Best Tools for Project Managers: Top Software for Team Productivity
Finding the right tools is critical for project managers to plan effectively, track progress, and keep teams aligned. The best tools for project managers go beyond simple to-do lists, offering integrated platforms for resource management, communication, and real-time reporting. This guide analyzes top-rated software solutions that help PMs streamline workflows, mitigate risks, and deliver projects successfully. Whether you manage agile sprints, complex multi-team initiatives, or client deliverables, using the right project management toolkit can transform your efficiency and outcomes.
Airtable
FreeAirtable is a flexible project management and work organization platform that combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a relational database, enabling teams to build custom apps and workflows.
Asana
FreeAsana is a comprehensive web and mobile work management platform designed to help teams organize, track, and manage projects and tasks efficiently.
Basecamp
PaidBasecamp is a comprehensive, opinionated project management and team communication platform that integrates messages, to-do lists, schedules, and document storage into a single, streamlined application.
Celoxis
PaidCeloxis is a comprehensive web-based project portfolio management (PPM) software designed for planning, tracking, and collaborating on projects of all sizes.
Clarizen
PaidClarizen is an enterprise-grade project management and project portfolio management (PPM) software solution designed for strategic planning, execution, and collaboration on complex initiatives.
ClickUp
FreeClickUp is an all-in-one productivity and project management platform that consolidates tasks, documents, goals, and team chat into a single, unified workspace.
Freedcamp
FreeFreedcamp is a comprehensive, free web-based project management platform designed for teams of all sizes. It offers tools for task management, milestone tracking, time tracking, invoicing, and collaboration, making it an ideal all-in-one solution for project managers.
GanttPRO
PaidGanttPRO is a comprehensive online Gantt chart software designed for project managers to create visual project plans, manage timelines, allocate resources, and facilitate team collaboration.
Hive
FreeHive is a comprehensive project management and collaboration platform featuring native applications, multiple project visualization methods (Kanban, Gantt, Table), and integration with over 1,000 other business tools.
Jira
FreeJira is a powerful project and issue tracking software by Atlassian, designed for agile software development teams to plan, track, and release software.
Kantata (formerly Mavenlink + Kimble)
PaidKantata is a comprehensive Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform that combines resource management, project accounting, and business intelligence to help project managers and service organizations deliver projects more profitably and efficiently.
LiquidPlanner
PaidLiquidPlanner is a predictive web-based project management tool that uses priority-based scheduling to forecast accurate project finish dates, helping teams manage uncertainty.
MeisterTask
FreeMeisterTask is an intuitive, online task management tool designed for teams, featuring kanban-style boards, workflow automation, and numerous integrations to streamline project management.
Microsoft Project
PaidMicrosoft Project is a comprehensive desktop project management software application designed for planning projects, assigning resources, tracking progress, managing budgets, and analyzing workloads for professional project managers.
Miro
FreeMiro is an advanced online collaborative whiteboard platform designed for project managers and teams to brainstorm, plan, and visualize complex workflows in real-time.
Monday.com
FreeMonday.com is a visual Work Operating System (Work OS) that empowers teams to build, run, and automate projects and workflows with efficiency and clarity.
Notion
FreeNotion is a highly customizable all-in-one workspace application that combines notes, documents, project wikis, and task management for individuals and teams.
nTask
FreenTask is a unified project management platform designed to help teams manage tasks, track issues, assess risks, and coordinate meetings effectively.
OpenProject
FreeOpenProject is a comprehensive, open-source project management software solution designed to support classic, agile, and hybrid project management methodologies for teams of all sizes.
Paymo
FreePaymo is an integrated work management platform that combines project management, time tracking, and client invoicing, designed specifically for small businesses and creative teams.
ProofHub
PaidProofHub is a comprehensive all-in-one project management and team collaboration software designed to help teams plan projects, collaborate effectively, and generate insightful reports from a single platform.
Ravetree
PaidRavetree is a comprehensive all-in-one work management platform designed for professional services and project-driven teams, offering integrated project management, resource planning, and client portal functionalities.
Redmine
FreeRedmine is a feature-rich, open-source project management and issue tracking web application built on Ruby on Rails. It enables teams to plan, track, and collaborate on multiple projects with tools like Gantt charts, wikis, forums, and time tracking.
Scoro
PaidScoro is a comprehensive business management software platform designed for professional service businesses, combining project management, CRM, sales, billing, and reporting into a single integrated system.
Smartsheet
FreeSmartsheet is a dynamic work platform that combines spreadsheet-like functionality with enterprise-grade project management, collaboration, and automation for teams and organizations.
Teamwork
FreeTeamwork is a comprehensive project management software platform designed specifically for managing client work, featuring integrated task management, time tracking, collaboration tools, and client billing.
Todoist
FreeTodoist is a powerful, cross-platform task management and to-do list application designed to help project managers and teams organize work, track projects, and improve productivity.
Trello
FreeTrello is a leading web-based visual collaboration tool that helps teams organize projects and manage workflows using customizable boards, lists, and cards.
Wrike
FreeWrike is an enterprise-grade collaborative work management platform designed to help teams plan projects, track progress in real-time, and streamline complex workflows through automation and customizations.
Zoho Projects
FreeZoho Projects is a comprehensive cloud-based project management software designed to help teams plan projects, track work efficiently, and collaborate in real-time.