Quick Overview
- 1#1: Microsoft Project - Advanced project management software with Gantt charts, critical path analysis, resource leveling, and baseline tracking for complex scheduling.
- 2#2: Oracle Primavera P6 - Enterprise project portfolio management tool specializing in large-scale scheduling, risk analysis, and multi-project resource optimization.
- 3#3: Smartsheet - Spreadsheet-inspired platform with dynamic Gantt charts, automation, dependencies, and real-time collaboration for project scheduling.
- 4#4: monday.com - Visual work OS offering customizable timelines, Gantt views, workload management, and automations for team-based project scheduling.
- 5#5: Asana - Work management platform featuring timelines, calendars, task dependencies, and portfolio views for streamlined project scheduling.
- 6#6: Jira Software - Agile project tracking tool with advanced roadmaps, timelines, sprints, and dependency management for software and business teams.
- 7#7: ClickUp - All-in-one productivity hub with Gantt charts, time tracking, custom fields, and hierarchical task structures for flexible scheduling.
- 8#8: Wrike - Work management solution providing Gantt charts, resource planning, workload views, and dynamic request forms for project execution.
- 9#9: TeamGantt - Online Gantt chart software focused on drag-and-drop scheduling, baseline comparisons, and team collaboration for visual project planning.
- 10#10: Float - Resource scheduling platform with real-time availability, timeline views, forecasting, and integrations for capacity planning.
These tools were chosen based on rigorous evaluation of core scheduling capabilities, user experience, feature breadth (including resource management, automation, and collaboration tools), and overall value, ensuring they cater to both small teams and large enterprises across varying project scales and methodologies.
Comparison Table
This comparison table breaks down top PM scheduling software—including Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera P6, Smartsheet, monday.com, Asana, and more—offering insights into their key features, best use cases, and unique advantages for streamlined project management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft Project Advanced project management software with Gantt charts, critical path analysis, resource leveling, and baseline tracking for complex scheduling. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise project portfolio management tool specializing in large-scale scheduling, risk analysis, and multi-project resource optimization. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.7/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Smartsheet Spreadsheet-inspired platform with dynamic Gantt charts, automation, dependencies, and real-time collaboration for project scheduling. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | monday.com Visual work OS offering customizable timelines, Gantt views, workload management, and automations for team-based project scheduling. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Asana Work management platform featuring timelines, calendars, task dependencies, and portfolio views for streamlined project scheduling. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Jira Software Agile project tracking tool with advanced roadmaps, timelines, sprints, and dependency management for software and business teams. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | ClickUp All-in-one productivity hub with Gantt charts, time tracking, custom fields, and hierarchical task structures for flexible scheduling. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Wrike Work management solution providing Gantt charts, resource planning, workload views, and dynamic request forms for project execution. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | TeamGantt Online Gantt chart software focused on drag-and-drop scheduling, baseline comparisons, and team collaboration for visual project planning. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Float Resource scheduling platform with real-time availability, timeline views, forecasting, and integrations for capacity planning. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.6/10 |
Advanced project management software with Gantt charts, critical path analysis, resource leveling, and baseline tracking for complex scheduling.
Enterprise project portfolio management tool specializing in large-scale scheduling, risk analysis, and multi-project resource optimization.
Spreadsheet-inspired platform with dynamic Gantt charts, automation, dependencies, and real-time collaboration for project scheduling.
Visual work OS offering customizable timelines, Gantt views, workload management, and automations for team-based project scheduling.
Work management platform featuring timelines, calendars, task dependencies, and portfolio views for streamlined project scheduling.
Agile project tracking tool with advanced roadmaps, timelines, sprints, and dependency management for software and business teams.
All-in-one productivity hub with Gantt charts, time tracking, custom fields, and hierarchical task structures for flexible scheduling.
Work management solution providing Gantt charts, resource planning, workload views, and dynamic request forms for project execution.
Online Gantt chart software focused on drag-and-drop scheduling, baseline comparisons, and team collaboration for visual project planning.
Resource scheduling platform with real-time availability, timeline views, forecasting, and integrations for capacity planning.
Microsoft Project
enterpriseAdvanced project management software with Gantt charts, critical path analysis, resource leveling, and baseline tracking for complex scheduling.
Advanced critical path analysis with multiple baselines and what-if scenario planning
Microsoft Project is a leading project management software specializing in advanced scheduling for complex projects. It excels in creating detailed Gantt charts, managing dependencies, resources, and costs, while providing critical path analysis and progress tracking. Seamlessly integrated with the Microsoft 365 suite, it supports both desktop and cloud deployments for enterprise-scale planning.
Pros
- Powerful Gantt charts, critical path method, and auto-scheduling engine
- Advanced resource allocation and leveling with workload views
- Deep integration with Microsoft Teams, Excel, and Power BI for reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- High pricing for full-featured plans
- Desktop version requires significant system resources
Best For
Experienced project managers and enterprise teams handling large-scale, complex schedules requiring precise dependency and resource management.
Pricing
Project Plan 1: $10/user/mo (web basics); Plan 3: $30/user/mo; Plan 5: $55/user/mo (full features); legacy desktop perpetual licenses available.
Oracle Primavera P6
enterpriseEnterprise project portfolio management tool specializing in large-scale scheduling, risk analysis, and multi-project resource optimization.
Advanced multi-project portfolio scheduling with forensic analysis capabilities for handling 100,000+ activities
Oracle Primavera P6 is an enterprise-grade project management software specializing in scheduling, resource management, and portfolio oversight for complex, large-scale projects. It excels in critical path method (CPM) scheduling, supporting up to 100,000 activities per project, with advanced features like multiple baselines, earned value management, and risk analysis. Widely adopted in construction, engineering, energy, and aerospace industries, it enables precise control over timelines, costs, and resources across portfolios.
Pros
- Industry-leading CPM scheduling for massive projects
- Robust resource leveling and earned value analysis
- Seamless integration with enterprise systems like Oracle ERP
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- High licensing and implementation costs
- Resource-intensive with potential performance issues on very large datasets
Best For
Enterprise schedulers and project managers handling complex, multi-year projects in construction, engineering, or energy sectors.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically $2,500-$4,000 per user/year for cloud/on-premise, plus implementation fees often exceeding $50,000.
Smartsheet
enterpriseSpreadsheet-inspired platform with dynamic Gantt charts, automation, dependencies, and real-time collaboration for project scheduling.
Dynamic Gantt charts with automatic dependency adjustments and critical path highlighting
Smartsheet is a versatile work management platform that combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with powerful project management tools, enabling teams to create schedules, track tasks, and manage resources effectively. It offers dynamic Gantt charts, dependency mapping, critical path analysis, and timeline views tailored for project scheduling. Beyond scheduling, it supports automation, dashboards, and real-time collaboration to streamline PM workflows.
Pros
- Flexible spreadsheet-like interface with robust Gantt charts and dependency management
- Strong automation and workflow rules for efficient scheduling
- Excellent integrations with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, and Google Workspace
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features and custom formulas
- Limited built-in resource leveling compared to dedicated PM tools
- Advanced capabilities require higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-sized teams and spreadsheet-savvy project managers needing customizable scheduling with collaboration.
Pricing
Free trial; Pro at $7/user/month, Business at $25/user/month, Enterprise custom.
monday.com
enterpriseVisual work OS offering customizable timelines, Gantt views, workload management, and automations for team-based project scheduling.
Drag-and-drop Gantt charts with built-in dependency columns and automatic rescheduling
monday.com is a highly customizable work management platform that excels in visual project planning and scheduling through boards, Gantt charts, timelines, and calendars. It supports task dependencies, resource allocation, and workload views, making it suitable for PM scheduling across teams. Automations, dashboards, and integrations further enhance its ability to streamline project timelines and track progress in real-time.
Pros
- Highly customizable Gantt charts, timelines, and dependency management for flexible scheduling
- Real-time collaboration and workload balancing tools
- Extensive automations and 200+ integrations to enhance PM workflows
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams or basic scheduling needs
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations and automations
- Less specialized for complex enterprise-level resource scheduling compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Mid-sized teams and departments needing a visual, adaptable platform for project scheduling integrated with broader work management.
Pricing
Free for individuals; paid plans start at $9/user/month (Basic, annual billing), $12 (Standard), $19 (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Asana
specializedWork management platform featuring timelines, calendars, task dependencies, and portfolio views for streamlined project scheduling.
Timeline view that auto-generates interactive Gantt charts from task dates and dependencies
Asana is a comprehensive project management platform that enables teams to organize tasks, set dependencies, and visualize schedules through Timeline and Calendar views. It supports PM scheduling with features like task timelines resembling Gantt charts, workload balancing, and automation rules to streamline project timelines. While versatile for general project management, its scheduling tools integrate well into collaborative workflows but lack some advanced capabilities found in dedicated tools.
Pros
- Intuitive Timeline view for visual Gantt-style scheduling
- Robust task dependencies and automation rules
- Excellent team collaboration and multi-view options
Cons
- Limited advanced resource leveling and critical path analysis
- Workload and capacity planning locked behind premium tiers
- Can become complex for very large-scale scheduling needs
Best For
Mid-sized teams seeking user-friendly task-based scheduling integrated with broader project management.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Premium starts at $10.99/user/month, Advanced at $24.99/user/month (billed annually).
Jira Software
enterpriseAgile project tracking tool with advanced roadmaps, timelines, sprints, and dependency management for software and business teams.
Advanced Roadmaps for cross-team dependency visualization and scenario planning
Jira Software is a versatile project management platform primarily designed for agile teams, offering tools like backlogs, sprints, timelines, and Advanced Roadmaps for scheduling and tracking tasks across projects. It excels in dependency management, resource allocation, and visualizing project timelines, making it suitable for software development and IT teams handling complex workflows. While powerful for iterative planning, it requires customization to function as a full-fledged PM scheduling solution.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and scheduling views like timelines and Advanced Roadmaps
- Excellent scalability and integrations for enterprise-level project scheduling
- Strong dependency and resource planning capabilities for agile environments
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for non-technical users
- Limited native Gantt chart functionality without add-ons or Premium tier
- Pricing escalates quickly for larger teams, reducing value for small projects
Best For
Agile software development and IT teams managing complex, multi-project schedules with dependencies.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Standard at $8.15/user/month, Premium (with Advanced Roadmaps) at $15.25/user/month (billed annually).
ClickUp
otherAll-in-one productivity hub with Gantt charts, time tracking, custom fields, and hierarchical task structures for flexible scheduling.
Workload View for real-time resource capacity planning and balancing across team schedules
ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform that offers robust project management scheduling tools, including Gantt charts, timelines, calendars, workloads, and dependency mapping. It enables teams to visualize, plan, and optimize schedules while integrating with tasks, docs, and goals for comprehensive project oversight. Ideal for dynamic environments, it supports resource allocation and automation to streamline scheduling workflows.
Pros
- Multiple scheduling views (Gantt, Timeline, Calendar, Workload) for flexible planning
- Dependency automation and resource management for efficient PM scheduling
- Generous free plan with unlimited tasks and core scheduling features
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Performance slowdowns with very large or complex schedules
- Some advanced scheduling automations require higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-sized teams handling complex projects that need integrated scheduling with full project management capabilities.
Pricing
Free plan available; Unlimited at $7/user/month; Business at $12/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Wrike
enterpriseWork management solution providing Gantt charts, resource planning, workload views, and dynamic request forms for project execution.
Dynamic Gantt charts with auto-scheduling, drag-and-drop rescheduling, and critical path highlighting
Wrike is a robust work management platform designed for project scheduling, offering Gantt charts, timelines, calendars, and resource allocation tools to plan and track complex projects. It supports dependency mapping, critical path analysis, and workload balancing, making it suitable for teams handling multifaceted workflows. With real-time collaboration and customizable dashboards, Wrike integrates scheduling into broader project management processes.
Pros
- Advanced Gantt charts with dependencies and critical path visualization
- Comprehensive resource management and workload views
- Seamless integrations with 400+ apps for enhanced scheduling workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to feature depth
- Higher pricing tiers required for full scheduling capabilities
- Can feel bloated for simple scheduling needs
Best For
Mid-to-large teams managing complex, multi-phase projects that demand detailed scheduling and resource oversight.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $9.80/user/month (Pro, annual billing) up to Enterprise (custom pricing).
TeamGantt
specializedOnline Gantt chart software focused on drag-and-drop scheduling, baseline comparisons, and team collaboration for visual project planning.
Interactive, pixel-perfect Gantt charts with effortless drag-and-drop editing
TeamGantt is a visual project management tool centered on interactive Gantt charts for scheduling and planning projects. It enables users to create timelines, set task dependencies, allocate resources, and track progress through a drag-and-drop interface. The platform emphasizes real-time collaboration and sharing of polished Gantt views, making it suitable for teams focused on timeline visualization rather than comprehensive task management.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop Gantt chart interface
- Excellent for visualizing dependencies and timelines
- Strong real-time collaboration and sharing capabilities
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- No built-in time tracking or invoicing
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
Best For
Project managers and teams who prioritize visual scheduling and Gantt-based planning over full-featured PM suites.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; Pro starts at $24.95/user/month (billed annually), Advanced at $49/user/month, with custom Enterprise options.
Float
specializedResource scheduling platform with real-time availability, timeline views, forecasting, and integrations for capacity planning.
Interactive timeline view for real-time drag-and-drop resource scheduling
Float is a cloud-based resource management and scheduling platform designed for teams to plan, schedule, and track project work visually. It enables project managers to assign team members to tasks, monitor capacity, forecast workloads, and integrate with tools like Jira and Asana. With drag-and-drop functionality and real-time updates, it helps optimize resource allocation and prevent burnout.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong capacity planning and forecasting tools
- Seamless integrations with popular PM tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams
- Limited built-in task management features
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to competitors
Best For
Creative agencies and mid-sized teams focused on visual resource scheduling and workload balancing.
Pricing
Starts at $6/user/month (billed annually) for Team plan; Plus at $10/user/month; Enterprise custom.
Conclusion
The top 10 PM scheduling tools serve diverse needs, with Microsoft Project leading as the top choice for its robust features in complex scheduling. Oracle Primavera P6 follows, excelling in large-scale and multi-project environments, while Smartsheet stands out for its dynamic, spreadsheet-inspired design and real-time collaboration. Each tool offers unique strengths, ensuring users can find the ideal fit for their projects.
Take your project scheduling to the next level—try Microsoft Project today to simplify complex workflows and boost efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison