Best Project Management Software: A Comprehensive Review and Guide

Find the best free project management software to suit your team’s needs with our comprehensive review of top tools. Compare features, pros, and cons to choose the ideal solution for efficient task tracking and collaboration.

By Douglas Wade, Attorney

Email | Call (800) 484-4610

Have a quick question? We answered nearly 2000 FAQs.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. The top 8 free tools for project management

3. What qualities define the top free tool for project management?

4. The best free project management tool available for managing projects visually

5. Trello (Web, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)

6. Top free project management application for teams

7. Asana (Android, iOS, Web)

8. Top free task view customization software for project management

9. ClickUp (Android, iOS, Web)

10. Top free project management software with features similar to spreadsheets

11. Wrike (Web, Mac, Windows, Android, iOS)

12. Top free project management software for small teams at agencies and independent contractors

13. ActiveCollab (Web, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS)

14. Top free project management software available for creating custom applications

15. Airtable (Web, Android, iOS)

16. Top free project management software for teams using Agile development methodology

17. Jira (Web, Android, iOS)

18. Top project management software for AI

19. Height (Mac, Web)

20. Which free project management software is the best?

Introduction

Everybody approaches project management in a different way. Some people find it convenient to manage their duties via their mailbox. Still others even like the old paper and pen method, while others like to see their work in a calendar format or on a Kanban board.

That’s acceptable for one person, but when working on projects together as a team, you require a capable and adaptable project management solution that can accommodate everyone. A task management program that can assist in tracking tasks, collaborating, and keeping everyone informed is even more necessary now that numerous groups continue to operate remotely.

In my capacity as an independent writer, I have worked with a wide range of project management systems for my clients. I’ve observed how each program handles the fundamental functions, the possibilities of excellent, efficient cooperation, and the drawbacks of subpar project management.

The excellent news is that you can handle tasks, interact with stakeholders, and keep project oversight with the freedom that comes with using free project management software—all without having to pay a dime. For a number of years, I have been maintaining this list. I tested a lot of free project management software this year, and I’ve narrowed it down to my top eight choices.

The top 8 free tools for project management

Using Trello to manage projects visually
Teams using Asana
To see personalized task views, choose ClickUp.
For functionality akin to spreadsheets, use Wrike.
For independent contractors and little agency teams, ActiveCollab
Creating a personalized project management application with Airtable
Developer-focused Jira
Height is best for AI features

What qualities define the top free tool for project management?

I searched for apps that fit the following requirements in order to reduce the number of the finest free project management internet tools:

Unlimited projects are free. You can manage an infinite amount of projects for free with all of the project tracking tools that I selected.
Hosted. While there are several excellent free self-hosted project management tools available, their setup and administration need more time. My investigation involved task management software hosted by the tool providers. I suggest looking into Taiga, Redmine, and Lavagna if you’re looking for no-cost, self-hosted project administration software.
Functionalities for sharing and collaboration. You can easily add collaborators to the project management system and manage user kinds and permissions with the help of the project management software that is included below.
Flexibility. I searched for programs that enable many points of view and project management approaches because the greatest project managers are adaptable enough to deal with numerous teams, project kinds, and organizational structures.
Integrated Systems. As a top-notch project tracker that ought to be easily integrated with the remainder of your software stack, I’ve only featured applications that work with calendars, email & Slack, document storage, and other widely used programs.

I used those criteria to screen prospects, and then I put the remaining prospects through a comparable testing methodology, which consisted of:

Completing any onboarding procedures and the signup step
Make a new project and select its major methodology (e.g., Gantt, Scrum, Kanban) or view (e.g., list, calendar, table, etc.)
Making several new tasks & adding different information to them, such as user assignments, links & attachments, due dates, and more.
Switching between view settings and experimenting with any other suggested approaches
Sending out invites and granting access
Switching between personal and team-wide perspectives
Testing any novel features, such as AI, client views, and time-tracking

Upon putting every software through that process, I was able to identify the top 8 free online project management tools, which are listed below.

Notably, I chose online apps as my tools (although many provide synchronized desktop, mobile, and web apps). Along with the programs below, you might also want to look into ProjectLibre & GanttProject if you don’t care that much about having your project planner available online. These two applications are strong desktop-only programs made to serve as substitutes for Microsoft Project.

The best free project management tool available for managing projects visually

Trello (Web, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)

Trello Pros

Totally adjustable boards with an infinite number of Power-Ups
The program with the most visually appealing user interface that I tested
Many templates are available to help you start out

Trello Cons

You can only use Kanban for free users.
It is time to update the user/team management functionality.

Trello is a straightforward software for managing projects that allows you to arrange your tasks using Kanban boards. It’s also an accessible tool, featuring an extensive free version that permits an infinite number of users and 10 boards in each workspace. Having a personal board, freelancers may use Trello to organize their jobs, and groups can use it to create a comprehensive project workflow that is visible at all times.

Initiate by starting from scratch when establishing a new board or by selecting a template from among hundreds of alternatives related to team management, design, marketing, and sales, among other areas. To-do, carrying out, and done lists, as well as lists representing the many components of your project (like development, design, & distribution), should be added to the list of tasks (each list should be a column). With labels, timelines, members, photos, checklists, comments, and attachments to keep things in one place, add your assignments as visual cards to each column.

Just drag each card to the relevant list as you finish chores. From the task menu, you may monitor and manage all tasks and comments that discuss you or those you’re watching.

With Trello’s Power-Up options, you can display tasks under a calendar, add voting choices to tasks, automatically dissolve away outdated tasks, and much more. These options are now unlimited, even when using the free plan. Additionally, Trello boards allow you to organize your duties in the most efficient manner possible by creating lists for both personal and professional assignments.

Trello Price

Upgrading to the Standard plan, which costs $5 per user per month (billed annually) will unlock additional features like advanced checklists, custom fields, unlimited boards, and up to 1,000 programmed commands per month. The free plan offers 10 boards for each workspace, unrestricted Power-Ups, along with 250 computerized commands per month.

Top free project management application for teams

Asana (Android, iOS, Web)

Asana Pros

Project management approaches that are adaptable to customers’ needs and projects.
Excellent, concentrated My Tasks Overview
Team features improve the style of to-do lists.

Asana Cons

Costly upgrade

Nothing is wrong with your to-do checklist; you simply need a few extra features to organize your group projects. That’s what Asana provides. This project management application allows you to divide projects into sub-projects and sections. It also offers dashboards that show you what portion of the project is finished so far. Adding, rearranging, and finishing activities is similar to using a task list app, but this one comes with the teamwork and management tools you need.

You can create additional Asana listings that are only visible to certain individuals for the jobs you need to complete for yourself or the tasks that don’t fit neatly into a project. In order to provide you a with rapid overview of what needs to be done, the tasks given to you will also appear on your My Tasks page.

Asana Price

There are no limits on projects, assignments, or storage with the free Basic plan. It also allows for a maximum of fifteen users and offers list, calendar, and board views. Upgrade to the Premium package for $10.99 per user per month (paid annually), which includes Asana’s “coming shortly” AI tool, a Gantt chart and timeline view, and comprehensive reporting.

Top free task view customization software for project management

ClickUp (Android, iOS, Web)

ClickUp Pros

There are four page views and eleven distinct task views available.
Extremely generous complimentary plan

ClickUp Cons

More complex setup procedure
Possibility of some latency during testing

There aren’t many task views available in the majority of project management tools, such as a calendar, list, and Kanban view. Extra views are typically a paid service, particularly for Gantt charts. ClickUp operates differently.

With this straightforward and cost-free project management application, you may select from 11 distinct work views, such as mind maps & Gantt charts. Additionally, there are four distinct page views available: Chat, which shows discussions next to your chores, Doc, which enables you to create documents, wikis, & knowledge bases, & Embed, which allows you to add websites and applications to your tasks.

