10 Best Free Project Management Software in 2026

Summary: If you are a freelancer or a small startup, you probably need that extra time but don’t have the budget for a big monthly bill. The good news is that you don’t need to pay a premium to be organized. We have rounded up the 10 best free project management software options with their latest features in 2026.

Organizations waste 12% of their total investment due to poor project performance. 77% of high-performing projects, the ones that actually finish on time and under budget, rely on dedicated software to get the job done.

Whether you need project planning tools free of charge to map out a launch or a simple free project tracker for your daily tasks, these picks will help you hit your deadlines without the cost. Let’s look at the tools that can finally help you ditch the spreadsheets and get your time back.

Compare Features and Pricing of 10 Free Project Management Tools

What are the 6 Non-negotiable Features Your Free PM Tool Must Have?

If you are looking for the best free project management software, you shouldn’t have to compromise on the essentials. For a tool to be truly useful in 2026, it needs to offer more than just a digital to-do list. Here are the six “must-have” features to look for:

1. AI project builder: You simply describe your goal like “Launch a new website” or “Plan a marketing campaign,” and the AI instantly generates a complete, structured workflow with milestones and tasks ready to go.
   
2. Task Management (Without the “User Cap”): A great free tool should let you create, assign, and track tasks across your whole team. Look for platforms that don’t cap your users or basic projects, so you won’t be hit with a surprise bill just because you hired a third teammate.
   
3. Contextual Collaboration (No More “App-Switching”): A free tool is only valuable if it replaces your email and Slack for project talk. If you have to leave the app to explain a task to a teammate, the tool isn’t doing its job.
   
4. Cross-Functional Views: Don’t settle for just a List or a Board. A high-value free plan must offer Table, Kanban, and Calendar views as a bundle. This allows your designer (who loves boards) and your accountant (who loves tables) to work in the same space without friction.
   
5. Native Time-Wealth Tracking: Most tools track time just for billing; 2026’s best tools track it for burnout prevention. Look for free plans that include “Workload Views” or “Capacity Indicators.” This lets you see who is overtasked before they hit a wall.
   
6. The “Guest-Friendly” Ecosystem: If a free tool charges you to invite a client or a freelancer, skip it. True value in 2026 is found in tools with unlimited “View-Only” guests, allowing you to maintain professional transparency without increasing your monthly bill.
   

10 Best Free Project Management Software in 2026

1. Nifty: Best for Modern “All-in-One” Workflows

It’s a solid pick for the best free project management software because it lets your whole team join in without hitting a paywall. Most free project management tools make you pay as soon as you add more people, but this stays open for everyone.

The worst part of starting a new project is usually the setup. But here’s the cool thing: it has an AI project builder called “Orbit AI”. You basically just tell it what you’re trying to do, like “launching a marketing campaign,” and it builds the whole thing for you. It sets up the tasks and deadlines in seconds, so you can just get to work.

It’s very easy to use and feels natural. Since your team chat, docs, and tasks are all in one spot, you don’t have to go digging through messy spreadsheets or old emails. It’s a great free project tracker that helps you stay organized and see what everyone is doing without all the extra noise.

Pros of Nifty

• The “All-in-One” Feel: It’s great that you don’t need a separate app for team chat or storing meeting notes. Having everything in one place really does save time.
• Unlimited People: Most free project management tools limit you to 5 or 10 users. Being able to invite your whole team for free is a huge win.
• Instant Setup: The AI project builder actually works. It saves you from that boring hour of setting up projects and tasks manually.
• Super Fast: The interface doesn’t lag. You can click between tasks and docs without waiting for things to load.
• Automatic Roadmaps: Your project progress bars move on their own as you finish tasks. It’s a great Gantt-style free project tracker that saves you from manual updates.

Cons of Nifty

• Very Little Storage: You only get 100MB of space. But you can include links to drive.
• Two-Project Limit: You can only work on two active projects at a time. This is fine for small teams, but if you’re a freelancer with ten different clients, you’ll hit a wall quickly.

Pricing

Nifty keeps its pricing pretty straightforward. Its version is actually “free forever,” which is amazing.

