Top 15 Best Free Project Management Software Tools Compared

How do you organize your tasks typically? Do you have dozens of sticky notes plastered around your desk, or maybe you jot everything down in a planner? We all have our own ways of staying on top of things. But when you’re running a team or juggling multiple projects, things can get messy—fast. Deadlines start sneaking up, emails slip through the cracks, and team members keep asking, “Wait, who’s doing what?”

To help you sort out that chaos, we’ve pulled together a list of the best free project management software available. Not every team has the budget for premium tools right out of the gate, so we focused on the ones that deliver the best bang for your buck. Or, no buck, in this case.

Whether you’re a freelancer juggling clients, a startup trying to stay lean, or a manager looking to streamline your workflow, these tools actually get the job done.

Best free project management software comparison chart

In this article, we’re diving into 15 top free project management tools, but here’s a quick comparison chart of our 10 favorite picks. Each of these tools offers a free plan, making them accessible for any budget, and we’ve included the starting price for their paid versions to give you a clear idea of upgrade costs.

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What is the best free project management software 2024? Here’s our top 15 list:

We’ve now got 15 of the best free project management software 2024. These 15 PM apps are full of useful tools for task management, team communication and collaboration, time tracking, and more. There’ll be a link for a more detailed review of some of these project management tools.

1. Wrike (Best free project management software overall)

Wrike shines as a top choice for free project management software because it’s designed for versatility and scalability, making it popular among remote and hybrid teams. Its free plan supports unlimited users, so it’s ideal for growing teams or small businesses that need collaborative tools without the hefty price tag.

Wrike’s features go beyond basic task management. Even on the free plan, users get customizable work views (like Kanban and table views) that help teams visualize their workflow, plus task and subtask management to break down projects into manageable steps. Wrike’s mobile apps further enhance productivity by allowing users to update tasks on the go, with AI-driven task recommendations that intelligently suggest next steps and smart searching that quickly locates information in vast project databases.

For those needing advanced project tracking, Wrike’s paid plans add dashboards, Gantt charts, and more robust automation options, making it an adaptable choice as your team scales up.

Pros:

• Unlimited users: Expands without added cost, great for teams of any size.
• Customizable work views: Includes Kanban and table views to organize tasks visually.
• AI-enhanced productivity: Task recommendations suggest next steps based on previous activity; smart search quickly finds relevant info.
• Mobile-friendly: iOS and Android apps let teams work and update tasks remotely.
• Basic Integrations: Compatible with email notifications and offers an open API for cloud storage integrations.

Cons:

• Limited advanced views: No access to Gantt charts or dashboards on the free plan.
• Restricted customization: Free plan lacks custom fields, workflows, and portfolio management.
• Automation locked: Workflow automation requires a paid plan.

Get this project management software free here

Wrike review

2. ClickUp (Top project management freeware for customization & flexible workflows)

Known for its expansive feature set even in its free version, ClickUp offers unparalleled versatility with 14 different views, including Kanban, calendar, and even Gantt charts – options typically reserved for paid plans in most other tools. This flexibility allows users to adapt the tool to their unique needs, whether they’re visualizing timelines, managing sprints, or organizing tasks in a traditional list format.

ClickUp’s Free Forever plan is generous, including unlimited users and tasks, making it a perfect choice for teams that need a collaborative, adaptable space without committing to paid plans. The free plan also features real-time chat, collaborative documents, and customizable dashboards with widgets, enabling teams to build a workspace that emphasizes their most critical data and workflows.

For those comfortable with a more detailed setup process, ClickUp’s level of customization and broad view options provide a tailored approach to project management that scales as team needs evolve.

Pros:

• Unlimited users: Supports collaboration at no extra cost, ideal for teams of any size.
• Multiple task views: Includes list, Kanban, calendar, Gantt, and mind map views to suit various work styles.
• Customizable dashboards: Users can arrange widgets to highlight key project metrics and streamline workflow.
• Real-time chat: Facilitates in-app communication without needing third-party chat tools.
• Collaborative docs and whiteboards: Allows teams to work on documents and brainstorm in a shared space.

Cons:

• Complex setup process: Customization options can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring time to learn.
• Limited storage on free plan: 100MB of storage may be restrictive for teams handling large files.

Get this project planning freeware here

ClickUp review

3. Asana (Great free project management software with calendar view)

Asana is an excellent choice for teams seeking a free project management software with a built-in calendar view. Known for its intuitive design and flexibility, Asana’s free plan includes essential tools for task management and deadline tracking, making it a solid option for startups and small teams.

The Calendar View feature allows users to visualize tasks and deadlines in a timeline format, helping teams stay organized and meet project milestones without missing a beat. With this view, tasks are displayed on specific dates, providing a clear snapshot of upcoming deadlines and enabling teams to see at a glance when projects are due or if any time-sensitive tasks require immediate attention.

Even on the free plan, Asana offers features like task assignment, due dates, and a customizable task list that can be viewed in multiple formats, including List, Board (Kanban), and Calendar. This flexibility helps teams manage workloads effectively and respond to changes in deadlines or project scope, a key advantage for startups and small businesses working in dynamic environments.

For growing teams with more complex needs, Asana’s paid plans add additional features like Timeline View, advanced reporting, and integration options to further streamline collaboration and enhance project tracking.

Pros:

• Calendar view: intuitive calendar feature to manage deadlines visually
• Multiple task views: offers list, board, and calendar views for flexible task organization
• Task management essentials: includes task assignments, due dates, and priority settings
• User-friendly interface: clean, easy-to-navigate design suitable for new users
• Mobile apps: iOS and Android apps for managing tasks on the go

Cons:

• Limited automation: automations are limited to paid plans
• No timeline view on free plan: Gantt-style timeline view requires a paid plan
• Limited integrations: advanced integrations are restricted to higher-tier plans
• Storage restrictions: file attachments are limited to 100MB per file on the free plan

Get this free management tool here

Asana review

4. Trello (MacOS free project management software)

Trello is a go-to project management tool for those who love simplicity and visual organization, making it especially appealing for Mac users. Its Kanban board layout offers a clear, intuitive way to manage tasks, ideal for individuals or small teams looking to keep projects organized without overwhelming complexity.

The free plan includes unlimited cards and a built-in automation tool, allowing users to set up no-code workflows to handle repetitive tasks—a great feature for teams wanting efficiency on a budget. Also, users get access to task management basics like due dates, assignees, and checklist creation. The desktop app integrates smoothly with Mac OS, offering notifications and real-time updates that keep team members aligned.

Though more advanced views, such as Timeline and Calendar, are only available on paid plans, the free version is still robust enough to help startups or freelancers manage their workload visually and efficiently.

Pros:

• Visual kanban layout: Ideal for simple, straightforward task management.
• Built-in automation: No-code automations on every board to streamline workflows.
• Desktop app for Mac: Native app with notifications and real-time updates.
• Unlimited cards: Track as many tasks as needed without restrictions.

Cons:

• Limited advanced views: No access to Timeline, Calendar, or Map views on the free plan.
• Lacks custom fields: Advanced customizations require a paid plan.
• Basic reporting: Free version lacks robust reporting or dashboard options.

Get this project tracking software free here

Trello review

5. Teamwork Projects (Best free project management software for client-focused workflows)

Teamwork is a collaborative project management tool that excels in providing features tailored for client-focused workflows. This platform is especially well-suited for agencies and teams working directly with clients, thanks to its time-tracking and billing functionalities available in the paid plans.

With Teamwork’s free plan, users can create two active projects and assign tasks with subtasks, making it ideal for small teams or freelance projects where tracking progress and maintaining a streamlined workflow are essential.

Teamwork’s free tier offers limited access to basic collaboration tools like color-coded task boards, helping teams keep projects visually organized. Paid plans unlock Gantt charts and time-tracking features, adding more advanced options for managing complex client projects.

However, the limited scope of the free plan means it’s best for smaller teams looking to try out the platform before committing to a paid subscription.

Pros:

• Client-focused workflows: Ideal for managing client projects with time tracking and invoicing capabilities (on paid plans).
• Task and subtask creation: Enables detailed project organization, breaking down work into manageable steps.
• Color-coded task boards: Helps keep tasks visually organized in the free plan.
• Billing and time-tracking options: Available in paid plans, essential for teams handling billable hours.

Cons:

• Limited free tier: Only two active projects are on the free plan, making it restrictive for larger or fast-paced teams.

• Gantt chart and time tracking require paid plans: Essential client-focused features like Gantt charts and time tracking are not available in the free version.

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Teamwork review

6. Paymo (Web-based project management software for time tracking)

Paymo is a comprehensive web-based project management tool designed with freelancers and small teams in mind. Recognized as one of the best for time tracking, Paymo combines task management, time tracking, and invoicing in a single platform, making it perfect for users who need to monitor billable hours closely.

The time tracker allows users to start and stop a timer or manually log time, which can then be assigned to specific tasks and clients. This feature provides an accurate record of billable hours, which seamlessly integrates into its invoicing system, streamlining billing and client payments.

Paymo’s interface is intuitive and includes a variety of task views like Kanban boards, lists, and calendar views, enabling users to visualize workflows based on their preference. The tool supports unlimited tasks and projects on its free plan, while the paid plans unlock advanced features like recurring tasks, profitability tracking, and larger storage limits.

Pros:

• Visual task views: Kanban, list, and calendar views make it easy to track and organize projects.
• Built-in time tracker: Start and stop timers, or manually log hours for detailed time tracking.
• Invoice integration: Generate invoices directly from time entries, simplifying billing.
• Unlimited projects: Manage as many projects as you need without restrictions.
• Guest access: Allow clients to view and comment on tasks (with limitations).

Cons:

• Client limit on free plan: Free plan supports only up to five clients.
• Limited storage: 1GB storage on the free plan may not be sufficient for file-heavy projects.
• Basic customization: Advanced customization options are only available in paid plans.

Get this web based project management free here

7. Zoho Projects (Free project management app best for small & mid-size teams)

Zoho Projects is ideal for small to mid-sized teams that need a budget-friendly project management solution. Designed to support structured workflows, Zoho Projects offers a range of features on the free plan that streamline task management and improve team productivity. With tools like task tracking, Gantt chart visualization, and time tracking, Zoho Projects empowers small teams to manage projects without a substantial investment.

The free version of Zoho Projects includes 5GB of storage, supports 3 projects, and accommodates up to 5 users. This makes it suitable for smaller teams or startups needing core project management capabilities. Users can access features such as task management, a Gantt chart viewer, a calendar, forums for team discussions, and document sharing, all within the free plan.

For teams looking for additional capabilities like custom views, advanced analytics, and AI-powered insights, Zoho’s paid plans offer expanded functionality.

Pros:

• 5GB storage: Generous storage for document and file sharing on the free plan.
• Gantt chart viewer: Provides visual project timelines to help with scheduling and task dependencies.
• Time tracking: Tracks hours spent on tasks, improving accountability and project insight.
• Collaboration tools: Built-in calendar and forums support team communication and scheduling.

Cons:

• User limit: Free plan is restricted to 5 users, which may be limiting for growing teams.
• Project limit: Only 3 active projects are allowed on the free plan.
• No custom templates on free plan: Limited flexibility for creating customized workflows.

Get this project management app free here

Zoho Projects review

8. Miro (Top free project management software for creative teams)

Miro is an ideal free project management software for creative teams, especially those needing a versatile, visually-oriented tool for brainstorming and collaboration. With a focus on whiteboarding, Miro allows teams to collaborate on complex ideas and tasks in a flexible, interactive format. The free plan offers three editable boards, which is suitable for smaller projects or teams needing a digital space to ideate and organize visually.

The platform includes various templates and the ability to create custom templates, making it easier for creative teams to personalize their workflows. Miro’s integration capabilities with tools like Jira and Microsoft Teams add depth, while features like diagramming and voting enable structured feedback.

All these features make Miro the best free project management software for students and for education in general, as it’s adaptable for group projects, study sessions, or visual note-taking, ensuring collaboration and creativity are seamlessly integrated.

Pros:

• Interactive whiteboard: Ideal for brainstorming and mapping out ideas visually
• Template variety: Offers extensive templates for various use cases
• Integrations: Works with tools like Jira, Slack, and Microsoft Teams
• Collaborative tools: Voting, sticky notes, and diagramming facilitate teamwork
• Web-based & cross-platform: Accessible on multiple devices without installation

Cons:

• Limited boards on free plan: Only three editable boards available for free
• Advanced features locked: Requires paid plan for features like video chat
• Storage restrictions: Limited storage for the free version

Get this project manager software free here

9. monday.com (Great free project management software for startups)

monday.com is a top choice for startups looking for a versatile project management tool with a visual, intuitive interface. Designed to help teams streamline tasks and stay organized, it’s particularly useful for early-stage companies that need a simple setup. The free version is great for startups on a budget, allowing up to two users with access to 1,000 items, 500MB of storage, and key features to jumpstart project planning.

One of the main reasons monday.com works well for startups is its flexibility. Its visual layout, including Kanban boards and customizable workflows, makes it easy to see the project progress at a glance. This feature helps smaller teams stay on the same page without getting bogged down in complex software.

monday.com’s best features include a visually intuitive layout with Kanban boards and multiple project views, which makes task tracking straightforward. Startups can manage tasks by setting priorities and deadlines, keeping teams aligned without complexity.

With integration options for tools like Google Drive and Excel, it supports seamless workflows. The customizable columns allow teams to focus on project-specific details, making monday.com adaptable and scalable as startups grow.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use visual boards streamline project tracking
• Seamless integration with Google Drive, Excel, and other apps
• Flexible task management with customizable columns and deadlines
• Collaboration-friendly with embedded docs and updates section

Cons:

• Learning curve for the interface, especially for beginners
• Limited automation in the free version
• Basic storage (500MB) on the free plan, which may not be enough for media-heavy projects
• Mobile app updates can be slow, affecting on-the-go productivity

Get this project management platform free here

Monday.com review

10. Airtable (Best PM tool for spreadsheet-style organization)

Airtable’s free plan is a compelling option for users seeking a flexible, spreadsheet-style project management tool. It’s particularly useful for those managing data-heavy projects, tracking inventory, or building content calendars. The free plan is well-suited for individuals or small teams that prefer the familiarity of a spreadsheet layout but want more dynamic project management features.

With Airtable’s “Bases,” users can create and manage tasks, track deadlines, and organize projects in a range of views, including Grid (spreadsheet), Calendar, Kanban, and Gallery. This versatility allows users to shift seamlessly between data-driven and task-based organization, adapting to various workflows and preferences.

In the free version, Airtable provides one workspace with up to five editors per workspace, ensuring a collaborative environment for small teams. The 1GB attachment limit per base is useful for storing essential project files, though it may be limited for larger projects.

Users also benefit from multiple view options, allowing them to easily switch between grid, calendar, and Kanban views to manage and visualize tasks in the most effective way. Additionally, Airtable includes a 2-week revision history for tracking changes, along with 100 monthly automation runs to streamline repetitive tasks.

Pros:

• Spreadsheet-like interface: Offers a familiar, Excel-like layout for easy adoption by spreadsheet users.
• Customizable views: Switch between grid, calendar, and Kanban views to match different project needs.
• Collaboration-friendly: Real-time updates and commenting features enable team interaction within the platform.
• Template options: A variety of templates provide a quick start for organizing various types of projects.

Cons:

• Attachment storage: The 1GB storage per base can be limiting for projects involving large files.
• Complex initial setup: Unlocking full customization potential requires some upfront learning.
• Upgrade costs: Essential features like expanded automations and additional storage are available only in paid plans.

Get this free project workflow software here

Airtable review

11. Jira (Great free project management software for development teams)

Jira’s free plan stands out as a solid entry-level tool for small development teams, providing essential features tailored to Agile workflows and collaborative issue management.

Designed specifically for development and engineering teams, Jira offers a structured environment for bug tracking, issue management, and Agile project workflows. Built with Scrum and Kanban boards, small teams can easily manage tasks, track progress, and organize sprints.

The free plan supports up to 10 users and includes essential features to handle multiple projects with unlimited goals, tasks, and forms. It offers multiple views—like backlog, board, timeline, and calendar—allowing teams to choose the best way to visualize work.

Automation is available, with up to 100 rule runs per month to streamline repetitive tasks, while 2 GB of storage provides room for essential project files. Although limited in some administrative controls, Jira’s free tier is robust enough to support smaller teams looking to enhance efficiency and organization without a hefty price tag.

Pros:

• Customizable workflows: Easily configure workflows for different project needs, from task assignments to sprint planning.
• Strong integration options: Connects seamlessly with tools like GitHub, Slack, and Trello to boost productivity.
• Supports Agile methodologies: Built-in Scrum and Kanban boards support Agile frameworks out of the box.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for new users: Some features, especially Agile tools, may be overwhelming for non-technical users.
• Limited storage and automation: 2 GB of storage and 100 automation runs per month may restrict larger projects.
• Less flexible for diverse teams: Optimized for development, so it may not suit non-technical teams or departments needing flexibility.

Get this Scrum and sprint management PM system free here

Jira review

12. GoodDay (Best small business PM software for comprehensive task management)

GoodDay is a versatile project management tool with a strong emphasis on flexibility, making it a valuable option for small to medium-sized teams needing a range of views and collaboration features. Its interface supports list, board, table, and calendar views, allowing teams to manage tasks, projects, and events in a way that aligns with their workflow.

GoodDay’s free plan is generous, offering up to 15 seats, unlimited projects, tasks, events, and access to a suite of views, making it an appealing choice for startups or growing teams managing multiple projects without high overhead costs. Users receive 1GB of storage and can utilize essential views and collaboration tools like documents, discussions, and task lists, which are useful for maintaining team communication and tracking progress.

While the free version lacks advanced features such as Gantt charts and resource planning, it provides core customization options like setting custom task types, priorities, and basic views. Teams can access GoodDay through iOS and Android apps, and there’s even a desktop app to ensure seamless workflow integration.

Pros:

• Flexible views: Supports multiple view formats (list, board, calendar) to suit different project management styles.
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• Collaborative tools: Built-in features for discussions and document sharing to facilitate team communication.
• Mobile and desktop apps: Ensures accessibility across devices, supporting on-the-go project updates.
• Task automation: Even on the free plan, GoodDay includes some automation capabilities, helping streamline repetitive tasks and improve team efficiency.
• Integrated notifications & reminders: Built-in reminders and notifications help keep everyone on track, reducing the need for manual follow-ups.

Cons:

• Limited storage: 1GB storage cap on the free plan may restrict teams handling large files.
• Basic data management: Advanced data export/import options are available only on higher plans.
• Missing advanced tools: Lacks Gantt charts and resource planning on the free tier, which may be limiting for complex project management needs.

Get this small business project management app free here

13. Project.co (Great collaborative project management tool)

Project.co is a project management tool designed with client collaboration in mind. It’s a valuable choice for agencies, freelancers, and small to medium-sized businesses looking for an organized way to manage tasks, communicate, and share files with both team members and clients. The platform makes it easy to keep everyone involved in projects, providing a central location for discussions, tasks, and progress tracking.

In the free version, Project.co allows up to 3 team members, 10 clients, and 10 active projects, making it ideal for smaller teams or solo freelancers who need an affordable solution to manage their workload. Free users also have access to 3GB of storage, which is enough for sharing essential files and documents with clients.

The free plan plan covers core functionalities like task management, time tracking, and project views, allowing teams to stay organized and streamline communication without a big financial commitment.

Pros:

• Client-friendly interface: Project.co is designed to make it easy for clients to participate in the project, enabling clear communication and updates.
• Easy collaboration: With dedicated spaces for discussions, file sharing, and tasks, it’s straightforward to keep all project information accessible.
• Affordable scaling: For users who need more than the free version, the Pro plan is reasonably priced, offering unlimited projects and client access.
• Simple file management: Built-in 3GB storage in the free plan is useful for light file sharing, ideal for essential documents and project assets.

Cons:

• Limited free plan: The 3-member, 10-client limit can be restrictive for growing teams.
• Lacks advanced features: Free plan doesn’t include more advanced tools like automation or AI assistants.
• Branding restrictions: Free users cannot customize the branding.

Get this free team collaboration management app here

14. Todoist (Top free project management software for one person)

For solo users managing multiple projects, Todoist shines as a highly efficient personal task manager. Unlike many project management tools designed with team collaboration in mind, Todoist is streamlined for individual productivity, making it ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, or anyone looking to stay on top of their personal goals.

Its natural language input allows you to set reminders, deadlines, and priorities effortlessly—type “Submit report every Friday,” and Todoist schedules it automatically. With features like custom tags, filters, and color-coded priority levels, Todoist keeps your tasks organized without overwhelming you with unnecessary functions.

Todoist’s free plan covers the essentials, offering cross-device syncing, task tracking, and intuitive organization without the clutter of team-focused features. This makes it a top choice for one-person project management, where simplicity and efficiency are paramount.

Pros:

• Natural language recognition: Quickly set up tasks by typing phrases like “Meet with client on Tuesday at 3 PM” for automatic scheduling.
• Task prioritization: Organize tasks by priority levels with color-coded tags for quick visual reference.
• Flexible views: Sort tasks by due date, project, or custom filters tailored to your workflow.
• Cross-platform support: Access tasks on web, mobile, and desktop, syncing seamlessly across devices.

Cons:

• Limited collaboration: The free version lacks real-time collaboration features, limiting use for team projects.
• Feature limitations: Advanced features like reminders and comments require a paid plan.
• File upload cap: 5MB file size limit on the free plan, which may be restrictive for users needing to attach larger documents.

Get this free project and task management platform here

Todoist review

15. MeisterTask (Simple task management & collaboration tool)

MeisterTask is designed with simplicity in mind, making it an ideal project management tool for individuals or small teams that need to organize tasks without the complexity of advanced project management features. The Basic (Free) plan is particularly suited for users who want to track progress on a few projects, stay organized with customizable boards, and collaborate lightly.

With MeisterTask’s clean, intuitive interface, users can dive into managing their tasks right away, accessing the core features they need without getting overwhelmed by unnecessary options. Users can create up to 3 projects with unlimited tasks, which is helpful for freelancers, small teams, or individuals handling multiple to-do lists.

The customizable project boards allow users to set up workflows that suit their needs, whether they’re managing personal goals or coordinating team tasks. Other features include attachments (up to 20 MB per file) and community support, making this plan ideal for those who need basic task tracking on multiple platforms like web, iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface: MeisterTask’s clean layout and ease of use make it accessible for beginners and non-technical users.
• Multi-platform accessibility: Supports various devices, allowing users to track tasks on the go with mobile and desktop apps.
• Customizable boards: Helps users create workflows that match their project needs without a steep learning curve.
• Unlimited tasks: Users can add as many tasks as they need within each project, which is valuable for managing ongoing work.

Cons:

• Limited project slots: Free plan users can only work on up to 3 projects, which may be restrictive for users with a broader range of tasks.
• Attachment size limit: The 20 MB limit per file might hinder users who need to upload large files for projects.
• Basic support options: Only community support is available in the free plan, meaning no direct or priority assistance from the MeisterTask team.

Get this time management tool free here

Which of these free project planning software tools is best for me? Our takeaways

And there you have it, that’s the big list of project planning software free of charge. 

Some of the best free project management apps we listed might feel more old school, like a spreadsheet, while others are more modern with interactive dashboards.  

Many of these PM platforms are viable across a wide range of applications. They might work well as construction project management software, or for event planning or software development. 

No matter what, when it comes to choosing the best free project management tool, the one thing you can’t haggle about is price. Of course, the best project management software might not be the free kind, but free is always a good place to be.