29 Best Project Management Software For Developers Reviewed In 2025
Best Project Management Software for Developers Shortlist
Here are my picks for the best project management software for developers.
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Project management software for developers is the best way to plan, manage, and track development projects within your organization. The right tool can help you organize tasks and tickets, as well as improve communication and collaboration amongst your development team.
Here are my picks for the best project management software for developers. I've used my experience managing development projects to review and evaluate various software options so you can find the best choice for your needs.
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Compare Specs Side-by-Side
Compare pricing and other specs for each pick on my list of the best project management software for developers.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for workflow automation | Freemium version available | From $10/user/month (min of 2 seats) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for managing sprints | Free plan available | From $8.50/user/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for Kanban-style task management | Free trial available | From $8.25/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website | |
| 4 | Best for visual project planning | 14-day free trial | From $5/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website | |
| 5 | Best for client work management | 30-day free trial | From $10.99/user/month (min 3 users, billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for open-source project management | Free plan available | Free to use | Website | |
| 7 | Best for professional service businesses | 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $30/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for enterprise project analytics | 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $25/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for team workspace | Free trial + free plan available | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for project scheduling | Free trial available + free demo | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Smartsheet
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
Wrike
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
monday.com
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Project Management Software for Developers Reviews
I’ve reviewed some of the best project management tools specifically designed to meet the unique needs of development teams. My summaries below cover key features, pros and cons, and ideal use cases, so you can make an informed decision for your development projects.
Wrike is a comprehensive project management software designed to enhance team collaboration and automate workflows across various sectors, including IT, marketing, and professional services.
Why I picked Wrike: One of the most beneficial aspects is its automation capabilities. You can streamline workflows and manage incoming requests, which means your team spends less time on repetitive tasks and more on the work that matters. This feature is particularly useful for developers who often juggle multiple tasks and need to focus on critical coding and development work. The integration of generative AI assists in project planning and error checking, making it easier to catch mistakes early and keep projects on track.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable calendars, Gantt charts, Kanban boards, real-time analytics, mobile app for collaboration, generative AI capabilities, streamlined proofing and approvals, and dynamic request forms.
Integrations include Salesforce, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Zoom, Google Sheets, Microsoft SharePoint, OneDrive, Power BI, Tableau, and Miro.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust collaboration features
- Good project tracking capabilities
- Customizable worklows
Cons:
- Extensive features can be overwhelming for new users
- Lacks comprehensive project budgeting tools
Shortcut is a collaborative project management tool crafted for engineering, product, and design teams to improve productivity and communication by integrating planning and development processes.
Why I picked Shortcut: Shortcut stands out for its focus on features that cater to development teams working on complex projects. One of the functionalities is its use of Kanban boards that let teams track work through customizable workflows. This means you can tailor how you visualize tasks to fit your team's unique processes, helping everyone stay on the same page. The sprints feature is another key aspect, allowing you to manage work in set time periods and track story points, making it easier to keep tabs on progress and ensure that projects stay on track.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable workflows, collaborative docs, sprint planning, progress tracking, objectives and key results (OKRs), version control system (VCS) integrations, real-time updates, keyboard shortcuts, reporting tools, roadmap visualization, team-based permissions, and API access.
Integrations include GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Slack, and Sentry. Shortcut also offers data imports from Linear, ClickUp, Asana, Pivotal Tracker, Jira, Trello, and its API for custom integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable for different project sizes
- Supports real-time collaboration
- Provides clear visualization of project progress
Cons:
- Fewer options for teams not using agile methodologies
- May be too feature-rich for less complex projects
MeisterTask is an intuitive tool that streamlines task management with Kanban boards. It stands out for its visual approach to managing workflows efficiently.
Why I picked MeisterTask: MeisterTask provides a straightforward yet detailed feature set to support developers' needs. Its Kanban boards facilitate a clear visualization of tasks and progress, setting it apart from other project management tools. I judge MeisterTask to be best for Kanban-style task management because its customizable boards provide an immediate overview of tasks and their status, which is vital for maintaining workflow momentum.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable Kanban boards, task automations, and multiple project views, including Gantt-like timelines. It also emphasizes collaboration with team members and provides extensive security features to protect project data.
Integrations include Slack, GitHub, Zendesk, Google Drive, Dropbox, MindMeister, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Harvest, and BugSnag.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive security measures to safeguard data
- Customizable features for personalized workflow management
- Intuitive Kanban boards for task visualization
Cons:
- Exclusively cloud-based with no on-premises option
- Initial learning curve for new users
Trello is a valuable tool designed to facilitate project management and team collaboration through an intuitive visual interface. It simplifies tracking tasks and projects using boards, cards, and lists, making it a versatile solution for teams of any size.
Why I picked Trello: Trello provides a distinctive visual board approach to project management, which is particularly beneficial for developers who prioritize visual organization and tracking. Its Kanban-style setup makes it easy for development teams to visualize workflow stages and due dates, track progress, and manage Agile sprints and updates seamlessly. I believe Trello is best for visual project planning due to its ability to provide immediate visual status updates, which is vital for the dynamic and fast-paced nature of development projects.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its board, list, and card system for organizing projects, as well as Butler for automation and Power-Ups to expand its capabilities.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Evernote, GitHub, Salesforce, Zapier, Mailchimp, and FogBugz.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust no-code automation capabilities
- Extensive integration options with over 200 apps
- Customizable workflows with boards, lists, and cards
Cons:
- Not suited for complex projects or schedules
- Can be overwhelming with too many integrations or boards
Teamwork is a project management platform tailored for managing client work efficiently. Its valuable set of features are designed to handle every aspect of client projects, from planning and time tracking to invoicing and reporting.
Why I picked Teamwork: Teamwork’s features cater specifically to client work management. Its ability to provide a centralized platform for managing the entire client lifecycle makes it distinct from other project management tools. I believe Teamwork is best for client work management because it offers a unique combination of project planning, resource allocation, time tracking, and client collaboration tools, all of which are essential for delivering client projects successfully.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project planning with scope visualization, resource and workload management to avoid bottlenecks, time tracking to understand team efforts, and budget management to keep projects financially on track. It also offers various project views such as lists, Kanban boards, tables, and Gantt charts, along with milestone tracking and intake forms for efficient project execution.
Integrations include Slack, Zapier, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, QuickBooks, HubSpot, Dropbox, Microsoft Office, Box, OneDrive Personal, OneDrive Business, SharePoint, and Microsoft Project.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of native integrations
- Multiple project views for different management styles
- Valuable client work management features
Cons:
- Requires customization to fit specific project needs
- May have a learning curve for new users
Redmine is a flexible project management web application. It excels due to its extensive features tailored for managing multiple projects with various access controls and issue tracking systems.
Why I picked Redmine: Redmine is an excellent project management tool for developers due to its open-source nature, which allows for extensive customization and integration with development workflows. It supports multiple projects and offers features like issue tracking, Gantt charts, and forums, which are essential for managing complex software development projects. I believe Redmine is best for open-source project management because it offers an advanced set of tools for free, which can be extended with paid plugins, making it highly adaptable to different project needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include issue and bug tracking, project management, gantt charts, calendar view, time tracking, customizable workflows, role-based access control, wikis and forums for collaboration, flexible issue tracking system, email notifications, multiple project support, plugins for extended functionality, and a user-friendly interface.
Integrations include Subversion, CVS, Mercurial, Bazaar, and Git. It also supports LDAP authentication and is compatible with multiple databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable with a wide range of plugins
- Supports multiple projects and subprojects
- Open-source and free to use
Cons:
- The interface may not be as modern as some commercial alternatives
- Some plugins may require payment
Scoro is a detailed work management software solution tailored for professional service businesses. It stands out due to its ability to streamline projects, simplify quoting, automate billing, and optimize utilization, all within a single platform.
Why I picked Scoro: Scoro caters specifically to the needs of professional service businesses. Its ability to integrate various aspects of business management into one platform makes it a top choice for developers. I believe Scoro is best for professional service businesses because it provides tools that are essential for managing client work, tracking time, and maintaining financial control, which are important for the success of these businesses.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project management with real-time Gantt charts, resource planning, sales and CRM capabilities, financial management, and detailed reporting and dashboards.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Microsoft Exchange, Xero, QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, Exact Online, Expensify, Stripe, Jira, HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Drive, Dropbox, Okta, Azure AD, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed financial management and reporting
- In-depth sales and CRM tools
- Real-time Gantt chart for project management
Cons:
- Complex interface
- Minimum of 5 user seats required
Celoxis is a valuable project management solution tailored for detailed enterprise project analytics. It stands out for its advanced analytics and reporting capabilities.
Why I picked Celoxis: Celoxis’s exceptional ability to deliver in-depth analytics and reporting is essential for enterprise-level project management. It distinguishes itself from other tools through its integrated time tracking and financial management features, which are particularly beneficial for developers looking to closely monitor project budgets and timelines. I judge Celoxis to be best for enterprise project analytics because of its focus on detailed analytics, making it the best choice for organizations that require extensive project data analysis and reporting.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced scheduling, resource management, project tracking, and financial management. It also offers customizable dashboards and reporting tools that provide valuable insights into project performance.
Integrations include Salesforce, QuickBooks Online, Google Drive, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, Outlook, Slack, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integration capabilities with other enterprise tools
- High customizability for analytics and reporting
- Advanced features for enterprise project management
Cons:
- Primarily designed for large organizations, potentially limiting its use for smaller enterprises
- No mobile app available
Confluence is a digital workspace that centralizes team collaboration and project management. It offers a rich text editor, customizable templates, and powerful integration capabilities, making it ideal for documentation, project collaboration, and information sharing.
Why I picked Confluence: Confluence’s advanced integration capabilities and dynamic content management are essential for a cohesive team workspace. Its ability to centralize work from various tools and streamline project execution makes it unique compared to other project management software. I believe Confluence is best for team workspaces because it provides a versatile platform where teams can collaborate on documents, share knowledge, and manage projects in a single, accessible location.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include dynamic pages that support text, images, code tables, and Figma files, as well as whiteboards for brainstorming and visualization. It also offers guest access for external collaboration and a mobile app for on-the-go project management.
Integrations include Slack, Jira, Trello, Microsoft Teams, Custom Charts, Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365, Optics, Pulse, Aura, and SubSpace Navigation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Dynamic pages and whiteboards for collaboration
- Customizable workflows and dashboards
- Deep integrations with over 3,000 apps
Cons:
- The mobile app may not have all features available on the desktop version
- Some features like dynamic databases are still forthcoming
Planview is a project management tool designed to help teams align their projects with strategic business goals. It offers features for resource planning, project scheduling, and financial management, making it suitable for organizations with complex project requirements.
Why I picked Planview: Planview's resource management capabilities allow you to allocate and monitor resources across multiple projects, ensuring optimal utilization and preventing overcommitment. Its project scheduling features enable you to create detailed timelines, set milestones, and track progress, helping your team stay on schedule. The financial management tools let you manage budgets, forecast costs, and monitor expenditures, keeping your projects financially on track.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include portfolio management, strategic planning, analytics and reporting, investment prioritization, demand management, time tracking, risk management, project intake management, predictive portfolio analysis, Gantt chart creation, team collaboration tools, and portfolio optimization.
Integrations include Jira, IBM Engineering Workflow Management, MicroFocus ALM, Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, and a range of Planview products.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Robust financial management tools
- Comprehensive resource management capabilities
Cons:
- Integration with other tools may require additional effort
- Complexity may be overwhelming for smaller teams
Other Project Management Software for Developers
Here are some additional project management software tools for developers. They didn’t make my top 10, but they’re worth a look if you didn’t find what you were looking for above.
- Notion
For an all-in-one workspace
- Basecamp
For remote team collaboration
- Smartsheet
For spreadsheet users
- Nifty
For milestone tracking
- Jira Service Management
For agile teams
- Businessmap
For Kanban boards
- Bitrix24
For CRM features
- Zoho Projects
For customization
- ProofHub
For proofing tools
- Freedcamp
For unlimited users
- Airtable
For custom app creation
- Taskworld
For visual task boards
- monday.com
For workflow automation
- TeamGantt
For Gantt chart creation
- Pivotal Tracker
For iteration planning
- Tempo Portfolio Manager
For scheduling
- ActiveCollab
For time tracking
- ClickUp
For task management
- Asana
For connecting work to goals
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
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- Workflow Automation Software
- Time Tracking Software
- Task Management Software
- Collaboration Tools
- Gantt Chart Maker
- Productivity Tools
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- Project Scheduling Software
Project Management Software for Developers Selection Criteria
When selecting the best project management software for developers to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like managing complex backlogs and encouraging team collaboration. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Task management and assignment
- Comprehensive roadmap planning
- Effective resource management and allocation
- Integration with other business tools
- Team collaboration and communication
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Advanced AI-driven insights for analyzing user feedback
- Public-facing release notes portals for improved customer feedback loops
- Comprehensive mobile app functionality for on-the-go management
- Customizable workflow automation
- Efficient invoicing and budget tracking systems
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered whether each tool offered the following:
- An intuitive interface design, prioritizing clear navigation and layout
- Drag-and-drop functionality for flexible roadmapping
- Simple yet powerful dashboard customization
- Responsive design for cross-device compatibility
- Visual clarity in project and task statuses
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered availability of the following for each tool:
- Comprehensive training videos and tutorials
- Pre-built templates for various project types
- Interactive product tours and guides
- Accessible support through chat bots or help docs
- Regularly scheduled webinars for in-depth training
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered whether the tool offered:
- 24/7 availability through multiple channels (chat, email, phone)
- Responsive and knowledgeable support teams
- Community forums for peer assistance and feedback
- Regular updates and clear communication about new features
- Built-in chat functionality directly within the platform
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered whether tools offered the following:
- Transparent pricing plans without hidden fees and clear explanations of features offered
- Evaluating cost-effectiveness for teams of different sizes
- Assessing scalability of the software for growing businesses
- Evaluating the balance between pricing and feature offerings
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- User experiences with software updates and scalability
- Feedback on software reliability and performance
- Testimonials regarding ease of use and learning curve
- Reviews highlighting unique features and benefits
- Critiques about customer support and issue resolution
How to Choose Project Management Software for Developers
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Make sure the software can grow with your team size and project complexity without losing performance. |
| Integrations | Look for tools that seamlessly connect with your existing tech stack, like GitHub, Slack, or Jira. |
| Customizability | Choose a platform that allows you to tailor workflows to fit your team's specific development needs. |
| Ease of Use | Opt for intuitive interfaces that require minimal training so your team can focus on coding. |
| Budget | Consider the total cost, including subscription fees and potential add-ons, to fit your financial plan. |
| Security Safeguards | Prioritize software with strong security measures, such as encryption and two-factor authentication. |
| Collaboration Features | Make sure it supports real-time collaboration, like shared boards and task comments, for teamwork. |
| Reporting Tools | Look for robust analytics and reporting features to track project progress and team performance. |
Trends for Project Management Software For Developers
Here are a few of the trends I noticed while researching and reviewing project management software for developers:
- Integration with AI and machine learning: Software vendors are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into their products. This allows for predictive analytics and automated task prioritization to help with decision-making and reduce manual planning efforts.
- Emphasis on real-time collaboration: Collaboration features now include live editing, instant messaging, and feedback loops. This helps distributed teams maintain high levels of productivity.
- Increased use of data analytics: Tools are expanding their data analytics capabilities, and developers can now leverage detailed insights for project performance and resource allocation. This allows for more data-driven approaches to project management.
- Shift to modular project management software: There has been a shift towards modular project management platforms, which allows developers to customize and add only the features they need. This help avoid bloat and maintain software agility.
- Improved mobile experience: Better mobile experiences for project management applications can help developers manage their work effectively from their smartphones. This supports the growing need for mobility in software development.
What is Project Management Software for Developers?
Project management software for developers is designed to help teams plan, organize, and manage development projects and their work. You and your team can build, track, and oversee all steps in the development process.
It integrates features such as version control, task management, bug tracking, and collaboration tools that are tailored to the unique workflows of development teams. These tools help improve processes and team communication, as well as help you deliver projects on time.
Features of Project Management Software for Developers
Here are the key features of project management software for developers.
- Task management: This feature lets you organize tasks into lists and subtasks and break down complex projects into manageable units. This makes sure every piece of the project is accounted for and can be tackled systematically.
- Version control integration: This is vital for keeping track of changes in the codebase and allows for better collaboration and error tracking.
- Continuous integration and deployment tools: This helps maintain a consistent and efficient workflow, so developers can integrate and deploy code changes rapidly.
- Bug and issue tracking: A system for reporting, tracking, and managing bugs and issues is necessary for maintaining software quality and addressing any problems promptly.
- Time tracking: Allowing developers to record the time spent on tasks is important for project planning, resource allocation, and keeping projects on schedule.
- Collaboration tools: Facilitating communication and collaboration among team members is important for keeping everyone on the same page and sharing information.
- Documentation storage: This is essential for maintaining an organized repository of project knowledge and making sure all team members have access to necessary information.
- Reporting and analytics: This feature is important for tracking performance, identifying bottlenecks, and making informed decisions.
- Customizable workflows: With customizable workflows, teams can make sure the software adapts to their unique way of working, rather than the other way around.
- Access controls and permissions: Access controls and permissions help businesses maintain security and make sure team members have the appropriate level of access to project resources.
Benefits of Project Management Software for Developers
Here are the benefits of implementing project management software for developers.
- Better communication and team collaboration: Built-in communication tools make sure team members are kept up-to-date with real-time updates, which reduces the risk of miscommunication and improves collaboration.
- Improved resource management: Project management software provides tools for identifying and allocating resources effectively across projects. It offers multiple views for comparing and editing data, generating reports, and tracking and managing resources like labor, schedules, budgets, and equipment.
- Organized and centralized project data: Centralized project data makes sure all team members have access to the same information, which promotes transparency and collaboration. This organized system of information allows for real-time updates and makes sure everyone is working on the correct documents.
- Simpler project reporting and analytics: The software houses project data and provides insights into various aspects of the project. Customizable dashboards and in-depth business intelligence solutions help track project progress, visualize key metrics, and communicate information clearly to stakeholders, which helps with strategic decision-making and process improvement.
- Improved remote work: With most project management tools being delivered as SaaS, team members can access project data from anywhere with an internet connection. This facilitates virtual teamwork and allows for both synchronous and asynchronous collaboration, which is beneficial for remote, hybrid, and in-office teams.
Costs & Pricing of Project Management Software for Developers
Here is a summary of the plan options and their pricing for project management software for developers:
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Task management, basic reporting, limited user access, and limited storage |
| Basic | $7 - $15 per user/month | Improved task management, project templates, file sharing, basic integrations, and all features of free plan |
| Intermediate | $20 - $30 per user/month | Advanced reporting, customizable dashboards, more users and storage, additional integrations, and all features of basic plan |
| Advanced | $30+ per user/month | Resource management, advanced security, premium support, API access, customizable features, and all features of intermediate plan |
Project Management Software for Developers FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions I get about project management software for developers:
Are there project management tools specifically designed for agile development?
There are project management tools that are specifically tailored for agile development practices. These tools support agile frameworks such as Scrum and Kanban, and they often include features like sprint planning, burndown charts, and stand-up meeting tools.
What is the importance of real-time collaboration in project management software?
Collaboration is crucial for development teams as it allows for instant communication, quick resolution of issues, and the ability to make decisions promptly. It makes sure all team members are on the same page and can contribute to the project, regardless of their location.
How does bug tracking integrate with project management for developers?
Bug tracking is often integrated within project management software to allow developers to capture, report, and manage software bugs efficiently. This helps prioritize bug fixes, assign them to the right team members, and track their resolution within the context of the overall project timeline.
What role does reporting play in project management software for developers?
Reporting features in project management software help monitor the progress of development projects, resource allocation, and workload distribution. They provide insights into project health, help identify trends, and support data-driven decision-making.
Is it possible to customize project management software to fit a development team's unique needs?
Many project management tools offer a high degree of customizability so you can tailor the software to your specific processes and workflows. This includes custom fields, workflows, issue types, and dashboards to make sure the tool aligns with the team’s requirements.
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