These are the 10 best free project management software options for project managers of every experience level, based on our hands-on experience.
- Notion – Best Overall All-in-One Solution
- Trello – Best for Visual Task Management
- ClickUp – Best Multi-Feature Tool
- Jira – Best for Agile Teams and/or Software Development
- Wrike – Best Security on a Free Plan
- Asana – Best Performance and Interface
- Google Sheets – Best Versatile Tool
- Confluence – Best Digital Team Workspace
- Smartsheet – Best for Reports
- Taskade – Best AI Support for Project Setup and Ideation
Our editorially independent picks are based on first-party research and hands-on experience of our writers and editors.
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Our Picks
Project management software is vital for teams of all sizes, but choosing the wrong tool can lead to overspending. Even budget-friendly options can become costly with advanced features or add-ons. Luckily, several free project management tools offer great value. Here are our top recommendations for reliable options that get the job done.
Best Overall All-in-One Solution
Notion is a multifunctional tool that can function as a team wiki, visual design board, and note-taking hub, among other uses. Designed for extensive customization, Notion offers multiple task views, workflow automation, a variety of customizable task fields, and 10,000 ready-to-use templates.
Its attractive interface includes simple drag-and-drop navigation, a single pop-out tab for overseeing multiple projects, and customizable project covers and icons. It also has highly active user communities, allowing you to trade tips with other users and find more ways to tailor-fit your Notion according to your needs.
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Standout Features
Extreme customizability: Notion offers high flexibility, allowing users to tailor their workspace to fit their specific needs.
Cross-project linking: Users can easily create embedded links within any project page, enabling quick navigation to other projects, documents, notes, or roadmaps.
Quick automations: Notion’s workflow automations are user-friendly and can be seamlessly applied to any project within your workspace.
Embedded AI*: Notion’s new generative AI features enable users to input commands for immediate results, whether it’s generating tables, drafting documents, or enhancing existing text.
*Note: Notion AI incurs an additional fee of $10 per user per month on free plans and is not included in the free forever plan.
Learn more in our Notion software review.
Notion Pros & Cons
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Why we picked Notion
Notion’s free-forever plan is remarkably generous, offering features that cater to a wide range of use cases and quarterly product updates for continuous improvements. It’s an intuitive solution for newcomers to project management software and allows for detailed customization, from individual icons to project fields and beyond.
Whether you’re using Notion for personal or team projects, its extensive features and generous free plan make it an excellent choice for small businesses and teams looking to save money without sacrificing functionality.
Notion’s key difference: All-in-one project management solution
Notion offers extensive customization options, making it suitable for both personal and professional use across various industries. This versatility allows it to serve as a comprehensive tool for project teams, accommodating everything from wikis to project tracking. Additionally, its collaborative features and visually appealing interface contribute to its popularity within the productivity community.
How much does Notion cost?
Best for Visual Task Management
Trello is a kanban-style project management tool that is used by a number of teams to manage projects and tasks. Its free plan option includes a variety of features and capabilities for unlimited users, including unlimited tasks, unlimited storage space with a limit of 10 MB per file, and space for 10 boards per workspace. Among its other best free plan features are unlimited Power-Ups (plugins) per board, unlimited automation, command runs, an unlimited activity log, and project templates.
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Standout Features
Built-in automation: The Butler automation tool can be used to automate repeated tasks, set triggers, deploy custom card and board buttons, and suggest additional automation that may be helpful.
Power-Ups: Trello’s integrations can be used to connect to analytics and reporting, automation, HR, developer, design, and communication tools, among others.
Project templates: Project templates designed by the Trello community cover categories like education, design, engineering, marketing and sales, HR, and product management.
Learn more in our Trello software review.
Trello Pros & Cons
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Why we picked Trello
Trello is one of the easiest-to-use project management tools on the market because of its drag-and-drop, low-code design that resembles a kanban board. While this is not a great option if you’re looking for multiple project views, Trello’s a great fit for teams that want a simple user interface and a visual way to manage tasks and subtasks.
In addition to its user-friendly board-and-card design, Trello’s free plan offers features like unlimited cards (tasks), unlimited activity logs, unlimited Power-Ups (plug-ins) per board, unlimited storage, and built-in automation. It is one of the few free project management tools that offer unlimited access to its automation feature.
Trello’s key difference: Ease of use
Trello is widely considered one of the most easy-to-use project management tools. Free plan and paid plan users alike benefit from its highly visual approach to task management, which gives users drag-and-drop access to task “cards” that can include text, images, links, and other helpful visualizations for teams wanting to easily check the status of a particular project or task.
The smooth functionality and minimal interface of Trello allow for great ease of use. Although it has vast capabilities, users may enjoy it on a per-need basis, which makes it unintimidating even for individuals who are new to project management software.
How much does Trello cost?
Best Multi-Feature Tool
ClickUp stands out for its extensive range of native tools accessible even to free users, making it a versatile choice for project management. The platform offers a variety of views, including lists, boards, and calendars, which cater to different workflow preferences. While certain features, like the Gantt chart, have limitations in the free plan, users still benefit from a robust set of functionalities that enhance productivity.
In addition to its diverse views, ClickUp provides numerous collaborative features at no cost. Users can leverage in-app video recording to facilitate communication, send up to 100 emails directly from the application, and utilize assigned comments for streamlined feedback. Furthermore, the platform allows for 100 uses of collaborative annotations on images and PDFs, fostering teamwork and ensuring that all members can contribute effectively to projects. This combination of tools makes ClickUp an attractive option for teams looking to enhance their collaboration and project management capabilities without incurring costs.
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Standout Features
Unlimited tasks: ClickUp grants free users unlimited tasks, 100 lists (projects) per space, and 5 spaces.
Unlimited custom views: For teams that need a greater level of customization over their project views, ClickUp’s free plan offers unlimited custom view options.
50+ native integrations: ClickUp free plan members can expand the functionality of the software by utilizing over 50 native integration options such as Slack, Toggl Track, and Google Suite.
Learn more in our ClickUp software review.
ClickUp Pros & Cons
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Why we picked ClickUp
Finding a project management solution with robust collaboration features and many native functionalities for various needs such as time tracking and sprint management, can be challenging. But in the free project management solution category, few vendors offer more than a handful of (generally limited) options.
In comparison, ClickUp’s collaborative features shine in addition to an already generous free plan. Small and large teams can enjoy collaborative functionality without missing out on essential project management features, such as reporting, task management, and workflow automation.
ClickUp’s key difference: Robust collaboration features
ClickUp is dedicated to maximizing value for users by offering a comprehensive suite of built-in functionalities, particularly in its free-forever plan. This commitment to providing more for less is evident in its robust collaboration features, which facilitate seamless communication and teamwork among users. Actions such as assigning tasks, commenting, and in-app messaging are made easy, further enhancing collaborative experience and allowing teams to work together efficiently without the need for additional software.
Moreover, ClickUp boasts an extensive selection of integrations with popular applications, enabling users to streamline their workflows and consolidate their tools within a single platform. By combining powerful collaboration tools with a wide array of integrations, ClickUp empowers users to achieve their goals while keeping costs to a minimum, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
How much does ClickUp cost?
Best for Agile Teams and/or Software Development
Jira Software is an outstanding project management tool specifically designed for software development teams, and its free version offers a wealth of powerful features, including essential functionalities such as customizable workflows, agile boards, and backlog management — which all help teams effectively plan, track, and execute their projects.
Moreover, the free plan supports up to 10 users, making it ideal for small teams or startups looking to implement agile methodologies without the financial burden. With features like basic reporting and integration capabilities, users can gain valuable insights into their project progress and collaborate seamlessly.
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Standout Features
Agile project management features: Jira Software allows users to easily create sprints, prioritize backlogs, and track progress in real time, facilitating a smooth agile process that enhances team collaboration and productivity. The free version also provides essential tools for managing user stories, epics, and tasks, enabling teams to break down their projects into manageable components.
