24 Best Cheap Project Management Software Reviewed in 2024
Best Cheap Project Management Software Shortlist
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Through my years of experience, I've learned to identify the tools that offer the most for the lowest cost. Here are my picks for the best cheap project management software that will meet your needs and ensure streamlined projects from start to finish.
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Best Cheap Project Management Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Miro | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| FigJam | From $15/full seat/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Todoist | From $4/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
| Bonsai | From $19/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| nTask | From $3/user/month (min 5 seats) | Website |
| Visor | From $9/user/month | Website |
| Trello | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Quickbase | From $35/user/month (min of 20 users) | Website |
| Zoho Projects | From $4/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
| Hub Planner | From $7/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose Cheap Project Management Software
As you work through your unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- Budget Constraints: For small businesses or startups with limited funds, it's important to prioritize essential features over luxurious add-ons that may not be immediately necessary. For example, a simple tool like Trello offers basic project management features at a lower cost compared to more comprehensive, and thus more expensive, solutions.
- Team Size and Scalability: The chosen software should cater to the current size of your team and be scalable for future growth. Software like Asana can be cost-effective for small teams, as it offers a free tier for teams of up to 15 members. As your team grows, you can scale to paid plans offering additional features.
- Ease of Use: The software should be user-friendly to ensure quick adoption by all team members. A complex system may require additional training, which can be a hidden cost.
- Integration Capabilities: Consider whether the cheap project management software can integrate with your existing tools. Lack of integration can lead to inefficiencies and manual data entry.
- Customer Support and Resources: Even with the most intuitive software, questions and issues will arise. It's important to have access to reliable customer support and resources. Look for software that provides adequate support within its pricing structure.
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ClickUp
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7 -
Wrike
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Hub Planner
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2
Overviews of the 10 Best Cheap Project Management Software
Here are my picks for the 10 best cheap project management tools that offer robust features at a budget-friendly price. These solutions provide a range of functionalities, from task management to collaboration tools, making them ideal for businesses of any size.
Miro is a digital collaboration platform that serves as a visual workspace for teams to brainstorm, plan, and manage projects efficiently. It is designed to support a variety of workflows, such as mapping, diagramming, and strategic planning, facilitating synchronous and asynchronous collaboration across teams.
Why I picked Miro:
I chose Miro for its exceptional capacity to enhance brainstorming sessions across distributed teams, making it stand out from other digital collaboration tools. Its comprehensive features support dynamic, creative interactions that can span different geographical locations and time zones. Miro is particularly adept at integrating visual communication and collaborative processes, making it the best tool for organizations that prioritize innovative and visual brainstorming techniques.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an infinite canvas allowing extensive project visualization and mapping, multiple pre-built templates for various planning and design processes, and interactive tools like voting, timers, and live reactions to engage participants. These features are complemented by robust integrations with other tools, enhancing its utility in diverse operational environments.
Integrations include Slack, Jira, Google Drive, Asana, Trello, GitHub, Zoom, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Pre-built templates speed up workflow setup
- Infinite Canvas supports large-scale brainstorming
- Extensive integrations with other platforms
Cons:
- Higher learning curve for new users
- Can be overwhelming due to its extensive features
FigJam is an online whiteboard that fosters team collaboration, particularly during interactive meetings. It provides a digital space for brainstorming, diagramming, and real-time teamwork, enhancing communication and project planning.
Why I picked FigJam:
FigJam has exceptional capabilities in supporting interactive team meetings. It integrates seamlessly with Figma, allowing for fluid design transitions and real-time collaboration, essential for dynamic and engaging meetings. FigJam is best for this use case because it focuses on interactive elements like voting, timers, and live cursor tracking, which promotes active participation.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include sticky notes, drawing tools, and pre-built templates for various use cases like brainstorms and project planning. The tool supports real-time collaboration with features like cursor tracking and updates, making it easier for remote teams to interact as if they were in the same room. Additionally, FigJam allows for easy integration of images, diagrams, and links directly into the workspace.
Integrations include Slack, Jira, GitHub, Asana, Dropbox, Trello, Google Drive, Notion, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, enhancing its functionality within diverse workflows.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive library of templates
- Real-time collaboration features
- Seamless integration with Figma
Cons:
- Requires a Figma account for full integration
- Limited functionality compared to full-featured project management tools
Todoist is a task management tool designed to help individuals and teams organize their work and personal lives. It is best for boosting productivity through straightforward task management.
Why I picked Todoist:
I chose Todoist for its simplicity and effectiveness in managing daily tasks and projects. Its user-friendly interface and flexible features differentiate it from other task management tools. Todoist provides a clear and manageable way to track personal tasks and progress, which is essential for staying organized and efficient.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management, project organization, sub-tasks and sub-projects, priority levels, collaborative features, recurring tasks, location-based reminders, productivity visualizations, and customizable themes. he platform also provides real-time data synchronization across all devices, ensuring that users can manage their tasks and projects from anywhere.
Integrations include Outlook, Chrome, IFTTT, Pocket, Facebook, Fitbit, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible project and task management features
- Wide range of integrations
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Not suitable for complex project management
- Limited customization options
Bonsai is a comprehensive business management software tailored for independent professionals. It integrates tools for project management, proposals, and invoicing.
Why I picked Bonsai:
Bonsai uniquely caters to the needs of freelancers, offering a suite of tools that streamline their business operations. Its focus on simplicity and efficiency makes it stand out among other project management software.
The software consolidates projects, clients, and financial management into one platform, making it easier for independent professionals to manage their businesses.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable templates for contracts and proposals, a secure platform for electronic signatures, and integrated invoicing and payment processing, which supports a range of payment methods. The time tracking capabilities are seamlessly connected with invoicing, ensuring billing is accurate and reflects the work done. These features are designed to save time and reduce the administrative overhead for freelancers.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Calendly, and Zapier, which further enhances its functionality and flexibility.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free trial available to test the software
- User-friendly interface and easy setup
- Integrated suite of tools for freelancers
Cons:
- Limited customization options compared to some competitors
- May not be suitable for larger organizations
nTask is a project management platform that streamlines task lifecycle management.
Why I picked nTask:
I selected nTask for its comprehensive approach to managing tasks from inception to completion. Its dedication to covering all aspects of task management makes it distinct from other project management tools. I judge nTask to be best for task lifecycle management as it provides specialized modules that cater to each stage of a task, which is crucial for maintaining control and visibility throughout a project's duration.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task assignment, progress tracking, time tracking, issue logging, risk management, and collaboration tools. These functionalities are critical for ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, Zoom, Dropbox, Google Drive, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Collaboration tools for team interaction
- Time tracking and risk management capabilities
- Dedicated modules for each task stage
Cons:
- Minimum seat requirement for paid plans
- Annual billing is required for the lowest price
Visor simplifies financial planning and analysis for businesses. It is best for collaborative financial modeling and data-driven decision-making.
Why I picked Visor:
Visor stands out in its focus on financial modeling within project management. It offers a unique combination of features that support financial analysis, which is critical for businesses looking to maintain a competitive edge. Visor facilitates complex financial planning and analysis in a collaborative environment.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include bi-directional syncing with other SaaS applications, which ensures data consistency and reduces the need for manual entry. The platform's ability to create connected spreadsheets, Gantt charts, and timeline charts also stands out, providing teams the flexibility to manage projects that align with their financial analysis needs.
Integrations include Jira, Salesforce, HubSpot, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Availability of a Free plan with comprehensive feature access
- Custom views and visualizations tailored for financial analysis
- Real-time data syncing with Jira
Cons:
- Requirement for annual billing to benefit from the lowest pricing options
- Monthly sync credits could limit integration usage
Trello is a web-based project management application that facilitates organization and collaboration.
Why I picked Trello:
I selected Trello for the list because it stands out with its visually intuitive boards that make tracking project progress straightforward and engaging. This tool is particularly effective for visual project tracking as it allows users to quickly grasp project status through its card and list system, which is ideal for managing workflows and tasks visually.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its board and card system that can be customized with backgrounds and stickers, the ability to create checklists and due dates, and the option to add attachments and comments for collaboration. Power-Ups enhance functionality, and Butler automates common tasks.
Integrations include apps such as Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Evernote, GitHub, Mailchimp, Salesforce, and more, allowing for a connected and streamlined workflow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations and Power-Ups to extend functionality
- Flexible card and list system for task management
- Intuitive visual interface with customizable boards
Cons:
- Limited built-in reporting features
- Can become cluttered with extensive use
QuickBase is a dynamic work management platform that enables teams to build custom applications.
Why I picked QuickBase:
I chose QuickBase for this list because of its unique ability to empower teams to create custom applications without the need for extensive coding knowledge. Its no-code platform democratizes application development, making it accessible to more users. QuickBase provides the tools and flexibility necessary for teams to construct applications perfectly aligned with their specific work requirements.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a no-code visual builder, intelligent AI capabilities for smarter insights, drag-and-drop workflow automation, interactive reports, and super-fast data querying. These features enable teams to manage their work with greater efficiency and precision.
Integrations include Outlook, Gmail, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Calendar, Google Contacts, Box, Dropbox, Google Docs, Google Drive, OneDrive, SharePoint, Asana, JIRA, Trello, PowerBI, Lucidchart, Zapier, Google Sheets, G Suite, Zendesk, Bill.com, Intacct, Quickbooks Online, Netsuite, Salesforce, Zuora, Autodesk, Procore, ServiceNow, and Snowflake.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced features like AI insights and drag-and-drop automation
- Wide range of integrations with popular tools
- No-code visual builder for custom applications
Cons:
- Customization may have a learning curve for new users
- Minimum user requirements may not suit very small teams
Zoho Projects is a comprehensive project management tool with a competitive price point. It is best for businesses seeking a versatile solution that offers a competitive balance of features and value.
Why I picked Zoho Projects:
Zoho Projects provides a robust set of features that cater to a wide range of project management needs while maintaining an affordable price point. Its versatility makes it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.
The tool combines comprehensive project management capabilities with cost-effectiveness, making it accessible to businesses that require a full-featured solution without a significant investment.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management, Gantt charts, issue tracking, time tracking, and automation. It offers a variety of views such as Kanban boards and dependency views, which cater to different project management styles. The platform also emphasizes collaboration with features like document sharing, forums, and chat rooms.
Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Analytics, Zoho Books, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Dropbox, and GitHub, among others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible pricing options with monthly and annual billing
- Wide range of features for project planning and tracking
- Offers a free plan for small teams
Cons:
- Limited functionality on mobile devices
- May have a learning curve for new users
Hub Planner is a tool designed for resource scheduling and project planning. It is best for resource management because it offers specialized features for tracking and optimizing the use of human and material resources in projects.
Why I picked Hub Planner:
I chose Hub Planner for its exceptional focus on resource management, which distinguishes it from other project management tools. Its ability to provide detailed insights into resource utilization and availability makes it a standout choice. Hub Planner is dedicated to helping managers allocate resources efficiently, ensuring that large-scale and simple projects are well-staffed and resources are not overcommitted.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include resource scheduling, time tracking, project planning, and reporting tools essential for effective resource management. It also offers vacation and leave planning capabilities to ensure comprehensive oversight of team availability.
Integrations include Slack, iCal, Google Calendar, Microsoft Teams, SSO providers like OneLogin and Okta, and project management tools such as Basecamp, as well as offering a REST API for custom integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers a REST API for custom integrations
- Integrates with popular calendars and communication tools
- Specialized in resource scheduling and management
Cons:
- Higher than average price point compared to others on this list
- Complex interface
Other Cheap Project Management Software to Consider
Here is a continued list of additional cheap project management software that were shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top of the list, they are still valuable and worth diving deeper into.
Related Management Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- Project Management Software
- Resource Management Software
- Workflow Automation Software
- Time Tracking Software
- Task Management Software
- Collaboration Tools
- Gantt Chart Maker
- Productivity Tools
- Project Tracking Software
- Project Scheduling Software
Cheap Project Management Software Selection Criteria
Selecting affordable project management software requires a careful balance between cost and functionality. The goal is to find a solution that addresses the specific use cases most critical for project management while also providing value for money.
This involves considering buyer needs, addressing common pain points, and ensuring the software is fit for its intended purpose. Having personally tried and researched various tools, I have developed a set of criteria that are crucial when evaluating these solutions.
Core Functionality: 25% of Total Weighting Score
- Task assignment and tracking
- Project scheduling and deadline management
- Resource allocation and management
- Collaboration features for team communication
- Reporting and analytics for project performance
Additional Standout Features: 25% of Total Weighting Score
- Innovative project visualization tools, such as interactive Gantt charts or Kanban boards
- Integration capabilities with other business systems, like CRM or ERP
- Real-time updates and notifications to keep team members informed
- Mobile app availability for on-the-go project management
- Time tracking and project budgeting tools for financial oversight
Usability: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Intuitive navigation and user interface that reduces learning time
- Customizable dashboards that cater to individual user preferences
- Drag-and-drop functionality for ease of scheduling and task management
- A clear and concise layout that aids in quick information retrieval
Onboarding: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Comprehensive knowledge base with tutorials and how-to guides
- Interactive product tours that demonstrate key features
- Availability of customizable templates to jumpstart project setup
- Access to customer service through multiple channels during the onboarding phase
Customer Support: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Responsive support team with multiple contact options (email, phone, chat)
- Community forums or user groups for peer-to-peer assistance
- Regularly updated FAQs and troubleshooting guides
- Service level agreements that guarantee timely assistance
Value For Money: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Transparent pricing models without hidden costs
- Tiered plans that cater to different organizational sizes and needs
- Free trials or demo versions that allow for hands-on evaluation
- Discounts for annual commitments or non-profit organizations
Customer Reviews: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Positive feedback on user experience and software reliability
- Testimonials that highlight successful use cases and outcomes
- Critiques that identify areas for improvement and how they are addressed
- Overall satisfaction ratings that reflect the software's performance in real-world scenarios
By applying these criteria, one can effectively assess affordable project management solutions and select one that offers the best balance of features, usability, and value.
Trends for Cheap Project Management Software in 2024
Here are some of the key trends I’ve noticed in project management software this year:
- AI and Machine Learning Integration: Project management software is increasingly integrating AI to automate routine tasks, predict project timelines, and identify risks before they become issues. This technology helps in optimizing resource allocation and improving decision-making processes.
- Enhanced Remote Collaboration Tools: With remote work becoming more common, project management tools are focusing on enhancing features that support collaboration from anywhere. This includes real-time editing, virtual whiteboards, and integrated video conferencing to keep teams connected and productive.
- Increased Use of Data Analytics and Dashboards: More sophisticated analytics features are being incorporated into project management software to provide deeper insights into project performance, resource utilization, and cost efficiency. Customizable dashboards allow managers and teams to monitor KPIs and make data-driven adjustments to project plans.
- Focus on Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: As project data often includes sensitive information, there is a growing trend towards enhancing the security features within project management tools. This includes advanced encryption methods, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with global data protection regulations.
- Mobile-First Design: Project management software is prioritizing a mobile-first approach, ensuring that all functionalities are optimized for mobile devices. This design caters to managers and teams who need to manage projects on the go, providing them with full access and control from their smartphones.
- User-Friendly Interfaces: The focus on simplifying the design of project management software interfaces aims to minimize the learning curve and enhance user adoption. By making these tools more intuitive, developers are broadening accessibility, allowing a more diverse range of users to effectively manage their projects.
In conclusion, these trends are setting the stage for more accessible, intelligent, and secure project management solutions in 2024.
What is Cheap Project Management Software?
Cheap project management software is an affordable solution designed to assist individuals and teams in organizing, planning, and executing projects. It’s used by small businesses, startups, freelancers, and teams with limited budgets who must manage projects effectively without a significant financial investment.
Cheap project management software typically includes task management, scheduling, resource allocation, and communication tools. These features support project tracking, team collaboration, project timelines, and budget maintenance.
Features of Cheap Project Management Software
When searching for cost-effective project management software, it's crucial to identify the features that can support your team's needs without breaking the bank. Here, I'll outline the most important features to look for in such software, ensuring you can maintain productivity and control over your projects.
- Task Management: This feature allows you to assign and track tasks, ensuring that every team member knows their responsibilities and deadlines.
- Time Tracking: Time tracking helps you monitor the hours spent on each task or project, which is vital for staying within budget and estimating future projects accurately.
- File Sharing: With file sharing capabilities, team members can easily access and collaborate on documents, which is fundamental for maintaining consistency and efficiency.
- Collaboration Tools: These tools, such as message boards or chat functions, are important for keeping communication open and clear among team members, which is necessary for a cohesive working environment.
- Scheduling: A good scheduling feature provides a visual project timeline, helping you plan effectively and avoid scheduling conflicts.
- Reporting: Reporting tools allow you to generate data on various aspects of your project, which is crucial for making informed decisions and adjustments.
- Resource Management: This feature helps you allocate resources effectively, ensuring that no team member is overburdened while others are underutilized.
- Budget Management: Budget management tools are important for tracking expenses against the allocated budget, which is essential for financial accountability.
- Customization: The ability to customize aspects of the software, such as reports or dashboards, is important for adapting the tool to the unique needs of your project or organization.
- Integration: Integration capabilities allow the software to work with other tools you already use, which is important for maintaining a cohesive digital workflow.
Selecting the right project management software with these features can make a significant difference in the execution and success of your projects. By focusing on these key functionalities, you can ensure that your team has the tools they need to perform effectively, even when working with a limited budget.
Benefits of Cheap Project Management Software
When considering project management solutions, budget-friendly software can offer substantial advantages to both individual users and organizations.
These tools provide essential features without a hefty price tag, making project management accessible to a wider range of businesses. Here are five primary benefits that cheap project management software can deliver:
- Cost Efficiency: Utilizing affordable project management software allows businesses to allocate their resources more effectively, avoiding the high costs associated with some premium options.
- Ease of Use: Cheap project management software often focuses on a user-friendly interface, which means less time spent on training and more on actual project management.
- Flexibility: These tools cater to a range of projects, from small tasks to larger initiatives, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can benefit from their use.
- Improved Collaboration: Affordable project management software typically includes features that support teamwork, such as shared task lists and communication platforms, which help keep everyone on the same page.
- Enhanced Productivity: Cheap project management software can contribute to a more productive workflow by streamlining task management and providing clear oversight of project timelines.
For organizations and users considering their options, affordable project management software presents a viable solution that balances cost with capability. These tools can help maintain a competitive edge by ensuring that project management processes are handled efficiently without a significant investment.
Costs and Pricing of Cheap Project Management Software
For software buyers with minimal experience, understanding the costs and pricing of project management software is crucial. Affordable options cater to various needs, from managing simple tasks to running complex projects.
The following table provides a clear overview of the plan types, their average costs, and the features typically included.
Plan Comparison Table for Cheap Project Management Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free | $0 | Basic task management, limited projects, file storage, and activity log. Some may offer Gantt charts |
| Individual | $2.99 - $10 per user | Task management, basic scheduling, time tracking, Gantt charts, and file-sharing capabilities |
| Small Business | $5 - $24 per user | Collaboration tools, project tracking, task management, and additional modules for portfolio management |
| Mid-Market | $9 - $30 per user | Advanced communication tools, file sharing, version control, reporting, and resource allocation |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Comprehensive project management, multi-language support, multi-currency, and advanced security |
When selecting a project management software plan, consider the size of your team, the complexity of your projects, and the specific features you need. Free plans are great for individuals or small teams, while larger organizations may require more advanced plans with additional features and support. Other things to look for include the total cost of ownership, including any additional fees for training, support, or upgrades.
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Cheap Project Management Software FAQs
Can I find free project management software that is effective?
Yes, there are effective free project management software options. Trello offers a free version with unlimited personal boards, cards, and lists, which is ideal for individuals and small teams. Asana also provides a free tier that supports up to 15 team members and includes basic task management features.
Does cheap project management software include customer support?
Customer support availability varies by software provider. Trello and Asana offer community forums and basic support in their free versions, while Monday.com provides 24/7 customer support even on its basic plan. It’s important to check with the specific provider for the level of support included in their pricing plans.
Are there any limitations to using cheap project management software?
Cheap project management software may have limitations in terms of advanced features, such as automation, reporting, and customization options, which are often reserved for higher-tier paid plans. Additionally, there may be restrictions on the number of users, projects, or file storage capacity.
How does cheap project management software compare to more expensive options?
Affordable project management software typically offers essential features required for task management and team collaboration. More expensive options may provide additional features like advanced reporting, greater customization, and increased automation. The choice depends on your team or organization’s specific needs and budget.
Is it possible to upgrade from a free or cheap plan to a more advanced plan later on?
Most project management software providers offer scalable plans, allowing users to start with a free or low-cost option and upgrade as their needs grow. Upgrading usually unlocks additional features and increases limits on users, projects, and storage.
What kind of teams and projects are cheap project management software suitable for?
Cheap project management software suits many teams and projects, especially small to medium-sized businesses, startups, and freelancers. Depending on the software’s capabilities, these tools can accommodate various project types, from simple task management to more complex workflows.
How secure is cheap project management software?
Security measures vary among project management software providers. Most reputable platforms offer standard security features like data encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular backups, even on free or low-cost plans. It’s advisable to review the provider’s security policies to ensure they meet your requirements.