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ActiveCollab is a versatile project management tool designed to help project managers streamline their workflow, manage tasks, track time, and enhance collaboration among team members. When compared to its competitors, ActiveCollab stands out for its flexible pricing plans that offer great value for money. In this guide, we’ll explore all the details about ActiveCollab’s pricing, plans, and costs to help you make an informed and confident purchasing decision.

How Much Does ActiveCollab Cost?

ActiveCollab’s paid plans start at just $3.17/member/month (when billed annually) and can go up to $11.75/member/month for more advanced features. If you’re curious to see how ActiveCollab fits your workflow, they offer a 14-day free trial so you can test out all the features before committing.

ActiveCollab Plans & Pricing Tiers

Here's an overview of the available ActiveCollab plans:

Plan TypePriceWhat’s Included?
Plus$3.17/member/month billed annually, $11/user/month billed monthly, $9.50 monthly flat rate for 3 membersUp to 3 members, 10 GB storage, unlimited projects, tasks, and discussions, task dependencies, mobile and desktop apps, 3 task views, integrated stopwatch
Pro$8/member/month billed annually, $9/member/month billed monthlyEverything from the Plus Plan, unlimited members, app integrations, expense tracking, time reports
Pro + Get Paid$11.75/member/month billed annually, $14/member/month billed monthlyEverything from the Pro Plan, workload management, user availability, time estimates, company-wide timesheet, invoicing, project budgeting, online payments
screenshot of activecollab pricing tiers
ActiveCollab offers three pricing tiers: Plus, Pro, and Pro + Get Paid.

Let’s break down the available ActiveCollab plans a bit further:

ActiveCollab Plus Plan

The Plus Plan is ideal for smaller teams that need a platform for collaboration and managing projects. It is best suited for startups and small businesses looking to organize their work and deliver projects on time. Core features include up to 3 members, 10 GB storage, unlimited projects, tasks, and discussions, task dependencies, and mobile and desktop apps. Limitations include a cap of 3 chargeable users and limited storage.

ActiveCollab Pro Plan

The Pro Plan is designed for teams and companies that need an overview of their entire workflow in one place. It is suitable for medium to large businesses that require advanced project management features. This plan includes everything from the Plus Plan, with additional features like unlimited members, app integrations, expense tracking, and time reports. Limitations include the need for additional purchases for advanced features like invoicing and budgeting.

ActiveCollab Pro + Get Paid Plan

The Pro + Get Paid Plan is tailored for teams that need to track time, budgets, and invoices for their projects. It is ideal for businesses that require comprehensive project management and financial tracking. This plan includes everything from the Pro Plan, plus features like workload management, user availability, time estimates, company-wide timesheet, invoicing, project budgeting, and online payments. Limitations include higher costs due to the additional features.

ActiveCollab Pricing vs. Competitors

Compared to competitors, ActiveCollab's pricing is generally considered average, offering a balanced mix of features and integrations across its tiers. For example, while some competitors may charge extra for advanced time tracking or collaboration features, ActiveCollab includes these in its more affordable plans, making it a strong contender for teams looking for a comprehensive solution without breaking the bank. Additionally, the flexibility in pricing—ranging from budget-friendly to more premium options—ensures that there’s a plan for nearly every type of team, from small startups to large enterprises. 

Comparison Chart: ActiveCollab vs. Alternatives

Wondering how ActiveCollab pricing compares to other project management software? Here’s a comparison chart that breaks down the costs of other project management software side-by-side:

Tools Price
monday.com From $8/user/month (billed annually)
Celoxis From $15/user/month (billed annually)
Smartsheet From $9/user/month (billed annually)
Wrike From $9.80/user/month (min of 2 seats)
ClickUp From $7/user/month
Hub Planner From $7/user/month (billed annually)
Zoho Projects From $4/user/month (billed annually)
Visor From $9/user/month
Quickbase From $35/user/month (billed annually, min 20 users)
Bonsai Agency Software From $10/user/month
Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.

Compare Software

Alternatives To ActiveCollab

ActiveCollab is a solid project management software, but there are plenty of other options out there. Depending on your use case, budget, team size, and other factors, you might consider shopping around for a solution that’s better suited to your needs. If you’re looking for alternative project management software options to ActiveCollab, here are a few worth checking out:

How To Choose The Right ActiveCollab Plan

When deciding which ActiveCollab plan to go with, you’ll want to consider the added value and potential drawbacks that come with each plan. Scrolling through long lists of features can quickly lead to confusion and uncertainty, so here are a few factors to keep in mind as you assess your options:

ActiveCollab Scalability and Team Size

Evaluating the scalability of ActiveCollab is important for aligning with your team’s size and growth trajectory. For small teams, the Plus Plan supports up to 3 members and offers essential project management features. Medium-sized teams might opt for the Pro Plan, which allows unlimited members and includes advanced features like app integrations and expense tracking. Large teams or companies needing comprehensive business management can choose the Pro + Get Paid plan, which adds invoicing and project budgeting. Selecting the right plan ensures your team can efficiently manage projects and scale as needed.

screenshot of activecollab scalability and team size
ActiveCollab scales well for small to medium-sized teams, providing features like task management, time tracking, and collaboration tools.

Industry-Specific ActiveCollab Features

ActiveCollab offers a wide range of industry-specific features that can benefit teams in various fields, such as marketing, construction, software development, and finance. These features include time tracking, budget control, workload balancing, and client involvement, among others. For example, marketing teams can benefit from time tracking for accurate client billing, while construction teams can benefit from workload balancing for efficient resource allocation.

screenshot of activecollab industry specific features
ActiveCollab provides features like project management, time tracking, invoicing, and collaboration tools tailored for various industries.

ActiveCollab Integration Capabilities

Connecting your project management software to your existing tech stack is important for seamless workflows and data consistency. ActiveCollab offers native integrations with tools like Slack and Quickbooks, and cloud storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox. It also supports third-party integration tools like Zapier, enabling connections with numerous other applications. Additionally, ActiveCollab provides an API for building custom integrations, ensuring that you can tailor the platform to meet your specific needs.

screenshot of activecollab integration capabilities
ActiveCollab integrates with tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, Zapier, and offers an API for custom solutions.

ActiveCollab Security Safeguards

When choosing ActiveCollab as your project management tool, you should consider the safety and security features included. ActiveCollab is built with a "secure by default" approach to protect your data at every level. Each cloud instance has its own unique database, ensuring your data remains exclusive to you. Regular updates and strong encryption safeguard your information, while full system redundancy and frequent backups prevent data loss. The platform is continuously monitored, with firewalled systems and access restricted to authorized personnel.

screenshot of activecollab security safeguards
ActiveCollab ensures security with two-factor authentication, data encryption, and regular backups.

ActiveCollab Pricing FAQs

Here are answers to a few common questions about ActiveCollab pricing:

What additional costs should I anticipate with ActiveCollab?

In addition to the base subscription cost, you may incur additional costs for certain features and integrations. For example, the “Get Paid Bundle” is an additional set of features that can be added to the Pro Plan for an extra $3/user/month when billed annually, or $4/user/month when billed monthly. This bundle includes features like invoicing, project budgeting, and online payments.

Are there any discounts or promotions available for ActiveCollab?

Yes, ActiveCollab offers a 50% discount for educational institutions and non-profit organizations. To access this discount, eligible users need to apply through the ActiveCollab website. This discount aims to support organizations that are making a positive impact in the world.

How often does ActiveCollab change its pricing structure?

ActiveCollab rarely changes its pricing structure, ensuring stability and predictability for its users. When adjustments are made, they are typically driven by significant updates to the platform, such as the introduction of new features or services that enhance the overall value of the product.

What payment methods does ActiveCollab accept?

ActiveCollab accepts payments via major credit and debit cards. Users can choose between monthly and annual billing cycles, with the annual plan offering up to a 15% discount compared to the monthly plan.

Can I cancel my ActiveCollab subscription at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your ActiveCollab subscription at any time. Even after cancellation, you can continue to use your account until the end of the current billing period. After the billing period ends, your account will be deactivated, and you will receive an export of all your data stored in ActiveCollab.

What happens to my data if I cancel my subscription?

If you cancel your ActiveCollab subscription, you will receive an export of all your data via email. Seven days after cancellation, all your data will be permanently removed from ActiveCollab’s servers. This ensures that you have a copy of your data before it is deleted.

Are there any non-chargeable users in ActiveCollab?

Yes, users with the “Client” role are non-chargeable. You can invite as many clients as you wish without incurring additional costs. Clients do not affect the number of chargeable users and do not take up a seat in plans with limited seats.

Is ActiveCollab Good Value?

From my perspective, ActiveCollab offers a solid value for small to medium-sized businesses. The software provides a range of features including project views, time tracking, resource management, and client management, all of which are essential for effective project management. The pricing is competitive, making it accessible for smaller teams. However, some advanced features like budget tracking and invoicing are only available in the higher-tier plans, which could be a limitation for some users. The user interface is intuitive but not as visually appealing as some competitors, and the learning curve is manageable. Customer support is highly rated, with multiple channels available for assistance. ActiveCollab is particularly beneficial for remote teams that need client management tools. For example, its ability to handle unlimited clients and provide detailed invoicing and estimates makes it a strong contender for agencies and freelancers.

Verdict: ActiveCollab is a cost-effective and feature-rich project management tool, particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized creative teams and remote work environments.

Want to learn more about ActiveCollab? Check out their site for additional information.

Price:

From $3.17/user/month (billed annually)

Trial:

14-day free trial

What’s Next?

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Hermann Fink
By Hermann Fink

Hermann Fink is a technology enthusiast and the co-founder of Rünna Advertising, a multinational digital agency that has been active for over a decade and served clients like Ford, AstraZeneca, Disney, and Didi. In addition to being a business owner, Hermann gathered corporate experience in project management during his time at Hewlett Packard in the mid-2010s.