Comprehensive dashboards: The dashboards feature within Jira allows users to monitor essential stats and work overviews across multiple projects at once, including projects and data housed within other Jira products to view organization-wide efforts in one spot easily.
Reporting options: With built-in reporting features like burndown charts and velocity tracking, teams can gain valuable insights into their performance and make data-driven decisions.
Learn more in our Jira software review.
Jira Pros & Cons
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Why we picked Jira
Jira Software is designed to cater to the unique workflows of software development teams, particularly those employing agile methodologies. Jira also offers generous reporting and dashboard options at no cost, providing users with valuable insights into their performance and project progress. Project team members can create customizable dashboards that display key metrics, such as sprint velocity and burndown charts, enabling them to monitor their efficiency and make informed decisions. These robust reporting features enhance transparency and collaboration within teams, making Jira a powerful choice for software development projects while remaining accessible to those on a budget.
Jira’s key difference: Comprehensive issue-tracking capabilities
Aside from its free plan offering extensive reporting functionalities compared to other options, Jira’s key focus is on project management and issue tracking. It provides a robust platform for planning, tracking, and managing agile software projects through features like customizable workflows, sprint planning, backlog prioritization, and real-time reporting.
How much does Jira cost?
Best Security on a Free Plan
Wrike is a project management platform that particularly excels in providing user-friendly task and subtask management capabilities. With Wrike’s free plan option, unlimited users can access custom work views, project templates, account-wide work schedules, and 2 GB of storage space. It is a particularly effective solution for teams that are new to project management software and want an easy-to-use product.
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Standout Features
Enterprise-grade security: Wrike offers robust data protection measures such as double encryption, selective sharing, and a global server presence, even on its free-forever plan.
Work intelligence: Wrike’s free-forever plan includes a feature called Smart Search, which enhances the user experience by allowing users to quickly locate tasks, projects, and documents within the platform.
Email notifications and integration: Wrike integrates with users’ email inboxes, allowing them to create, assign, schedule, and edit tasks directly from their email accounts.
Learn more in our Wrike software review.
Wrike Pros & Cons
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Why we picked Wrike
Wrike is a robust project management tool that excels in providing essential features suitable for teams of all sizes. Its Smart Search functionality, which acts as a Work Intelligence tool available even in the free plan, allows users to quickly locate tasks, projects, and documents, enhancing overall efficiency.
Additionally, Wrike’s commitment to enterprise-level security ensures that sensitive data is protected with features like double encryption and role-based access control. This combination of usability, advanced search capabilities, and strong security makes Wrike a compelling choice for organizations looking to streamline their project management processes while maintaining data integrity.
Wrike’s key difference: Enterprise-grade security
Wrike’s free plan emphasizes providing essential project management features while ensuring enterprise-grade security. The platform includes robust data protection measures such as double encryption, selective sharing, and a global server presence, which collectively safeguard user data and ensure compliance with various privacy certifications. By combining essential project management tools with high-level security, Wrike effectively meets the needs of teams looking for a reliable and secure project management solution.
How much does Wrike cost?
Best for Third-Party Integrations
Asana is a leading project management solution for teams of all backgrounds and focus areas. In its free version, Asana gives up to 15 users access to unlimited projects, unlimited tasks, and unlimited storage with 100 MB maximum file size. Some of its standout free plan features include access to a calendar view, project overviews and briefs, unlimited activity logs, and access to user-friendly mobile apps.
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Standout Features
Unlimited tasks and projects: Task features include assignees and due dates, task-level commenting, and file attachments.
Project views: Views available to free plan users include list, board, calendar, and a project overview option.
Smooth performance, and intuitive interface: Asana has a modern and minimalist design that makes it a joy to use.
Learn more in our Asana software review.
Asana Pros & Cons
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Why we picked Asana
Although Asana’s free plan does not provide features as extensive as its counterparts, it excels in delivering a solid foundation for project management. With its intuitive interface and smooth functionality across desktop, web, and mobile platforms, Asana makes it easy for users to manage tasks and collaborate effectively.
