10 Best Project Management Software for 2025 (Reviewed & Ranked)

Finding the best software for project management is crucial when missed deadlines and scattered emails threaten your team’s success.

In this guide, we cut through the noise, reviewing the top 10 tools of 2025 to help you centralize workflows, automate tasks, and boost productivity immediately.

Quick Comparison: Top Project Management Tools

If you need an immediate answer, here is the breakdown of the top performers based on our testing of over 20 platforms.

Detailed Reviews: The Best Project Management Software

Below, we dive into the specific features, pros, cons, and pricing for the market leaders to help you decide which tool fits your workflow.

1. Monday.com

Verdict: The undisputed champion for teams that want a highly visual, customizable platform that scales from simple to complex.

Monday.com (often styled as monday work management) continues to dominate the market because it is intuitive. It uses a “Board” system that feels like a colorful spreadsheet but acts like a powerful database. You can build anything from a simple content calendar to a complex CRM without writing a single line of code.

Key Features:

• Views: Switch instantly between Kanban, Gantt, Calendar, and Timeline views.
• Automations: “If this, then that” recipes that save hours of manual admin work.
• Integrations: Connects seamlessly with Slack, Gmail, and Dropbox.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Highly visual and easy to adopt.
• ✅ Extensive library of pre-built templates.
• ✅ 24/7 customer support.
• ❌ The entry-level plan restricts some key integration features.
• ❌ Can get expensive for larger teams requiring Enterprise features.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Up to 2 seats.
• Basic: $9/seat/month.
• Standard: $12/seat/month (Most Popular).

Official website: https://monday.com/

2. ClickUp

Verdict: The “One App to Replace Them All,” perfect for teams who want docs, chat, and tasks in a single ecosystem.

ClickUp has grown aggressively by offering a feature-rich experience at a lower price point than its competitors. It isn’t just for tasks; it includes native Whiteboards, Docs (similar to Google Docs), and Goal tracking. For startups and SMBs watching their budget, ClickUp often represents the best software for project management regarding ROI.

Key Features:

• Everything View: See tasks across all projects in one high-level dashboard.
• Custom Fields: Add unique data points to tasks, effectively turning ClickUp into a database.
• Native Time Tracking: Track billable hours directly within tasks.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Incredible feature depth for the price.
• ✅ “Free Forever” plan is very generous.
• ✅ Highly customizable hierarchies.
• ❌ The sheer number of features can be overwhelming for beginners.
• ❌ Occasional lag/slowness due to platform size.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Unlimited tasks for personal use.
• Unlimited: $7/user/month.
• Business: $12/user/month.

Official website: https://clickup.com/

3. Asana

Verdict: The gold standard for team collaboration and general task management.

If Monday.com is about “data,” Asana is about “process.” It is incredibly polished and focuses heavily on reducing “work about work.” Asana’s “Work Graph” data model gives team leaders clear visibility into who is doing what and by when. It is widely cited by the Project Management Institute (PMI) community as a staple for creative agencies.

Key Features:

• Workflow Builder: visual tool to create automated processes.
• Portfolios: Monitor the status of multiple projects in real-time.
• Workload Management: Prevent burnout by visualizing team capacity.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Beautiful, clean user interface (UI).
• ✅ Fun “celebration creatures” (unicorns flying across the screen) boost morale.
• ✅ Strong focus on reducing email clutter.
• ❌ No native time-tracking (requires integration).
• ❌ Can become pricey as you move up tiers.

Pricing:

• Personal: Free for up to 15 teammates.
• Starter: $10.99/user/month.
• Advanced: $24.99/user/month.

Official website: https://asana.com/

4. Smartsheet

Verdict: The bridge between Excel and modern project management for enterprise users.

If your organization runs on spreadsheets, moving to Smartsheet will feel seamless. It retains the familiar grid look of Excel but adds the power of Gantt charts, file sharing, and automation. It is particularly strong for organizations that need strict governance and security features.

Key Features:

• Grid View: A supercharged spreadsheet interface.
• Forms: Collect data from internal or external stakeholders directly into your sheet.
• Control Center: Automate project provisioning for consistent reporting.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Extremely powerful for data-heavy projects.
• ✅ Robust automation capabilities.
• ❌ Not as visually appealing as Monday or Asana.
• ❌ Steeper learning curve for non-Excel users.

Pricing:

• Free: 1 user + 2 editors.
• Pro: $7/user/month.
• Business: $25/user/month.

Official website: https://www.smartsheet.com/

5. Jira

Verdict: The industry standard for software development and Agile methodologies.

Owned by Atlassian, Jira is the go-to tool for engineering teams. It is built specifically for Agile and Scrum workflows. While it can be used for general business, its terminology (Sprints, Backlogs, Issues) is tailored to developers.

Key Features:

• Scrum & Kanban Boards: Out-of-the-box support for agile frameworks.
• Roadmaps: Connect dev work to big-picture company goals.
• DevOps Integration: Connects seamlessly with GitHub/Bitbucket.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Unmatched for software development tracking.
• ✅ Highly configurable reporting.
• ❌ Complex and often confusing for non-technical teams (Marketing/HR).
• ❌ Setup can be difficult without an admin.

Pricing:

• Free: Up to 10 users.
• Standard: $7.75/user/month.

Official website: https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira

6. Trello

Verdict: The best lightweight Kanban tool for simple visualization and small teams.

Trello popularized the Kanban board style (cards and columns). It is incredibly simple to use: just drag and drop cards as work progresses. It’s perfect for small teams or individuals who don’t need complex reporting or Gantt charts and want to get started in seconds.

Key Features:

• Butler Automation: A built-in no-code rule builder to automate moving cards.
• Power-Ups: Add features like Calendars, Voting, or Google Drive integration via plugins.
• Mobile App: Widely regarded as one of the fastest and cleanest mobile apps in the PM space.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Zero learning curve; anyone can use it immediately.
• ✅ Visually intuitive card-based system.
• ❌ Lacks native financial reporting or deep resource management.
• ❌ Not suitable for complex, multi-layered enterprise projects.

Pricing:

• Free: Unlimited cards, up to 10 boards.
• Standard: $5/user/month.
• Premium: $10/user/month.

Official website: https://trello.com/

7. Wrike

Verdict: Excellent for marketing agencies and teams needing detailed time tracking and proofing.

Wrike is a robust enterprise-grade tool that excels in “Proofing”—the ability to upload a creative asset (like an image or PDF) and have stakeholders comment directly on it. This makes it a favorite for creative and marketing teams that need to manage strict approval workflows.

Key Features:

• Proofing Tool: visually mark up images and documents directly in the task.
• Custom Request Forms: Standardize how work enters your team’s queue to avoid missing info.
• Interactive Gantt Charts: Adjust timelines with drag-and-drop dependencies.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Best-in-class proofing tools for creatives.
• ✅ Deep analytical dashboards and resource management.
• ❌ The interface can feel dense and “corporate” compared to Monday.com.
• ❌ Steeper learning curve for new users.

Pricing:

• Free: Basic task management.
• Team: $9.80/user/month.
• Business: $24.80/user/month.

Official website: https://www.wrike.com/

8. Zoho Projects

Verdict: The budget-friendly option for small businesses already in the Zoho ecosystem.

If you use Zoho CRM or Zoho Books, this integrates perfectly. It offers robust features like Gantt charts and timesheets at a fraction of the cost of competitors. It is a traditional project management tool that prioritizes functionality and value over flashy design.

Key Features:

• Blueprints: Map out your process flow to ensure team members follow the right steps.
• Issue Tracker: Built-in bug tracking for software teams.
• Time Tracking: Integrated timers and timesheets for billing clients.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Extremely affordable for the feature set provided.
• ✅ Seamless integration with the massive Zoho suite (CRM, Mail, Invoice).
• ❌ User interface is dated and less intuitive than Asana or Trello.
• ❌ Setup can be complex due to the number of settings.

Pricing:

• Free: Up to 3 users.
• Premium: $4/user/month.
• Enterprise: $9/user/month.

Official website: https://www.zoho.com/

9. Notion

Verdict: The best “blank canvas” for knowledge management and flexible workflows.

Notion isn’t just a project tool; it’s a workspace. It blends docs, wikis, and task management. It is perfect for teams who want to build their own custom workflow rather than being forced into a rigid structure.

Key Features:

• Wikis: Create a central knowledge base alongside your tasks.
• AI Writer: Built-in AI to summarize notes or draft project specs.
• Templates: Thousands of community-made templates for any use case.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Unmatched flexibility; build exactly what you need.
• ✅ Excellent for note-taking and documentation alongside tasks.
• ❌ Can be overwhelming to set up from scratch (“Blank Page Syndrome”).
• ❌ Lacks advanced reporting/charts found in dedicated PM tools like Jira.

Pricing:

• Free: Generous personal plan.
• Plus: $8/user/month.
• Business: $15/user/month.

Official website: https://www.notion.com/

10. Teamwork

Verdict: Best for client work, agencies, and billable hours.

While many tools focus on internal tasks, Teamwork is built for those who serve clients. It has built-in time tracking, invoicing, and “Client Users” (free accounts that let clients see their project status without seeing your internal mess).

Key Features:

• Time Tracking: Log billable vs. non-billable hours easily.
• Client Permissions: Granular control over what external users see.
• Retainers: Track time against a fixed client budget.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Designed specifically for service businesses and agencies.
• ✅ Excellent financial reporting and profitability tracking.
• ❌ Interface is functional but not as modern or “fun” as ClickUp.
• ❌ Chat features are separate (Teamwork Chat) rather than fully integrated.

Pricing:

• Free: Up to 5 users.
• Deliver: $9.99/user/month.
• Grow: $19.99/user/month.

Official website: https://www.teamwork.com/

The Role of AI in Project Management: 2025 Trends

The landscape of the best software for project management has shifted drastically this year with the introduction of Generative AI. When choosing a tool in 2025, you aren’t just looking for task lists; you should be looking for a smart assistant.

• Predictive Scheduling: Tools like ClickUp and Asana now use AI to estimate how long a task will take based on your previous work history.
• Content Generation: Need to write a project brief or a status update? New “AI Writers” built into Monday.com and Notion can draft these for you in seconds.
• Automated Summaries: Instead of reading through 50 comment threads, AI can now summarize the conversation and highlight action items automatically.

Why Invest? The ROI of Project Management Software

You might be wondering, is it worth the monthly cost? The data suggests yes. Implementing the right tool provides tangible ROI beyond just organization:

1. Reduced Email Volume: By centralizing communication, teams typically see a 30-40% drop in internal email traffic.
2. Centralized Truth: No more wondering “Which version of the file is the latest?”—everything lives in one place.
3. Accountability: When tasks are assigned with due dates and notifications, “I didn’t know that was due” is no longer a valid excuse.

Insider Insights: What Most Reviews Won’t Tell You

While feature lists are important, experienced project managers know that software success often depends on hidden factors that marketing pages don’t mention. Here are three critical aspects to consider:

1. The “Exit Strategy” Check (Data Portability)

Before you import your data, ask: How hard is it to get it out?
Vendor lock-in is real. Some tools make it easy to import data via CSV but incredibly difficult to export it with the relationships intact (e.g., keeping the comments attached to the tasks).

If you ever plan to switch tools in the future, test the “Export” function during your free trial. Tools like ClickUp and Jira tend to have robust export options, while simpler tools may only give you a messy spreadsheet.

2. The “Shadow IT” Risk

If you choose a tool that is too complex for your non-technical team members (a common issue with Jira or Smartsheet), they won’t use it. Instead, they will secretly return to using WhatsApp, Excel, or personal notepads.

This phenomenon, known as “Shadow IT,” creates data silos and defeats the purpose of paying for software. Always prioritize usability over power if your team is not tech-savvy.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Tool

Selecting the best software for project management depends entirely on your specific “User Intent”—what you actually need the tool to do.

1. Identify Your Methodology

Different tools support different working styles. You should understand these terms before buying:

• Waterfall: Linear projects where one task must finish before the next starts (construction, manufacturing). Look for: Gantt Charts.
• Agile: Iterative cycles common in software dev. Look for: Sprint Backlogs and Burndown Charts.
• Kanban: Continuous flow. Look for: Drag-and-drop boards.

For a deeper dive into these methodologies, resources like the Agile Alliance offer excellent guides.

2. Key Features to Look For

• Collaboration: Does it have @mentions and real-time chat?
• Resource Management: Can you see if an employee is overbooked?
• Reporting: Does it offer a dashboard to show stakeholders project health?
• Mobile App: Is the mobile experience smooth for teams on the go?

3. Security Standards & Compliance (Critical for Enterprise)

If you are managing sensitive client data, the “coolest” features don’t matter if the tool isn’t secure. Ensure your shortlist includes:

• SOC 2 Type II Compliance: Verifies the vendor manages your data securely to protect the interests of your organization.
• SSO (Single Sign-On): Essential for IT teams to manage access easily.
• Data Residency: If you are in the EU, check if the software offers local data hosting to comply with GDPR.

4. Methodology: How We Tested

To ensure we recommended the best tools, we signed up for free trials, imported a dummy “Website Redesign” project into each platform, and tested mobile responsiveness. We evaluated them on:

• Ease of Setup: How fast could we get to “Day 1” productivity?
• Feature Depth: Did the automations actually work?
• Support: We sent anonymous tickets to test response times.

Implementation: How to Onboard Your Team

Buying the software is the easy part; getting your team to use it is the challenge. Here is a quick strategy to ensure adoption:

• Appoint a “Champion”: Designate one person to be the expert who can answer team questions.
• Avoid the “Taxonomy Trap”: Before inviting the team, create a “Naming Convention” guide. If one person tags a task as #urgent and another uses #high-priority, your search function will break in six months. Agree on tags early.
• Start Small: Don’t migrate everything at once. Pick one pilot project to test the workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

The landscape of work tools is vast, but you don’t need to try them all.

• Choose Monday.com if you want a visual, customizable powerhouse.
• Choose ClickUp if you want maximum features for the best price.
• Choose Jira if you are building software.

Implementing the best software for project management is an investment that pays off in clarity, efficiency, and team happiness. Don’t wait for the next missed deadline—start a free trial with one of our top picks today.

Zachary Allen 'The Geek'

IT Security / Cyber Security Experts.
Technology Enthusiasm.
Love to read, test and write about IT, Cyber Security and Technology.
The Geek coming from the things I love and how I look.