• Free Plan ($0): Best for getting started. You get unlimited team members.
• Starter Plan (~$7/user): Good for growing teams that need more projects and extra storage.
• Business Plan (~$16/user): This is for power users who want advanced automation and more security.

Nifty is free forever! Get Started with Nifty today.

G2 Rating: 4.7 / 5 stars

“Easy and intuitive way to manage projects” – G2

The intuitive design and ability to manage multiple projects in one place with integrated time tracking and task prioritization. – G2

Nifty is easy to navigate, compared to other productivity tools. I can switch to mobile device mode when I’m not on PC and I will still get work done. Everyone knows where to go to finish their tasks. I can quickly grasp the use of a feature without breaking sweat. – G2

✨ Free forever. No credit card required.
Get Started for Free with Nifty

2. Hive: The Best “Democratic” Tool for Hybrid Teams

If your team is split between the office and home, Hive is a solid free project management software to consider. It’s famously “democratically built,” meaning the features are based on actual user votes rather than just what the company wants. It excels at bringing everything together in one spot—email, chat, and tasks—so you don’t have to keep a hundred tabs open. 

It even includes a helpful AI project builder called “Buzz” that can summarize long threads or help you kickstart a new project plan in seconds. It’s a clean, simple way to stay organized without the usual corporate headache.

Pros of Hive

• User-Driven Features: Since users vote on what gets built, the tools actually solve the real problems you face every day. 
• Email Integration: You can link your inbox and turn emails into tasks without leaving the app, which is a huge time-saver. 
• Collaboration Tools: The “Notes” feature lets your team edit docs together in real-time, right next to your active projects.
• Simple Interface: It’s very easy to navigate, so you won’t spend hours trying to find your way around a new feature.

Cons of Hive

• Add-on Costs: This is the catch, many useful features like time tracking or analytics are sold as separate $5 monthly add-ons.
• Limited Mobile App: The phone app is fine for quick updates, but it’s not nearly as powerful as the desktop version for actual planning.

Pricing

• Free Plan ($0): Best for individuals and small teams (up to 10 people) doing basic task tracking.
• Starter Plan ($5/user): Unlocks unlimited storage and gives you up to 10 active projects.
• Teams Plan ($12/user): This is the full version with unlimited members and more advanced reporting.

G2 Rating: 4.6 / 5 stars

3. Workstatus: The Best for Managing Remote and Field Teams

If you run a team that isn’t always in the same room or even the same country, Workstatus is a solid pick. It’s less of a traditional planner and more of a “work intelligence” tool that helps you see exactly where the day goes.

What’s really cool is how it handles accountability without being complicated. It’s an online project manager free option that includes features like GPS tracking for field workers and automatic screenshots for remote staff. It combines task tracking with automatic time logs, so you don’t have to nag your team for timesheets at the end of every week.

Pros of Workstatus:

• Total Transparency: It tracks time, app usage, and even location automatically. You get a clear picture of how work is happening without having to ask for updates.
• Budget Tracking: You can set a budget for a project, and the tool will alert you if you’re spending too much time (or money) on a specific task.
• Geofencing for Field Teams: If your team travels, you can set “job sites” on a map. The tool automatically clocks them in when they arrive and out when they leave.
• Very Low Starting Price: If you outgrow the free plan, the paid tiers are some of the cheapest on the market, starting at just a few dollars.

Cons of Workstatus

• Focuses on Time over Docs: Unlike Nifty, it doesn’t have a big “knowledge hub” for documents. You’ll still need a separate place to keep your long-form notes.
• Learning the Reports: The dashboard has a lot of data. It might take you an afternoon to figure out which reports actually matter for your specific business.

Pricing

• Free Plan ($0): Best for single users or tiny teams who just need basic time and task tracking.
• Starter Plan (~$1.60/user): This is a huge bargain. It adds more detailed reporting and activity levels.
• Project Management Plan (~$2.40/user): Unlocks the full suite, including Gantt charts and project budgeting.

G2 Rating: 4.6 / 5 stars

4. Zoho Projects: The Best Choice for Growing Businesses

If you want a tool that can grow as fast as your business, Zoho Projects is a heavy hitter. It’s a top choice for free project management software because it isn’t just a standalone app; it’s part of a massive family of over 50 tools. If you already use Zoho for email or CRM, adding this is a no-brainer. 

In its latest 2025 updates, they’ve even added AI-powered summaries via Zia (their assistant) and renamed milestones to “Phases” to make project planning feel more flexible. It’s an online project manager free option that handles everything from simple checklists to complex Gantt charts, making it a reliable way to stay organized as your team scales up.

Pros of Zoho Projects

• The Zoho Ecosystem: You can turn a sales lead into a project or an invoice with just a couple of clicks. It’s all connected.
• Smart Timeline Views: Their Gantt charts are interactive—you can literally drag and drop tasks to reschedule your whole week in seconds.
• New AI Features: The “Zia” assistant can now rewrite task descriptions or translate team comments into over 70 languages, which is huge for global teams.
• Built-in Collaboration: It has its own chat and “Pages” module, so you don’t always need a separate app like Slack for quick team discussions.

Cons of Zoho Projects

• 3-User Limit: The free plan is quite tight—it only allows for three people. Once you hire a fourth teammate, you’ll have to move to a paid plan.
• Feature Overload: Because it does so much, the interface can feel a bit “busy” or cluttered at first. It takes time to learn where everything lives.

Pricing

• Free Plan ($0): Best for tiny teams (up to 3 people) who need basic task tracking and two active projects.
• Premium Plan (~$4/user): This is the sweet spot for growing teams. It adds unlimited projects, task automation (Blueprints), and 100GB of storage.
• Enterprise Plan (~$9/user): This adds advanced security, custom roles, and cross-project reporting for larger companies.

G2 Rating: 4.3 / 5 starsTry the best light weight Zoho alternative – Nifty.
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Try the best Zoho alternative – Nifty.
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5. Trello: The Go-To for Visual “Sticky-Note” Planning

If you like the idea of moving sticky notes across a whiteboard, Trello is one of the best free project management tools you can find. It uses a very clean system of “cards” and “boards” to help you see your progress at a glance. 

It is a top choice for free project management software for students or small teams who just want to get organized without a long setup process. Because it is so visual, it is a very user-friendly project management tool free for people who don’t want to deal with complex spreadsheets.

Pros of Trello

• Start in Seconds: You can sign up and create your first task board in under a minute. It is perfect project software free for those who need to jump straight into work.
• Connect All Your Apps: You can link to over 200 tools like Slack and Google Drive for free. 
• Automatic Task Moves: You can set simple rules to move cards or alert your team when a task is done. 
• Keep Tasks in Sync: You can now see the same card on different boards. If you change it in one place, it updates everywhere. 

Cons of Trello

• Single Board View: While it is a solid project management tool, you only get the “Board” view. If you want a free project management software with gantt chart, you will have to upgrade.
• Small File Limits: The project planner free version limits your uploads to 10MB per file. If you are sharing big videos or large photos, you will hit that wall fast.

Pricing

• Free Plan ($0): Best for individuals and small teams. Includes 10 boards and unlimited task cards.
• Standard Plan (~$5/user): This plan removes the board limit and adds custom fields for extra data.
• Premium Plan (~$10/user): Unlocks all visual views like the Calendar, Timeline, and Map views.

G2 Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars

Watch out: 30 Best Trello Alternatives

6. ClickUp: The All-In-One Hub for Busy Teams

If you want a single place to handle all your work, ClickUp is a massive help. It is a powerful freeware project management software because it tries to replace your chat, docs, and goal-tracking apps. 

Most project management tools free online will limit how many people you can invite, but ClickUp lets you add as many members as you want. It is a solid choice for any team that needs to manage a lot of tasks without spending a dime.

Pros of ClickUp

• Invite the Whole Team: This is a top-tier free project tracker software because it does not charge you based on how many people join your workspace.
• Deep Customization: As a project planning tool free of charge, it lets you build your own workflows. You can create custom steps for your tasks so everyone knows what to do next.
• Tons of Features: It is a high-quality software that lets you see your work as a list, a board, or even a map.
• Real-Time Chat: You can message your team and share files right inside the app. This makes it one of the best project management software online free options for staying in sync.

Cons of ClickUp

• Storage Limits: While the features are great, this online project software free version only gives you 60MB of storage. You may need to link to files in Google Drive or Dropbox.
• Usage Caps: Some advanced views have a “100-use” limit. Once you hit that, you will have to wait or upgrade to keep using those specific extras.

Pricing

• Free Forever ($0): Best for teams who need a versatile free project planner with unlimited members and tasks.
• Unlimited Plan (~$7/user): This removes the storage caps and adds extra features like unlimited Gantt charts.
• Business Plan (~$12/user): Best for larger companies that need to track complex goals and high-level security.

G2 Rating: 4.7 / 5 stars

Try Nifty; the more intuitive and performant ClickUp alternative.
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7. Asana: Best for Structured Cross-Team Work

Asana works best when projects involve multiple teams and shared responsibilities. It is commonly used by marketing, product, and operations teams that need clear ownership, timelines, and accountability. As a free project management tool, it helps teams bring order to complex work without relying on endless follow-ups.

What many people do not realise is that Asana is not just about task lists. Over the last couple of years, it has quietly evolved into a coordination tool that focuses on how work flows between people, not just what tasks exist. The free version covers the basics well, but its real strength shows up when teams start managing dependencies and shared priorities.

Pros of Asana

• Advanced dependency logic: Asana handles task dependencies in a very practical way. If one task is delayed, it automatically adjusts the timeline of connected tasks, which helps teams avoid hidden bottlenecks.
• Workload visibility: Few users notice this early, but Asana lets managers see when someone is overloaded or underutilised. This helps balance work before burnout becomes a problem.
• Goals and projects connection: You can link daily tasks directly to company goals. This makes it easier to explain why a task matters, especially in cross-functional projects.
• Quiet automation updates: Asana has expanded its automation rules over time. You can now trigger actions based on task fields, assignees, or due date changes, even on mid-tier plans.

Cons of Asana

• Free plan hides key strengths: Features like timelines, workload, and advanced automation are locked behind paid plans, so free users may not see Asana’s full value.
• Initial setup takes effort: To get the most out of Asana, someone needs to spend time setting up projects properly.

Pricing

• Free Plan ($0): Best for individuals and small teams managing basic task tracking.
• Starter Plan (~$10.99 per user): Unlocks timeline views, automation, and better project visibility.
• Advanced Plan (~$24.99 per user): Adds workload management, goals tracking, and deeper reporting for larger teams.

G2 Rating: 4.7 / 5 stars

8. Wrike: The Choice for Handling Multiple Complex Projects

If your team is constantly jumping between several different tasks at once, Wrike might be your best friend. It is a great project management tool online free of charge for those who need to see how every little piece of work fits into the bigger picture. 

Instead of just a simple to-do list, it feels like a professional control center. It is one of the best free project management online options for enterprise or groups that need to stay on top of many different clients at the same time.

Pros of Wrike

• One Task in Many Places: Wrike lets you put a single task into different folders or projects.
• Smart Dashboards: You can see exactly what is overdue or who has too much work. It is a very helpful free project planning software tool for managers who need a quick status update.
• Feels Like a Spreadsheet: If you like working in rows and columns, you will love the table view. It feels familiar and very easy to edit.
• Let the App Work for You: You can set rules to move tasks or assign them to people automatically. This saves a lot of time on boring admin work and manual follow-ups.

Cons of Wrike

• Tight Free Version: Many of the best features, like the advanced dashboards, are locked. 
• A Bit Heavy: If you just need a simple list for a few people, Wrike might feel like too much. It is built for teams that need a lot of structure and rules.

Pricing

• Free Plan ($0): Best for small groups who want to try out basic task tracking and simple views.
• Team Plan (~$9.80/user): Adds the better dashboards, automation rules, and more storage.
• Business Plan (~$24.80/user): Unlocks the full power of custom workflows and deep reporting.

G2 Rating: 4.2 / 5 stars

9. Monday.com: Best for Visual Control and Faster Execution

It is built for teams that want to move fast and actually enjoy looking at their work. In its latest updates, the app made it even easier to drag and drop your tasks into “WorkDocs” so you can take notes and track chores in the same spot. 

It is a very popular best online project management free pick because it feels more like a modern app and less like a heavy piece of tech. While some free project manager software options can feel a bit stiff, this one stays flexible so you can see your wins at a glance.

Pros of Monday.com

• Super Visual Boards: You can use bright colors to show if a task is “stuck” or “done.” This makes it a top-tier simple project tracking free tool for teams that want to spot problems before they grow.
• Make it Your Own: You don’t have to change the way you work to fit the app. You can add columns for anything from “Priority” to “Mood.”
• Automate the Boring Stuff: You can set the app to notify a teammate the second you finish a task. These little shortcuts make it a great for people who hate sending “Is this done yet?” emails.
• Unified Dashboards: You can pull data from three different boards and see it all in one chart.

Cons of Monday.com

• Very limited free plan: The free version supports only two users and basic features, which makes it unsuitable for most teams long term.
• Feature Walls: Some of the best views, like the “Timeline” or “Gantt” charts, are locked.

Pricing

• Free Plan ($0): Best for individuals or pairs who want a clean, color-coded way to stay on top of daily work.
• Basic Plan (~$9/user): This removes the board limits and gives you more space for file storage.
• Standard Plan (~$12/user): This is the “sweet spot” for most teams because it unlocks the timeline view and basic automations.
• Pro Plan (~$19/user): Built for power users who need to track time and handle complex formulas.

G2 Rating: 4.6 / 5 stars

10. nTask: Best for Simple Goal and Task Tracking

nTask is a powerhouse for teams that need high-level tools without a high price tag. While most free project management software for small teams only offers basic lists, nTask gives you professional features like meeting agendas and time tracking for $0. 

You can invite up to five people to work in unlimited workspaces, which keeps your different projects organized and separate. It stands out because it bundles issue tracking and timesheets directly into the basic plan, saving you from paying for multiple separate apps.

Pros of nTask

• Native Meeting Management: You can schedule meetings, set clear agendas, and write “Minutes of Meeting” (MoM) directly in the app. 
• Built-in Time Tracking: Every user gets a manual timer and timesheet tool for free. This is perfect for seeing exactly how much effort a project takes or for managing billable hours for clients.
• Integrated Issue Tracking: You can log bugs or project “issues,” set their severity (how bad they are), and link them to specific tasks. This helps you fix problems faster than using a messy spreadsheet.
• Calendar & Grid Views: You can see your work as a simple list, a structured grid, or a calendar. This helps you spot upcoming deadlines before they catch you by surprise.

Cons of nTask

• Small Team Limit: The project management free version is limited to 5 team members. If your group grows larger, you will need to upgrade to add more seats.
• No Gantt Charts for Free: While the list and calendar views are great, the visual Gantt charts and Kanban boards are locked behind the paid tiers.

Pricing

• Basic Plan ($0): Best for individuals or small teams managing simple projects and task lists.
• Premium Plan (~$3 per user): Adds Gantt charts, time tracking, and more advanced task features.
• Business Plan (~$8 per user): Suitable for growing teams that need better planning and collaboration tools.

G2 Rating: 4.4 / 5 star

How to Pick Your Free Project Management Software in 2026?

Are you curious about how to find the best free project management software? Keep reading. You can follow these steps to narrow down on a relevant and suitable choice.

1. Map Out Your Real Daily Work : Before looking at any websites, look at your team. Are you managing a simple marketing calendar, or are you building complex software with 50 moving parts? Categorize your work into “quick tasks” vs. “long-term projects.” 
   
2. Get Your Team’s Honest Feedback: Ask them: “What’s the most annoying part of your workday right now?” If they say “too many emails,” look for a tool with great built-in chat.
   
3. Pick 3 “Must-Have” Features: A way to see the timeline, Easy Communication, File Storage.
   
4. Check the “User Limit” Trap: Double-check that the online free project management software you chose actually fits your current team size—and gives you a little room to grow.
   
5. Prioritize the “Vibe” and Ease of Use: Modern user-friendly project management tools free of charge should be intuitive.

Read also: Best agile project management software

What are the Benefits of Free Project Management Software?

The Real Wins of Using Free Project Management Software

• Stop guessing who is doing what. Clear lists and due dates ensure nothing gets lost in the Friday rush. Most tools now send automatic alerts before a task is due.
• These apps act as a digital office. You can chat and share files in one spot, which cuts down on long email threads and unnecessary meetings.
• Many free plans now include simple automation. The app can notify a teammate or move a task for you, saving you hours of manual updates every week.
• When a task has a name attached, everyone knows their role. This transparency builds trust and helps the whole team see the progress in real-time.
• No more hunting for lost files. Keeping everything in one hub means you always have the right information exactly when you need it.

Here’s a guide to finding the right task management software, construction management software, for your needs. 

Conclusion: Get Organized and Stay Ahead!

Finding the right way to manage your work shouldn’t be a struggle. Whether you are tackling a personal hobby or running a busy team, a solid system keeps you from feeling overwhelmed. Starting with a free project management tool is a simple move that makes your daily life much more relaxed.

Nifty isn’t just about ticking boxes on a list; it’s about making your work feel easier. It cleans up the mess of scattered files and endless emails so you can actually enjoy your projects again. There is no reason to stay stuck in a chaotic workflow. Start your online project management free journey today and see how much better it feels when everything is in its right place!

Get Started with Nifty today❤️

FAQs

What is the best free tool for project management?

Here are the 9 best free tools for project management:

• Nifty – for all-in-one project management with collaboration, timelines, and real-time chat.
• Hive – for hybrid teams with AI-powered features and flexible views.
• Workstatus – for remote-first teams focused on productivity tracking.
• Zoho Projects – for businesses of all sizes needing scalable tools.
• Trello – for agile teams who love visual task boards.
• ClickUp – for highly customizable workflows and task views.
• Asana – for cross-functional teams coordinating complex work.
• Wrike – for 360° visibility across projects and team workloads.
• GoodDay – for small teams looking for simplicity and structure.

What is the best free project management tool for small teams focused on task status?

Nifty is the best free project management tool for teams of 1–5 people. It helps you track tasks, update statuses, and chat all in one place without needing strict timelines. Simple, efficient, and perfect for staying in sync.

How Can I Track My Project Progress for Free?

There are numerous free project management software you can leverage to track your project progress, deadlines, and milestones. Some of these include Nifty, Hive, Zoho Projects, Trello, ClickUp, Asana, Wrike, Monday.com, nTask, and GoodDay.

How Do You Evaluate a Project Management Tool?

Evaluating a project management software typically comprises the following process:

• Step 1: Start by outlining your business needs and project goals.
• Step 2: Look for the must-have features as mandated by your team members and stakeholders. Collaborate to understand the best features your business needs.
• Step 3: Determine the cost of the software basis your budget.
• Step 4: Test at least two to three software options by trying a demo or a free trial to see if it is a good fit for your business.

How Can I Manage Multiple Projects for Free?

There are numerous strategies you can leverage to juggle multiple projects at a time:

1. Invest in robust free project management software, which will help you to prioritize the most important projects.
2. Leverage advanced productivity-friendly features such as time tracking, task management, resource management, etc., to streamline your workload.
3. Delegate the tasks and sub-tasks accurately and stay on top of your project deadlines.
4. Keep tracking your project progress and work in an organized, data-informed manner.
5. You can also make use of insightful reports to get project status updates and progress to pivot as needed and drive your projects to success.

Is Free Project Management Software Really Free?

Yes. Typically speaking, most tools have a free plan making them free project management software that is actually free and can be used by users.

That said, note that in some cases, the free plans may offer limited features. You may need to upgrade to a paid plan to get access to advanced capabilities and drive better project management.

What is the best tool for managing multiple projects with visual dashboards and centralized progress tracking?

If you’re looking to manage multiple projects and track their progress visually in one central place, Nifty is one of the best tools available, especially if you’re starting with a free plan.