Best Microsoft Project Alternatives: 8 Tools Worth Your Attention

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Many managers and teams around the world consider Microsoft Project a classic task planning and management tool. Companies of all sizes rely on it as it allows them to schedule work, track deadlines, allocate resources, and more.

However, more and more users note that MS Project is starting to lose its flexibility and relevance. Many find its interface complex and its implementation costly. As a result, they are looking for simpler but more functional alternatives.

In this article, you will explore some options that can replace Microsoft Project profitably.

But first, let’s take a closer look at the reasons why users abandon this popular software.

Top reasons why project managers and teams move away from Microsoft Project

Each team that moves from MS Project to another tool has specific causes to act this way. 

However, in the modern PM environment, some reasons are most common:

  • Complexity and a steep learning curve. Beginners often note that it can take them a long time to understand the interface and capabilities of the tool.
  • Functionality overload. Not all projects need detailed scheduling and additional tools. Sometimes people just need a clear Gantt chart or a simple board.
  • Limited collaboration in real time. Project teams sometimes admit that MS Project has weak capabilities for advanced communication and collaboration. 
  • Lack of mobility. According to some users, the mobile version of Microsoft Project is inferior to its counterparts in terms of convenience and functionality.
  • Weak integration. Support for cloud services and popular APIs sometimes looks limited or requires additional add-ons.
  • Limited data visualization. Ready-made reports and graphs in MS Project look formal and don’t always meet the needs of teams.
  • High licensing and maintenance costs. Small companies and startups cannot always afford the licensing and implementation costs of this software.

Now, let’s explore some of the top alternatives.

8 robust programs that users consider worthy alternatives to MS Project

To replace MS Project in a quality manner, software must follow modern trends and take into account the requirements and wishes of users.

The following selection contains solutions that deserve recognition and trust.

1. GanttPRO

GanttPRO is a multifunctional project management tool based on an online Gantt chart. Users worldwide trust it because it helps to plan tasks, allocate resources, establish dependencies, monitor deadlines, and organize teamwork effortlessly. An intuitive interface makes it suitable even for individuals without a technical background.

With the help of detailed project visualization in GanttPRO, all team members can see the big picture and quickly adapt to changes. They apply advanced collaboration functionality, including comments, attachments, notifications, and mentions.

This powerful MS Project alternative allows for working on simple tasks and complex projects with many participants. Thanks to templates, you can quickly get started without the need to create everything from scratch.

If you want to move your plan from MS Project here, GanttPRO provides all the conditions to do it quickly. Learn more about how to open .mpp file online on this page.

This software is especially popular among project managers involved in such spheres as IT, architecture, manufacturing, construction, education, and more.

2. Smartsheet

Some managers prefer to work with simple spreadsheets. In this case, Smartsheet can be considered a simple yet powerful replacement for Microsoft Project.

The program combines the capabilities of spreadsheets with powerful project management functionality in a cloud environment. You get a simple interface similar to Excel, but with advanced features for planning and tracking projects.

In Smartsheet, you can choose from additional project views, including a Gantt diagram, a table, a board, and a calendar. The tool includes workflow automation, notifications, and integration options with popular apps. 

With advanced analytics and dashboards, you can quickly track KPIs and project progress.

3. Teamwork

If you think that team collaboration is a weak point in MS Project, then you may move to Teamwork.

This software basically specializes in client management and offers a comprehensive set of tools for project teams and agencies. It combines task planning, invoicing, client relationship management, and time tracking in a single interface.

Teamwork supports project templates for a quick start to typical work and repetitive processes. Its advanced analytics feature is understandable even for beginners. They actively use detailed reports on project profitability, team load, and productivity.

This alternative to MS Project is ideal for consulting companies, creative agencies, and service organizations working with external clients.

4. Zoho Projects

The ecosystem of Zoho consists of many powerful tools, including Zoho Projects, an integrated PM solution with tight connections to other business applications.

With this tool, you can easily plan tasks, track time, and manage documents just as well as in the popular solution from Microsoft.

Flexible project views support classic planning with a Kanban-like board and a Gantt diagram. You also get a built-in CRM system for linking projects with clients and tracking commercial performance.

Zoho Projects includes tools for accounting of expenses and generating invoices based on work time. The solution is especially attractive for companies already using other Zoho products due to deep integration and a single interface.

5. Scoro

Scoro is widely known as a comprehensive business solution that combines project, task, client, time, and financial management. It is suitable for businesses that want to combine all work processes in one system. 

Its users actively apply timelines, performance tracking tools, and handy templates. They use functionality for scheduling meetings, invoicing, subscription management, and revenue analytics.

You can also manage your client base, create workload reports, and forecast project profitability here. KPI monitoring and team performance evaluation are also available.

This affordable alternative to MS Project is often chosen by consulting companies, agencies, and financially oriented teams.

6. Nutcache

Although Nutcache often positions itself as a solution for project teams in the fields of architecture and engineering, it can easily be used in other areas as a great replacement for Microsoft Project.

This is a fairly versatile platform designed specifically for teams that value process transparency and budget control. Here, you get basic task planning, expense control, time tracking, and accounting. 

The users of this tool can plan projects, create phases, track progress, and control financial flows at the same time. They apply workload charts and use resource allocation functionality.

In addition, the tool provides integrations with PayPal, Stripe, and third-party CRM systems.

7. ClickUp

Another option for replacing MS Project is ClickUp.

This is also a popular solution that helps companies to organize goals, tasks, documents, and resources. It offers universal task boards, as well as other project views such as a list or a Gantt chart.

ClickUp also offers document management functionality, allowing you to create, edit, and comment on documents right inside the system. The tool has built-in time tracking, team workload reports, reminders, and comments with mentions.

All this, as well as a high level of security, process automation, and an excellent mobile app, make ClickUp one of the best options for replacing the Microsoft solution for project management.

8. Workzone

This is another professional online solution that has a wide range of features to replace MS Project. Its interface is somewhat similar to the interface of the Microsoft product. It can make migration easier.

Workzone is suitable for teams that need more than simple task management, but without excessive complexity.

Managers and teams can easily and quickly create projects and add tasks here. They control important deadlines and don’t allow project delays. In addition, they often apply ready-made project templates.

Workzone is often chosen in the fields of education, marketing, healthcare, and agency business.

New-level project management with the right MS Project alternative

Microsoft Project faces increasing competition from other project management solutions. Choosing the right alternative can make all the difference to your team’s efficiency.

By switching from the well-known Microsoft product to a modern alternative, you will get:

  • Advanced task visualization.
  • Simple and flexible interface.
  • Efficient collaboration.
  • Saved time, money, and resources.
  • Transparency and control over important metrics.
  • Better adaptation to the real style of your team’s work, and more.

When choosing the right tool, remember that the main idea is to minimize routine and increase focus on results.