7 Best Project Management Software for Mac

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Finding project management software for Mac that seamlessly integrates with their operating system can significantly enhance productivity and collaboration. From intuitive interfaces to robust features, the best project management solutions will elevate your Mac-powered project management experience. Here are our top picks:

  • Asana – Best Overall Pick
  • ClickUp – ClickUp: Best For Integration-Heavy Mac Users
  • Wrike – Best for Any Size Team
  • monday work management – Best for Communication & Collaboration
  • Todoist – Best for Simple Task Management
  • Notion – Best for Solopreneurs & Small Business Owners
  • Trello – Best Kanban Solution for Mac

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Our Picks: The Best Project Management Software for Mac

asana logo.

Asana: Best Overall Pick

Asana is one of the most versatile project management solutions on the market today, with features and price plans to fit the needs of individual users and large enterprises alike. Yet, out of all the types of users that can benefit from Asana, Mac users stand out as a top match for the solution. Users of the Mac-optimized Asana desktop app can enjoy unique features and customization options unavailable to browser users. To give Apple fans even more options, Asana also offers a mobile application for quick updates and work on the go.


Read more: Our Asana review


Asana mobile.

Example of Asana’s app-exclusive task transcription feature. Source: Asana, accessed January 2024. 

Key Features

Auto-create action items: Desktop users can transcribe their voice or transform pictures into automatic action items. 

Focus time: App-exclusive ability to set focus time by pausing notifications and setting individual task timers/limits. 

App-tailored organization options: The ability to single tap to organize, bookmark, and archive tasks, as well as view updates from a sole notification stream is helpful for mobile and desktop app users to stay in the loop and on top of work. 

Pros

  • Perks for Mac users: Unique app-exclusive features provide Mac users with a more robust experience than traditional browser users.
  • Wide range of capabilities: Asana stands out with extremely flexible use cases and feature options.
  • Generous free plan: If you aren’t sure if Asana is the best pick for you as a Mac user, you can utilize a generous free plan for up to 15 users.

Cons

  • Single-user task assignments: Only one user can be assigned per task, which is limiting for multi-user teams.
  • App lag: Users report occasional lag when using the desktop or mobile app.
  • Learning curve for app users: While Asana in general is known to have a learning curve, the additional features and unique layout of the application version create a larger learning curve for new users.

Why We Picked Asana

Overall, Asana shines as the top choice for Mac users because of the flexibility it provides users and the thoughtful design efforts that Mac users in particular can benefit from, such as app-exclusive features. With a sleek interface and a wide range of features to appeal to teams of all shapes and sizes, Asana is a great pick for Mac users who want a more personalized and customized feeling from their project management solution.

clickup logo.

ClickUp: Best For Integration-Heavy Mac Users

ClickUp is a flexible and user-driven solution that allows users to visualize tasks creatively, brainstorm project ideas (such as through the Whiteboard feature), and more. While its Mac-optimized desktop app offers a streamlined and focused project and task management experience, ClickUp also offers a mobile app for iPhone and a unique mobile app designed for Apple Watch users. Yet, even more, impressive still is ClickUp’s 1000+ native integration options that are available to users at no additional cost – making ClickUp by far the most impressive option for integration-heavy Mac users.


Read More: Our ClickUp Review


ClickUp app for Mac.

Example of a multi-project view in the ClickUp for Mac app.

Key Features

Multi-task action tools: Easily select multiple tasks or groups of tasks and make multiple changes with a single click.

Variety of view options: Mac users can visualize tasks through unique, HD view options that are extremely diverse compared to other solutions, such as Embed view, for example. 

Built-in emailing: Users can send and receive emails directly from ClickUp, limiting how often users need to jump around between apps.

Pros

  • Integration options: ClickUp excels at integration, including native, 100% free integration options such as Outlook, Google Workspace, Toggl Track, Slack, Dropbox, and more.
  • Built-in chat: ClickUp is one of the few project management solutions that offers a built-in messaging tool as a collaboration feature.
  • High degree of customization: In addition to giving Mac users a specially designed interface to enjoy, users can also customize many granular project elements.

Cons

  • View limits: Certain view types are limited by subscription type (only list, board, and calendar views are free for all plans).
  • Free plan limits: Overall, ClickUp’s free plan is extremely limited compared to other options.
  • Integration reauthorization: From time to time, users may need to reauthorize integration connections.

