Project management is a process of planning, organizing resources, and executing tasks. For any project to work successfully, using the right project management tools is of utmost priority. Project management tools are specifically developed to assist teams in effectively managing projects. These tools are a one-stop platform for teams to collaborate, monitor progress, facilitate communication, and more. They come equipped with a variety of features and functionalities that contribute to increased productivity and the achievement of project objectives.
A project management tool is a software application used by project managers and teams to manage projects effectively. Project managers who are technically equipped with certifications such as Project Management professional certification can smoothly run huge projects.
Project management tools have a wide range of functionalities and features which help the teams manage and optimize all the project management-related activities without any hassle. Also, these tools help project managers keep track of the timelines of each activity to ensure timely completion of each task.
Using project management tools, project managers and teams can assign tasks, communicate and collaborate effectively using features such as team messaging, file sharing and adding notes. Project resources such as team members, budget, material and equipment can be easily and effectively tracked using project management tools. Also, resource allocation, scheduling, reporting, and documentation can be done using these tools.
A lot of project management tools integrate with other software and applications, such as calendars, file storage platforms or communication tools. This integration enables a smooth exchange of data and automates repetitive tasks, thus increasing productivity. These tools also provide a central repository that allows teams to store and share the latest project information, such as project plans, requirements and reports.
Below is the project management tool list:
1. Trello:
Manage Your Team’s Projects From Anywhere | Trello
Trello is a widely used project management app. Its user-friendly interface makes Trello an ideal choice for team project management. Below are the features, integration and pricing of the tool.
Features
The tool is simple, flexible and easy to use, making Trello an ideal choice for team project management. Trello features include:
- Boards, Lists and Cards where Trello uses a hierarchical structure to represent projects, categories and tasks
- Drag and Drop Interface
- Create checklists
- Due dates and Reminders
- Attach files from various cloud storage services to cards
- Activity log that tracks all changes made to cards, lists and boards
Integration
Trello can be integrated with various project management tools to streamline workflows and enhance project management capabilities—few examples of project management integrations available for Trello Include Jira, Asana, GitHub and many more.
Pricing
- The free plan has limited features and boards
- The Standard plan is $50 per month, per user
- The Premium plan is $17.50 per user per month, with discounts for more than 250 people
- The Enterprise plan has custom pricing and a security option
2. Zoho Projects
Zoho | Cloud Software Suite for Businesses
Zoho Projects is a project management app that offers a range of features to help teams plan, collaborate and execute projects effectively. The tool also provides a comprehensive set of functionalities to support project planning, execution, collaboration and tracking, making it a useful solution for project management needs.
Features
- Task Management tools where one can create tasks, assign them to team members, set due dates, and track progress.
- Gantt Charts and Timelines allow you to visualize project schedules, task dependencies and critical paths
- Foster collaboration through project-specific discussions, forums and document sharing
- Resource Management
- Timesheets for tracking time spent on tasks and projects
- Reporting and Analytics to generate reports and visual dashboards to gain insights into project progress, team performance, and resource utilization
- Store and share project-related files and documents in a centralized repository through Document Management
- Issue Tracking and Bug Management
Integration
Zoho Projects integrates with a variety of third-party applications and services to enhance its functionality and enable seamless data exchange. Some notable integrations available with Zoho Projects are Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk, Zoho Books, Zoho Analytics, Zoho Cliq, Google Apps, Slack, GitHub and Bitbucket and Zapier.
Pricing
- Free – fit for small teams and individuals who need basic project management features
- Premium $4 per user per month – suitable for teams who need more advanced project management capabilities
- Enterprise $9 per user per month – perfect for large organizations with complex project management needs
3. ProofHub
ProofHub: Project Management & Team Collaboration Software
ProofHub is a project management and collaboration software that optimizes project work and enhances team productivity. Under one software solution, you can simplify project management, improve collaboration and centralize project-related tasks and communication.
Features
- Task Management tools where one can create tasks and assign them to team members
- Kanban boards where one can visualize tasks with customizable columns
- Plan and schedule tasks using Gantt charts
- Schedule and manage project deadlines, events, and milestones in a shared calendar
- Share files and documents with team members, clients, or stakeholders
- Use @mentions to engage in team discussions, share and communicate effectively.
- Track time spent on tasks and projects
- Gain insights into project progress and team performance through visual reports and analytics.
- Customize workflows to match your team's processes and pre-defined project templates for common workflows.
- Access ProofHub on the go with mobile apps for iOS and Android devices
Integration
Integrate with third-party applications such as Google Drive, Dropbox Onebox and more.
Pricing
ProofHub has a flat rate plan of $99/month.
4. Wrike
Versatile & Robust Project Management Software | Wrike
Wrike is a comprehensive project management software that offers a wide range of features to help teams plan, track and collaborate on projects. Here are some key features of Wrike.
- Task Management tools
- Gantt Charts: Visualize project timelines and dependencies using interactive Gantt charts. Identify critical paths, adjust schedules, and track progress.
- Collaboration and Communication: Foster collaboration through task discussions, @mentions, and real-time commenting. Share files, provide feedback, and keep conversations organized within tasks.
- Document Management
- Time Tracking and Resource Management
- Reporting and Analytics
- Project Templates and Blueprints: Utilize pre-defined project templates and blueprints to jumpstart new projects
- Automation and Workflow Management
- Access Wrike on the go with mobile apps for iOS and Android devices
Integration
Wrike offers various integrations to enhance its functionality and streamline project workflows. A few examples of Integration with other business tools and systems include Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, Google Drive, Slack and more.
Pricing
- Basic – This is a free plan designed for teams getting started
- Professional plan for growing teams - $9.80/user/month
- Business plan for all teams across an organization - $24.80/user/month
- Enterprise plan for large teams - upon request
- Pinnacle plan for teams with complex work needs - upon request
5. Asana
Manage your team’s work, projects, & tasks online • Asana
Asana is a popular project management software that helps teams organize and manage their work efficiently. It offers a range of features and functionalities to streamline project workflows and collaboration.
Features
- Task Management tools allow you to create tasks, assign them to team members, set due dates and track progress.
- Gantt charts and timeline views to visualize project schedules and dependencies.
- Collaboration and Communication allow users to comment on tasks, have discussions and share updates. You can attach files to tasks and projects through File Sharing and Attachment.
- Reporting and Analytics provide insights into project progress, team productivity and workload distribution.
Integration
Asana integrates with a wide range of tools and applications to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. Popular integration includes Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365, Jira and more. It also integrates with popular communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams to facilitate real-time communication.
Pricing
Asana pricing includes:
- Basic, which is free for 15 users
- Premium US$10.99 per user, per month billed annually or US$ 13.49 billed monthly
- Business US$24.99 per user, per month billed annually or US$ 30.49 billed monthly
6. Smartsheet
Modern Project & Work Management Platform | Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a collaborative work management platform that helps teams and organizations plan, track, automate, and report on their work.
Features
- Project and Task Management: Create projects, set up tasks, assign owners and establish dependencies. Organize tasks in a hierarchical structure, set due dates and track progress.
- Collaboration and Communication: Smartsheet provides real-time collaboration features allowing team members to comment, share updates, and attach files to tasks and projects. You can also use @mentions to notify specific users and facilitate communication.
- Data Management and Visualization: Smartsheet enables you to store and manage data within sheets. It also offers various visualization options like charts, Gantt charts and calendars.
- Automation and Workflows: Smartsheet offers automation features to streamline repetitive tasks and workflows
Integration
Smartsheet integrates with a wide range of applications to enhance collaboration and data synchronization. Popular integrations include Microsoft Office 365, Google Drive, Salesforce, Jira, and more.
Pricing
- Pro $7 per month per user, if paid annually or $9 per month per user, if billed monthly
- Business $25 per month per user, if paid annually or $32 per month per user, if billed annually
- Enterprise Plan available on request
7. Jira
Jira | Issue & Project Tracking Software | Atlassian
Jira is a widely used project management tool utilized by teams for managing projects, tracking tasks and collaborating on work. It offers a range of features that help teams organize, track and deliver work efficiently.
Features
- Issue tracking creates and tracks issues or tasks throughout the project lifecycle.
- Jira provides robust support for Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban.
- Agile boards visualize the workflow, enabling teams to track progress.
- Jira allows users to define and customize workflows.
- Through collaboration and communication, team members can comment on issues, tag other team members and attach files or screenshots.
- Reporting and analytics help teams monitor progress, track metrics, and gain insights into their projects.
Integration
Jira integrates with development tools like Bitbucket and GitHub for source code management as well as with popular communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams for real-time updates and notifications.
Pricing
- Jira Free – for small teams with limited project management needs
- Jira Standard $7.75 per user per month – suitable for small organizations that require additional file storage, user roles, and permissions
- Jira Premium $15.25 per user per month – ideal for multiple teams needing more advanced functionalities
- Jira Enterprise – perfect for large businesses that require a more comprehensive solution with advanced analytics and security features
8. Basecamp
Basecamp is a project management and collaboration tool that helps teams stay organized, communicate effectively, and manage projects efficiently. It offers a range of features and functionalities designed to simplify project management and enhance team collaboration.
Features
- Create projects and organize them into separate workspaces.
- Robust to-do list feature that allows you to create tasks, assign them to team members, set due dates, and track progress.
- Upload and share files with team members within the project workspaces.
- Calendar feature allows you to create and manage project schedules, milestones and events.
- Collaboration and Notifications keep teams informed through notifications.
- Basecamp includes client collaboration features that allow you to invite clients and stakeholders to participate in projects.
Integration
Basecamp allows custom integrations with external tools and applications such as Zapier, Hey, GitHub, Slack and more.
Pricing
Basecamp has a flat pricing model called Basecamp Pro Unlimited, allowing unlimited users at a price of $199.
9. Kanban
Kanban Software for Agile Project Management (kanbanize.com)
Kanban is a project management methodology that focuses on visualizing work, limiting work in progress (WIP) and optimizing flow. Kanbanize is a dedicated Kanban project management tool that provides comprehensive features for implementing and managing Kanban workflows. It offers customizable Kanban boards, automation, analytics, and integrations to enhance team collaboration and productivity.
Features
- Kanbanize offers customizable Kanban boards where teams can create and manage their work items.
- Kanbanize allows you to define custom fields and attributes for your work items, such as due dates, priorities, labels, and more.
- Kanbanize enables you to set Work-in-Progress (WIP) limits for each column on your Kanban board. WIP limits help teams maintain a manageable workload, prevent bottlenecks, and optimize flow.
- Kanbanize offers automation capabilities to streamline repetitive tasks and enforce business rules.
Integration
Kanbanize integrates with various tools and platforms like Jira, GitHub, Slack, Microsoft Teams and more.
Pricing
- Month-on-Month Plan where $179/month, which is billed monthly.
- Annual Plan where $149/month billed annually.
10. ClickUp
ClickUp™ | One app to replace them all
ClickUp is a comprehensive project management tool that offers a wide range of features to help teams organize, manage and collaborate on their projects.
Features
- ClickUp allows you to create tasks, assign them to team members, set due dates and track their progress.
- Board view and Calendar view.
- ClickUp offers features for team collaboration and communication where you can add comments, tag team members and have threaded discussions on tasks.
- Automation features that help streamline repetitive tasks and save time.
- Customizable dashboards and reporting capabilities to track project progress and performance
Integration
ClickUp integrates with a wide range of external tools and services, allowing you to connect ClickUp with other apps like Google Drive and Dropbox, GitHub and GitLab and others.
Pricing
- Free Forever is suitable for personal use
- Unlimited plan suitable for small teams: $5 per member per month
- Business Plan suitable for mid-size teams: $12 per member per month
- Business Plus Plan is best for multiple teams: $19 per member per month
- Enterprise best for many large teams – Pricing available on request
Choosing the best project management tool can be a subjective decision based on the team’s specific requirements and preferences. A project manager must be well-informed and technically sound to make the right decision. A lot of Project Management certification courses are available for project managers to upscale their project management skills.
Key factors in choosing the top project management tools:
- Start by defining your project requirements and objectives.
- Look for a tool that is intuitive and user-friendly. You can try one of the free project management tools available in the market for better clarity.
- Evaluate the features and functionalities offered by different project management tools.
- Consider how well the tool supports team collaboration.
- Consider the scalability of the project management tool.
- Evaluate whether the project management tool integrates with other software and tools that you use in your workflow.
- Determine whether the tool allows customization to fit your specific project management processes and workflows.
- Consider whether the tool can be accessed from various devices and operating systems.
- Evaluate the cost structure of the project management tool.
- Read user reviews and seek recommendations from peers or industry experts.
Project management tools offer numerous benefits that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of project management processes. Even with the best tools, an incompetent project manager will lack the skills to complete the project. Hence upskilling to make sound decisions is a must. One such certification to help you upskill is KnowledgeHut's best PMP certification program. This program prepares the project manager to handle projects with clarity and the right focus. Below is a list of the key benefits of using project management tools:
- Organization and Planning: Project management tools provide a centralized platform for organizing and planning project activities.
- Collaboration and Communication: Project management tools facilitate collaboration and communication among team members.
- Task and Resource Management: These tools allow you to create, assign and track tasks, thus enabling efficient task management.
- Document and File Management: this tool allows the user to store, organize and share project-related documents, files and other assets under a single platform.
- Tracking and Reporting: With project management tools, you can track project progress, monitor key performance indicators and generate reports on various project metrics.
- Time and Cost Management: These tools help manage project timelines and budgets.
- Risk and Issue Management: Project management tools provide features to identify, assess and manage project risks and issues.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Project management tools are scalable and can accommodate projects of varying sizes and complexities.
Conclusion
Project management tools have become indispensable for modern project management practices. They offer a wide range of features and functionalities that enhance project organization, task and resource management, collaboration, communication, and tracking. These tools help project managers to run their projects smoothly without any hassles.
With their capabilities and advanced options, project management tools are designed to meet the specific needs of different projects and industries. By taking advantage of these tools, organizations can improve project outcomes, deliver projects within constraints and achieve greater success.