With over 20 distinct widgets to select from, ClickUp’s dashboards are equally customizable, allowing you to just display the most crucial project details. You can now see details, make subtasks, & add attachments with more ease thanks to a redesigned task details interface. You can even measure time within the task itself.

When you initially begin using ClickUp, there is a lot to understand. Although there won’t be as much flexibility as with Trello, for example, the onboarding experience will still be worthwhile—especially since it’s totally free. Additionally, the company’s assisted in-app introduction to get you acquainted is excellent.

ClickUp price

Unlimited tasks & users, 100MB in storage, and 60 uses of dashboards, timeline views, mind maps, and Gantt charts are all included in the free plan. To access unlimited lists, boards, calendars, & Gantt views, as well as an infinite number of dashboards, guests, and permissions, switch to the unlimited package for $7/user per month.

Top free project management software with features similar to spreadsheets

Wrike (Web, Mac, Windows, Android, iOS)

Wrike Pros

Spreadsheet-like User Interface
Top-notch project tracking functionalities

Wrike Cons

Restricted free plan compared to others
Less adaptable

Would you use a spreadsheet to handle your tasks, if you had the choice? Wrike could be of interest to you. With columns for all the information you need to keep tabs on tasks, Wrike provides similar flexibility as a spreadsheet. Visit our assessment of Airtable if you enjoy spreadsheets but require even more customization.

Work in progress, on standby, canceled, or finished may all be updated by your team using Wrike. You may also easily produce your weekly reports on project status by selecting the status of your projects: green, red, yellow, on standby, or canceled.

Even while Wrike’s free version offers a lot, its subscription plan is necessary to access its most powerful features, which include Gantt charts, time tracking, and configurable dashboards. Wrike grows with you if you’re operating small now but intend to grow later on. It provides every tool you need to manage one little project at a time as well as numerous large ones that run concurrently.

Wrike Price

For a yearly charge of $9.80 per user per month, you may upgrade to the Team plan, which offers shareable dashboards, Gantt Charts, and other features, for an unlimited number of users and projects.

Top free project management software for small teams at agencies and independent contractors

ActiveCollab (Web, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS)

ActiveCollab Pros

Integrated tools for billing, costs, and time tracking
Proper user authorization

ActiveCollab Cons

Not as adaptable for use cases involving client management
Only three users can use the free and plus plans.

ActiveCollab is an excellent choice if you want to manage projects for clients and other data like invoicing and hourly monitoring in one location.

The software, which is designed for agencies and independent contractors, has useful features that make client administration easier. From the job’s details panel, you may estimate and monitor every job’s time, decide whether or not it is chargeable, and control spending.

It’s simple to allow clients to participate in your workflow without disclosing whatever you would like them not to, even with the basic plan’s capable user authorizations. To conceal any job from clients, just tick the “concealed from customers” box. Alternatively, you can apply the “Client+” extension to allow more involved clients to have a more cooperative user role. To manage tasks and group bandwidth, choose Workload under the menu on the left. Then, select Reports to receive an overview of customer invoices & payments, team projects and tasks, and time and expenditure tracking.

Creating and sending professional-looking estimations and invoices is quick and easy with ActiveCollab. You can even combine it with your accounting or payment processing software to simplify billing.

ActiveCollab Price

For up to three members, the free plan offers an infinite number of projects and tasks with task dependencies, listing, and Kanban views. For $9.50 per month (for three people), you may switch to the Plus plan to add more features including project templates, recurring tasks, Gantt charts, and calendar views.

Top free project management software available for creating custom applications

Airtable (Web, Android, iOS)

Airtable Pros

The app with the best customization options on this list
Many templates to aid in the initial setup

Airtable Cons

A more complicated setup procedure
Interface less familiar than most
The priciest upgrade on the list

Airtable will enable you to create the ideal project management solution if you’ve explored other programs but haven’t been successful. The application comes pre-configured with a spreadsheet-like default layout and suggests a few projects depending on your team’s profile within the organization. You have the option to create your own project (referred to as a “base”) starting from scratch or take a look at the other templates that are offered.

