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10 Best Freelance Project Management Software In 2023

Best Freelance Project Management Software Shortlist

Have a quick glance at the list of tools I review in this post.

  1. 1. Indy — Best freelance project management software for client contracts
  2. 2. Paymo — Best freelance project management software for growing businesses
  3. 3. Todoist — Best for small and mid-size businesses
  4. 4. Bonsai — Best for freelancers and small agencies
  5. 5. Moxie — Best for freelancers looking to streamline their workflow
  6. 6. Honeybook — Best for freelancers who want an all-in-one client management solution
  7. 7. nTask — Best for individuals and teams looking for an easy-to-use solution
  8. 8. ActiveCollab — Best for businesses seeking robust features on a tight budget
  9. 9. Toggl Track — Best for its simple time-tracking solution
  10. 10. Dubsado — Best freelance project management software to collect payments

Being a freelancer in project management is a feat that can not be accomplished solo. Freelance project management software can prevent chaos as you organize project docs, make checklists for each of your clients and access calendar views that can tell you when to complete tasks.

The best project management software for freelancers will also include a way to monitor project pricing, generate quotes, and send invoices to collect money for your work.

What Is Freelance Project Management Software?

Freelance project management software is an online tool that has in-built features designed to streamline the work of individuals working on multiple independent projects. With this centralized platform, freelancers can organize and track tasks, collaborate with clients and team members, set deadlines, and monitor project progress.

Freelance project management software features include task management, communication tools, file sharing, time tracking, and reporting capabilities. These features streamline project workflows, improve productivity, and ensure effective project delivery.

Overviews Of The 10 Best Freelance Project Management Software

Below, I selected the best freelance project management software with overviews of why I picked them. I’ve included screenshots, standout features, integrations, information on pricing and trials, and the pros and cons of each.

1

Indy

Best freelance project management software for client contracts

Indy is an all-in-one project management tool that provides user-friendly productivity tools tailored for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small teams. The software includes ready-made templates for proposals, contracts, forms, and invoices. 

Why I picked Indy: Indy simplifies project management by providing to-do lists and Kanban boards to effectively handle any project. It has automated time tracking, an easy-to-use calendar app, and file storage — allowing you to manage the entire project timeline in a single location. 

I like this platform because of its functionality that helps freelancers and small businesses to consolidate all their workflows in one place, including contracts and invoices.

Indy Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include user-friendly productivity tools, templates for proposals, forms, contracts, and invoices that allow you to handle projects using boards and lists. Indy stands out from competitors for its easy communication with clients directly through the app's messaging feature. 

Integrations include Google Calendar, Mailchimp, PayPal, TeamChat, Slack, Stripe, Xero, Gmail, QuickBooks Online, and Google Drive. Additionally, you can access many more apps using a paid subscription with Zapier. These tools integrate to create an easy and efficient workflow.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.7 2621

Free trial available

From $5.99/month

Pros

  • It's an all-in-one tool
  • It is affordable to users
  • Easy to use and simple to navigate

Cons

  • Insufficient time tracking capabilities
  • Limited project management tools
2

Paymo

Best freelance project management software for growing businesses

Paymo is a software for managing projects that provides a comprehensive solution for the entire project life cycle, from start to finish.

Why I picked Paymo: I chose Paymo because it's easy to use and can be customized, making it a cost-effective option for freelancers aiming to improve workflows and increase profits. What stood out for me was its customization capability that allows you to simplify workflow and improve organization. You don't need to separate apps for different project management tasks.

Paymo Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include task project management, time tracking, resource management, invoicing, online payments, customization, and integration. Paymo stands out for its scalable solution, which accommodates the growth of businesses and adapts to their changing needs.

Integrations include Google, Google Calendar, Xero, Slack, JotForm, Typeform, Pomodone, and more. You can access thousands of additional apps via Zapier (requires paid subscription).

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.6 561

15-day free trial

From $5.95/user/month

Pros

  • Offers robust task management capabilities
  • Provides a web and desktop timer that lets users track time spent on tasks
  • Team members collaborate in real-time, share files, and communicate effectively

Cons

  • Tedious learning curve
  • Limited customization
3

Todoist

Best for small and mid-size businesses

Todoist is an online app designed to help businesses and freelancers that enables freelancers and small teams to manage tasks and work together on projects using the web, mobile devices, desktops, email, and web browsers. 

Why I picked Todoist: Todoist is a powerful platform for breaking down big projects into smaller parts and organizing them with labels, filters, or priority levels. Users can easily create new tasks, keep track of their progress, and see all the tasks completed in their Todoist account. I found this tool effective for simple task management and organization.

Todoist Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include the ability to comment on tasks, track overdue tasks, create recurring tasks, set daily goals, customize workflows, and view personalized productivity trends to help users manage their tasks more effectively.

Integrations include Google Calendar, AlfreDo, PomoDone, Toggl Track, Tascaly, Akiflow, Slack, Gmail, and Dropbox. You can also connect to thousands of additional apps using Zapier.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.4 729

Free trial available

From $5/month

Pros

  • Generous free plan
  • User-friendly interface
  • Cross-device sync

Cons

  • Lack time-tracking features
  • File uploading limits
4

Bonsai

Best for freelancers and small agencies

Bonsai is a robust tool used by over 500,000 freelancers and agencies. It is an all-inclusive workflow management solution that enables self-employed people to monitor clients, create invoices, receive payments, and handle tax-related matters. 

Why I picked Bonsai: This tool has user-friendly time tracking and workflow features that streamline and automate business operations. It is particularly best for freelancers and small agencies to help them create and manage their businesses. 

For me, I found this tool so easy to use and might save a lot of time when managing invoices. Using this tool definitely makes it easier to focus on projects.

Bonsai Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features that make this platform stand out from competitors include CRM features, which help track leads and existing clients. In the client's menu, add your contacts and tag them as clients or leads. You can also easily track their progress in your workflow.

Integrations include ClickUp, Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Drive, Trello, QuickBooks Online, Google Calendar, Slack, HubSpot CRM, Xero, and more. Additionally, you can access thousands of apps using a paid subscription with Zapier. And if you are interested in building custom integrations, it has an API available for it too.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.5 61

14-day free trial

From $24/month

Pros

  • Multiple payment and payout alternatives
  • Use client portals to provide user-friendly interfaces for clients
  • Easily handle projects and tasks
  • Create and send professional proposals and invoices to potential clients

Cons

  • Automated expense tracking limited to US and Canada
  • Payment options depend on the location
  • Limited only in the English language
5

Moxie

Best for freelancers looking to streamline their workflow

Moxie is a customizable personal app curated to streamline workflow and boost productivity. It offers features such as task creation, task assignment, and time tracking. 

Why I picked Moxie: By using this platform, freelancers can simplify their workflow and be more productive. It enables you to organize all your work in a central location. With this software, I could merge multiple web browser windows with multiple user accounts and apps into one window with one account. This allows me to manage my business more effectively.

Moxie Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include project management, client management, time tracking, invoicing, and customizable apps. These features are user-friendly and suitable for both new and experienced freelancers.

Integrations include FreeAgent, Trello, Asana, Basecamp, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Calendar and more. These integrations enable you to manage all aspects of your business on a single platform.

Free trial available

From $16/month

Pros

  • Easy to use and navigate
  • Offers affordable pricing
  • It combines all you need in one location

Cons

  • It doesn’t go too deep into some features it supports
  • Various features may be ''too simple'' for some users
6

Honeybook

Best for freelancers who want an all-in-one client management solution

HoneyBook is a cloud-based and all-inclusive CRM designed to help freelancers manage business processes. The platform provides users with the ability to handle projects, schedule appointments with clients, generate invoices, sign contracts digitally, and process payments.

Why I picked Honeybook: I like this platform for its emphasis on client management. It allows freelancers to create branded client portals, where clients can access project updates, communicate with you, and make payments. This enhances transparency and improves client satisfaction.

Honeybook provides a variety of features and tools designed to streamline and simplify business operations. It has comprehensive tools that focus on client management. Honeybook features help freelancers manage their projects efficiently and maintain a professional image. 

Honeybook Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include customizable proposals, contracts, and invoices that allow freelancers to streamline administrative tasks. For me, this platform stood out for its robust client management tools that provide an easy communication platform for clients and freelancers.

Integrations include third-party tools like Zoom, Outlook, OneDrive, QuickBooks, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Calendly. You can also access thousands of additional apps using Zapier (requires paid account).

7-day free trial

From $19/month

Pros

  • CRM capabilities help freelancers foster relationships with clients by enhancing communication and engagement
  • Automating invoices and payment collections, improving cash flow
  • Makes appointment management easier, reducing manual tasks and errors

Cons

  • May not offer certain advanced features necessary for certain businesses
  • Based on user feedback, clients found the pricing relatively high
7

nTask

Best for individuals and teams looking for an easy-to-use solution

nTask is a platform that combines all the tools teams use for task and project management. It allows collaboration, tracking, monitoring, reporting, and feedback. 

Why I picked nTask: After examining nTask, I discovered it is a user-friendly tool for managing projects and has excellent organizational features. This platform can track time for multiple projects. Additionally, nTask has a free plan for up to five people that includes unlimited workspaces and tasks.

nTask Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include Gantt charts, risk management, monitoring your budget, time tracking, Kanban boards, keeping track of timesheets, and more. Unlike other PM software, nTask allows users to communicate, share files, and leave comments on the task dashboard.

Integrations include Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Google Calendar, Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Outlook, Gmail and more. Additionally, you can use an integration with Zapier to connect to thousands of other apps.



Free trial available

From $4/month

Pros

  • Allows users to customize all features, providing personalized workflows
  • Promote team communication and collaboration by providing chat features
  • Helps users plot and manage projects

Cons

  • The application lacks advanced reporting capabilities
  • Not suitable for teams exceeding 50 members
8

ActiveCollab

Best for businesses seeking robust features on a tight budget

ActiveCollab is an integrated project management software that automates busy work and helps you arrange your work into tasks and subtasks, establish priorities, and work together with your team and clients in real-time. 

Why I picked ActiveCollab: I picked ActiveCollab for its extensive features and easy-to-use interface. It provides the flexibility to create unlimited projects, enabling freelancers to handle multiple projects simultaneously, regardless of the number of clients. 

In addition, this tool provides robust task management capabilities where freelancers can create tasks, assign them to team members or clients, set due dates, and track progress. One thing I like most about this platform is the quality of service versus the cost. I found it to be one of the best on the market for its easy-to-use and time-tracking features.

ActiveCollab Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include tracking time, generating reports, in-app chat, task dependencies management, automatic rescheduling, supporting real-time communication, and file-sharing. For me, what stood out from this platform is the appealing user-interface features that minimize distractions and enable efficient work.

Integrations include tools like TrackingTime, QuickBooks, Online Advanced, TimeCamp, Google Drive, Hubstaff, Xero, Paypal, Basecamp, and Asana. You can also access more apps via Zapier, but it will require a paid subscription.

Free trial available

From $11/month

Pros

  • Enable users to assign tasks for easy filtering and organization
  • Users can upload files to tasks and share relevant documents
  • Allows users to receive notifications whenever someone comments on tasks

Cons

  • Tasks cannot have their own hours and deadlines
  • Staff members cannot work part-time
9

Toggl Track

Best for its simple time-tracking solution

Toggl Track is an online time-tracking app for teams of one to a thousand people. Users can monitor their work tasks to measure productivity or determine project and client profitability. 

Why I picked Toggl Track: While it is not full-fledged project management software, it helps individuals and teams stay within budgets and track time spent on multiple projects. It focuses on time tracking and provides insights into project profitability, cost projections, and realistic budgets. 

It is ideal for freelancers, project managers, and business owners who value accurate labor data and time-tracking simplicity. I like the platform for its intuitive and easy-to-use features. It saves time by remembering previous entries and providing detailed reports. 

Toggl Track Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include time tracking, detailed reports, team management, mobile apps, Pomodoro timer, and billable hours. These features make Toggl Track stand out for its ability to provide users with insights, simplified workflows, and accurate labor data.

Integrations with third-party apps include Asana, Evernote, GitLab, Google Calendar, Jira, Salesforce, Slack, Track, Trello, and Xero. You can also access thousands of additional apps via Zapier.

30-day free trial + freemium plan available

From $10/user/month

Pros

  • It easily syncs information between devices
  • Works on mobile apps, tablets, and PC
  • The platform is easy to use

Cons

  • Lack of extended functionality like invoicing, or contract creation
  • Doesn't have repeat functionality
10

Dubsado

Best freelance project management software to collect payments

Dubsado is an all-in-one platform that simplifies and automates day-to-day administrative tasks for small businesses. It acts as a central hub for handling clients, projects, invoices, and other tasks. 

Why I picked Dubsado: Dubsado helps you do more than just manage projects. It allows you to create streamlined workflows, build strong client relationships, and automate administrative tasks. As your business grows and you need a project management app that handles everything, Dubsado provides complete tools for monitoring client information, communication history, and project details.

It enables users to create client profiles, access previous interactions, and securely store relevant documents. For me, what stood out was its features that act as a central hub to keep your tasks, projects, and team in sync. 

Dubsado Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features that make Dubsado stand out include automation capabilities. It enables users to streamline processes and automate repetitive tasks like sending follow-up emails, and reminders, and scheduling appointments. By automating these tasks, businesses can save time and prioritize other crucial aspects of their work.

Integrations include accounting software, email marketing platforms, and project management apps. These integrations enable seamless data transfer and remove manual data input across various systems.

Free trial available

Pricing upon request

Pros

  • Makes invoicing and payment processes more efficient
  • Provides a wide range of branding customization
  • Simplifies managing clients and tracking projects

Cons

  • Clients not understanding how to pay the invoices in the proposals
  • Lack of customer service

The Best Freelance Project Management Software Comparison Chart

Here is a table where you can compare the tools we just covered in the overviews.

Tool Free Option Price
1
Indy

Best freelance project management software for client contracts

Free trial available

From $5.99/month Visit Website
2
Paymo

Best freelance project management software for growing businesses

15-day free trial

From $5.95/user/month Visit Website
3
Todoist

Best for small and mid-size businesses

Free trial available

From $5/month Visit Website
4
Bonsai

Best for freelancers and small agencies

14-day free trial

From $24/month Visit Website
5
Moxie

Best for freelancers looking to streamline their workflow

Free trial available

From $16/month Visit Website
6
Honeybook

Best for freelancers who want an all-in-one client management solution

7-day free trial

From $19/month Visit Website
7
nTask

Best for individuals and teams looking for an easy-to-use solution

Free trial available

From $4/month Visit Website
8
ActiveCollab

Best for businesses seeking robust features on a tight budget

Free trial available

From $11/month Visit Website
9
Toggl Track

Best for its simple time-tracking solution

30-day free trial + freemium plan available

From $10/user/month Visit Website
10
Dubsado

Best freelance project management software to collect payments

Free trial available

Pricing upon request Visit Website

Other Freelance Project Management Software Options

Here are a few more alternatives that did not make it to my top shortlist but are worth your consideration:

  1. Hive

    Best for freelancing teams

  2. Zoho Projects

    Best for small teams with a limited budget

  3. Wrike

    Best for medium to enterprise-level organizations, marketing teams, and agencies

  4. monday.com

    Best for simple workload across teams of various industries

  5. Height

    Best for startups that need to build products faster

  6. ClickUp

    Best for individuals and teams seeking a flexible and personalized project management solution

  7. Jira

    Best for teams of all sizes and industries

Selection Criteria For Freelance Project Management Software 

Here’s a summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best freelance project management software.

Core Functionality

I started by reviewing various freelance project management software and tools that received positive feedback from users. I verified that each offered the following essential features:

  • The ability to track time spent on tasks and projects, helping with accurate billing, productivity analysis, and resource allocation.
  • Tools for organizing and sharing project-related documents, ensuring easy access and better organization.

Key Features

To deliver the core functionality highlighted above, I believe your freelance project management software should have the following features:

  • Real-time reporting: Real-time reporting allows you to receive immediate updates on project progress, missed deadlines, and changes to ongoing projects. This enables you to address issues proactively and prevent them from escalating into serious problems.
  • Time tracking: Tracking the time your team spends on tasks and projects is valuable for planning. This feature helps identify team members who require additional time management support.
  • Billing management: The tool should be able to help you track project costs, generate invoices, send quotes or any other financial-related tool that helps you run your freelance business.
  • Data analytics: The data analytics component provides tools to analyze your team's efficiency and work process. This enables you to identify areas for improvement by leveraging factual data.

Usability

Freelancers need to track their time accurately to ensure proper billing and project profitability. The usability of project management software should include features such as time-tracking, real-time reporting to allow freelancers to log their hours and generate detailed reports for clients and personal use. 

Software Integrations

Some cloud-based freelance project management software on this list incorporate third-party integrations, which enhance the platform's capabilities by linking it with external tools. These can include CRM platforms, Slack, Google Meet, and Google Spreadsheets. There are also third-party integration services like Zapier that will give you additional integration possibilities.

Pricing

I examined the pricing details to find out if there are any trial options, free trials, and the initial cost of paid plans. The software on this list includes some with free and premium plans.

However, the pricing varies depending on the specific tool and its features.

Freelance PM Software FAQs

Find answers to common questions other people ask about this topic.

What’s Next?

There are so many things you have to do to make freelancing a stable money machine. First, you have to find ways to build your professional network. Then you’ll probably need to decide what kind of project manager you’ll be and in which industry. Here are 8 jobs as a PM you didn’t know you could do. Finally, you’ll need a guide that you can follow to make freelancing as a PM your dream career. For this last item, you can check out our freelance PM guide.

If you want to receive other cool articles and more tips and tricks related to project management, subscribe to the Insiders Newsletter. We will increase your PM knowledge every week.

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 early 2010s.

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