Best Microsoft Project Alternatives For Project Managers And Business

Microsoft Project has assisted project managers with tracking progress, delegating tasks, managing resources, and carrying out other related duties since it was first introduced. Microsoft Project has tools that were specially created to assist you to work on different projects from the beginning. It was initially introduced as a web-based programme but was quickly modified for PC use. It comprises assistance for the project design, resource allocation, budget analysis, and task management phases. However, there are plenty of drawbacks and complexities associated with Microsoft Projects which begs for newer and more flexible alternatives for businesses and project managers. In this post, we will be taking a quick look at some of the best Microsoft Project alternatives for easier workflows and seamless collaborations.

1. Smartsheet: If you are quite familiar with working with spreadsheets, Smartsheet is going to be the best choice for your project managers. With options for collaborative task management, crowdsourcing, and sales pipeline monitoring, Smartsheet is used by businesses to track and manage a variety of tasks for teams of all sizes. This tool is excellent if you need to monitor your sales funnel inside projects. The solutions for job management and sales funnel tracking are unquestionably successful making it a great MS Project alternative. To know more about other Smartsheet equivalent tools, click here to read.
2. Wrike: Akin to Microsoft Project, Wrike is supported by Windows and is accessible on all of the main operating systems. Instead, of being restricted to Microsoft Projects and its limited set of Microsoft Office and Skype apps, Wrike is made to integrate with other programmes and services like Gmail, One Drive, Dropbox and others. Wrike surpasses Microsoft Project in its dynamic timeline and real-time newsfeed, and it also provides document collaboration and task conversations.
3. Monday.com: It was formerly known as daPulse but has now evolved into a productivity package called Monday.com. To make Mondays a bit more enjoyable for you, they kept the term “pulse” as a nicer label for tasks. When using their programme, the vibrant and amiable Monday.com hopes to kick off your Mondays with a bang. Teams can quickly start using the fundamental project management tools they need to employ to be effective, thanks to the cheaper pricing point for entry.
4. Trello: Trello is a tool for managing small-scale projects that focuses on elements that Microsoft Project lacks, such as task and resource organization and project planning. Trello arranges your tasks into boards as a tool for organisation and teamwork. Trello allows you to quickly see what is being worked on, who is working on it, and where it is in the process. All of your tasks, projects, and team members are neatly arranged, in order, and readily discernible. Trello is not simply a tool for businesses. Trello extends the project management concept of team and task organisation and cooperation to other spheres of life, such as connections with friends and family.
5. ProofHub: ProofHub makes it simpler for even remote teammates to keep in touch by enabling both small and big teams to work and communicate about projects dynamically. It provides a variety of tools that can help project management become simpler, quicker, and much more engaging. With tools like Gantt charts, online chats, notes, analytics, and more, ProofHub is highly flexible. These capabilities enable smooth cooperation with your colleagues and employees while assisting you in staying on top of your projects.
6. Clickup: The productivity software ClickUp offers a completely new approach to work. More than simply managing projects, ClickUp also helps you keep organised with notes, notifications, objectives, a planner, calendar, Browser extensions, and even an inbox. ClickUp can be fully customised to work with every team type, allowing all teams to plan, coordinate, and collaborate using the same software. Everything is centralised by ClickUp so you can operate effectively and efficiently from a unified interface. People approach their work and projects in a variety of ways. This assists project managers in developing precise and practical estimates and timetables for managing their projects.
7. Zoho: Renowned for its marketing automation and CRM features, Zoho, an Indian business, also offers project management capabilities. It qualifies as one of the top Microsoft Project alternatives since it offers teams a respectable selection of features at a reasonable cost. For the price, Zoho Projects is a feature-rich project management tool that is a terrific addition to its ecosystem. Unlike many comparable services, you can add an unlimited number of users to any subscription without paying more.
8. Jira: The flagship product from Australian software company Atlassian, JIRA, is best known as the pioneer in DevOps and can sustain Scrum, Lean, or Kanban methodologies. Due to its position as the industry leader in DevOps and the fact that tech teams would switch from Microsoft Project to JIRA, the programme is included in the list of alternatives to Microsoft Project. Jira can provide excellent reports for Agile project management and road mapping since it is very customisable. Additionally, it has bug tracking capabilities and can prioritise the things that need to be done first.
9. Basecamp: The majority of project managers are familiar with Basecamp One, a project management application headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Because Basecamp eliminates many features that irritate users and streamlines project management so that it is understandable by most people, it is included on the list of Microsoft Project alternatives. Despite lacking more sophisticated project management tools like Gantt charts, timesheets, and dependent subtasks, Basecamp is a good option for teams who don’t want all of the frills that comes with Microsoft Project.
10. Asana: Small teams can benefit greatly from using Asana as their project management tool. It offers a straightforward user interface with distinct components and project responsibilities. As its name suggests, it offers a pleasant user interface that makes you feel at ease while working. With integrated sprints and several useful integrations, Asana is built with an agile approach in mind. Project management does not require switching back and forth between spreadsheets, sticky notes, and email. Asana unifies all of your team’s work into one dashboard, making it the only tool you need to organise tasks and manage projects.
11. Teamwork: Teamwork is a feature-rich programme that includes all of the capabilities needed for collaborating, networking, and project management. Everything from task distribution to file exchange, encryption, timesheets, communications, and more are quite seamless when using Teamwork. It allows access to mobile devices, Windows, and websites and connects effortlessly with all of your current apps. Reduce project inefficiencies by utilising top-notch tools including board view, dashboards, Gantt charts, lists and much more.
12. Bitrix 24: Bitrix 24 integrates a social intranet, project planning responsibilities, and a CRM. Imagine if you needed something simpler but crammed Salesforce into your project to-do list. One of the main features of Bitrix 24 is the ability to keep track of all of your projects, communications, and business updates in one location. Both self-hosted and cloud-hosted versions are available for Bitrix 24.
13. Toggl Plan: Toggl Plan is a simple project management tool that prioritises tasks without overwhelming the team and organizes tasks for meeting deadlines. Users of the Toggl Plan can quickly understand information thanks to its vibrant and color-coded layout. Time management, multiple project management, project timelines, the ability to drag and drop tasks into place, etc. are additional capabilities. By using simple checklists, notes, milestones, various assignments, and a clear overview, Toggl Plan helps to streamline the organizing and planning process. All of the allocated activities are organised in a chronological timeline using colour codes in the visual bird’s eye perspective for optimal visibility. Get all the information quickly by collaborating and coordinating with your team via email notifications, discussions, and file attachments.
14. ActiveCollab: As a powerful project management tool and software that encourages collaboration and teamwork, ActiveCollab is one of the most perfect alternatives to Microsoft Project. It gathers all of your information in one location that is open to all team members and allows for simple communication. Using cloud computing, ActiveCollab fairly cleverly combines time monitoring, billing, and project management.
15. Teamdeck: A contemporary technology like Teamdeck is required for efficient resource management and precise timesheets. As a result, it offers the big picture to assist organisations in making the best choices in order to maintain their competitiveness, productivity, and profitability. As a result, project managers can monitor the team’s progress and generate forecasts quite effectively.

Parting Words

To quit one complicated software and put your time, money, and resources into another complex software makes no sense. Consider all of your team’s requirements when selecting an alternative to MS Project, compare them, and utilise the trial version to select the one that is best for your company.