Why We Picked ClickUp

ClickUp is a powerhouse for Mac users with a sizeable pre-existing tech stack. Whereas other options force users through a third-party connector, like Zapier, ClickUp is a rare solution that offers plentiful native integration options. The Mac-optimized desktop app is sleek and easy to navigate, and what’s more, Apple fans can extend their ClickUp experience to iPhones, iPads, and even Apple Watch for project updates on the go. 

wrike logo.

Wrike: Best for Any Size Project Team

Wrike is another best-in-class project management tool for Mac designed to empower project managers and teams with efficient and collaborative project planning, tracking, and execution. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Wrike streamlines project management processes and enhances productivity. From task management and resource allocation to real-time collaboration and reporting, Wrike provides a centralized platform for project managers to efficiently organize and execute their projects. Its intuitive and customizable interface allows project managers to tailor the tool to their specific needs, creating seamless coordination, communication, and successful project delivery.


Read More: Our Complete Wrike Review


For Mac users, Wrike delivers native integration and optimal performance on the macOS platform. Whether you’re using a MacBook, iMac, iPad, or other Apple device, Wrike’s web and desktop applications provide a consistent and intuitive experience for Mac users.

Wrike’s native macOS application is specifically designed to leverage the capabilities and features of the operating system, ensuring smooth functionality, responsiveness, and compatibility. With its clean and visually appealing interface, Mac users can easily navigate and interact with Wrike, taking advantage of its robust project management capabilities while enjoying a positive user experience that aligns with the macOS ecosystem. From creating and tracking tasks to collaborating with team members, Mac users will find Wrike to be a reliable and efficient tool for managing their projects from beginning to end.

Wrike's dashboard view, including AI-generated recommendations on tasks the user might need to complete.

Wrike’s dashboard view, with AI recommendations.

Key Features

Native macOS application – Wrike provides a dedicated native application for macOS, offering seamless integration and optimized performance on Mac devices. The native app leverages the capabilities of the operating system, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience.

Intuitive user interface – Wrike’s user interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing Mac users to easily navigate the tool and access its various features. The interface is visually appealing, providing a clean and organized workspace for project management tasks.

Robust collaboration tools – Wrike offers powerful collaboration features, enabling Mac users the ability to collaborate with their larger project team. These tools include real-time updates, task assignments, file sharing, comments, and notifications, facilitating seamless communication and teamwork within projects.

Pros

  • Templates: Wrike offers a variety of templates for a quick start-up process.
  • Tagging capabilities: Cross-tagging for visibility across multiple work streams.
  • Approvals and proofing: Streamlined proofing and collaboration in one place.

Cons

  • Form limitations: Users report limitations with Wrike’s form-building function, including that it lacks extensive customization options.
  • Pricing: A complex pricing structure can make budgeting complicated.
  • Load times: The interface can be sluggish at times.

Why We Picked Wrike

Based on professional real-world observations and the overall positive feedback from project managers using Wrike on a Mac, we recommend Wrike as a top project management solution for Mac users. Its user-friendly interface, collaboration features, task management capabilities, and integration options make it a powerful tool to enhance project efficiency, collaboration, and success. Wrike seamlessly integrates with Mac operating systems, providing an intuitive and user-friendly experience and an interface that is optimized for Mac users.

The system integrates with various Mac productivity tools, such as Apple Calendar, Mail, and Contacts, allowing project managers to streamline their workflow and centralize project-related information. Wrike excels in facilitating collaboration among any size team, enabling seamless communication, file sharing, and task management. Advanced features offered in the paid tiers will give you all you need to work smarter and customize the system to the way you want to get work done.

monday.com: Best for Communication and Collaboration

monday work management (often shortened to monday) is a popular project management platform known for its user-friendly interface and extensive collaboration features. With monday.com, teams can effectively plan, track, and execute projects with ease – directly from the iOS-optimized desktop or mobile applications. The platform offers highly adaptable boards where users can create and manage tasks, set deadlines, assign responsibilities, and track progress. It also provides various project views, such as Kanban boards and Gantt charts, allowing teams to visualize and manage their projects in different formats that can be further customized and configured. 


Read More: Our Complete monday Review


monday.com excels in its collaboration capabilities, supporting communication and file-sharing features for teams. This platform provides a solid project management solution that simplifies task management, enhances remote team collaboration, and helps teams stay organized and productive throughout the project or program lifecycle.

monday.com's dashboard view.

monday.com’s dashboard view, with customizable tags and fields.

Key Features

Customizable project data visualizations and dashboards – monday excels in project data visualization and dashboard features, providing users the ability to create visually stunning and informative representations of project data. With customizable dashboards, users can easily track key metrics, monitor project progress, and gain insights into overall performance, providing a clear and comprehensive overview of their projects at a glance.

Automation and workflow management – monday’s automation features give users the power to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows, saving time and increasing productivity. With a wide range of automation options, users can create custom automation recipes to automatically trigger actions, update statuses, send notifications, and synchronize data, ensuring that processes are executed consistently.

Collaboration and communication – monday has robust collaboration tools that facilitate tight communication and teamwork. Users can leave comments, tag team members, and have real-time discussions, fostering collaboration within projects. The platform includes easy file sharing so users can access and collaborate on important project documents with their team, further enhancing collaboration and information sharing.

Pros

  • Color coding options: Users can color code certain project tags and tasks while even customizing the background of the interface for greater personalization options.
  • Well-designed interface: monday’s interface is easy to use and intuitive to learn.
  • Customization features: monday offers a wide range of customization options, including custom tags, labels, color schemes, and more.

Cons

  • Pricing: The pay-per-seat model can mean a hefty price tag for larger organizations.
  • Learning curve: Extensive features mean a steep learning curve for new users.
  • No offline capabilities: monday does not offer any offline sync for working without an internet connection.

Why We Picked monday

monday is a compelling choice for project management for Mac users due to its robust features and positive user feedback. With its user-friendly interface optimized for macOS, users can navigate and utilize the platform seamlessly. monday stands out with its extensive customization options, advanced collaboration tools, and automation capabilities. It provides a visually appealing and intuitive project management solution, allowing Mac users the ability to track tasks, communicate with ease, and streamline complex workflows. User reviews highlight its ability to enhance team collaboration, increase productivity, and provide a centralized platform for project management.

todoist logo.

Todoist: Best for Simple Task Management

Todoist is perhaps the most approachable task management tool available to Mac users today, with a logical interface and an overall design that was made with Apple users in mind. What Todoist lacks in complex project management tools it makes up for in clean design and a notable lack of a learning curve. The interface reminds me of a blend between the IOS Reminder application and Notion. While the focus is primarily in capturing user to do lists across devices, it does offer users the added ability of multiple project views and team member interaction to help set Todoist apart from traditional “reminder” style apps. 


Read more: Our Todoist Review


Todoist screenshot.

Example of Todoist’s interface upon initial login.

Key Features

Team collaboration: Users can create and share projects and task lists, complete with user assignments and commenting features. 

Personal and professional workspaces: Separate workspaces help you filter out team project assignments from individual task lists and even personal notes and to-dos. 

Templates: Todoist offers a variety of templates for managing meetings, tracking projects, and more.

Pros

  • Productivity visualizations: Users can track how much work they’ve completed using a visual productivity tracker.
  • Integrations in the free plan: Even the free plan of Todoist allows users to integrate essential apps, such as email and calendar.
  • Lack of learning curve: Extremely logical features and a lack of complexity overall make learning Todoist easy.

Cons

  • Lack of advanced features: Advanced project management features, such as Gantt charts, reporting features, and more are unavailable in Todoist.
  • Geared towards individuals: While there are team-focused features, Todoist is designed to focus on individual’s to-do lists rather than team needs.
  • Limited views: Regardless of plan, users can only access calendar, board, or list view options.

Why We Picked Todoist

While Todoist isn’t a top choice for large organizations, it’s a wonderful tool for Mac users who are looking to take a step away from more complex options and into a streamlined task management tool that gets right to the point. Todoist would also make a great addition to an existing tech stack for Mac-focused project management, as many more team-focused project management solutions don’t provide users a lot of ability to hone in on their to-do lists instead of team lists.

nOtion logo.

Notion: Best for Solopreneurs and Small Business Owners

Compared to our other top project management solutions for Mac users, Notion stands out as the most adaptable with more use cases than just about any product on the market today. Built with user customization in mind, Notion puts the power of flexibility in users’ hands, with the ability to use Notion as a wiki, project management suite, document hosting platform, and much, much more. 


Read more: Our full review of Notion


A wide range of integration options, ready-to-use templates, file import and export options, and an extremely generous free forever plan make Notion a top choice for fast-moving solopreneurs and business owners who are looking for an affordable all-in-one project management solution that can adapt at scale. 

Notion interface.

Example of a Kanban-style task board, with customizable workflow statuses. 

Key Features 

Workflow personalization options: Notion places a strong emphasis on customization which shines through in its project management capabilities. Users can create their own priority labels, status tags, tracking metrics, and even rearrange project field layouts for unlimited project personalization options. 

Wiki setup options: In addition to extensive project management capabilities, Notion is also designed to be used as a team Wiki, where brand guidelines, staff onboarding procedures, and other essential knowledge bases can live. 

Automated sprints: Tech-focused small businesses and startups can benefit from Notion’s automated sprint boards that make grooming the backlog, organizing sprints, and tracking bugs easy – a rare feature not supported by most traditional project management solutions. 

Pros

  • Mobile app and bookmarking capabilities: Mac OS App and the web clipper tool make it easy to work and capture essential info on the go.
  • Wide variety of use cases: Notion has flexible features that support a variety of use cases and needs.
  • User experience: It’s extremely easy to customize and use Notion, with most features accessible from a single stroke “/” command.

Cons

  • Not a great pick for large businesses: Larger organizations would struggle to scale with Notion.
  • Dashboard views: Lack of analytics options/dashboard analytics views makes data extraction difficult without integrations.
  • Project management capabilities: Some users may prefer vendors that are more strictly focused on project management for more advanced project capabilities.

Why We Chose Notion

Notion is an amazingly flexible project management solution that can double as a team Wiki, brand board, file storage application, and more. From emoji label options to a powerful iOS-compatible mobile app that works even on IPad, Mac users can enjoy the powerful features of Notion from anywhere. For startups, small businesses, and solopreneurs, Notion’s ability to blend more complex features (such as workflow automations) with an easy-to-use interface and hundreds of use cases help it stand out as a top choice for Mac users.

Trello logo.

Trello: Best Kanban Solution for Mac

Trello combines the perfect blend of ease of use with the essential functions teams rely on to make projects happen. Mac users can enjoy an optimized desktop experience as well as a complete mobile app that keeps you updated on the go. Each task is visually presented as a card within each Kanban column, giving teams a way to quickly track task progress without crunching numbers or digging through documents.


Read more: Our full Trello review


Trello for Mac interface.

Example of template options from Trello within the Mac app. 

Key Features

In-task attachments: Users can attach files directly within task cards to easily access essential data. 

Automation options: Trello offers a variety of workflow automation options to speed up workflows and automate recurring tasks. 

Template choices: Template options designed for specific use cases and industries make it easy to set boards up faster. 

Pros

  • Easy to navigate: Teams that are less experienced with project management software might find Trello more approachable than other options.
  • Organization options: Trello offers a variety of personalization and organizational features, including the option to add subtasks.
  • Connection with other Atlassian products: Mac users can view all of their Atlassian products in one suite, linking information across platforms.

Cons

  • Kanban-focused: Trello is extremely Kanban-focused, with limited support for other view types.
  • Multi-project limitations: While Trello supports multi-project management, it is mainly geared toward single-project teams.
  • Mac app lags: Some users report a clunky and laggy experience with mobile app options.

Why We Picked Trello

The drag-and-drop style interface is easy to learn and easy to navigate for Kanban-loving Agile teams and the detail contained within each task card helps provide a more in-depth level of insight compared to more basic Kanban board options. When it comes to Kanban-style layouts, Trello shines as a top pick for visual teams.

Pricing Comparison

Our PickBest ForPricing Starts At


Visit Asana
Best Overall PickFree to try • $10.99/user/mo.

Read details

Visit ClickUp
Best Free Option for Mac PlatformFree to try • $7/user/mo.

Read details



Visit Wrike
Best for Any Size Project TeamFree to try • $9.80/user/mo.

Read details

monday.com logo.

Visit monday
Best for Communication and CollaborationFree to try • $9/user/mo.

Read details


Visit Todoist
Best for Simple Task ManagementFree to try • $4/user/mo.

Read details

Visit Notion
Best for Solopreneurs & Small Business OwnersFree to try •  $8 per user/month

Read details

Visit Trello
Best Kanban Solution for MacFree to try • $5/user/mo.

Read details

Methodology

To identify the best project management software and tools for Mac users, I combined both qualitative and quantitative assessments of the features and benefits of a list of a dozen popular project management tools. I specifically sought out options that were compatible with a Mac and that were designed to play well with the macOS. 

The methodology also involved surveying reputable software review websites, reading industry publications, and perusing tech forums and user reviews to compile a comprehensive list of project management solutions specifically designed for or that worked well with a Mac. 

In addition, the research considered factors such as user interface intuitiveness, collaboration capabilities, task management functionalities, reporting and analytics options, integrations with other popular tools, and pricing models. Real-world usage scenarios and customer testimonials were examined to assess user satisfaction and the software’s effectiveness in various project management contexts. With the list narrowed down to the top 5, I tested each based on previous use or a new free trial account. The end goal of this in-depth analysis was to ensure that the selected solutions were truly tailored to meet the needs and preferences of Mac-based users and project managers.

Key Features of Project Management Software & Tools for Mac

When shopping for project management software and tools for use on a Mac, project managers should prioritize identifying key features that align with their specific project management needs and enhance their workflow efficiency.

Look for software that offers robust project planning capabilities, including features like Gantt charts, task dependencies, resource allocation, and critical path analysis. This ensures efficient project scheduling, tracking, and resource management.

Choose software that provides robust collaboration and communication features, allowing for seamless teamwork and effective communication among project teams. Look for features such as file sharing, task assignment, progress tracking, and feedback exchange to facilitate smooth collaboration.

Opt for software that seamlessly integrates with native macOS apps and takes advantage of the macOS ecosystem. This enables a streamlined workflow, seamless data synchronization, and enhanced productivity by leveraging existing macOS applications such as Calendar, Contacts, and Reminders.

Benefits of Project Management Software & Tools for Mac

As project managers and users operating on a Mac, recognizing the indispensable benefits of utilizing project management software and tools tailored specifically for your platform is crucial for achieving enhanced productivity, seamless collaboration, and streamlined project execution.

Project management software designed for Mac offers seamless integration with the Mac ecosystem, leveraging the native features and functionalities of the operating system. This integration enables users to leverage familiar tools, such as Calendar, Reminders, and iCloud, ensuring a smooth workflow and synchronization across various Mac devices.

Mac project management software typically features a user-friendly interface, with a clean and intuitive design that aligns with the macOS aesthetics. This ensures a more enjoyable user experience, making it easier for project managers and team members to navigate through tasks, timelines, and project-related information. The software often incorporates drag-and-drop functionality and visually appealing graphics, enhancing usability and making it simpler to manage projects effectively.

Mac project management software is optimized to run efficiently on macOS, taking advantage of the system’s stability and performance capabilities. These tools are specifically designed to work seamlessly on Mac devices, utilizing system resources effectively and providing a responsive and reliable performance. This enables users to handle complex project tasks, track progress, and generate reports without experiencing significant performance issues or disruptions.

FAQs: What Are the Most Important Questions to Ask When Evaluating PM Software for Mac?

It’s essential to ensure that the project management software you’re considering is specifically designed for Mac and fully compatible with the macOS operating system. This ensures a seamless experience and maximizes the software’s performance and stability on your Mac devices.

Different project management tools provide varying sets of features and functionalities. Assess your project requirements and determine which specific features are essential for your team’s needs, such as task management, resource allocation, Gantt charts, collaboration tools, reporting capabilities, and integration with other software or platforms.

Effective collaboration is crucial for project success. Check if the project management software offers features that facilitate communication and collaboration among team members, such as real-time messaging, file sharing, comment threads, and task assignment capabilities. Also consider if it allows for seamless integration with communication tools commonly used by your team, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams.

Project management software often involves handling sensitive project information and confidential data. It’s vital to evaluate the security measures implemented by the software provider, including data encryption, access controls, regular backups, and compliance with data protection regulations. Ensure that the software adheres to robust security practices to safeguard your project data.

Understand the pricing structure of the project management software, whether it’s a one-time purchase, subscription-based, or has additional costs for add-ons or upgrades. Consider your budget and the scalability of the software—whether it can accommodate the growth of your projects and team size without substantial cost increases. Additionally, check if the software offers a trial period or demo version for evaluation before committing to a purchase.

How to Choose the Best Project Management Software Solution for a Mac

When choosing project management software for use on a Mac, project managers should consider several crucial factors. First and foremost, compatibility with macOS and optimization for Mac devices is essential to ensure a seamless user experience. In addition, evaluating the software’s key features and functionalities, such as task management, collaboration tools, and integration options, helps determine its suitability for specific project requirements.

Data security and privacy measures are critical considerations to safeguard sensitive project information. Understanding the pricing model, scalability, and potential additional costs of the software is crucial to make a cost-effective decision. Ultimately, conducting thorough research, reading reviews, and testing software through trial periods or demos can aid in selecting the best project management solution for a Mac.

Remember, compatibility with macOS and a user-friendly interface are crucial factors to consider when selecting project management software for use on a Mac. By taking these factors into account, you can maximize the benefits of your software, enhance collaboration, and drive successful project outcomes.

  • 12/28/23 – Added pricing comparison table; added a condensed list of our reviewer’s top picks.

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