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Top 10 Best Manage Projects Software of 2026

Discover the best project management software to streamline workflows, keep teams on track, and boost productivity. Explore top tools now.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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In modern business, project management software is indispensable for driving efficiency, aligning teams, and delivering results. With a wide spectrum of tools ranging from visual platforms to industry-specific solutions, choosing the right one can transform how projects are executed and tracked. This compilation explores the top 10 tools, each designed to meet diverse team needs and optimize workflows.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: monday.com - Visual project management platform that customizes workflows for teams across industries.
  2. 2#2: Asana - Work management tool for planning, organizing, and tracking projects with timelines and dependencies.
  3. 3#3: ClickUp - All-in-one productivity platform combining tasks, docs, goals, and whiteboards for project management.
  4. 4#4: Jira - Powerful issue tracking and agile project management software for software development teams.
  5. 5#5: Smartsheet - Spreadsheet-inspired collaborative work management platform for complex projects and automation.
  6. 6#6: Wrike - Enterprise-class work management solution with resource planning, budgeting, and real-time reporting.
  7. 7#7: Trello - Simple visual collaboration tool using boards, lists, and cards to organize projects.
  8. 8#8: Basecamp - Centralized hub for team communication, task tracking, and project scheduling.
  9. 9#9: Teamwork - Project management software with time tracking, invoicing, and client collaboration features.
  10. 10#10: Microsoft Project - Comprehensive project scheduling and resource management tool integrated with Microsoft 365.

Tools were ranked based on a blend of robust features—including customization, automation, and scalability—user-friendly design, technical excellence, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring a balanced list of innovative and practical options.

Comparison Table

This comparison table explores key project management tools, such as monday.com, Asana, ClickUp, Jira, and Smartsheet, to guide readers in understanding their unique features, workflows, and ideal use cases. By analyzing collaboration capabilities, scalability, and core functionalities, users can identify the tool that best fits their team’s size, project complexity, and goals.

1monday.com logo9.5/10

Visual project management platform that customizes workflows for teams across industries.

Features
9.7/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
9.0/10
2Asana logo9.2/10

Work management tool for planning, organizing, and tracking projects with timelines and dependencies.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
9.3/10
Value
8.7/10
3ClickUp logo9.2/10

All-in-one productivity platform combining tasks, docs, goals, and whiteboards for project management.

Features
9.7/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
9.3/10
4Jira logo8.5/10

Powerful issue tracking and agile project management software for software development teams.

Features
9.4/10
Ease
6.7/10
Value
8.1/10
5Smartsheet logo8.4/10

Spreadsheet-inspired collaborative work management platform for complex projects and automation.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
7.8/10
6Wrike logo8.7/10

Enterprise-class work management solution with resource planning, budgeting, and real-time reporting.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.1/10
7Trello logo8.2/10

Simple visual collaboration tool using boards, lists, and cards to organize projects.

Features
7.5/10
Ease
9.5/10
Value
8.8/10
8Basecamp logo8.2/10

Centralized hub for team communication, task tracking, and project scheduling.

Features
7.8/10
Ease
9.4/10
Value
8.7/10
9Teamwork logo8.4/10

Project management software with time tracking, invoicing, and client collaboration features.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
9.1/10
Value
7.8/10

Comprehensive project scheduling and resource management tool integrated with Microsoft 365.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
6.8/10
Value
7.5/10
1
monday.com logo

monday.com

enterprise

Visual project management platform that customizes workflows for teams across industries.

Overall Rating9.5/10
Features
9.7/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

No-code automation center enabling complex, trigger-based workflows without programming expertise

monday.com is a versatile work operating system that excels in project management through customizable visual boards, timelines, and Gantt charts for tracking tasks, dependencies, and progress. It supports team collaboration with real-time updates, file sharing, and communication tools integrated into workflows. The platform offers extensive automations, dashboards, and over 200 app integrations, making it adaptable for various industries and team sizes.

Pros

  • Highly customizable boards and multiple views (Kanban, Gantt, Calendar) for flexible project visualization
  • Robust no-code automations and 200+ integrations for streamlined workflows
  • Intuitive real-time collaboration with updates, comments, and notifications

Cons

  • Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
  • Steeper learning curve for complex customizations and automations
  • Limited reporting depth in lower-tier plans compared to enterprise tools

Best For

Mid-to-large teams needing a scalable, visual platform for complex project management across departments.

Pricing

Free plan for up to 2 seats; paid plans from $9/user/month (Basic) to $19/user/month (Pro), Enterprise custom.

2
Asana logo

Asana

enterprise

Work management tool for planning, organizing, and tracking projects with timelines and dependencies.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
9.3/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

Timeline view with dependency mapping for dynamic Gantt-style project planning

Asana is a versatile work management platform designed to help teams plan, organize, and track projects through customizable workflows, tasks, and timelines. It offers multiple views including lists, Kanban boards, Gantt-style timelines, and calendars to visualize progress and dependencies. With robust collaboration tools, automation rules, and integrations with over 200 apps, Asana streamlines team productivity and alignment across complex projects.

Pros

  • Highly intuitive interface with multiple project views
  • Powerful automation rules and workflow customizations
  • Seamless integrations with popular tools like Slack, Google Workspace, and Jira

Cons

  • Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
  • Pricing can add up for large teams
  • Reporting and analytics are somewhat limited compared to specialized tools

Best For

Mid-to-large teams and organizations needing flexible, visual project management for collaborative workflows.

Pricing

Free plan for basic teams; Personal ($13.49/user/month), Starter ($10.99/user/month), Advanced ($24.99/user/month) billed annually.

Visit Asanaasana.com
3
ClickUp logo

ClickUp

enterprise

All-in-one productivity platform combining tasks, docs, goals, and whiteboards for project management.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.7/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
9.3/10
Standout Feature

Infinite customizable hierarchy (Spaces > Folders > Lists > Tasks > Subtasks) with unlimited views

ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform that excels in project management by offering a highly customizable hierarchical structure for organizing tasks across Spaces, Folders, Lists, and subtasks. It supports multiple views including List, Board, Gantt, Calendar, and Mind Maps, along with powerful automations, time tracking, goals, and dashboards. Designed to replace multiple tools, it integrates with over 1,000 apps and includes AI-powered features for enhanced efficiency.

Pros

  • Extremely feature-rich with endless customization options like ClickApps and custom fields
  • Generous free plan with robust functionality for small teams
  • Seamless integrations and multiple views for diverse workflows

Cons

  • Steep learning curve due to overwhelming options and complexity
  • Performance can lag with very large workspaces or many customizations
  • Interface feels cluttered for users seeking simplicity

Best For

Complex teams and organizations requiring a highly customizable, all-in-one platform to manage projects, tasks, docs, and goals without multiple tools.

Pricing

Free Forever plan; Unlimited at $7/user/month (annual), Business at $12/user/month (annual), Enterprise custom.

Visit ClickUpclickup.com
4
Jira logo

Jira

enterprise

Powerful issue tracking and agile project management software for software development teams.

Overall Rating8.5/10
Features
9.4/10
Ease of Use
6.7/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Advanced workflow customization that models virtually any business process

Jira, developed by Atlassian, is a robust project management platform primarily designed for software development teams but widely used for agile project tracking across industries. It provides customizable workflows, Scrum and Kanban boards, backlogs, roadmaps, and advanced reporting to manage tasks, sprints, and epics effectively. With deep integrations and scalability for enterprises, Jira supports complex project needs while allowing teams to tailor processes to their specific methodologies.

Pros

  • Highly customizable workflows for any process
  • Powerful agile tools including Scrum/Kanban boards and roadmaps
  • Extensive ecosystem of integrations and apps

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Overwhelming interface with too many options
  • Pricing escalates quickly for larger teams

Best For

Agile software development and IT teams handling complex, technical projects that require deep customization.

Pricing

Free for up to 10 users; Standard: $7.75/user/month; Premium: $15.25/user/month (billed annually).

Visit Jiraatlassian.com
5
Smartsheet logo

Smartsheet

enterprise

Spreadsheet-inspired collaborative work management platform for complex projects and automation.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Spreadsheet-like grid interface with dynamic formulas, automations, and Gantt dependencies for intuitive, code-free project modeling

Smartsheet is a versatile work management platform that combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with robust project management tools, enabling teams to build custom sheets for task tracking, timelines, and resource allocation. It supports Gantt charts, automations, dashboards, and real-time collaboration to streamline project workflows. Ideal for visualizing complex projects in a flexible, formula-driven environment without the rigidity of traditional PM software.

Pros

  • Highly customizable sheets with formulas and conditional formatting for tailored project views
  • Powerful automations and workflow rules to reduce manual work
  • Seamless integrations with 100+ apps like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Salesforce

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for advanced features beyond basic spreadsheet use
  • Limited built-in time tracking and resource scheduling compared to dedicated PM tools
  • Pricing escalates quickly for teams needing premium plans and add-ons

Best For

Mid-sized teams or spreadsheet-savvy users seeking flexible, visual project management with strong automation capabilities.

Pricing

Free trial available; Pro plan at $7/user/month (billed annually), Business at $25/user/month, Enterprise custom pricing.

Visit Smartsheetsmartsheet.com
6
Wrike logo

Wrike

enterprise

Enterprise-class work management solution with resource planning, budgeting, and real-time reporting.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Dynamic request forms that automatically convert submissions into actionable tasks and projects

Wrike is a versatile project management platform that enables teams to plan, track, and collaborate on projects using customizable workspaces, tasks, and timelines. It supports advanced features like Gantt charts, resource management, automations, and real-time reporting to handle complex workflows across departments. With strong integration capabilities, Wrike scales from small teams to enterprises, making it suitable for industries like marketing, IT, and professional services.

Pros

  • Highly customizable dashboards and workflows
  • Robust reporting and analytics tools
  • 400+ integrations for seamless connectivity

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for advanced features
  • Interface can feel overwhelming for beginners
  • Premium features locked behind higher tiers

Best For

Mid-to-large teams and enterprises needing scalable, customizable project management with strong analytics and automation.

Pricing

Free plan for basics; Pro ($9.80/user/mo), Business ($24.80/user/mo), Enterprise (custom) - billed annually.

Visit Wrikewrike.com
7
Trello logo

Trello

other

Simple visual collaboration tool using boards, lists, and cards to organize projects.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
7.5/10
Ease of Use
9.5/10
Value
8.8/10
Standout Feature

Customizable Kanban boards with power-ups for endless visual workflow flexibility

Trello is a visual project management tool that uses Kanban-style boards, lists, and cards to organize tasks and workflows. It enables teams to collaborate in real-time by dragging and dropping cards, adding labels, checklists, attachments, and due dates. While simple and flexible, it excels in tracking progress visually but lacks advanced project management features like Gantt charts or resource allocation.

Pros

  • Intuitive drag-and-drop Kanban interface
  • Strong real-time collaboration and commenting
  • Generous free plan with extensive integrations

Cons

  • Limited advanced reporting and analytics
  • No built-in time tracking or workload management
  • Can become cluttered for complex, large-scale projects

Best For

Small teams or individuals who need a simple, visual way to manage lightweight projects and tasks.

Pricing

Free plan available; Standard at $5/user/month, Premium at $10/user/month (billed annually), Enterprise custom pricing.

Visit Trellotrello.com
8
Basecamp logo

Basecamp

other

Centralized hub for team communication, task tracking, and project scheduling.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
7.8/10
Ease of Use
9.4/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

Hill Charts, a unique visualization that intuitively represents project progress as climbing and descending a hill.

Basecamp is an all-in-one project management platform designed for simplicity, emphasizing team communication and basic organization over complex tracking. It includes message boards for discussions, to-do lists, schedules, automatic check-ins, file sharing, and real-time chat to keep projects moving without unnecessary features. Ideal for teams tired of bloated tools, it promotes asynchronous collaboration and flat project structures.

Pros

  • Intuitive, no-frills interface that's quick to learn
  • Excellent asynchronous communication tools like Message Boards
  • Unlimited users, projects, and storage on all plans

Cons

  • No Gantt charts, dependencies, or advanced roadmapping
  • Lacks native time tracking and detailed reporting
  • Limited integrations and customization options

Best For

Small to medium teams prioritizing ease of use and communication for straightforward projects.

Pricing

Starts at $15/user/month (billed annually) or $19/user/month (monthly billing), with unlimited projects and storage; free personal plan available.

Visit Basecampbasecamp.com
9
Teamwork logo

Teamwork

enterprise

Project management software with time tracking, invoicing, and client collaboration features.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
9.1/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Profitability tracking that integrates time logs, budgets, and expenses for real-time project margin insights

Teamwork is a comprehensive project management platform tailored for service-based teams and agencies, offering tools for task assignment, milestone tracking, and Gantt charts. It excels in time tracking, resource scheduling, and client collaboration through dedicated portals and customizable templates. Additionally, it includes invoicing, budgeting, and profitability insights to help teams manage billable work efficiently.

Pros

  • Intuitive interface with quick onboarding
  • Robust time tracking and built-in invoicing
  • Client portals for seamless collaboration

Cons

  • Advanced reporting limited to higher plans
  • Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
  • Lacks native roadmap or advanced dependency views

Best For

Marketing agencies, consultancies, and creative teams handling client projects with billable hours.

Pricing

Free for up to 5 users; paid plans start at $5.99/user/month (annual billing) for Beginner, $9.99 for Deliver, $19.99 for Grow, and custom Enterprise.

Visit Teamworkteamwork.com
10
Microsoft Project logo

Microsoft Project

enterprise

Comprehensive project scheduling and resource management tool integrated with Microsoft 365.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
6.8/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Advanced critical path method and baseline tracking for precise control over project timelines and dependencies

Microsoft Project is a robust project management software suite designed for planning, scheduling, and tracking complex projects using tools like Gantt charts, critical path analysis, and resource allocation. It supports both desktop and cloud-based versions, with Project for the web offering lighter collaboration features and the full desktop app providing advanced capabilities for enterprise use. The tool excels in earned value management and integrates deeply with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, including Teams, Excel, and Power BI.

Pros

  • Powerful scheduling and critical path tools for complex projects
  • Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 apps like Teams and Power BI
  • Scalable for enterprise-level portfolio management

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and dated interface
  • High pricing, especially for premium features
  • Less intuitive for real-time team collaboration than modern alternatives

Best For

Experienced project managers in large enterprises using Microsoft 365 who handle intricate, timeline-driven projects.

Pricing

Starts at $10/user/month for Project for the web (Plan 1); $30/user/month for Plan 3; $55/user/month for Plan 5 with advanced features; desktop licenses sold separately.

Conclusion

The reviewed project management tools offer diverse solutions, with monday.com emerging as the top choice for its customizable workflows. Asana and ClickUp stand out as strong alternatives, providing robust planning and all-in-one productivity, respectively, catering to different team needs.

monday.com logo
Our Top Pick
monday.com

Ready to elevate your project management? Begin with monday.com to customize workflows, streamline collaboration, and achieve efficient, successful outcomes for your team.