Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Workfront - Enterprise work management platform that helps ad agencies plan, track, and deliver creative projects at scale with resource optimization.
- 2#2: Wrike - Collaborative work management tool tailored for marketing and creative agencies to manage campaigns, proofs, and client feedback.
- 3#3: monday.com - Customizable visual platform for ad agencies to build workflows for project tracking, client collaboration, and campaign planning.
- 4#4: Asana - Work management software that enables ad teams to organize tasks, timelines, and dependencies for efficient campaign execution.
- 5#5: Teamwork - Agency-focused project management tool with time tracking, resource scheduling, and client billing integration.
- 6#6: ClickUp - All-in-one productivity platform offering customizable hierarchies and automations for ad agency workflows.
- 7#7: Scoro - All-in-one business management software combining CRM, projects, quotes, and invoicing for ad agencies.
- 8#8: FunctionFox - Planning and tracking software designed specifically for creative agencies with scheduling, job costing, and purchase orders.
- 9#9: Smartsheet - Dynamic spreadsheet-inspired platform for ad teams to manage projects, automate workflows, and report on performance.
- 10#10: Basecamp - Simple team communication and project organization tool for ad agencies handling client updates and to-do lists.
Tools were chosen for their ability to balance comprehensive features (including workflow customization, time tracking, and client collaboration), intuitive design, and measurable value, ensuring they address the unique demands of modern creative and marketing teams.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right ad agency software is critical for efficiency and success, and this comparison table explores top tools including Adobe Workfront, Wrike, monday.com, Asana, Teamwork, and more. It guides readers through key features, workflows, and suitability for different team sizes or project types, helping them find the best fit to streamline their processes.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Workfront Enterprise work management platform that helps ad agencies plan, track, and deliver creative projects at scale with resource optimization. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Wrike Collaborative work management tool tailored for marketing and creative agencies to manage campaigns, proofs, and client feedback. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | monday.com Customizable visual platform for ad agencies to build workflows for project tracking, client collaboration, and campaign planning. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Asana Work management software that enables ad teams to organize tasks, timelines, and dependencies for efficient campaign execution. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Teamwork Agency-focused project management tool with time tracking, resource scheduling, and client billing integration. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | ClickUp All-in-one productivity platform offering customizable hierarchies and automations for ad agency workflows. | other | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | Scoro All-in-one business management software combining CRM, projects, quotes, and invoicing for ad agencies. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | FunctionFox Planning and tracking software designed specifically for creative agencies with scheduling, job costing, and purchase orders. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Smartsheet Dynamic spreadsheet-inspired platform for ad teams to manage projects, automate workflows, and report on performance. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Basecamp Simple team communication and project organization tool for ad agencies handling client updates and to-do lists. | other | 6.8/10 | 6.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
Enterprise work management platform that helps ad agencies plan, track, and deliver creative projects at scale with resource optimization.
Collaborative work management tool tailored for marketing and creative agencies to manage campaigns, proofs, and client feedback.
Customizable visual platform for ad agencies to build workflows for project tracking, client collaboration, and campaign planning.
Work management software that enables ad teams to organize tasks, timelines, and dependencies for efficient campaign execution.
Agency-focused project management tool with time tracking, resource scheduling, and client billing integration.
All-in-one productivity platform offering customizable hierarchies and automations for ad agency workflows.
All-in-one business management software combining CRM, projects, quotes, and invoicing for ad agencies.
Planning and tracking software designed specifically for creative agencies with scheduling, job costing, and purchase orders.
Dynamic spreadsheet-inspired platform for ad teams to manage projects, automate workflows, and report on performance.
Simple team communication and project organization tool for ad agencies handling client updates and to-do lists.
Adobe Workfront
enterpriseEnterprise work management platform that helps ad agencies plan, track, and deliver creative projects at scale with resource optimization.
Integrated creative proofing and approval workflows with real-time Adobe asset collaboration
Adobe Workfront is a powerful enterprise work management platform tailored for marketing and creative teams, including ad agencies, offering end-to-end project planning, resource management, and collaboration tools. It excels in handling complex campaigns with features like automated workflows, capacity planning, and digital proofing for creative assets. Deep integration with Adobe Creative Cloud and other Experience Cloud tools makes it ideal for streamlining agency operations from ideation to delivery.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud for effortless creative workflows
- Advanced resource management and capacity planning to optimize agency teams
- Robust proofing, approval, and reporting tools tailored for campaign delivery
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- High enterprise-level pricing may not suit small agencies
- Interface can feel overwhelming for casual users
Best For
Mid-to-large ad agencies managing complex, high-volume creative campaigns and needing enterprise-grade resource and project management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; plans start at around $30/user/month for Team edition, scaling to $48+ for Work and Enterprise with annual commitments.
Wrike
specializedCollaborative work management tool tailored for marketing and creative agencies to manage campaigns, proofs, and client feedback.
Dynamic Request Forms for automated project intake and standardized client briefs
Wrike is a versatile work management platform that excels in project planning, task tracking, and team collaboration, making it ideal for ad agencies handling complex campaigns. It provides customizable workflows, Gantt charts, proofing tools for creative assets, and real-time dashboards to monitor deadlines and resources. With seamless integrations to tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Google Workspace, it streamlines asset management, approvals, and reporting for creative teams.
Pros
- Highly customizable blueprints and workflows for campaign management
- Built-in proofing and approval tools tailored for creative reviews
- Robust resource management and advanced reporting dashboards
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners and complex setup
- Full features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Mobile app less feature-rich than desktop version
Best For
Mid-to-large ad agencies needing scalable, collaborative project management with strong creative approval workflows.
Pricing
Free plan (limited); Professional $9.80/user/mo; Business $24.80/user/mo; Enterprise custom (billed annually).
monday.com
enterpriseCustomizable visual platform for ad agencies to build workflows for project tracking, client collaboration, and campaign planning.
The monday Work OS with no-code automations and app-building capabilities for bespoke ad agency workflows
monday.com is a highly customizable work operating system designed for teams to manage projects, workflows, and collaboration through visual boards, automations, and dashboards. For ad agencies, it excels in campaign planning, creative approvals, client reporting, and performance tracking with integrations to platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, and Slack. Its no-code flexibility allows tailoring to specific ad agency needs, from brief creation to ROI analysis.
Pros
- Extremely customizable boards and templates for ad campaigns, creative reviews, and client pipelines
- Robust automations and integrations with ad platforms streamline workflows and reduce manual tasks
- Real-time dashboards provide agency-wide visibility into performance metrics and deadlines
Cons
- Requires significant initial setup and customization to optimize for ad agency-specific processes
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features, potentially reducing value
- Not a native ad management tool, lacking deep analytics compared to specialized platforms
Best For
Mid-sized ad agencies seeking a flexible, all-in-one platform for project management, creative collaboration, and campaign oversight.
Pricing
Free for up to 2 users; paid plans start at $9/user/month (Basic, billed annually), $12 (Standard), $19 (Pro); Enterprise custom.
Asana
otherWork management software that enables ad teams to organize tasks, timelines, and dependencies for efficient campaign execution.
Advanced Rules automation for streamlining repetitive campaign tasks like approvals and status updates
Asana is a powerful work management platform that enables ad agencies to plan, track, and execute campaigns through customizable projects, tasks, and timelines. It supports team collaboration with features like task assignments, dependencies, and real-time updates, making it ideal for managing creative briefs, approvals, and deadlines across client portfolios. While versatile for general project management, it requires customization to fully adapt to ad agency workflows like asset reviews and media planning.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and templates tailored for campaign management
- Seamless integrations with creative tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Slack, and Google Workspace
- Timeline and portfolio views for high-level oversight of multiple agency projects
Cons
- Lacks native tools for creative asset management, annotations, or media buying
- Advanced features like custom rules and forms require paid plans
- Can feel bloated for simple tasks without proper setup
Best For
Mid-sized ad agencies seeking a flexible, scalable project management tool to coordinate creative teams and client campaigns.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Premium $10.99/user/month; Business $24.99/user/month; Enterprise custom (billed annually).
Teamwork
specializedAgency-focused project management tool with time tracking, resource scheduling, and client billing integration.
Profitability padding in time tracking to ensure accurate client billing margins
Teamwork is a versatile project management platform that enables ad agencies to organize campaigns, assign tasks, and track billable hours across teams. It provides customizable boards, Gantt charts, milestones, and client portals for streamlined collaboration and approvals. With robust time tracking and reporting, it supports resource allocation and profitability analysis for creative workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive task management with templates tailored for campaigns
- Comprehensive time tracking and invoicing for client billing
- Strong integrations with creative tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Slack
Cons
- Lacks native creative asset management and version control
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
- Not optimized for media planning or buying workflows
Best For
Mid-sized ad agencies needing reliable project tracking and time-based billing without specialized creative tools.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $9.99/user/month (Deliver), $19.99/user/month (Grow), with custom enterprise options.
ClickUp
otherAll-in-one productivity platform offering customizable hierarchies and automations for ad agency workflows.
Customizable Dashboards that aggregate task data, time tracking, and custom metrics for real-time campaign performance visualization
ClickUp is a versatile all-in-one productivity platform designed for project management, task tracking, collaboration, and goal setting with highly customizable workspaces. For ad agencies, it supports campaign planning, creative briefs, client approvals, timelines, and reporting through templates, multiple views (like Gantt, board, and calendar), automations, and custom fields for metrics like ad spend and ROI. It integrates with tools like Google Workspace and Zapier for ad platform connections, making it adaptable for agency workflows.
Pros
- Highly customizable hierarchies, views, and templates tailored for ad campaigns and client management
- Powerful automations, time tracking, and real-time collaboration tools
- Generous free plan and scalable pricing with extensive integrations via Zapier
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature overload and complex customization
- Interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming for new users
- Limited native integrations with major ad platforms like Google Ads or Meta Ads
Best For
Mid-sized ad agencies seeking a flexible, all-in-one platform to manage campaigns, approvals, and reporting without needing multiple specialized tools.
Pricing
Free Forever plan; Unlimited at $7/user/month; Business at $12/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing (billed annually).
Scoro
enterpriseAll-in-one business management software combining CRM, projects, quotes, and invoicing for ad agencies.
End-to-end quotes-to-cash automation with built-in profitability tracking per project and client
Scoro is an all-in-one work management platform designed for professional services firms, including ad agencies, integrating CRM, project management, time tracking, quoting, invoicing, and reporting into a single system. It enables agencies to manage client campaigns, allocate resources, track billable hours, and monitor profitability from lead to payment. Real-time dashboards provide visibility into workflows, helping teams deliver projects efficiently without switching tools.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform eliminates need for multiple tools
- Powerful time tracking and profitability reporting for campaigns
- Customizable workflows and real-time dashboards for team collaboration
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Higher pricing for advanced plans may deter small agencies
- Lacks deep specialization in ad-specific tools like creative asset management or media buying integrations
Best For
Mid-sized ad agencies seeking an integrated solution for project delivery, client management, and financials without tool sprawl.
Pricing
Starts at $26/user/month (Essential, billed annually) up to $71/user/month (Elite); most features require Standard ($37) or higher.
FunctionFox
specializedPlanning and tracking software designed specifically for creative agencies with scheduling, job costing, and purchase orders.
Real-time job costing and profitability reporting tied directly to time entries and project scopes
FunctionFox is a project management platform tailored for creative agencies, ad firms, and design teams, offering tools for planning, scheduling, time tracking, and invoicing. It features Gantt-style timelines, job costing, resource allocation, and client portals to streamline workflows from concept to completion. The software emphasizes profitability tracking and collaboration, helping agencies manage budgets, deadlines, and team productivity effectively.
Pros
- Robust project planning with interactive Gantt charts and scope management
- Precise time tracking and job costing for profitability insights
- Integrated invoicing, CRM, and client approval portals
Cons
- Outdated interface that feels clunky compared to modern competitors
- Limited native integrations and automation options
- Steeper learning curve for new users
Best For
Small to mid-sized ad agencies focused on billable hours, detailed project scoping, and financial tracking.
Pricing
Plans start at $5/user/month (Planning), $9/user/month (Studio), and $14/user/month (Producer), with minimum users and annual billing discounts.
Smartsheet
enterpriseDynamic spreadsheet-inspired platform for ad teams to manage projects, automate workflows, and report on performance.
Spreadsheet-like interface with powerful automation and Gantt charts for intuitive project visualization
Smartsheet is a versatile work management platform that functions like an enhanced spreadsheet, enabling ad agencies to build custom sheets for campaign tracking, task assignment, and client reporting. It supports real-time collaboration, automated workflows for approvals and notifications, and integrations with tools like Google Workspace and Adobe Creative Cloud. While highly customizable for project management, it lacks native ad-specific features like creative asset libraries or media planning tools.
Pros
- Highly customizable sheets and dashboards for tailored campaign management
- Strong automation and workflow capabilities for approvals and deadlines
- Excellent real-time collaboration and client sharing portals
Cons
- Lacks specialized ad agency tools like creative review or media buying integrations
- Complex setups require time to master for non-technical users
- Per-user pricing can become expensive for large teams
Best For
Mid-sized ad agencies prioritizing flexible project tracking and workflow automation over specialized creative or media management.
Pricing
Free trial available; plans start at $7/user/month (Pro), $25/user/month (Business), with Enterprise custom pricing (billed annually).
Basecamp
otherSimple team communication and project organization tool for ad agencies handling client updates and to-do lists.
Flat unlimited pricing model that scales effortlessly without per-user costs
Basecamp is a straightforward project management tool designed for teams to organize work, communicate via message boards and Campfire chat, share files, manage schedules, and track to-dos in dedicated project spaces. It emphasizes simplicity and collaboration, allowing easy client access for updates and feedback without overwhelming complexity. For ad agencies, it handles basic campaign coordination and team coordination effectively but lacks specialized tools for creative workflows or ad performance tracking.
Pros
- Intuitive interface that's quick to learn for non-technical teams
- Unlimited users and projects on flat-rate pricing
- Seamless client collaboration with controlled access and real-time updates
Cons
- No built-in ad agency-specific features like creative asset management, approval workflows, or media planning
- Limited integrations with ad tech tools, creative software, or analytics platforms
- Lacks native time tracking, invoicing, or reporting tailored to agency billing
Best For
Small to mid-sized ad agencies needing simple, affordable project coordination and client communication without advanced advertising functionalities.
Pricing
Flat rate starting at $99/month for unlimited users, projects, and storage (with a free trial and personal free tier for basics).
Conclusion
This review highlights that while each tool offers unique strengths, Adobe Workfront emerges as the top choice, excelling in enterprise work management and resource optimization for scaling projects. Wrike follows with strong collaboration features for marketing teams, and monday.com stands out for its customizable workflows, making each a viable option depending on specific needs.
To maximize agency efficiency and success, start with Adobe Workfront—its comprehensive tools can transform how you plan, track, and deliver creative projects, setting your team up for seamless execution and growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
