Productivity Tools

7 Best Project Management Apps in 2023 (Free & Paid)

By Alex • Updated June 30, 2023

In today's fast-paced digital environment, harnessing the best project management software is crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. These tools not only facilitate seamless project execution but also promote team collaboration and enhanced productivity.

In this comprehensive guide, we present an in-depth review of the top seven project management software for 2023.

Whether you're a small business looking for a free solution or a large corporation seeking a robust platform, this guide has you covered.

Best Project Management Apps

1. Monday.com
2. ClickUp
3. Asana
4. Smartsheet
5. Basecamp
6. Trello
7. Wrike

What Makes a Great Project Management Software?

Before deep diving into the top picks, it's important to understand the key characteristics that define a top-tier project management tool.

1. Comprehensive Project Management: The software should offer an all-encompassing solution for managing, tracking, and executing projects. This includes task assignment, scheduling capabilities, time tracking, progress monitoring, and more.
2. Collaboration Features: Efficient collaboration is crucial in a team environment. The tool should offer features like real-time chat, file sharing, team calendars, and notification systems.
3. Ease of Use: The software should be intuitive and user-friendly. It should provide a clean interface and easy navigation, making it accessible even for non-tech-savvy users.
4. Customization and Flexibility: The tool should offer customization options to adapt to your business requirements. This could involve adjustable task views, customizable reports, or the ability to create unique workflows.
5. Integration: The ability to integrate with other tools is a huge plus. Whether it's syncing with your calendar, connecting to your file storage system, or integrating with your favorite communication platform, the tool should play well with others.
6. Scalability: As your business grows, your project management software should be able to grow with you. The tool should offer scalable features and pricing plans to accommodate your changing needs.

1. Monday.com

Monday.com is a popular project management tool known for its versatility and visually appealing interface. It provides comprehensive solutions for task management, time tracking, and team collaboration.

Available On: Web, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS

Key Features:

• Multiple project views (Kanban, Timeline, Chart, etc.)
• Automation of routine tasks
• Over 200 pre-built templates
• Integration with popular apps like Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365
• Extensive customization options
• Real-time updates and notifications

Our Take: Monday.com stands out for its intuitive interface, robust features, and seamless integrations. Its flexibility makes it suitable for teams of all sizes across various industries. However, the pricing can be steep for smaller businesses.

2. ClickUp

ClickUp is a comprehensive project management solution offering a range of features like task management, time tracking, goal setting, and more. Its unique selling point is its customizable task views, enabling users to view tasks in a way that suits their working style.

Available On: Web, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Key Features:

• Customizable task views (List, Board, Time, etc.)
• Goal setting and tracking
• Built-in time tracking
• Native automation features
• Integration with over 1,000+ apps via Zapier and Integromat

Our Take: ClickUp is an excellent choice for businesses looking for customizability and flexibility. It offers a free version with generous features, making it a budget-friendly option for small teams.

3. Asana

Asana is a project management powerhouse that helps teams orchestrate their work, from daily tasks to strategic initiatives. It offers a range of features for task management, team collaboration, and project visualization.

Available On: Web, Android, iOS

Key Features:

• Multiple project views (List, Board, Timeline, etc.)
• Advanced search and reporting
• Task dependencies and milestones
• Integration with popular tools like Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Teams
• Real-time updates and notifications

Our Take: Asana stands out for its extensive features and integrations. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for teams to keep track of work and meet deadlines. However, it might be overwhelming for small projects or teams due to its extensive features.

4. Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a dynamic workspace that empowers teams to manage projects, automate workflow, and rapidly build new solutions. It offers robust features for project management, collaboration, and reporting.

Available On: Web, Android, iOS

Key Features:

• Gantt, Card, Calendar, and Grid views
• Automated workflows and tasks
• Advanced reporting and visualization tools
• Integration with apps like Google Workspace and Office 365

Our Take: Smartsheet is a solid option for large teams that need robust project management capabilities. Its spreadsheet-like design promotes familiarity, but it may lack the visual appeal of other tools.

5. Basecamp

Basecamp is a popular project management and team communication software. It provides a range of features for task management, team collaboration, and project reporting.

Available On: Web, Android, iOS

Key Features:

• To-dos for task management
• Message boards for team communication
• Schedules for project timelines
• Docs and Files for sharing and storing project files
• Automatic check-ins for progress updates

Our Take: Basecamp is great for teams that communicate multiple times per day and prefer a flat-fee pricing model. However, it lacks time-tracking features and the ability to add tags or labels to prioritize tasks.

6. Trello

Trello is a project management tool that uses cards and boards to organize and prioritize projects. It's known for its simplicity and its intuitive drag-and-drop interface.

Available On: Web, Android, iOS

Key Features:

• Kanban-style boards for project visualization
• Cards for task management
• Checklists and due dates for task tracking
• Power-Ups for enhanced functionality

Our Take: Trello is a top choice for small businesses and personal use, thanks to its simplicity and free plan. However, large teams or complex projects may find its features limited.

7. Wrike

Wrike is a sophisticated project management tool designed for larger teams and businesses. It offers a range of features for task management, time tracking, and project reporting.

Available On: Web, Android, iOS

Key Features:

• Multiple project views (List, Board, Gantt, etc.)
• Time tracking and workload view
• Customizable dashboards for project overviews
• Integration with popular apps like Slack and Google Workspace

Our Take: Wrike is packed with robust features and offers built-in time tracking, making it ideal for large-scale project management. However, its onboarding process can be complex and its mobile app has limited functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best project management software?

The "best" project management software depends on your specific needs and budget. However, tools like Monday.com, Asana, and Wrike consistently rank high due to their extensive features and user-friendly interfaces.

Is there any free project management software?

Yes, there are several project management tools that offer free plans, such as Trello and ClickUp. However, these free versions usually come with limitations, such as a cap on the number of users or projects.

Can I use project management software for personal use?

Absolutely! Tools like Trello and Asana can be used for personal projects, such as planning a holiday, managing a home renovation, or even organizing a wedding.

Can project management software integrate with other tools?

Yes, most project management software can integrate with other tools such as email platforms, file storage systems, and communication apps. This allows for seamless data transfer and improved efficiency.

Do I need technical knowledge to use project management software?

Not necessarily. Most project management tools are user-friendly and provide intuitive interfaces. Some may offer more advanced features that require a bit of learning, but these are usually optional and come with guides or tutorials.

In conclusion, the best project management software for you would be the one that fits your team's needs, budget, and working style. As the work environment continues to evolve, these tools will undoubtedly remain instrumental in fostering productivity and ensuring project success.

All Project Management Apps