Best Microsoft Project Alternatives of 2024 (Free & Paid)
Microsoft project management can be very useful for you to optimize your project and files. There can be instances where you can be stuck to perform some specific tasks with it and need alternatives to Microsoft project. This guide is here to help.
Microsoft Project is a dynamic tool with multiple project management features. It was publicly released 40 years ago in 1984 by Microsoft. This software assists project managers in different ways like managing budgets, tracking progress, allocating resources, and many others.
This software has become outdated because many ground-breaking alternatives have emerged. These alternatives offer many useful features that fit today’s work requirements.
Why Microsoft project alternatives are needed?
There are some Microsoft Project drawbacks due to which users want its alternatives. Here are some reasons.
Cost concerns
The major drawback of the Microsoft project is cost concern. It is costly, especially for startups, small businesses, and freelancers with limited budgets. Many alternatives are present with low subscription fees or even free models that are suitable for project managers with limited budgets.
Steep learning curve
Microsoft projects are complex and need extensive learning or training for their effective use. For example, it is time-consuming for you to learn if you are unfamiliar with project management techniques.
User-friendliness interface
It has no user-friendly interface. It is challenging for new users. It is less innovative than other modern tools. Its layout is cluttered that’s why it seems difficult for users. The main reason for its user-friendliness interface is limited customizable options.
Support issues
Many complaints have been received from users regarding its support system. Less responsiveness and difficulty in getting help from the support center can be annoying, especially when users face technical problems. Many alternatives are available having better customer support service and offering immediate help and response.
These drawbacks are the reasons why users need alternatives to the Microsoft project.
Top 12 Microsoft Project Alternatives of 2024
Finding the best alternatives to the Microsoft project is difficult. That’s why here we compiled the best alternatives for your ease. You can choose the best one according to your requirements. Let’s explore them in detail.
Instagantt is a gantt chart software tailored for visual planning, task scheduling, and effective time management, using Gantt charts as its central structure. It excels in providing a clear and organized approach to complex project timelines, fostering collaboration through seamless integration with platforms like Asana. Its visual nature makes it an ideal tool for managers looking to track progress across multiple dimensions with precision and clarity, positioning it as a strong alternative to traditional project management tools.
Instagantt pros
Comprehensive Gantt chart functionalities.
Highly visual and intuitive interface.
Flexible task dependencies and timelines.
Allows for collaboration and real-time updates.
Integrated time-tracking and workload balancing tools.
Instagantt cons
Limited offline capabilities.
Primarily dependent on integration with other software for extended functionality.
Instagantt ratings and reviews
G2: 4.4/5 [10+ reviews]
Capterra: 4.2/5 [100+ reviews]
Instagantt pricing
Free version available with limited features.
Team License: $5/user/month.
Manager License: $12/user/month.
Enterprise: Custom pricing tailored for larger teams.
It is a Gantt chart-based online project management software. It is the best alternative to MS projects that helps in simple and complex projects. It has a visually appealing interface with multiple features that are perfect for your project management tasks, team collaboration, and portfolio.
It is a simple project management tool that mainly focuses on marketing. This tool is good for smaller projects than larger projects because this tool does not support Gantt charts. It has a simple interface and is best for visual project management.
It is a task management tool and turns things green that you need to check. It is also the best Microsoft project alternative. It collaborates on tasks and allows you to automate daily tasks. It has many interesting and useful features but it lacks good customer support service.
Monday.com pros
Highly customizable interface.
Strong collaborating features.
Highly versatile.
Extensive integration.
Pre-built templates are available for quick setup.
It is another excellent Microsoft alternative with powerful features. It is a multi-functional project management tool that helps in progress tracking, creating, and assigning tasks, enhances productivity, and improves communication.
Hitask is a task management and collaboration tool. It helps users with different tasks and projects. It is perfect for small businesses or freelancers due to its user-friendly interface. It has many useful features but it is not as advanced as Microsoft project.
It is a project management and time-tracking tool. It comes with many useful features like team collaboration, time tracking, and task management. It is a good option for small or medium-sized businesses.
Slenke is the best alternative to MS Project because this tool comes with many features including Gantt charts, resource management, and adoption curve. It is a cloud-based project management software that is suitable for IT, marketing, and construction industries.
Wrike is an all-in-one platform that offers planning, scheduling, and management. It is an accessible tool because you can see many things in one view. It is another best alternative to MS projects with fewer whistles.
It is a resource planning software. If you are looking for a tool that helps in visualizing strategy and planning then no doubt, Ganttic is the perfect choice according to your needs. It is suitable for both big and small businesses because it also offers a free version.
Ganttic pros
Resource planning.
Integrated time tracking.
Flexible scheduling
Task dependencies.
Drag-and-drop functionality.
Ganttic cons
Limited third-party integration.
Limited Gantt chart.
Ganttic ratings and reviews
G2: 4.0/5 [20+ reviews]
Capterra: 4.3/5 [190+ reviews]
Ganttic pricing
Offers a free plan for up to 10 resources.
Paid plan starts from up to 20 resources with $ 25 per resource/month
It is a good Microsoft Project alternative. It has a tabular interface like Excel. It is best for many companies because of its flexible table structure and integration with other tools. It is commonly used for project planning and resource management.
It is an open-source free project management tool. It was developed in 2003 based on Gantt charts with outstanding features and it gets better with each passing year. It is a desktop app on all platforms like Linux, Windows, and Mac.
GanttProject pros
Smooth import and export options.
Free subscription.
Resource management.
Simple interface.
No internet is required.
GanttProject cons
Steep learning curve
GanttProject ratings and reviews
G2: 4.3/5 [60+ reviews]
Capterra: 4.2/5 [150+ reviews]
GanttProject pricing
It is always free for everyone.
Final Words
Microsoft projects are essential for making different projects, allocating resources, and reporting progress. MS Project has some drawbacks, so users are looking for the best alternatives. In this article, we have compiled the best free and paid MS Project alternatives of 2024 for your ease.
Every tool has its pros and cons. You can choose the best one that fits your needs. These alternatives provide valuable benefits and meet your project management requirements.
