Quick Overview
- 1#1: Planview - Enterprise portfolio management platform for strategic planning, resource optimization, and program execution.
- 2#2: Clarity PPM - Modern PPM solution for managing portfolios, programs, projects, and resources with AI-driven insights.
- 3#3: ServiceNow Strategic Portfolio Management - Integrated platform for demand management, strategic planning, and execution across IT and business programs.
- 4#4: Jira Align - Scales Agile and SAFe frameworks across enterprise programs and teams for alignment and visibility.
- 5#5: Oracle Primavera Cloud - Cloud-based PPM for large-scale programs in construction, engineering, and capital projects.
- 6#6: Microsoft Project - Project and portfolio management integrated with Microsoft 365 for roadmapping and resource allocation.
- 7#7: Smartsheet - Dynamic work platform with portfolio management, reporting, and automation for programs.
- 8#8: Wrike - Work management tool with cross-project visibility, resource planning, and program dashboards.
- 9#9: Asana - Work management platform featuring portfolios for overseeing multiple projects and goals.
- 10#10: monday.com - Customizable work OS with portfolio dashboards for program tracking and collaboration.
We ranked these tools based on essential factors: robust feature sets (including strategic planning, resource management, and cross-project visibility), user experience, reliability, and overall value for businesses of varying sizes and workflows.
Comparison Table
This comparison table features top program management software tools, such as Planview, Clarity PPM, ServiceNow Strategic Portfolio Management, Jira Align, Oracle Primavera Cloud, and more, to help readers assess their unique capabilities. By evaluating functionality, integration options, and ideal use cases, users can identify the tool that aligns best with their organizational goals and workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planview Enterprise portfolio management platform for strategic planning, resource optimization, and program execution. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Clarity PPM Modern PPM solution for managing portfolios, programs, projects, and resources with AI-driven insights. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | ServiceNow Strategic Portfolio Management Integrated platform for demand management, strategic planning, and execution across IT and business programs. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Jira Align Scales Agile and SAFe frameworks across enterprise programs and teams for alignment and visibility. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Oracle Primavera Cloud Cloud-based PPM for large-scale programs in construction, engineering, and capital projects. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Microsoft Project Project and portfolio management integrated with Microsoft 365 for roadmapping and resource allocation. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Smartsheet Dynamic work platform with portfolio management, reporting, and automation for programs. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Wrike Work management tool with cross-project visibility, resource planning, and program dashboards. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 9 | Asana Work management platform featuring portfolios for overseeing multiple projects and goals. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | monday.com Customizable work OS with portfolio dashboards for program tracking and collaboration. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
Enterprise portfolio management platform for strategic planning, resource optimization, and program execution.
Modern PPM solution for managing portfolios, programs, projects, and resources with AI-driven insights.
Integrated platform for demand management, strategic planning, and execution across IT and business programs.
Scales Agile and SAFe frameworks across enterprise programs and teams for alignment and visibility.
Cloud-based PPM for large-scale programs in construction, engineering, and capital projects.
Project and portfolio management integrated with Microsoft 365 for roadmapping and resource allocation.
Dynamic work platform with portfolio management, reporting, and automation for programs.
Work management tool with cross-project visibility, resource planning, and program dashboards.
Work management platform featuring portfolios for overseeing multiple projects and goals.
Customizable work OS with portfolio dashboards for program tracking and collaboration.
Planview
enterpriseEnterprise portfolio management platform for strategic planning, resource optimization, and program execution.
Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM) that unifies strategy formulation, roadmapping, and execution in a single platform
Planview is a comprehensive enterprise portfolio management (EPM) platform designed for program and portfolio management, enabling organizations to align projects, resources, and strategies with business goals. It offers tools for demand management, roadmapping, financial planning, and performance analytics across traditional, agile, and hybrid methodologies. With solutions like Planview PPM Pro, AdaptiveWork, and Strategy & Roadmaps, it supports large-scale program execution and optimization.
Pros
- Robust portfolio optimization and resource capacity planning
- Advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and customizable dashboards
- Seamless support for enterprise-scale programs with extensive integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High cost suitable mainly for large enterprises
- Customization requires significant expertise
Best For
Large enterprises and complex organizations needing strategic alignment, portfolio governance, and scalable program management across departments.
Pricing
Custom quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on users, modules, and deployment scale.
Clarity PPM
enterpriseModern PPM solution for managing portfolios, programs, projects, and resources with AI-driven insights.
Investment Funding and Scenario Modeling for strategic portfolio prioritization and what-if analysis
Clarity PPM by Broadcom is an enterprise-grade Project and Portfolio Management (PPM) solution designed to align programs, projects, and portfolios with strategic business objectives. It provides comprehensive tools for demand management, resource optimization, financial planning, risk assessment, and advanced analytics across the full investment lifecycle. With modern UI enhancements, AI-driven insights, and extensive configurability, it supports both agile and traditional methodologies in large-scale environments.
Pros
- Highly customizable with Blueprint for tailored processes and objects
- Robust resource and capacity planning with real-time visibility
- Deep integrations with tools like Jira, ServiceNow, and ERP systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Premium pricing requires significant investment
- Reporting can be overwhelming without proper configuration
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multi-departmental program portfolios needing strategic alignment and advanced financial controls.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; SaaS starts around $60-100/user/month, with on-premise options and high implementation fees.
ServiceNow Strategic Portfolio Management
enterpriseIntegrated platform for demand management, strategic planning, and execution across IT and business programs.
Dynamic Strategic Roadmapping with AI-driven scenario planning and drag-and-drop visualizations for aligning programs to business outcomes
ServiceNow Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM) is an enterprise-grade platform that enables organizations to align portfolios, programs, and projects with strategic business objectives. It provides comprehensive tools for demand management, roadmapping, resource optimization, financial planning, and performance analytics within the unified ServiceNow ecosystem. SPM excels in integrating program execution with IT service management, offering real-time visibility and AI-driven insights for decision-making.
Pros
- Seamless integration with the broader ServiceNow ITBM suite and Now Platform
- Advanced roadmapping, AI-powered prioritization, and real-time analytics
- Scalable for large enterprises with robust governance and compliance features
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation requiring expert configuration
- High cost prohibitive for mid-market or smaller organizations
- Overly complex for simple program management needs without full customization
Best For
Large enterprises with complex IT environments needing integrated strategic portfolio and program management tied to ITSM.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically starts at $100+ per user/month for core modules, scaling with users, add-ons, and implementation services.
Jira Align
enterpriseScales Agile and SAFe frameworks across enterprise programs and teams for alignment and visibility.
End-to-end traceability from strategic objectives to team-level delivery with automated health scoring
Jira Align is Atlassian's enterprise agile planning platform designed to connect strategy, portfolios, programs, and teams for scaled agile at the organizational level. It offers tools for roadmapping, PI planning, OKR management, dependency tracking, and real-time analytics to provide end-to-end visibility. By integrating deeply with Jira Software and other Atlassian tools, it enables traceability from high-level objectives to daily execution.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Jira ecosystem for unified workflows
- Powerful portfolio and program management with real-time analytics
- Scalable for large enterprises with advanced OKR and roadmapping capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High enterprise-level pricing
- Performance can lag with very large datasets
Best For
Large enterprises with mature agile practices seeking to align strategy across multiple portfolios and teams.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $100+ per user/month with annual contracts, contact sales for quotes.
Oracle Primavera Cloud
enterpriseCloud-based PPM for large-scale programs in construction, engineering, and capital projects.
Quantitative risk analysis using Monte Carlo simulations integrated directly into program schedules
Oracle Primavera Cloud is a robust, cloud-based project and program management platform designed for enterprise-level users, offering advanced scheduling, portfolio management, and resource optimization. It supports end-to-end program lifecycle management with real-time collaboration, risk analysis, and analytics tailored for complex, large-scale initiatives in industries like construction, engineering, and energy. The solution integrates seamlessly with the Oracle ecosystem, enabling data-driven decisions across multiple projects and programs.
Pros
- Advanced scheduling and critical path analysis for complex programs
- Comprehensive risk management with Monte Carlo simulations
- Scalable cloud architecture with strong enterprise integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- High cost prohibitive for small to mid-sized teams
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Large enterprises managing multi-billion-dollar programs in capital-intensive sectors like construction and infrastructure.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription pricing, typically $100-$150 per user/month with minimum commitments and custom quotes for large deployments.
Microsoft Project
enterpriseProject and portfolio management integrated with Microsoft 365 for roadmapping and resource allocation.
Portfolio roadmaps and what-if scenario modeling for program-level optimization
Microsoft Project is a robust project and program management software from Microsoft, designed for planning, scheduling, executing, and monitoring complex projects and portfolios. It excels in creating detailed Gantt charts, managing dependencies, allocating resources across multiple projects, and generating reports for program-level oversight. With integration into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, it supports enterprise-scale program management through tools like Project Server or Power Platform for roadmap planning and analytics.
Pros
- Advanced scheduling with critical path analysis and resource leveling across programs
- Deep integration with Microsoft 365, Teams, Power BI, and Azure DevOps
- Scalable portfolio management for tracking multiple projects and dependencies
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and terminology
- High pricing for full-featured plans, especially for small teams
- Limited native collaboration features compared to modern cloud-native tools
Best For
Enterprise program managers and PMOs handling large-scale, interdependent projects within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Pricing
Project Plan 1: $10/user/month (web basics); Plan 3: $30/user/month (desktop + advanced); Plan 5: $55/user/month (portfolio mgmt); included in some Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plans.
Smartsheet
enterpriseDynamic work platform with portfolio management, reporting, and automation for programs.
Portfolio management with cross-sheet dependencies and automated roll-up reporting
Smartsheet is a versatile work management platform that uses a familiar spreadsheet interface to handle project and program management tasks, enabling teams to track dependencies, milestones, and resources across multiple initiatives. It supports portfolio management for overseeing programs, with features like Gantt charts, automated workflows, and real-time dashboards for visibility. Ideal for collaborative environments, it integrates with numerous tools and scales from simple projects to complex programs.
Pros
- Intuitive spreadsheet-like interface that's easy for Excel users to adopt
- Robust automation, formulas, and integrations for streamlined workflows
- Strong portfolio and reporting tools for program-level oversight
Cons
- Resource management lacks depth compared to dedicated PM tools
- Advanced features can become complex and require setup time
- Limited built-in time tracking and advanced forecasting
Best For
Mid-sized teams and departments needing flexible, customizable program tracking without rigid project structures.
Pricing
Starts at $7/user/month (Pro), $25/user/month (Business), custom Enterprise; free trial available.
Wrike
specializedWork management tool with cross-project visibility, resource planning, and program dashboards.
Portfolio dashboards with cross-project dependencies and workload balancing for true program-level visibility
Wrike is a versatile work management platform tailored for program and project management, allowing teams to oversee multiple projects through portfolios, Gantt charts, kanban boards, and resource planning tools. It supports real-time collaboration, custom automations, and analytics dashboards to align programs with strategic goals. Scalable from small teams to enterprises, Wrike emphasizes workflow customization and cross-project visibility for efficient program oversight.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and automation rules
- Robust portfolio management with resource allocation and analytics
- Extensive integrations with over 200 apps including Google Workspace and Jira
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced program tools
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionalities
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises and teams managing complex, interdependent programs requiring portfolio-level oversight and customization.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Professional at $9.80/user/mo, Team $24.80/user/mo, Business $34.60/user/mo, Enterprise custom (billed annually).
Asana
specializedWork management platform featuring portfolios for overseeing multiple projects and goals.
Portfolios, offering a centralized dashboard for real-time progress tracking across multiple projects and programs
Asana is a collaborative work management platform that enables teams to organize tasks, projects, and workflows in a visual, intuitive interface. For program management, it provides portfolios for overseeing multiple interconnected projects, goals for aligning work to strategic objectives, and workload views for resource allocation. It supports custom fields, rules for automation, timelines, and reporting dashboards to facilitate program-level visibility and execution.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with multiple views (list, board, timeline, calendar)
- Portfolios and Goals for high-level program oversight and strategic alignment
- Robust automation rules and 200+ integrations for seamless workflows
Cons
- Advanced reporting and custom fields limited to higher-tier plans
- Pricing scales quickly for large teams or enterprise program management
- Less robust native Gantt and dependency management compared to specialized PM tools
Best For
Mid-sized teams and departments managing multiple related projects with a focus on collaboration and goal alignment.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Premium $10.99/user/mo; Business $24.99/user/mo; Enterprise custom (billed annually).
monday.com
specializedCustomizable work OS with portfolio dashboards for program tracking and collaboration.
Portfolio views that aggregate multiple boards into a single program-level dashboard for high-level oversight
monday.com is a flexible work management platform that excels in program management by allowing users to create custom boards, dashboards, and portfolios to oversee multiple projects and initiatives. It offers visual tools like Gantt charts, timelines, and automations to streamline workflows across teams. Ideal for coordinating complex programs, it supports real-time collaboration and integrates with numerous third-party apps for enhanced functionality.
Pros
- Highly customizable boards and views for tailored program oversight
- Robust automations and integrations to connect projects seamlessly
- Real-time collaboration and dashboards for program-level visibility
Cons
- Pricing can become expensive for large-scale deployments
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Reporting features require add-ons for deeper analytics
Best For
Mid-to-large teams managing portfolios of interrelated projects that need visual, no-code workflow customization.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $9/user/month (Basic, billed annually) up to $19/user/month (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
The reviewed program management tools span diverse needs, with Planview leading as a top enterprise platform for strategic planning, resource optimization, and program execution. Clarity PPM and ServiceNow Strategic Portfolio Management stand as strong alternatives—offering AI-driven insights and seamless alignment across IT and business goals, respectively. Each brings unique value, but Planview emerges as the top choice for comprehensive, end-to-end program success.
Don’t miss the chance to transform your program management. Start with Planview to unlock strategic clarity, efficient resource use, and streamlined execution—where every initiative aligns with your organizational vision.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison