Best Microsoft Project Alternatives of 2024 (Free & Paid)

Microsoft project management can be very useful for you to optimize your project and files. There can be instances where you can be stuck to perform some specific tasks with it and need alternatives to Microsoft project. This guide is here to help.

Paula Kehr

Customer Success Director

Microsoft Project is a dynamic tool with multiple project management features. It was publicly released 40 years ago in 1984 by Microsoft. This software assists project managers in different ways like managing budgets, tracking progress, allocating resources, and many others.

This software has become outdated because many ground-breaking alternatives have emerged. These alternatives offer many useful features that fit today’s work requirements.

Why Microsoft project alternatives are needed?

There are some Microsoft Project drawbacks due to which users want its alternatives. Here are some reasons.

  • Cost concerns

The major drawback of the Microsoft project is cost concern. It is costly, especially for startups, small businesses, and freelancers with limited budgets. Many alternatives are present with low subscription fees or even free models that are suitable for project managers with limited budgets.

  • Steep learning curve

Microsoft projects are complex and need extensive learning or training for their effective use. For example, it is time-consuming for you to learn if you are unfamiliar with project management techniques.

  • User-friendliness interface

It has no user-friendly interface. It is challenging for new users. It is less innovative than other modern tools. Its layout is cluttered that’s why it seems difficult for users. The main reason for its user-friendliness interface is limited customizable options.

  • Support issues

Many complaints have been received from users regarding its support system. Less responsiveness and difficulty in getting help from the support center can be annoying, especially when users face technical problems. Many alternatives are available having better customer support service and offering immediate help and response.

These drawbacks are the reasons why users need alternatives to the Microsoft project. 

Top 12 Microsoft Project Alternatives of 2024

Finding the best alternatives to the Microsoft project is difficult. That’s why here we compiled the best alternatives for your ease. You can choose the best one according to your requirements. Let’s explore them in detail.

1. Instagantt

Instagantt is a project management software tailored for visual planning, task scheduling, and effective time management, using Gantt charts as its central structure. It excels in providing a clear and organized approach to complex project timelines, fostering collaboration through seamless integration with platforms like Asana. Its visual nature makes it an ideal tool for managers looking to track progress across multiple dimensions with precision and clarity, positioning it as a strong alternative to traditional project management tools.

Instagantt pros

  • Comprehensive Gantt chart functionalities.
  • Highly visual and intuitive interface.
  • Flexible task dependencies and timelines.
  • Allows for collaboration and real-time updates.
  • Integrated time-tracking and workload balancing tools.

Instagantt cons

  • Limited offline capabilities.
  • Primarily dependent on integration with other software for extended functionality.

Instagantt ratings and reviews

  • G2: 4.4/5 [10+ reviews]
  • Capterra: 4.2/5 [100+ reviews]

Instagantt pricing

  • Free version available with limited features.
  • Team License: $5/user/month.
  • Manager License: $12/user/month.
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing tailored for larger teams.
Elegir las mejores alternativas al software Gantt con Instagantt

2. GanttPRO

It is a Gantt chart-based online project management software. It is the best alternative to MS projects that helps in simple and complex projects. It has a visually appealing interface with multiple features that are perfect for your project management tasks, team collaboration, and portfolio.

GanttPRO pros

  • It has a short learning curve.
  • Provides quick support.
  • Auto-scheduling.
  • Visually appealing interface.
  • Latest export and sharing options.

GanttPRO cons

  • Limited customization options.
  • Limited integrations.

GanttPRO ratings and reviews

  • G2: 4.8/5 [500+ reviews]
  • Capterra: 4.8/5 [500+ reviews]

GanttPRO pricing

  • 14-day free trial.
  • Basic: $7.99 per user/month
  • Pro: $12.99 per user/month
  • Business: $19.99 per user/month
Interfaz de GanttPRO – Base de conocimientos de GanttPRO

3. Asana

It is a simple project management tool that mainly focuses on marketing. This tool is good for smaller projects than larger projects because this tool does not support Gantt charts. It has a simple interface and is best for visual project management. 

Asana pros

  • User-friendly interface.
  • Pre-built templates are available.
  • Easily customizable.
  • Offers strong reporting features.
  • It has automation features.

Asana cons

  • No Gantt chart.
  • No time tracking.

Asana ratings and reviews

  • G2: 4.4/5 [10,000+ reviews]
  • Capterra: 4.5/5 [12,000+ reviews]

Asana pricing

  • Offers free plan.
  • Starter: $10.99 per user/month
  • Advanced: $24.99 per user/month
Asana lanza actualizaciones de los campos personalizados

4. Monday.com

It is a task management tool and turns things green that you need to check. It is also the best Microsoft project alternative. It collaborates on tasks and allows you to automate daily tasks. It has many interesting and useful features but it lacks good customer support service.

Monday.com pros

  • Highly customizable interface.
  • Strong collaborating features.
  • Highly versatile.
  • Extensive integration.
  • Pre-built templates are available for quick setup.

Monday.com cons

  • Limited free plans.
  • No calendar.

Monday.com ratings and reviews

  • G2: 4.7/5 [12,000+ reviews]
  • Capterra: 4.6/5 [4000+ reviews]

Monday.com pricing

  • Offers free plan.
  • Basic: $9 per user/month
  • standard: $12 per user/month
  • Pro: $19 per user/month
monday.com | Una forma nueva de trabajar

5. ProofHub

It is another excellent Microsoft alternative with powerful features. It is a multi-functional project management tool that helps in progress tracking, creating, and assigning tasks, enhances productivity, and improves communication.

ProofHub pros

  • All-in-one platform.
  • Powerful task management.
  • Excellent team collaboration.
  • Customization options are available.
  • User-friendly Interface.

ProofHub cons

  • Limited integration option.
  • No free plan.

ProofHub ratings and reviews

  • G2: 4.6/5 [90+ reviews]
  • Capterra: 4.6/5 [100+ reviews]

ProofHub pricing

  • Ultimate control: $89/month
  • Essential: $45/month
ProofHub Review | PCMag

6. Hitask

Hitask is a task management and collaboration tool. It helps users with different tasks and projects. It is perfect for small businesses or freelancers due to its user-friendly interface. It has many useful features but it is not as advanced as Microsoft project.

Hitask pros

  • Calendar integration.
  • Notifications and reminders.
  • Excellent collaboration features.
  • It has affordable pricing.
  • User-friendly interface.

Hitask cons

  • Limited integration options.
  • It has scalability issues.

Hitask ratings and reviews

  • G2: 4.4/5 [90+ reviews]
  • Capterra: 4.0/5 [40+ reviews]

Hitask pricing

  • It offers a free plan
  • Team business: $5 per user/month
  • Enterprise: $20 per user/month
Hitask Tutorial

7. Paymo 

It is a project management and time-tracking tool. It comes with many useful features like team collaboration, time tracking, and task management. It is a good option for small or medium-sized businesses.

Paymo pros

  • Provides responsive customer support.
  • Offers affordable pricing.
  • It offers seamless integration with other tools.
  • Offers customizable dashboards.
  • It has mobile app availability.

Paymo cons

  • No offline mode.
  • Complex for new users.

Paymo ratings and reviews

  • G2: 4.6/5 [500+ reviews]
  • Capterra: 4.7/5 [600+ reviews]

Paymo pricing

  • Starter: $5.9 per user/month
  • Small office: $10.9 per user/month
  • Business: $16.9 per user/month
Projects for Teams • Paymo

8. Slenke 

Slenke is the best alternative to MS Project because this tool comes with many features including Gantt charts, resource management, and adoption curve. It is a cloud-based project management software that is suitable for IT, marketing, and construction industries.

Slenke pros

  • Offers strong security to protect sensitive data.
  • Clean and intuitive interface.
  • Internal communication.
  • Effective team collaboration.
  • Robust task management.

Slenke cons

  • No desktop app.

Slenke ratings and reviews

  • G2: 4.4/5 [20+ reviews]
  • Capterra: 5/5 [6 reviews]

Slenke pricing

  • It offers a free plan
  • Premium: $15 per user/month
  • Enterprise: contact for pricing 
Work Management Software - Slenke

9. Wrike

Wrike is an all-in-one platform that offers planning, scheduling, and management. It is an accessible tool because you can see many things in one view. It is another best alternative to MS projects with fewer whistles.

Wrike pros

  • Calendar integration.
  • Cross-functional project visibility.
  • Robust reporting.
  • Customizable dashboards.
  • Portfolio management.

Wrike cons

  • Steep learning curve.
  • Cluttered interface.

Wrike ratings and reviews

  • G2: 4.2/5 [3000+ reviews]
  • Capterra: 4.3/5 [2000+ reviews]

Wrike pricing

  • It offers a free plan.
  • Team: $ 9.80 per user/month
  • Business: $ 24.80 per user/month
  • Enterprise: contact for pricing
  • Pinnacle: contact for pricing
How To Use Wrike?

10. Ganttic 

It is a resource planning software. If you are looking for a tool that helps in visualizing strategy and planning then no doubt, Ganttic is the perfect choice according to your needs. It is suitable for both big and small businesses because it also offers a free version.

Ganttic pros

  • Resource planning.
  • Integrated time tracking.
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Task dependencies.
  • Drag-and-drop functionality.

Ganttic cons

  • Limited third-party integration.
  • Limited Gantt chart.

Ganttic ratings and reviews

  • G2: 4.0/5 [20+ reviews]
  • Capterra: 4.3/5 [190+ reviews]

Ganttic pricing

  • Offers a free plan for up to 10 resources.
  • Paid plan starts from up to 20 resources with $ 25 per resource/month
Customizable Gantt Chart Makers - Ganttic

11. Smartsheet 

It is a good Microsoft Project alternative. It has a tabular interface like Excel.  It is best for many companies because of its flexible table structure and integration with other tools. It is commonly used for project planning and resource management.

Smartsheet pros

  • Provides multiple views.
  • Strong integration options.
  • Real-time collaboration.
  • Wide range of customizable templates.
  • Similarity to Excel.

Smartsheet cons

  • Export limitations.
  • Limited free trial.

Smartsheet ratings and reviews

  • G2: 4.4/5 [16,000+ reviews]
  • Capterra: 4.5/5 [3000+ reviews]

Smartsheet pricing

  • Pro: $ 9 per user/month
  • Business: $ 19 per user/month
  • Enterprise: contact for pricing
Smartsheet Desktop App | Smartsheet

12. GanttProject

It is an open-source free project management tool. It was developed in 2003 based on Gantt charts with outstanding features and it gets better with each passing year. It is a desktop app on all platforms like Linux, Windows, and Mac.

GanttProject pros

  • Smooth import and export options.
  • Free subscription.
  • Resource management.
  • Simple interface.
  • No internet is required.

GanttProject cons

  • Steep learning curve

GanttProject ratings and reviews

  • G2: 4.3/5 [60+ reviews]
  • Capterra: 4.2/5 [150+ reviews]

GanttProject pricing

  • It is always free for everyone.
Archivo:GanttProject.JPG - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Final Words

Microsoft projects are essential for making different projects, allocating resources, and reporting progress. MS Project has some drawbacks, so users are looking for the best alternatives. In this article, we have compiled the best free and paid MS Project alternatives of 2024 for your ease.

Every tool has its pros and cons. You can choose the best one that fits your needs. These alternatives provide valuable benefits and meet your project management requirements.

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