free trial available; paid plans start at $9/user/month.

User Review: “It’s super easy to get going with, and we find that people pick it up very quickly.”

MS Project Alternative for Mac

If you’re a Mac user searching for an alternative to Microsoft Project, you have several strong options that deliver robust project management features without compatibility headaches. ProjectLibre is a popular free and open-source choice, offering essential tools like Gantt charts, task management, and resource allocation—all in a package that works seamlessly on Mac.

For those who prefer a cloud-based solution, GanttPRO stands out with its intuitive interface, advanced features like workflow automation, and powerful resource planning capabilities. Other top alternatives for Mac include Smartsheet, Wrike, and Asana, each providing a mix of task management, collaboration, and resource allocation tools. These platforms are designed to help you manage projects efficiently, whether you’re working solo or as part of a larger team, and they offer flexible pricing to suit different needs.

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File Sharing and Collaboration

Modern project management is all about teamwork, and that means having strong file sharing and collaboration features built right in. Many alternatives to Microsoft Project excel in this area, making it easy for team members to work together on projects in real time. Tools like Asana and Trello offer built-in file sharing, task comments, and collaboration features, so everyone can stay on the same page and contribute to project success.

Platforms such as Smartsheet and Wrike go even further, providing advanced collaboration features like workflow automation and resource planning to streamline your team’s workflow. Integration with popular file sharing services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive means you can easily attach, share, and collaborate on documents without leaving your project management tool. By choosing a solution with robust collaboration features, your team can communicate more effectively, keep project files organized, and ensure that everyone is always up to date—no matter where they’re working from.

What Features Should You Look For in Microsoft Project Alternatives?

Before choosing your next project management tool, make sure it includes these must-have features that keep work running smoothly:

1. Task scheduling and dependencies:This feature helps you organise your project timeline by linking related tasks together. It ensures that one delay doesn’t throw off your entire plan, keeping every phase on track. Look for support for recurring tasks and to-do lists to automate repetitive work and break down projects into manageable steps.

2. Resource management:Good tools let you see who’s working on what and how much capacity they have left. They help you manage workloads by distributing tasks fairly so no one gets overloaded or left waiting, supporting efficient project scheduling and resource forecasting.

3. Collaboration tools: Built-in chat, comments, and file sharing make teamwork faster and more transparent. They cut down on long email chains and keep every update in one shared space. Agile workflows are also important, enabling flexible, visual project management for agile teams and departments.

4. Reporting and analytics: These features turn project data into simple visuals that show progress, roadblocks, and team performance. Detailed dashboards provide in-depth, customizable insights for complex organizational needs, helping managers make smarter, data-driven decisions instead of guessing.

5. Affordable pricing: The best MS Project alternatives offer flexible plans that grow with your team. Free tiers or budget-friendly user pricing make them accessible for startups and small businesses too.

Other important features to consider include built-in automation to streamline processes and save time, making your project management platform an all-in-one solution for real-time collaboration.

These are the core features that turn a regular project tool into a true alternative to Microsoft Project, giving you structure, visibility, and collaboration without the extra complexity.

Select the Best Microsoft Project Alternative

If you want a modern, easy tool, start with Nifty or Trello—both are among the best alternatives to Microsoft Project, depending on your needs. If your team serves clients, go with Teamwork or ProofHub. Need structure but less complexity? Try Asana or Monday.com, each a great Microsoft Project alternative. For large companies needing enterprise-level planning, Celoxis is your match.

There is no single best alternative to Microsoft Project; instead, there are several great Microsoft Project alternatives to consider, each with unique strengths. The best way to decide is to test 2 – 3 tools for a week. Most offer free trials, so you’ll know which one fits your workflow fastest.

Conclusion

Microsoft Project remains a powerful tool, but not everyone needs that complexity. There are now plenty of Microsoft Project alternatives that cost less, take less time to learn, and actually make work enjoyable.

Try a few, compare how they feel, and pick the one that helps your team plan smarter and not harder.

FAQ: Common Questions About MS Project Alternatives

1. Has Microsoft Project been replaced with Microsoft Planner?

No. Microsoft Planner is a simpler tool inside Microsoft 365, not a full replacement for MS Project.

2. What’s the difference between Microsoft Project and Planner?

Planner is task-based and simple. MS Project is advanced and built for large, detailed scheduling.

3. Why is MS Project too expensive for small businesses?

Because it’s designed for enterprises, with pricing and features most small teams don’t need.

4. What’s a simpler alternative to MS Project for small teams?

Trello, Nifty, or ProofHub are great picks for small teams or beginners

5. What project management tool is easier than MS Project for beginners?

Trello and Asana are both popular because they take minutes to learn.

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