Quick Overview
- 1#1: Teamwork - All-in-one agency management platform with project tracking, time logging, client portals, and resource scheduling.
- 2#2: Wrike - Flexible work management tool with proofing, asset management, and custom workflows for creative teams.
- 3#3: monday.com - Customizable work operating system for visual project boards, automations, and creative agency pipelines.
- 4#4: ClickUp - All-in-one productivity platform with hierarchical tasks, docs, and dashboards for complex creative projects.
- 5#5: Asana - Work management software for organizing creative tasks, portfolios, goals, and team collaboration.
- 6#6: Adobe Workfront - Enterprise-grade work management for marketing and creative operations with planning and resource optimization.
- 7#7: Basecamp - Simple team communication and project organization tool for creative agencies without overwhelming features.
- 8#8: FunctionFox - Dedicated planning and job tracking software for advertising agencies, designers, and creative pros.
- 9#9: Workamajig - Comprehensive ERP system for creative agencies covering projects, CRM, accounting, and profitability.
- 10#10: Kantata - Professional services platform with PSA tools for agency resource planning, forecasting, and financials.
Tools were evaluated based on their alignment with core creative agency requirements, including feature depth (e.g., project tracking, client portals), user experience, and value, ensuring they balance functionality with practicality for diverse workflows.
Comparison Table
In dynamic creative sectors, robust project management software streamlines workflows and ensures timely delivery. This comparison table explores tools like Teamwork, Wrike, monday.com, ClickUp, Asana, and more, guiding readers to understand key features, usability, and ideal use cases for their team’s needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Teamwork All-in-one agency management platform with project tracking, time logging, client portals, and resource scheduling. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Wrike Flexible work management tool with proofing, asset management, and custom workflows for creative teams. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | monday.com Customizable work operating system for visual project boards, automations, and creative agency pipelines. | other | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | ClickUp All-in-one productivity platform with hierarchical tasks, docs, and dashboards for complex creative projects. | other | 8.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Asana Work management software for organizing creative tasks, portfolios, goals, and team collaboration. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Adobe Workfront Enterprise-grade work management for marketing and creative operations with planning and resource optimization. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Basecamp Simple team communication and project organization tool for creative agencies without overwhelming features. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | FunctionFox Dedicated planning and job tracking software for advertising agencies, designers, and creative pros. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Workamajig Comprehensive ERP system for creative agencies covering projects, CRM, accounting, and profitability. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Kantata Professional services platform with PSA tools for agency resource planning, forecasting, and financials. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
All-in-one agency management platform with project tracking, time logging, client portals, and resource scheduling.
Flexible work management tool with proofing, asset management, and custom workflows for creative teams.
Customizable work operating system for visual project boards, automations, and creative agency pipelines.
All-in-one productivity platform with hierarchical tasks, docs, and dashboards for complex creative projects.
Work management software for organizing creative tasks, portfolios, goals, and team collaboration.
Enterprise-grade work management for marketing and creative operations with planning and resource optimization.
Simple team communication and project organization tool for creative agencies without overwhelming features.
Dedicated planning and job tracking software for advertising agencies, designers, and creative pros.
Comprehensive ERP system for creative agencies covering projects, CRM, accounting, and profitability.
Professional services platform with PSA tools for agency resource planning, forecasting, and financials.
Teamwork
specializedAll-in-one agency management platform with project tracking, time logging, client portals, and resource scheduling.
Advanced profitability tracking that combines time tracking, expenses, and budgeting for real-time agency financial insights
Teamwork is a robust project management platform tailored for client-service teams, including creative agencies, offering end-to-end tools for task tracking, resource allocation, and collaboration. It excels in handling complex workflows with features like time tracking, proofing for design approvals, customizable templates, and client portals for seamless feedback. The software also includes billing and profitability reporting, making it ideal for agencies focused on billable hours and project profitability.
Pros
- Comprehensive resource scheduling and workload management for balancing creative team capacity
- Built-in time tracking, invoicing, and profitability insights tailored for agency billing
- Client portals and proofing tools streamline approvals and feedback on creative assets
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features like custom fields and reporting
- Pricing can add up for larger teams on premium plans
- Limited native integrations compared to some competitors, requiring Zapier for extras
Best For
Creative agencies managing multiple client projects with a need for time tracking, resource planning, client approvals, and profitability analysis.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users (limited features); paid plans start at $5.99/user/month (Starter), $9.99 (Deliver), $19.99 (Grow), billed annually.
Wrike
specializedFlexible work management tool with proofing, asset management, and custom workflows for creative teams.
Visual proofing and review tools with markup, comments, and version comparison for creative assets
Wrike is a powerful work management platform designed for teams to plan, track, and collaborate on complex projects with customizable workflows, Gantt charts, and real-time dashboards. It caters to creative agencies through specialized features like visual proofing, asset management, and integrations with tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, and Photoshop. The software enables streamlined approvals, resource allocation, time tracking, and automation to keep creative projects on schedule and within budget.
Pros
- Robust proofing and approval workflows optimized for creative assets
- Extensive integrations with design tools like Adobe, Figma, and InDesign
- Highly customizable blueprints and automation for repeatable creative processes
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Advanced capabilities locked behind higher pricing tiers
- Interface can feel overwhelming for smaller teams or beginners
Best For
Mid-sized creative agencies managing complex campaigns with needs for proofing, client feedback, and resource planning.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Team at $9.80/user/month, Business at $24.80/user/month (billed annually), Enterprise custom.
monday.com
otherCustomizable work operating system for visual project boards, automations, and creative agency pipelines.
No-code automations and customizable dashboards that adapt precisely to unique creative agency workflows
monday.com is a highly visual work management platform that enables teams to build customizable boards, dashboards, and workflows for project tracking and collaboration. Tailored for creative agencies, it supports features like Gantt charts, timelines, file sharing, and approval processes ideal for managing client campaigns, asset reviews, and deadlines. Its no-code automations and integrations with tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma streamline creative pipelines from ideation to delivery.
Pros
- Extreme customizability with templates for creative workflows like campaign planning and asset approval
- Intuitive visual interface with real-time collaboration and automations
- Robust integrations with creative tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe) and 200+ apps
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for teams needing advanced features
- Learning curve for complex custom setups and formulas
- Lacks deep native creative asset management (e.g., version control for designs)
Best For
Medium-sized creative agencies managing multiple client projects that need a flexible, visual platform for team coordination and workflow automation.
Pricing
Free for up to 2 users; paid plans start at $9/user/month (Basic, annual billing) up to $19/user/month (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing.
ClickUp
otherAll-in-one productivity platform with hierarchical tasks, docs, and dashboards for complex creative projects.
Infinite hierarchy (Spaces > Folders > Lists > Tasks > Subtasks) with custom fields and views for unparalleled workflow customization
ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform that serves as a highly customizable project management tool, offering tasks, docs, whiteboards, goals, and dashboards in one workspace. For creative agencies, it excels in managing complex workflows with multiple views like Gantt charts, boards, and calendars, custom fields for assets and approvals, and integrations with tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud. Its AI-powered features and automations streamline ideation, client feedback, and delivery processes.
Pros
- Highly customizable with unlimited views, fields, and hierarchies tailored to creative workflows
- Generous free plan and extensive integrations with design tools
- AI automations and whiteboards for brainstorming and rapid prototyping
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to overwhelming feature depth
- Performance can lag in large workspaces with heavy media files
- Advanced features locked behind higher pricing tiers
Best For
Creative agencies needing a flexible, all-in-one platform for managing diverse projects, client collaborations, and team creativity without switching tools.
Pricing
Free Forever plan; Unlimited at $7/user/mo; Business at $12/user/mo; Enterprise custom (billed annually for discounts)
Asana
otherWork management software for organizing creative tasks, portfolios, goals, and team collaboration.
Timeline view with dependencies for visual deadline and milestone tracking
Asana is a powerful work management platform designed to help teams organize, track, and collaborate on projects using flexible views like lists, boards, timelines, and calendars. It enables creative agencies to manage workflows from client briefs and creative ideation through approvals and delivery with custom fields, dependencies, and automations. Key strengths include real-time collaboration, portfolio views for client presentations, and seamless integrations with tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Slack.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with multiple visual project views
- Strong automation rules and custom fields for creative workflows
- Excellent integrations with design and creative tools
Cons
- No native time tracking or resource scheduling
- Advanced reporting and features require premium plans
- Can feel rigid for highly visual creative asset management
Best For
Mid-sized creative agencies needing scalable task and workflow management with team collaboration.
Pricing
Free plan available; Premium at $10.99/user/month (billed annually); Business at $24.99/user/month; Enterprise custom.
Adobe Workfront
enterpriseEnterprise-grade work management for marketing and creative operations with planning and resource optimization.
Seamless Adobe Creative Cloud integration for direct asset management and automated creative workflows
Adobe Workfront is an enterprise-grade work management platform tailored for complex project workflows, particularly in marketing and creative agencies. It provides robust tools for project planning, resource allocation, task management, and proofing/approvals, with seamless integrations to Adobe Creative Cloud apps. Ideal for scaling operations, it enables real-time collaboration, custom automations, and advanced reporting to handle high-volume creative production.
Pros
- Deep integrations with Adobe Creative Cloud for streamlined creative workflows
- Advanced resource management and capacity planning tools
- Powerful proofing and approval processes with version control
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High pricing suitable only for larger enterprises
- Lengthy implementation and customization process
Best For
Large creative agencies managing complex, high-volume projects with distributed teams needing enterprise-level scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at ~$30/user/month for basic plans, up to $60+/user/month for advanced features; annual contracts, contact sales required.
Basecamp
otherSimple team communication and project organization tool for creative agencies without overwhelming features.
Hill Charts: A unique, visual burndown-style progress tracker that simplifies showing project status without timelines or spreadsheets.
Basecamp is a straightforward project management tool that centralizes team communication, task tracking, file sharing, and scheduling in one intuitive platform. It features message boards for discussions, to-do lists with assignments, automatic check-ins, and Hill Charts for visual progress tracking, reducing reliance on email and scattered tools. Designed for simplicity, it's particularly useful for creative teams managing multiple projects without needing complex workflows.
Pros
- Exceptionally simple and intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Powerful communication tools like message boards and Campfire chat that keep teams aligned
- Flat-rate pricing with unlimited users, ideal for scaling creative teams
Cons
- Lacks advanced creative agency features like design proofing, client portals, or Gantt charts
- No built-in time tracking or detailed reporting for billing and analytics
- Limited integrations and customization compared to agency-focused competitors
Best For
Small to medium creative agencies prioritizing ease of communication and simplicity over complex workflows and specialized creative tools.
Pricing
Flat-rate: $99/month (billed annually as $990) for Business plan with unlimited users/projects and 100GB storage; $299/month for Pro Unlimited with unlimited storage.
FunctionFox
specializedDedicated planning and job tracking software for advertising agencies, designers, and creative pros.
Interactive visual timeline and drag-and-drop Gantt charts for intuitive creative project scheduling
FunctionFox is a web-based project management software designed specifically for creative agencies, ad firms, and design studios. It provides tools for project planning with visual Gantt charts and calendars, time and expense tracking, resource allocation, invoicing, and CRM functionality. The platform emphasizes profitability analysis through detailed reporting and job costing, helping teams manage deadlines and budgets effectively.
Pros
- Tailored workflows for creative projects with visual timelines and approvals
- Strong time tracking, expense logging, and profitability reporting
- Integrated invoicing and QuickBooks compatibility
Cons
- Outdated interface that feels less modern
- Limited integrations beyond basic accounting tools
- No native mobile app; relies on web access
Best For
Small to mid-sized creative agencies and design firms needing specialized project tracking and billing without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Solo plan at $5/month; Team plan at $29/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Workamajig
enterpriseComprehensive ERP system for creative agencies covering projects, CRM, accounting, and profitability.
Built-in accounting and real-time profitability analytics tailored for creative services
Workamajig is an all-in-one project management software tailored for creative agencies, integrating project planning, resource management, time tracking, CRM, and accounting into a single platform. It supports end-to-end workflows from client onboarding to invoicing and profitability analysis, with customizable templates for creative projects. Designed for agencies handling complex deliverables, it emphasizes financial oversight and resource optimization.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one solution combining PM, CRM, and accounting
- Strong profitability tracking and agency-specific reporting
- Customizable workflows for creative project types
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated interface
- Opaque and high custom pricing
- Limited mobile app functionality and integrations
Best For
Mid-sized creative agencies needing integrated project management and financial tools without multiple software subscriptions.
Pricing
Custom quotes only (demo required); typically $40-$100/user/month or $1,000+/month flat for teams, with enterprise tiers.
Kantata
enterpriseProfessional services platform with PSA tools for agency resource planning, forecasting, and financials.
Skills Cloud for intelligent, AI-driven resource allocation based on team expertise and availability
Kantata is a comprehensive professional services automation (PSA) platform designed for creative agencies and consultancies to manage projects, resources, and finances end-to-end. It offers tools for capacity planning, time tracking, budgeting, invoicing, and profitability analysis, providing real-time visibility across teams. Originally Mavenlink, it supports scaling operations with robust reporting and integrations for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Advanced resource management with skills-based matching and capacity forecasting
- Integrated financial tracking for project profitability and invoicing
- Customizable dashboards and extensive reporting capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth and complexity
- Pricing is enterprise-focused and can be costly for smaller agencies
- Interface feels dated compared to more modern PM tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large creative agencies seeking enterprise-level resource optimization and financial oversight.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starts around $39/user/month for Essentials, up to $59+/user/month for Enterprise with advanced features.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top tools reveals Teamwork as the standout choice, offering a comprehensive all-in-one platform for project tracking, time logging, and client management. Wrike and monday.com emerge as strong alternatives, with Wrike excelling in flexibility and visual proofing, and monday.com impressing with customizable workflows and pipelines. Each tool addresses unique agency needs, but Teamwork sets the standard for holistic management.
Explore Teamwork to streamline your workflow—its robust features make it the ideal start for any creative agency looking to enhance efficiency and collaboration.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison