Quick Overview
- 1#1: monday.com - Customizable work OS platform for planning, tracking, and collaborating on customer projects with automations and client dashboards.
- 2#2: ClickUp - All-in-one productivity platform with hierarchical tasks, time tracking, and customizable views for managing customer projects.
- 3#3: Asana - Work management tool for organizing tasks, timelines, and team collaboration on customer-facing projects.
- 4#4: Teamwork - Agency-grade project management software with client portals, billing, and time tracking for service-based customer work.
- 5#5: Basecamp - Simple all-in-one tool for client communication, to-do lists, schedules, and file sharing on projects.
- 6#6: Wrike - Flexible work management platform with Gantt charts, resource management, and proofs for customer project delivery.
- 7#7: Jira - Agile project tracking tool for issue management, sprints, and roadmaps in customer software development projects.
- 8#8: Zoho Projects - Integrated project management solution with CRM ties, task automation, and invoicing for customer workflows.
- 9#9: Accelo - Professional services automation platform for end-to-end customer project sales, delivery, and retainers.
- 10#10: Kantata - Resource and project optimization platform for professional services firms managing customer engagements.
These tools were carefully selected based on key attributes including functionality (e.g., collaboration, automation), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they excel in meeting the demands of customer project management.
Comparison Table
Customer project management software simplifies coordinating teams, managing tasks, and connecting with clients. This comparison table explores tools like monday.com, ClickUp, Asana, Teamwork, Basecamp, and more, outlining key features, usability, pricing, and integration options. Readers can use this guide to identify the best fit for their team’s workflow and goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | monday.com Customizable work OS platform for planning, tracking, and collaborating on customer projects with automations and client dashboards. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | ClickUp All-in-one productivity platform with hierarchical tasks, time tracking, and customizable views for managing customer projects. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Asana Work management tool for organizing tasks, timelines, and team collaboration on customer-facing projects. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Teamwork Agency-grade project management software with client portals, billing, and time tracking for service-based customer work. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Basecamp Simple all-in-one tool for client communication, to-do lists, schedules, and file sharing on projects. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Wrike Flexible work management platform with Gantt charts, resource management, and proofs for customer project delivery. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Jira Agile project tracking tool for issue management, sprints, and roadmaps in customer software development projects. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Zoho Projects Integrated project management solution with CRM ties, task automation, and invoicing for customer workflows. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | Accelo Professional services automation platform for end-to-end customer project sales, delivery, and retainers. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Kantata Resource and project optimization platform for professional services firms managing customer engagements. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
Customizable work OS platform for planning, tracking, and collaborating on customer projects with automations and client dashboards.
All-in-one productivity platform with hierarchical tasks, time tracking, and customizable views for managing customer projects.
Work management tool for organizing tasks, timelines, and team collaboration on customer-facing projects.
Agency-grade project management software with client portals, billing, and time tracking for service-based customer work.
Simple all-in-one tool for client communication, to-do lists, schedules, and file sharing on projects.
Flexible work management platform with Gantt charts, resource management, and proofs for customer project delivery.
Agile project tracking tool for issue management, sprints, and roadmaps in customer software development projects.
Integrated project management solution with CRM ties, task automation, and invoicing for customer workflows.
Professional services automation platform for end-to-end customer project sales, delivery, and retainers.
Resource and project optimization platform for professional services firms managing customer engagements.
monday.com
enterpriseCustomizable work OS platform for planning, tracking, and collaborating on customer projects with automations and client dashboards.
No-code customizable boards that transform into tailored customer project hubs with infinite flexibility
monday.com is a versatile work operating system designed for managing customer projects through highly customizable visual boards, timelines, and dashboards that track client deliverables, deadlines, and team assignments. It supports seamless collaboration with clients via shared views and portals, automations for routine tasks like status updates, and integrations with CRM tools for end-to-end project oversight. As a top-ranked solution, it scales from small teams to enterprises handling complex customer workflows.
Pros
- Exceptional customization with no-code boards, columns, and widgets tailored for customer project tracking
- Powerful automations and over 200 integrations for streamlining client communications and workflows
- Intuitive visual dashboards and Gantt views for real-time project visibility and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations despite user-friendly interface
- Higher-tier plans required for premium features like time tracking and advanced automations
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams or full feature access
Best For
Mid-to-large teams managing multiple client projects that require visual, customizable workflows and automation.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 2 seats; paid plans start at $9/user/month (Basic, annually) up to $19/user/month (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing.
ClickUp
enterpriseAll-in-one productivity platform with hierarchical tasks, time tracking, and customizable views for managing customer projects.
Flexible multi-layered hierarchy (Spaces > Folders > Lists > Tasks > Subtasks) for organizing diverse customer projects at scale
ClickUp is a versatile all-in-one platform designed for customer project management, enabling teams to organize client projects through customizable hierarchies of Spaces, Folders, Lists, and Tasks. It supports client collaboration via guest access, shared dashboards, time tracking, and custom forms to capture project requirements and updates. With powerful automations, integrations, and AI-assisted features, it streamlines workflows from project intake to delivery, making it suitable for agencies handling multiple customer engagements.
Pros
- Highly customizable with unlimited hierarchies, fields, and views tailored to client project needs
- Robust collaboration tools including client guest access, real-time chat, and shared docs
- Extensive free plan and strong automations reduce need for multiple tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to overwhelming options and complexity
- Occasional performance lag in large workspaces with many customizations
- Advanced features like AI and unlimited guests require higher-tier plans
Best For
Agencies and service teams managing multiple complex client projects that require deep customization and client-facing collaboration.
Pricing
Free plan forever; Unlimited at $7/user/month (annual), Business at $12/user/month, Enterprise custom.
Asana
enterpriseWork management tool for organizing tasks, timelines, and team collaboration on customer-facing projects.
Portfolios for high-level oversight and reporting across multiple customer projects
Asana is a comprehensive work management platform designed to help teams plan, organize, and execute projects through customizable boards, lists, timelines, and workflows. In the context of Customer Project Management Software, it shines by enabling client guest access, portfolio dashboards for overseeing multiple client engagements, and intake forms for project requests. Its automation rules and integrations with tools like Slack and Google Workspace streamline client-facing workflows from kickoff to completion.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and views tailored to client projects
- Real-time collaboration with guest access for clients
- Robust reporting and portfolios for client status updates
Cons
- Advanced features require premium plans
- Can feel overwhelming for very small teams or simple projects
- Lacks native CRM capabilities, relying on integrations for deeper customer data
Best For
Agencies and service teams managing multiple client projects that require visual tracking, client sharing, and progress reporting.
Pricing
Free for basic use; Premium at $10.99/user/month (billed annually); Business at $24.99/user/month; Enterprise custom.
Teamwork
specializedAgency-grade project management software with client portals, billing, and time tracking for service-based customer work.
Client View portals that provide clients with a customized, read-only dashboard of project progress without exposing internal team details
Teamwork is a robust project management platform tailored for agencies and teams managing client-facing projects, offering tools for task assignment, milestones, and collaboration. It excels in time tracking, resource planning, and invoicing directly tied to project work, enabling seamless billing for client deliverables. With customizable templates and client portals, it streamlines communication while maintaining internal team privacy.
Pros
- Excellent client collaboration portals for controlled access and updates
- Integrated time tracking and invoicing for accurate client billing
- Comprehensive resource management and workload planning tools
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting without higher-tier plans
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams
- Steep learning curve for complex customizations
Best For
Agencies and service-based teams handling multiple client projects that require time tracking, billing, and transparent client communication.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 5 users; paid plans start at $9.99/user/month (Deliver, annual billing), $19.99/user/month (Grow), and custom enterprise pricing.
Basecamp
otherSimple all-in-one tool for client communication, to-do lists, schedules, and file sharing on projects.
Hill Charts for intuitive, visual progress tracking without complex status updates
Basecamp is a straightforward all-in-one project management platform that centralizes team communication, task tracking, and file sharing for efficient project execution. It features message boards for discussions, to-do lists, schedules, automatic check-ins, and document storage, making it suitable for managing customer projects by easily inviting clients as guests. While not heavily focused on advanced analytics, it excels in simplicity and collaboration for client-facing work.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Unlimited users and projects on flat pricing
- Seamless client guest access for collaboration
Cons
- Lacks native time tracking and Gantt charts
- Limited reporting and analytics capabilities
- No built-in invoicing or CRM integrations
Best For
Small to medium-sized agencies and teams handling multiple client projects who prioritize simplicity over advanced features.
Pricing
$99/month flat rate for unlimited users, projects, and 500GB storage (free tier available for individuals)
Wrike
enterpriseFlexible work management platform with Gantt charts, resource management, and proofs for customer project delivery.
Dynamic request forms that allow clients to submit projects directly into automated workflows
Wrike is a comprehensive work management platform designed for teams to plan, track, and collaborate on complex projects, including customer-facing initiatives. It excels in customer project management with features like customizable request forms, client proofing tools, time tracking, and real-time dashboards for visibility into client deliverables. The platform supports agile workflows, Gantt charts, and integrations with CRM tools, making it ideal for agencies handling multiple client accounts.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and dynamic request forms for streamlined client onboarding
- Robust proofing and approval tools for easy client feedback and revisions
- Advanced reporting and analytics for tracking project profitability and client performance
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Pricing escalates quickly for teams needing premium features
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionalities for on-the-go management
Best For
Mid-to-large agencies and teams managing multiple client projects that require detailed collaboration, approvals, and performance analytics.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Professional at $9.80/user/month (billed annually); Business at $24.80/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Jira
enterpriseAgile project tracking tool for issue management, sprints, and roadmaps in customer software development projects.
Unmatched workflow customization allowing teams to model any customer project process with rules, automations, and fields.
Jira, developed by Atlassian, is a versatile project management platform originally designed for software development teams but widely used for customer project management through customizable workflows and boards. It enables teams to track issues, manage backlogs, create roadmaps, and collaborate on client projects with features like Kanban/Scrum boards, time tracking, and reporting. While powerful for complex setups, it requires configuration via add-ons like Jira Service Management for optimal customer-facing portals and support ticketing.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and issue tracking tailored to customer projects
- Robust reporting, dashboards, and integrations with CRM tools like Salesforce
- Scalable for enterprise-level customer project management with roadmaps and automation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users and initial setup complexity
- Pricing escalates quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming without proper configuration
Best For
Mid-to-large teams handling complex, agile customer projects in tech, consulting, or agencies needing deep customization and scalability.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Standard at $8.15/user/month, Premium at $16/user/month (billed annually, Cloud); additional costs for apps and user scaling.
Zoho Projects
enterpriseIntegrated project management solution with CRM ties, task automation, and invoicing for customer workflows.
Customizable client portals for secure external collaboration and progress visibility
Zoho Projects is a versatile cloud-based project management platform designed to help teams organize tasks, track progress, and collaborate on customer-facing projects. It offers essential tools like Gantt charts, time tracking, issue tracking, and customizable dashboards for efficient workflow management. The software stands out with client portals that enable external stakeholders to view updates and contribute without full system access, integrating seamlessly with Zoho's CRM and invoicing tools for end-to-end customer project handling.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a generous free tier
- Seamless integrations within the Zoho ecosystem including CRM and Invoice
- User-friendly interface with strong mobile app support
Cons
- Advanced reporting requires Enterprise plan or add-ons
- Steeper learning curve for blueprint automation and custom fields
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium-sized service-based businesses managing multiple client projects and already using Zoho tools for CRM or billing.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 users (limited features); Premium $5/user/month; Enterprise $10/user/month (billed annually).
Accelo
specializedProfessional services automation platform for end-to-end customer project sales, delivery, and retainers.
Real-time project profitability tracking that combines time, costs, and revenue across clients and projects
Accelo is an all-in-one professional services automation (PSA) platform designed for agencies and service-based businesses to manage client relationships, projects, time tracking, invoicing, and profitability. It integrates CRM, project management with Gantt charts and task automation, sales pipelines, and financial tools into a single dashboard for end-to-end customer project oversight. The software emphasizes workflow automation and real-time reporting to help teams deliver services efficiently while monitoring margins.
Pros
- Comprehensive PSA integration covering projects, CRM, billing, and profitability tracking
- Powerful automation for workflows, approvals, and recurring tasks
- Detailed reporting and real-time dashboards for client and project insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and complex interface
- Pricing can be high for small teams or startups
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to dedicated project tools
Best For
Agencies, consultancies, and professional service firms needing an integrated platform for client project management and profitability.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (Essentials), $79/user/month (Professional), $99/user/month (Premier), with Enterprise custom pricing; billed annually.
Kantata
enterpriseResource and project optimization platform for professional services firms managing customer engagements.
AI-enhanced capacity planning and skills-based resource scheduling for optimal project staffing
Kantata is a robust professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for customer project management, enabling agencies and consultancies to plan projects, allocate resources, track time, and manage finances in one place. It excels in capacity planning, skills-based scheduling, and real-time profitability insights to optimize client deliveries. Formerly Mavenlink, it integrates seamlessly with CRM and accounting tools for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Exceptional resource management with skills matching and capacity forecasting
- Comprehensive financial tracking including invoicing and profitability analysis
- Highly customizable reporting and dashboards for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth and complex interface
- Pricing is premium and may not suit small teams or startups
- Customization can require professional services support
Best For
Mid-to-large professional services firms and agencies handling complex client projects with heavy resource and financial oversight needs.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $45/user/month for basic plans, scaling to enterprise tiers with advanced features.
Conclusion
The top 10 tools reviewed varied widely in focus, from customizable work management and client collaboration to agile tracking and professional services automation. At the top, monday.com stood out as the clear choice, boasting a versatile work OS with automations and client dashboards that suit diverse customer project needs. Close behind, ClickUp and Asana offered robust alternatives: ClickUp’s all-in-one platform excels with hierarchical views and time tracking, while Asana simplifies task organization and team collaboration for customer-facing projects.
Don’t miss out—explore monday.com to unlock its customizable tools and collaborative capabilities, or test ClickUp or Asana to find a solution that matches your unique project goals.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison