20 Best Project Management Software For Agencies In 2024
Best Project Management Software For Agencies Shortlist
Here’s my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
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There are seemingly hundreds of types of project management software for agencies available, so figuring out which is best for you can be tricky. You're looking for a way to manage tasks better, work with your team, and deliver projects on time, but you need to find the right tool.
I got your back! I simplify things, drawing on my experience managing big, complex projects and using dozens of different PM tools to bring you this shortlist of the best agency project management software.
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Best Project Management Software For Agencies Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Productive | From $9/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Scoro | From $26/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Kantata | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Miro | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Bonsai Agency Software | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Hub Planner | From $7/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Ravetree | From $29/user/month (billed annually, min 5 seats) | Website |
| PageProof | From $249/user/month | Website |
| Nifty | From $5/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
| Planable | From $11/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 Project Management Software for Agencies
Keep the following points in mind when picking the right project management software for your agency.
- Scalability: Agencies often experience fluctuating workloads and changes in team size. Choose software that can quickly adapt to your growing needs without requiring a complete system overhaul. For instance, if your agency lands a large client and needs to onboard more team members quickly, make sure your project management software can accommodate this.
- Integration Capabilities: Your agency likely uses various tools for functions such as CRM, time tracking, or accounting. Select software that integrates well with these existing systems to avoid data silos and ensure a smooth workflow. For example, if your agency uses a specific CRM tool, make sure your project management software can pull in client data to keep the information centralized.
- Customization: Every agency has unique processes and reporting needs. Look for software that allows you to customize tasks like task statuses, reports, and dashboards to match your agency's workflow.
- User-Friendly Interface: The software should be easy to use for all team members, regardless of technical expertise. A user-friendly interface ensures quick adoption and minimizes training time. This is particularly relevant for agencies where creative professionals must focus more on their creative work rather than navigating complex software.
- Support and Training: Given agency work's fast-paced nature, access to reliable support and training materials is essential. Choose software that offers responsive customer support and a wealth of training resources to help your team overcome any hurdles quickly. An agency facing tight deadlines can't afford delays caused by unresolved software issues or a steep learning curve.
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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 -
Miro
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Project Management Software For Agencies Reviews
Discover the strengths and weaknesses of top project management tools tailored for nonprofit organizations. Each review provides a detailed look at features, benefits, and ideal scenarios for use.
Productive is an all-in-one project management software specifically designed to meet the needs of agencies and professional services. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools that facilitate project planning, resource allocation, time tracking, and financial management.
Why I Picked Productive:
The platform provides powerful tools for planning and executing projects, such as Gantt charts for visualizing project timelines and dependencies, and task management functionalities that help keep everything organized. Additionally, Productive's project profitability tracking feature allows managers to monitor project budgets, track expenses, and forecast profitability in real time, ensuring that projects remain financially viable and profitable.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include budget management, invoicing, workload management, forecasting, purchase orders, revenue recognition, sales CRM, document management, and automation.
Integrations include Jira, Slack, QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier, Google Drive, Sage, BambooHR, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good budgeting capabilities
- Effective resource management tools
- Customizable dashboard and reporting
Cons:
- Initial setup and onboarding can be time-consuming
- Could offer more integrations
Scoro is an all-in-one business management software that consolidates business processes, including project management, CRM, billing, and reporting.
Why I Picked Scoro:
The software offers comprehensive project planning and tracking capabilities, allowing agencies to manage complex projects efficiently. Scoro’s real-time financial insights and budgeting tools help agencies keep track of project profitability and ensure that budgets are adhered to. Additionally, the platform’s task management and collaboration features facilitate communication among team members.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include quoting and budgeting, sales and CRM, resource planning, retainers, time tracking, reporting and dashboard, invoicing, cost management, and team dashboards.
Integrations include Sage Intacct, Exact Online, Expensify, Stripe, Jira, Google Calendar, Microsoft Exchange, Xero, QuickBooks, HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Drive, Dropbox, Okta, Azure AD, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time project and resource tracking capabilities
- Wide range of features for end-to-end business management
- Good invoicing system
Cons:
- Its many customization options can feel overwhelming
- Mobile app is less robust than web version
Kantata is a project management software designed to cater to the unique needs of a wide range of professional services, including agencies. It offers a suite of tools to manage projects, resources, and finances all in one platform.
Why I Picked Kantata:
I chose Kantata for its advanced project forecasting capabilities, which allow agencies to predict project timelines, resource needs, and potential roadblocks. This forecasting ability helps agencies plan better, allocate resources more efficiently, and mitigate risks before they become issues. Additionally, Kantata's emphasis on collaboration tools, time tracking, and budget management aligns with the multifaceted demands of agency work.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include resource management and capacity planning, reports and analytics, and visual project planning capabilities like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and milestones. It also offers time and expense tracking.
Integrations include Zapier, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Trello, QuickBooks, Jira, HubSpot, Xero, NetSuite, Harvest, FreshBooks, Toggl, and Dropbox.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Project, resource, and financial forecasting
- Comprehensive resource planning features
- Customizable reporting features
Cons:
- May take some time to set up
- Learning curve to maximize advanced features
Miro is a digital platform designed for interactive whiteboarding and team collaboration.
Why I Picked Miro:
I chose Miro because it supports real-time, collaborative whiteboarding, which is great for brainstorming. Miro is best for collaborative whiteboarding due to its large canvas, which encourages team members to visualize ideas and collaborate effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include Miro’s large canvas, which allows for real-time collaboration, and project management tools, including Gantt charts and Kanban boards. It provides numerous templates to cater to various project needs.
Integrations include Zoom, Slack, Google Drive, Sketch, Jira, Asana, Dropbox, Box, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Trello, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Basecamp, Salesforce, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- A broad range of integrations with other tools and platforms
- Real-time collaboration capabilities
- Infinite canvas supports extensive brainstorming and project planning
Cons:
- Enterprise pricing is not disclosed upfront
- Limited functionality in the free plan
Best for managing projects, resources, and budgets
Bonsai is a business management tool designed for creative and digital agencies, consultancies, and professional service providers. It offers a suite of features for managing client relationships, projects, teams, and financials.
Why I Picked Bonsai:
I chose Bonsai because of its ability to integrate project and business management capabilities into a single, cohesive platform. It offers tools for every stage of the project lifecycle, from proposal drafting and contract management to time tracking and automated invoicing. Its intuitive CRM system ensures smooth client relationship management, while the task management features enable the planning and execution of projects. Additionally, Bonsai's robust financial reporting tools provide crucial insights into project budgets and profitability.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include Kanban board views for project tracking, overviews of financial performance, appointment scheduling, automation for repetitive tasks, assignments for team roles and permissions, file-sharing capabilities, a client portal, and ready-made templates.
Integrations include Gmail, Google Calendar, Zapier, Slack, QuickBooks Online, HubSpot, Calendly, ClickUp, Trello, Google Drive, Google Sheets, Xero, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive templates for different use cases
- Easy-to-use client portal
- Automation of repetitive tasks
Cons:
- Resource planning features limited to higher-tier plans
- May not be the best for scalability
Hub Planner is a project management software designed to help a wide range of businesses, including agencies, manage their resources, projects, and teams. It offers a simple yet effective platform for keeping track of who’s working on what, when, and for how long.
Why I Picked Hub Planner:
You can easily assign projects, schedule tasks, and track progress in real-time, which keeps projects on track and clients happy. Its resource management system helps you see team availability, so you can avoid overbooking or underusing staff. Plus, with Hub Planner’s budget tracking, you can keep a close eye on project costs and ensure that you stay profitable without wasting time on manual calculations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include timesheets, reporting tools, capacity planning, vacation and leave management, skills matching, team utilization tracking, workload visualizations, custom approval workflows, drag-and-drop scheduling, role-based access, and real-time calendar synchronization.
Integrations include Slack, Google Calendar, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Okta, Basecamp, Azure, and Power Automate.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Skill-based task assignments
- Detailed capacity planning tools
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop scheduler
Cons:
- Task notes could be more customizable
- Could offer more native integrations
Ravetree is an all-in-one work management platform designed to enhance business operations like project management, resource planning, time and expense tracking, and client relationship management (CRM).
Why I Picked Ravetree:
I like its resource planning features let you allocate resources, ensuring your team isn’t overburdened and projects are delivered on time. This is particularly advantageous for agencies handling multiple projects simultaneously, as it gives an overview of resource utilization and availability. The time and expense tracking feature is another asset, allowing you to monitor project costs and billable hours accurately. This not only helps in maintaining budgetary control but also ensures transparency with clients regarding project expenses.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customer relationship management, request management, file management, billing, team management, dashboards and alerts, custom reports, agile and waterfall methodologies, capacity management, financial overview, retainer tracking, and approval management.
Integrations include Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Outlook, Gmail, QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Stripe, Exchange, Facebook, Instagram, and GitHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient management of client relationships
- Supports both traditional and Agile methodologies
- Consolidates multiple work functions
Cons:
- Could offer more integrations
- Extensive features may come with a learning curve
PageProof is a tool designed to simplify the review and approval of creative content. It is the best for online proofing because it supports many file types and simplifies collaboration.
Why I Picked PageProof:
I selected PageProof because it handles various file types and has a straightforward pricing model that benefits teams. It is best for online proofing because it provides unlimited proofs and storage. It is also compatible with numerous other tools that support the proofing process within existing workflows.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include unlimited proofs and versions, automated workflows, and detailed markup tools for clear feedback. Other key features include smart compare and side-by-side compare features and integrations that enhance design and project management tasks.
Integrations include monday.com, Asana, Airtable, Trello, ClickUp, Basecamp, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Adobe Creative Cloud, Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and single sign-on options from Ping Identity, OneLogin, G Suite, Okta, and Delinea.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive range of integrations
- No limit on proofs and storage
- Fixed pricing for teams
Cons:
- Enterprise plan requires a custom quote
- May be expensive for smaller businesses
Nifty is a project management tool that centralizes communication, planning, and tracking in one place. This project management system is best for project automation because it simplifies workflow and reduces manual tasks.
Why I Picked Nifty:
I chose Nifty for this list because it offers a unique combination of features that cater to modern agencies looking for project management automation. Its ability to automate repetitive tasks and provide a centralized project communication and tracking platform makes it stand out.
I believe Nifty is best for project automation because it simplifies the management of tasks and milestones. It also offers advanced features like workflow automation and cross-project overviews that enhance team productivity.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management with Kanban and list views, time management tracking for productivity analysis, and custom fields for tailored project management.
Integrations include Google Drive, Slack, Zoom, Dropbox, GitHub, Asana, Trello, Jira, Microsoft Teams, and ClickUp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Great way to communicate with clients about project progress
- Flexible task management with multiple view options
- Project automation features
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- The interface could be more user-friendly
Planable is a platform for content planning and collaboration for social media teams. It is recognized as the best for content collaboration because it provides an environment where marketing teams can create, collaborate, and approve social media content efficiently.
Why I Picked Planable:
I selected Planable for this list because it offers a unique combination of visual planning tools and collaborative features tailored specifically for managing social media content. Planable is best for content collaboration because it focuses on simplifying the content approval process. It also lets teams work together in a highly visual and interactive space.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include previewing social media posts as they appear live, collaborating in real-time with team members, and scheduling content directly from the platform.
Integrations include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google My Business, and YouTube.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Direct scheduling to social media platforms
- Real-time collaboration and feedback
- Intuitive interface for content planning
Cons:
- Higher plans required for advanced features
- Limited posts on the starting plan
Other Project Management Software For Agencies
Below is a list of additional project management software for agencies I shortlisted but did not reach the top list. It’s definitely worth checking out!
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Project Management Software For Agencies Selection Criteria
When selecting project management software for agencies, it’s important to consider functionality and the ability to meet specific use cases.
As an expert who has personally tried and researched these tools, I have developed a set of criteria that reflects the features and user experiences that are most relevant to agencies.
Core Project Management Software For Agencies Functionality: 25% Of Total Weighting Score
- Task assignment and tracking
- Time tracking and reporting
- Collaboration tools
- File sharing and document management
- Resource management
Additional Standout Features: 25% Of Total Weighting Score
- Innovative scheduling tools
- Unique asset management capabilities
- Distinctive communication features
- Exclusive reporting and analytics
- Novel integration options
Usability: 10% Of Total Weighting Score
- Intuitive interface design
- Balance of power and simplicity
- Aesthetic appeal
- Customizability
Onboarding: 10% Of Total Weighting Score
- Training materials
- Interactive product tours
- Support resources
- Migration tools
Customer Support: 10% Of Total Weighting Score
- Responsiveness
- Knowledge base
- Community support
- Multichannel support
Value For Money: 10% Of Total Weighting Score
- Transparent pricing
- Cost-effectiveness
- Scalability
- Free trials or demos
Customer Reviews: 10% Of Total Weighting Score
- Overall satisfaction
- Reliability
- Feature effectiveness
- Customer service experiences
Trends for Project Management Software For Agencies
I reviewed the product updates, press releases, and release logs from the most popular project management software for agencies in 2024. These updates and releases reveal the latest trends and new technologies to help you stay informed.
Several trends are shaping the project management software for the agency industry.
- Integration with AI and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming integral to project management tools. They predict project risks and automate routine tasks, freeing up managers for strategic work.
- Emphasis on Remote Collaboration Features: With remote work becoming the norm, project management software increasingly focuses on collaboration. Tools are designed to support virtual teams, ensuring that distance is not a barrier to effective teamwork. This is important for maintaining productivity and unity among remote teams.
- Real-Time Data and Analytics: This feature provides immediate insights into project performance and resource allocation. This trend allows agencies to make informed decisions quickly.
- Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures: As threats evolve, so do the cybersecurity features within project management tools. Agencies require strong security features to protect sensitive data. This trend is critical to building trust and ensuring compliance.
- User-Centric Design and Customization: Project management software is shifting towards more user-centric designs and customization options.
These trends indicate a dynamic shift towards more intelligent, collaborative, and secure project management software for agencies.
What Is Project Management Software for Agencies?
Project management software for agencies is a digital platform designed to assist in project planning, execution, and tracking. It is used by project managers, teams, and stakeholders within agencies to manage workloads, deadlines, and project deliverables.
The software is essential for maintaining project organization, ensuring accountability, and facilitates communication among team members. Its components include task assignment features, scheduling tools, resource allocation options, and communication channels.
Features Of Project Management Software For Agencies
Project management software helps track progress, manage resources, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Here are some features to look for when selecting project management software for your agency.
- User Authentication: A security feature that verifies the identity of users before granting access to the software.
- Data Encryption: A security feature that encodes data to prevent unauthorized access.
- Analytics: A feature that collects and analyzes data to provide insights and reports.
- Responsive Design: A design approach that ensures the software works well on various devices and screen sizes.
- API Integration: A feature that allows the software to connect and interact with other applications or services.
- Real-time Notifications: A feature that sends updates or alerts to users as events occur.
- Multi-Language Support: A feature that allows users to interact with the software in different languages.
- Cloud Storage: A feature that enables data storage on remote servers accessible via the internet.
- Load Balancing: A feature that distributes network or application traffic across multiple servers to ensure reliability and performance.
- Dark Mode: A display setting that changes the interface to a dark color scheme to reduce eye strain.
The features listed above are key to managing projects effectively and should be carefully considered when choosing software.
Benefits Of Project Management Software For Agencies
Project management software offers a range of advantages that can improve the workflow and outcomes for agencies. Here are five primary benefits.
- Improved Planning and Scheduling: Project management software simplifies the planning and scheduling process. It allows users to identify critical tasks, assign them, set deadlines, and monitor progress, leading to more efficient project execution.
- Clear Goal Establishment: Teams can establish clear goals with detailed project plans that outline objectives, tasks, resources, and timelines. This promotes accountability and ensures that project goals are met.
- Enhanced Resource Management: Efficient allocation and monitoring of resources such as personnel and materials are facilitated by project management tools. This ensures that resources are used effectively.
- Progress Tracking: Detailed timelines and progress reports provided by project management software allow for intelligent tracking of project advancement. This helps teams stay on track and within budget.
- Risk and Issue Identification: Detailed reports and analytics enable proactive identification of risks and potential issues. This allows teams to plan and take action to mitigate delays or complications.
By incorporating these tools into their workflow, agencies can expect improvements in planning, execution, and overall project management, leading to better outcomes and client satisfaction.
Costs & Pricing Of Project Management Software For Agencies
Project management software comes in various plan options, each with its features and pricing structures. Understanding these options is important for software buyers with little to no experience with project management tools.
Below is a detailed comparison of the plan options and pricing for project management software suitable for agencies.
Plan Comparison Table For Project Management Software For Agencies
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free | $0 | Basic task management, to-do lists, native calendar, limited storage space, Kanban board |
| Individual | $4/month | Advanced task management, priority setting, calendar views, Gantt chart, subtasks, budget tracking |
| Small Business | $9/user/month | Gantt chart view, embedded documents, automation, unlimited workspaces, time tracking, task dependencies |
| Medium-Sized Business | $17/user/month | Google authentication, private boards, user groups, permissions, real-time reporting, dashboard view |
| Enterprise | Negotiable | Advanced security, Google SSO, unlimited users, in-depth reporting, custom permissions |
When selecting a project management software plan, agencies should consider the complexity of their projects and the level of collaboration required. They should balance the need for advanced features with the available budget as well.
Project Management Software for Agencies FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about project management software for agencies.
Can project management software help with client communication?
Yes, many project management tools include client portals or communication features allowing direct client interaction. These features can facilitate updates, feedback, and approvals, helping to maintain transparency and build trust with clients.
Is it possible to integrate other tools with project management software?
Most agency project management software is designed to integrate with various other tools, such as CRM systems, email platforms, accounting software, and more. This integration capability allows for a more connected workflow and can help reduce the need for multiple disparate systems.
How does project management software support remote teams?
Project management software supports remote teams by providing a centralized platform for all project-related information and communication. Features like cloud-based access, mobile apps, and real-time updates ensure that team members can collaborate effectively from any location.
How does project management software handle task delegation and tracking?
Project management software allows managers to assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and track progress. Team members can update the status of tasks, which provides visibility into the project’s advancement and helps identify any potential bottlenecks.
Can project management software be customized for an agency's specific needs?
Many project management tools offer customization options, such as custom fields, templates, and workflows, which can be tailored to fit an agency’s specific processes and requirements.
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