The free version includes essential tools like task creation, project organization, and basic collaboration features, ensuring that teams can stay organized and productive. This combination of usability and essential functionality makes Asana a worthy choice for those seeking a reliable project management tool without the need for advanced features.
Asana’s key difference: Intuitive interface
Asana stands out for free users due to its highly intuitive interface and robust task management capabilities, allowing teams to create and manage unlimited tasks and projects with ease. The free version provides essential features such as unlimited tasks and projects, and basic collaboration tools, including comments and notifications, which enhance team communication.
How much does Asana cost?
Best Versatile Tool
While Google Sheets may not have all the advanced features of dedicated project management software, its versatility, collaboration capabilities, and cost-effectiveness make it a valuable tool for teams looking to manage projects efficiently without spending money.
Google Sheets spotlights real-time collaboration, allowing multiple team members to work on the same document simultaneously, which fosters teamwork without the need for constant meetings. Its flexibility allows teams to create customized task lists, timelines, and even Gantt charts, while integration capabilities with various project management tools streamline workflows. Users can build dynamic progress reports by consolidating data from multiple sources, making it easier to track project status and performance.
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Standout Features
Free form and reporting: Google Sheets can be customized to suit various project management needs. Teams can create task lists, timelines, and Gantt charts and even track budgets and expenses using templates. Users can also build dynamic progress reports by consolidating data from multiple sources, making it easier to track project status and performance
Collaboration features: Google Sheets allows real-time collaboration, enabling multiple team members to work on the same document at the same time. Users can leave comments, make edits, and suggest changes, fostering teamwork without the need for constant meetings
Integration capabilities: Google Sheets can integrate with various project management tools, allowing teams to sync data and streamline workflows across different platforms
Learn more about the Best PM Software for Google Workspace Users.
Google Sheets Pros & Cons
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Why we picked Google Sheets
Google Sheets is the most straightforward option for project management teams looking to cut costs and avoid the learning curve associated with new tools. Its intuitive interface is especially beneficial for users already familiar with spreadsheets, allowing teams to quickly set up and manage their projects without extensive training.
Additionally, Google Sheets is completely free and robust, backed by Google’s reliable infrastructure. It also offers seamless integration with numerous project management tools, enhancing its functionality and enabling teams to streamline their workflows effectively.
Google Sheet’s key difference: Straightforward approach to project tracking
Google Sheets focuses on providing a versatile and collaborative platform for project management, emphasizing real-time teamwork and efficient data organization. Its intuitive spreadsheet format allows users to easily track progress, analyze project metrics, and visualize information through charts and graphs, facilitating informed decision-making.
As a free tool accessible from any device, Google Sheets offers a cost-effective solution for teams looking to manage projects without financial constraints. Its integration capabilities with various project management tools enhance functionality, while the customization options allow users to create tailored workflows that meet their specific needs.
How much does Google Sheets cost?
Free forever; no paid plan.
Best Digital Team Workspace
Confluence is a collaborative project management tool that serves as a digital workspace for teams to create, share, and manage projects efficiently. It allows users to document processes, brainstorm ideas, and maintain a centralized knowledge base, enhancing team alignment and productivity.
The free version of Confluence includes unlimited pages and spaces for organizing project documentation and trackers, a variety of templates to streamline project planning, and up to three active whiteboards per user for brainstorming and visual collaboration.
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Standout Features
Unlimited flexible pages: The free version of Confluence allows users to create an unlimited number of pages and spaces. With the flexibility of Confluence, this means all trackers, documentation, wikis, collaborations, and more can all be in one platform.
Templates for various use cases: Confluence offers a library of templates designed for different purposes including project plans, meeting notes, and marketing strategies. This feature helps users get started quickly and ensures that they have the right structure for their documents.
Confluence sites: Confluence sites provide a centralized hub for project management and collaboration, offering a single source of truth for up-to-date project information that enhances accessibility and reduces confusion. The free plan allows project managers to have one.
Learn more in our Confluence software review.
Confluence Pros & Cons
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Why we picked Confluence
Confluence is a team workspace that provides dynamic pages for teams to create any type of database or document that is necessary for their project. Teams can leverage its features to create a centralized knowledge base, document processes, and maintain alignment on project goals and progress — for free. The ability to use templates and whiteboards also enhance creativity and organization, making it a powerful tool for teams of all sizes.
Confluence’s key difference: Centralized knowledge base
Confluence primarily focuses on knowledge management and team collaboration. It serves as a digital workspace where teams can document processes, share information, and collaborate on projects. Users of the free-forever plan will enjoy many of these benefits such as unlimited pages, templates, and basic collaboration tools. However, they may miss out on advanced features like external collaboration and enhanced support that come with the paid plans.
How much does Confluence cost?
Best for Reports
Smartsheet is a collaborative project management tool that uses a spreadsheet-like interface, which makes it highly familiar for many project managers. The free-forever version includes multiple project views (grid, Gantt, calendar, and card), pre-built templates for quick project setup, and robust collaboration tools that allow team members to share updates and comment on tasks. These features are particularly useful for project managers looking to streamline their processes and improve team communication without any financial commitment.
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Standout Features
Efficient reporting and dashboards: Customizable dashboards and comprehensive reporting allow for the aggregation of data from multiple sheets, automated reporting, and interactive elements that enhance analytical capabilities.
Pre-built templates: Smartsheet offers a selection of pre-built project templates that can significantly reduce setup time. Users can start their projects quickly by selecting a template that fits their needs and customizing it with their data, streamlining the project initiation process.
Collaboration features: The platform includes tools that enable team members to share updates, comment on tasks, and work together in real time. This feature fosters communication and promotes team collaboration, ultimately improving productivity and boosting project success.
Learn more in our Smartsheet software review.
Smartsheet Pros & Cons
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Why we picked Smartsheet
The free version of Smartsheet empowers teams to manage their projects efficiently with features like multiple views, pre-built templates, and collaboration tools.
Smartsheet’s key difference: Efficient reports and flexible views
Smartsheet primarily focuses on project management and data analysis. It has impressive team communication features and user-friendly reports and dashboard capabilities, even in the free version. Users of the free forever plan will also enjoy many of these benefits, such as access to multiple project views, templates, and collaboration features.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Best AI Support for Project Setup and Ideation
Taskade is a distinctive project management tool that offers a refreshing alternative to traditional project management software. While it may not include all the typical project management features, its free plan provides several essential tools that can greatly benefit teams looking for a streamlined solution. These tools include task management, integrated chat and calls, mobile applications, and present templates, making Taskade a versatile option for various collaborative needs.
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AI support: One of the most compelling aspects of Taskade is its AI support, even within its free plan. This feature helps quicken the project setup process, generate ideas, and optimize workflows.
Task management templates: Taskade offers a variety of project management templates that help users get started quickly. These templates cater to different project types, allowing teams to customize their workflows and organize tasks efficiently without starting from scratch.
Native video call and meetings: The free forever plan allows up to 5 attendees for calls and meetings inside the platform.
Learn more in our Taskade software review.
Taskade Pros & Cons
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Why we picked Taskade
Taskade is a project management tool that offers unlimited tasks, making it an excellent choice for small, collaborative teams. This core feature allows users to manage extensive task lists efficiently, promoting clarity and accountability within the team. Additionally, Taskade provides solid AI support even in its free plan, enabling teams to automate repetitive tasks and optimize workflows, which enhances overall productivity.
However, Taskade may not be suitable for larger or more complex projects that require advanced features such as detailed reporting or resource allocation. While it excels in simplicity and ease of use, its limitations in handling intricate project requirements may not meet the needs of all teams.
Taskade’s key difference: Assistive AI features
Taskade emphasizes its assistive AI capabilities, making it accessible across all plans, including the free version. Users can leverage AI features to automate tasks, generate workflows, and enhance productivity, even without a paid subscription. This inclusivity allows teams to benefit from AI support without financial commitment, making Taskade an attractive option for small teams and individuals looking to streamline their project management processes.
The free plan includes essential AI functionalities, such as one AI agent and limited AI requests per month, enabling users to create and manage tasks effectively. This focus on AI integration not only enhances the user experience but also positions Taskade as a competitive choice among project management tools, particularly for those seeking cost-effective solutions with robust collaborative features.
How much does Taskade cost?
To put together this guide to the best free project management software, we assessed over 30 different free project management solutions, including both closed-source and open-source options. We tested a number of these tools through hands-on experimentation, but for every tool, we looked closely at the vendors’ product documentation and website, as well as user reviews and case studies.
All tools were assessed based on the following criteria:
- How many users can access the free tool?
- How many projects and tasks are available in the free tool?
- How much storage space is available?
- What reporting and dashboarding capabilities are natively available?
We also considered factors like built-in automation, accessibility of third-party integrations, and the types of customer support resources that are available to free plan users. In general, we focused our selection on tools that offered the best variety of features and accessibility for a small team. Our goal was to select project management software that is best for teams of around five people who are running five to ten projects at a time.
What Are the Most Important Features of Project Management Software?
Selecting the appropriate features for your team will depend on factors such as team size, the complexity of your projects, and the types of projects and use cases you handle. However, below are basic features you may want to look for when choosing the tool for you and your team.
Task management
Project management tools should allow your team to easily assign and manage both tasks and subtasks while providing automated notifications and workflows. This functionality not only enhances productivity but also fosters better collaboration and communication within the team.
Communication and collaboration tools
The best free tools support communication and collaboration through push notifications, tags, built-in or third-party chat, and task-specific or file-specific commenting capabilities. When equipped with the right communication and collaboration features, project management tools can improve coordination and transparency, enhance the feedback processes, support remote work, and foster knowledge sharing.
Customizations
Although total customization opportunities for free tools may be limited, many free project management tools still allow users to create custom workflows, task types, project templates, fields, and more. If high levels of customization are particularly important to your team and you have the in-house skills to build your own customizations, a free open-source project management solution may be your best bet.
Reporting and dashboards
Although many free project management solutions do not natively include reporting or dashboarding capabilities, most at least give users the option to integrate third-party analytics and reporting. Look for tools that allow you to easily assess performance both on a per-project and portfolio-wide basis.
Customer support resources
Many free tools only offer users access to knowledge base articles rather than customer support representatives. Some of the best free tools, however, allow users to submit support tickets and contact their teams via email, call, or chat — similar to paid plan users.
Read more: Key Features of Project Management Software
Benefits of Free Project Management Software
Though free project management software usually offers limited features that may put larger, more complex project teams at a disadvantage, this type of PM software also offers distinct benefits for the right users:
- Affordability: With the exception of optional add-ons, free project management software comes at no cost, often for multiple users. As long as your organization grows within the parameters of a free plan, you will not have to pay more even as your team, projects, or task lists grow.
- Scalability: Free tools by themselves do not always have all of the features a user may need, but they typically can scale up in a variety of ways. Users have the option to integrate their tool with other PM and industry-specific applications, customize tools and templates to meet their specific requirements, and if all else fails, upgrade to a paid tier.
- Ease of use: Free PM solutions tend to focus on core project management functions and ease of use. Instead of getting lost in endless customizations and workflows, users can focus on simple task management, communication, and analytics.
Limitations of Free Project Management Software
While free project management software can be appealing, especially for startups and small businesses, it often comes with several limitations that can hinder project efficiency and effectiveness. Here are some key drawbacks to consider:
- Limited features: Many free tools come as basic “to-do” lists, lacking comprehensive features necessary for managing complex projects. They may not support critical functionalities such as task dependencies, project timelines, or advanced reporting capabilities, making it difficult to manage interdependent tasks and advanced projects effectively.
- Lack of customization: Many free project management solutions offer little to no customization options. This rigidity means that users cannot adapt the software to fit their specific workflows or methodologies, which can be a significant drawback for teams with unique project requirements or those planning for rapid growth
- User and project limitations: Free versions frequently impose restrictions on the number of users, projects, or data storage. These limitations can hinder collaboration and scalability, forcing teams to upgrade to paid plans sooner than anticipated.
- Inadequate support and training: Free software typically lacks dedicated customer support and training resources. Users may find themselves without assistance when issues arise, leading to potential downtime and frustration. In contrast, paid options often come with comprehensive support and training to ensure user satisfaction.
- Higher security risks: Free project management tools may not prioritize data security, posing risks to sensitive company information. Users must pay attention to the security measures in place, as inadequate protection can lead to data breaches or loss of critical information.
- Limited integration capabilities: Free tools often have fewer integration options with other software applications. This limitation can hinder workflow efficiency and prevent teams from leveraging existing tools they rely on for various business functions.
So Is “Free Software” Really Free?
Would it surprise you if we answered, “Sort of”?
With development, launch, and first-year costs ranging from $300,000 to well over $2.5 million, launching a software platform of any kind is not for the faint of heart—or the light of wallet.
For the past two decades, as we’ve covered project management and project management software, we’ve witnessed a category that began as souped-up task lists and reskinned spreadsheets grow into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Some sources, like Zion Market Research, project that the category will reach a staggering $15.08 billion by 2030.
We’re no accountants, but you don’t get to $15 billion a year by giving your product away for free.
Instead, it’s common practice for vendors to offer potential users a chance to try the software, recognize its value, and then encourage them to sign up for paid plans. Vendors make strategic choices in determining what their free offering will include, and these decisions typically involve:
- All features or limited features?
- Free forever or free for a limited time?
- Free for one person or free for an entire team or company?
Each option has its pros and cons. However, free plans usually come with some form of limitation, such as:
- The number of licenses (or “seats”)
- The number of projects, boards, or items
- The number of automations or integrations
- Access to advanced levels of user support
At Project-Management.com, we believe that if a tool creates value for you, it’s worth paying for. Doing so keeps developers viable and enables them to continue providing the constant updates needed to keep these mission-critical systems running smoothly. When you consider the pricing for the paid options, the cost often comes out to well under a dollar per day.
So, take advantage of these vendors’ free offerings to test and evaluate. But when the time comes, make room in your budget—no matter how small—to pay for the tools that make your projects a success.
What Are the Most Important Purchase Considerations for Project Management Software?
Free project management solutions run the gamut of included features and capabilities, so it’s important to first determine what you want and need most before getting started.
For small businesses: Cost, task and project management, collaboration with small teams, scalability
If you’re balancing a lot of projects and tasks and need a tool where you can keep them all straight, ClickUp, Asana, or Jira are likely your best options. All of these solutions allow for unlimited projects in their free plans. Trello may also be a good option, as the software supports unlimited tasks and 10 boards per workspace.
For mid-sized businesses: Collaboration for a larger team, automations, cost, file management and storage, integrations
If you’re working with a large team but looking to keep project management costs at a minimum, Trello, Wrike, or ClickUp are likely your best options. All three of these free project management solutions offer access to unlimited users, though some other features may be limited. They also offer some automations for free, which can allow you to streamline parts of your workflow.
For enterprises: Customizability, security, customer support, reporting
If you want free project management software but aren’t willing to sacrifice built-in reporting and analytics, ClickUp or Jira are your best options. These tools include some amount of native reporting and/or dashboarding capabilities in their free plan, whereas most other free solutions only have them as third-party integrations.
Other decision-making factors when selecting free project management software may include general ease of use. While setting your top priorities for a free project management solution, be sure to include a variety of stakeholders in the process so you can select the tool that best fits your organization’s diverse needs.
Conclusion
While free project management software can be a good starting point for small teams or simple projects, it is crucial to be aware of these limitations. As projects grow in complexity and teams expand, investing in a more robust, paid project management solution may be necessary to ensure effective project execution and team collaboration.