However, customization is where Airtable truly shines. Airtable may be customized to be precisely what you need, but if you’re prepared to put in the time, the possibilities are endless. Column headings, field types, validation of data, and much more can all be customized, in addition to the method and view type.

You can create your own custom applications or select from more than eighty applications in the Marketplace that will assist you in integrating, analyzing, and enhancing your projects.

Airtable Price

The free plan has six view options (calendar, grid, and Kanban), limitless bases, and up to five users. For $20 for each user each month, you can move up to the Team plan, which has additional features including Gantt and timeline views, twenty GB of attachments, and 50,000 records for each base.

Top free project management software for teams using Agile development methodology

Jira (Web, Android, iOS)

Jira Pros

Designed specifically for developers & engineers
Renowned problem-tracking system
More than 1,000 incorporations

Jira Cons

Restricted free plan
Lacks adaptability to be used by many teams

Jira is designed with Agile and Scrum processes in mind, even if it does provide a Kanban view. After a few inquiries on the projects your team has worked on, your familiarity with various approaches, and the dates of your sign-ups, the onboarding flow suggests a technique and project templates for you.

Epics are added to the Roadmap section in Scrum projects. You may then manually add items to your backlog, adding information and allocating them to sprints. Every project has a Scrum board, which serves as its homepage and allows you to modify task information and status as well as create and modify column headings.

Not only does Jira cater to development and engineering teams, but it also connects with additional technologies to make updating & tracking the backlog much more efficient. These tools include GitHub, Sentry, GitLab, and Jenkins. Also, the free plan includes as many as ten users, which makes it perfect for independent or smaller development teams even though you cannot manage user access.

Jira Price

At $7.75 per person per month, you may subscribe to the Standard package to get more features like 250 GB of storage for files, more precise user permissions, and limitless projects on a single platform for up to 10 people and both Kanban and Scrum boards.

Top project management software for AI

Height (Mac, Web)

Height pros

Abundant complimentary plan
Genuinely beneficial AI features

Height cons

Less adaptable Kanban view

For those seeking truly practical AI features, Height is an excellent choice. While I tried a few applications, most of them aren’t very smart or require a premium plan in order to access their AI-powered capabilities. Height is not the same.

In terms of AI, the software delivers without overpromising. Although I haven’t yet tried it, the company’s upcoming release of Height 2.0 (which is named Copilot) is expected to bring about a significant redesign for the function. Even still, the current version has the ability to automatically identify duplicate jobs, suggest task modifications, produce a catch-up overview of a task’s conversation history, and more. In the image I took above, you can observe auto-generated subtasks.

Although many of the additional project management software on this list might have comparable attributes by now in the upcoming year, they currently make Height stand out significantly.

Height also offers a very extensive free plan, with 4 clean view alternatives (spreadsheet, calendar, Gantt, and Kanban) that are accessible for free. Additional features include unlimited users, one hundred automation runs each month, and complete access to Copilot.

Height Price

With the free plan, you can have an infinite number of tasks & users along with capabilities for AI task management, spreadsheets, Gantt charts, and calendar views, as well as one hundred automation runs. For $6.99 per user per month, you may subscribe to the Team subscription and gain more features including 100 MB data uploads, full history of searches, and unlimited lists & custom characteristics.

Which free project management software is the best?

Really, there are a ton of online resources available for project management. Many of them will also advertise “free” packages that are actually not really free, so you won’t be able to handle all of your tasks without a subscription. You may accomplish your tasks without spending a penny with the finest free task management software. Furthermore, they will provide you with increasingly powerful features at higher levels in response to your changing needs.

Positively, project management software that is free is actually free. To help you decide, you can try out your selections and discover what you love (and don’t). More guidance on selecting online project management software may be found here.

Have a quick question? We answered nearly 2000 FAQs.

See all blogs: Business | Corporate | Employment

Most recent blogs:

Best Free VOIP Services for 2025

Compare the best free VoIP services for 2025, including Google Voice, Ringblaze, OnSIP, and Zoom Phone. Evaluate features, pricing, pros, and cons to choose a reliable communication tool without exceeding your business budget.

How to Start a Business With No Money

Start a business with no money by identifying ideas, building connections, and creating value through small, focused steps. Overcome self-doubt, engage real customers early, and grow sustainably without relying on upfront capital or flashy marketing.

Best Retail POS Systems for 2025

Square, Clover, Shopify, Lightspeed, and Epos Now rank among the top retail POS systems for 2025. Compare pricing, hardware, and features to find the best system for your store’s size, style, and growth needs.

Wix vs WordPress: A Complete Comparison of Features, Pricing, and Ease of Use

Compare Wix and WordPress on features, pricing, templates, and ease of use to find the right fit for your website. Wix offers simplicity and built-in tools, while WordPress provides advanced customization and flexibility for growing businesses.

How to Start a Cleaning Business in 2025

Start your cleaning business in 2025 using this guide on essentials, legal steps, pricing methods, and practical marketing strategies. Ensure success with business management tips, client attraction techniques, and smart budgeting for your cleaning startup.

Shopify vs Etsy: Features, Costs & Customization Compared

Compare Shopify and Etsy on features, pricing, and customization to decide the ideal e-commerce platform for your online business. Evaluate key differences in tools, fees, scalability, and storefront design to maximize your selling potential on Shopify, Etsy, or both.

Can I Legally Move Out at 17?

Is it legal to move out at 17? Emancipation allows minors to live independently, make financial decisions, and take on adult responsibilities. However, they still must follow certain laws like schooling and marriage.

What Is the California Fraud Assessment Fee?

The California fraud assessment fee is a mandatory charge for insurers, capped at $1 per insured vehicle, funding fraud investigations and prosecutions. Funds support the Fraud Division, California Highway Patrol, and district attorneys in combating auto insurance fraud and economic automobile theft.

How Does a Quiet Title Action Work in California?

A quiet title action in California resolves property ownership disputes by legally clarifying title claims through a court process. It removes uncertainties caused by liens, boundary issues, adverse possession, or estate disputes, ensuring clear ownership rights.

What Should Be Included in a Demand Letter in California?

A demand letter in California should outline the dispute, requested resolution, deadline, and legal consequences of noncompliance. A well-structured demand letter increases the chances of settlement and may help avoid costly litigation.

Why Is It Important to Reconcile Your Bank Statements and How Often Should You Do It?

A bank reconciliation statement helps detect errors, prevent fraud, and ensure accurate financial reporting. Regular reconciliation—monthly or more frequently—improves cash flow management and financial decision-making.

Is Loli Illegal? U.S. Laws on Lolicon and Legal Consequences

Lolicon's legality in the U.S. depends on federal and state laws, with potential criminal penalties for possession or distribution. Courts assess whether content violates child pornography statutes, making legal interpretations complex and case-dependent.

What Is Variable Cost and How Does It Impact Pricing Strategies?

Variable costs fluctuate with production or sales, impacting pricing strategies and profit margins. Businesses must analyze variable costs to optimize pricing, budgeting, and profitability while maintaining competitive advantages.

What Is Unilateral Action and How Is It Used in Contracts?

A unilateral contract binds only the offeror, requiring payment only when the offeree completes a specified task. Common examples include reward offers, insurance policies, and open requests, emphasizing performance-based obligations.

What Is Estate Planning and Why Is It Important for Families?

Estate planning ensures assets are distributed according to your wishes and protects loved ones from legal complications and tax burdens. A well-structured estate plan helps prevent family conflicts, secures guardianship for minors, and minimizes unnecessary financial losses.

What Is a Revocable Living Trust and How Does It Benefit Estate Planning?

A revocable living trust offers flexibility in estate planning, allowing asset control during life and seamless transfer after death. It avoids probate, ensures privacy, and provides a structured way to manage assets, reducing costs and legal complications for beneficiaries.

What Is a Quitclaim Deed and How Does It Differ From a Warranty Deed?

A quitclaim deed transfers property ownership quickly but offers no buyer protections, unlike a warranty deed that ensures a clear title. Often used among trusted parties, quitclaim deeds help with estate planning, divorce settlements, and correcting title errors without verifying property liens or claims.

What Is a Deed of Trust, and How Is It Different From a Mortgage?

A deed of trust secures real estate loans by involving a trustee, differing from mortgages, which have only two parties. Unlike mortgages, deeds of trust often enable nonjudicial foreclosure, expediting property recovery for lenders in case of default.

What Is a Contingent Beneficiary, and How Does It Differ From a Primary Beneficiary?

A contingent beneficiary receives assets only if the primary beneficiary cannot. Naming one helps avoid probate and ensures smooth inheritance distribution.

What Is a Durable Power of Attorney, and How Does It Differ From a Regular Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney lets someone manage your financial, legal, or health matters, but it expires if you lose mental competence. A durable power of attorney remains valid even after incapacity, ensuring your affairs are handled without court intervention.

What Is a Cash Flow Statement, and How Does It Help in Business Planning?

A cash flow statement tracks a company's incoming and outgoing cash, revealing financial health and operational efficiency. It helps businesses plan investments, manage liquidity, and make informed financial decisions by assessing cash flow from operations, investments, and financing activities.

What Is a Bill of Sale, and How Is It Used in Transactions?

A bill of sale is a legal document confirming the transfer of ownership in various transactions, ensuring clarity and security for both parties. It details the buyer, seller, asset, payment terms, and conditions, offering legal protection and proof of sale.

What Is a 1099, and How Does It Relate to Tax Reporting?

A 1099 form reports payments made to independent contractors, freelancers, and other non-employees for tax purposes. Businesses must file the correct 1099 form to ensure compliance with IRS regulations and avoid penalties.

What Is a Beneficiary, and What Role Do They Play in Estate Planning?

A beneficiary is someone designated to receive assets from an estate, financial account, or insurance policy. Naming beneficiaries ensures assets are distributed according to your wishes, avoiding legal complications and delays.

What Does P&L Mean, and How Is It Used in Financial Reporting?

A profit and loss (P&L) statement tracks a company's income and expenses over time, showing whether it is profitable or losing money. Businesses use P&L statements to analyze financial performance, make strategic adjustments, and meet investor or lender requirements.

What Does NNN Mean, and How Does It Apply to Commercial Leases?

A triple net lease (NNN) requires tenants to cover property taxes, insurance, and maintenance in addition to rent and utilities. While offering landlords steady income with reduced expenses, tenants gain control over the property but assume higher financial responsibility.

How Do You Start Your Own Business, and What Challenges Might You Face?

Starting a business involves planning, funding, and selecting a legal structure while ensuring your concept meets market demand. Entrepreneurs face financial risks, customer acquisition challenges, and work-life balance struggles, making preparation essential for success.

How Do You Create a Business Plan, and Why Is It Important for Startups?

A business plan outlines your company's mission, structure, and financial strategy, helping attract investors and guide decision-making. Startups benefit from a well-crafted plan by reducing risk, securing funding, and creating a roadmap for sustainable growth.

How Does USPS Priority Mail Differ from Standard Mail Services?

USPS Priority Mail delivers faster than standard mail, includes tracking, and offers flat-rate options, making it ideal for urgent shipments. Standard mail is more affordable but lacks tracking, insurance, and guaranteed delivery times, making it better suited for non-urgent items.

How Does Slander Differ from Libel in Defamation Cases?

Slander refers to spoken defamation, while libel involves written falsehoods that harm reputations. Legal distinctions depend on evidence, intent, and public versus private figures.